Latest news with #Asean2045
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Asean 2045: A blueprint for manufacturing competitiveness, economic resilience
The 46th Asean Summit adopted a strategic blueprint entitled, "Asean 2045: Our Shared Future". It aims to create a more competitive and dynamic ecosystem for the manufacturing sector. A key focus is to harness advances in science, technology, and innovation to boost manufacturing competitiveness. The vision encourages the development of advanced industries and the creative economy, thereby enabling more economic integration and innovation-led growth. This will help Asean manufacturers move up the value chain and produce higher-value goods. Integration into global supply chains is another critical benefit. It aims to streamline both upstream and downstream production processes, strengthen distribution and logistics networks, and ensure secure access to raw materials. Stronger and more resilient global supply chains will enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and enable the scaling of value-added manufacturing outputs. Asean 2045 emphasises support for SMEs (Small Medium Enterprises) because of their vital role in the manufacturing ecosystem, promotes expanding market access and improving digital trade facilitation to help SMEs grow and integrate into regional and global value chains. Sustainability and economic resilience are central themes in Asean 2045, encouraging green and blue economy initiatives, disaster risk financing, and climate change mitigation to ensure manufacturing remains resilient amid environmental challenges. Businesses engaged in the green technologies, renewable energy and climate-resilient industries will, therefore, find new opportunities. To reduce exposure to external financial shocks, the vision promotes the use of local currencies for cross-border transactions, stabilising trade and investment flows within Asean. And, by fostering a more integrated single market with increased intra-Asean trade and investment, it will be possible to facilitate easier market access and stronger supply chain integration, benefiting manufacturers across the region. The digital economy and technology industries are also set to thrive under Asean 2045. The vision promotes a secure and interoperable digital ecosystem, creating fertile ground for sectors involved in digital services, artificial intelligence, fintech, e-commerce, and digital infrastructure. These industries will play a crucial role in driving economic growth and regional integration and they will also present opportunities for the sector. Supply chain resilience is another crucial issue. Since all the Asean members are affected by supply chain issues, Malaysian companies that are focussed on addressing these constraints should be incentivised. This is all the more relevant if Malaysia wants to do its part to increase intra-Asean trade. The health and social services sector is also a priority, with Asean focusing on universal health coverage and resilient healthcare systems. This opens growth prospects for healthcare providers, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology companies. The government can do its part in supporting SMEs in the manufacturing sector. First, the government can provide substantial financial support and loan guarantees to enhance SME development under the 2045 blueprint. Under Malaysia's Budget 2025, there were allocations for business financing, loan guarantees and special allocations for Bumiputera SMEs. These guarantees help SMEs secure loans even if they lack collateral, enabling them to invest in machinery, automation, and expansion, inputs that are essential to enter the regional market. Second, the government must do more to promote digital transformation through grants for companies that have an Asean focus. These initiatives encourage SMEs to adopt digital tools, automate processes, and enhance operational efficiency, helping them remain competitive in an increasingly digital economy. Third, capacity building and infrastructure upgrades are necessary for the success of Asean 2045 including access to databases, knowledge of competitor markets, knowledge of FTAs and methodologies for taking advantage of them. Finally, under Asean 2045 there are opportunities for a wide range of manufacturing and related industries. This will include different sectors ranging from pharmaceuticals to medical technology and related industries such as transportation and warehousing. Since sustainability is a big target, there will be abundant opportunities in the production of equipment energy-related products. The government can also upgrade the surrounding ecosystem by improving skill availability and making institutional support frictionless. These measures will help Malaysian manufacturing SMEs overcome financial, technological, and operational challenges. The role of the government will be useful to position them for sustainable growth and integration into regional and global value chains that aligned with Asean 2045 goals. Overall, it also positions Asean as a leading industrial and manufacturing hub in the Indo-Pacific.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Asean countries must ensure smooth transition to Asean 2045 vision
KUALA LUMPUR: Asean member states must ensure a seamless transition from Asean 2025: Forging Ahead Together to Asean 2045: Our Shared Future, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He said that two months ago, Asean leaders met and adopted Asean 2045: Our Shared Future, a new vision for the bloc that charts its direction for the next two decades. "The vision reaffirms that Asean's destiny lies in our own hands. Our future will not be shaped by external forces, but by our own collective resolve. As such, the work must begin now. "All Asean sectoral bodies, institutions and mechanisms should already be aligning their priorities to support the actions arising from our leaders' decision and the Asean 2045 vision," he said in his speech at the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting today. Mohamad added that as the bloc moves towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and future-oriented Asean Community, it must urgently address the existential threat posed by climate change. "We have witnessed first-hand the effects of rising temperatures, natural disasters, and extreme weather events in our region and among our peoples. Moving forward, we must take coordinated and urgent action to ensure our region remains adaptive and climate-resilient." Meanwhile, Mohamad said that since the last meeting, geopolitical fault lines have continued to widen, strategic trust has eroded, and global flashpoints have intensified. "In Europe, the war in Ukraine rages on, continuing to disrupt global markets and supply chains. "In Gaza, Israel's brutal starvation strategy continues unchecked. Emboldened by this impunity, Israel's endless violence has expanded to other countries in the Middle East, with its latest offensive attacks on Iran," he said, adding that Malaysia absolutely condemns these atrocities. Closer to home, Mohamad said the crisis in Myanmar continues to weigh heavily on Asean's conscience. "Despite Asean's sustained efforts, we have yet to see meaningful progress on the ground. Delayed peace in Myanmar prolongs the sufferings of the people and threatens the region's security. "As such, we urge the translation of proclamations of ceasefires into concrete actions, and we call on all stakeholders—particularly the SAC (Myanmar's State Administration Council), as the de facto party in power—to commit towards peace and the creation of a conducive environment for elections, in line with the aspirations of the people of Myanmar. "Asean will continue to support the path towards a Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led peaceful resolution to the crisis in the country." Mohamad added that the world is witnessing the breakdown of humanity, as well as the erosion of moral and legal norms that once defined the global system. Multilateralism is under attack, while unilateralism and nationalism are on the rise. "In this fragmented world, Asean's unity and centrality are our capital. At a time where polarisation is trending, Asean must continue to leverage its convening power to promote dialogue, diplomacy and strategic trust, and to create space for cooperation. "The road ahead will not be easy. The external pressures on our unity will grow. The calls for us to take sides will get louder. The crises around the world may multiply. "Amid the uncertainty and unprecedented strain of global challenges, Asean must stand firm. Asean must be the beacon of hope, be the voice of reason, and continue to be a platform for cooperation and prosperity. "We must continue to invest and place our faith in regionalism and multilateralism. We must continue to champion the principles of justice, fairness, equality and humanity."
The Star
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Asean prioritises human rights in its regional integration efforts
KUALA LUMPUR: As Asean embarks on its next phase of regional integration, the focus remains steadfast on upholding human rights as a fundamental component of its community-building efforts, according to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. This initiative follows the adoption of the Asean 2045 vision during the recent Summit held in May 2035. "As we work towards realising the vision, Asean must uphold its human rights commitments. Our aspirations for a resilient, dynamic, and people-centred Asean will only be meaningful if we first ensure the rights and dignity of our people," he said during his opening remarks at the Asean Foreign Ministers' Interface Meeting with Representatives of the Asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) on Tuesday (July 8). He added that Malaysia has welcomed Asean's ongoing efforts to develop two significant declarations: the Asean Declaration on the Right to a Safe, Clean, Healthy, and Sustainable Environment, and the Right to Development and Peace. "These declarations highlight the urgent and pressing concerns of our people, especially those who are vulnerable to environmental harm, inequality, and instability. "They reaffirm the unwavering commitment of Asean to advancing human rights, addressing both present and future challenges in a timely and relevant manner," he added. The AICHR will also present its 2025 annual report during the interface, participated in by the Asean member countries. He noted that the presentation will provide updates on achievements, challenges, and the way forward in advancing human rights across the region. "I hope that its effort and mechanism will continue to evolve, strengthening its capacity to deliver impactful outcomes and foster meaningful engagement while upholding Asean centrality and unity. "These efforts are key to advancing human rights and regional cooperation in support of both the national and international commitments of Asean Member States," he added.
The Star
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Asean-GCC-China: Building a resilient trilateral trade architecture
If procrastination is the thief of time, then pussyfooting around the Asean-GCC-China Summit agenda might well be wanton heedlessness! Indeed, Asean must lead, not wait, because Malaysia is well positioned to set that agenda. While the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2045 outlines an ambitious vision – a developed Asean that is the epicentre of growth in the Indo-Pacific – this aspiration won't come to pass in isolation. As Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said, Asean's journey 'is a story of cooperation across borders, dialogue across differences and hope across generations.'
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Championing digital innovation in Southeast Asia part of Asean 2045 master plan
Strengthening connectivity – including digital innovation – among Southeast Asian nations is embedded in the Asean Connectivity Strategic Plan. The plan is one of six key documents that form the Asean 2045: Our Shared Future roadmap. The other documents are the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2045: Our Shared Future, the Asean Community Vision 2045, the Asean Political-Security Community Strategic Plan, the Asean Economic Community Strategic Plan 2026-2030, and the Asean Socio-Cultural Community Strategic Plan. According to the Asean Connectivity Strategic Plan, the strategic goal for digital innovation is to achieve 'a community with continuous digital innovation and enhanced cybersecurity, advancing payments and financial markets' connectivity and efficient cross-border flow of information.' As stated in the plan: 'Asean's digital economy is growing rapidly and to unlock the region's digital economic potential and promote digital inclusion, adopting and integrating frontier technologies – such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and big data – is essential.' 'While technologies and solutions offer significant benefits, their implementation poses challenges including the widening digital divide and increasing online safety and cybersecurity concerns, which will need to be addressed through advancing digital innovation, cross-border data flows, and promoting safe, inclusive access to and adoption of digital technologies and services.' To achieve these goals, several strategic measures have been identified. They include: Promoting digital data governance to support inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development across Asean. Promoting the development and accessibility of open data. Supporting the adoption of existing and emerging technologies by all people and businesses, with a focus on micro, small and medium enterprises, women, youth, and persons with disabilities to enhance competitiveness and productivity. Advancing seamless regional payments connectivity. Enhancing collaborative research and development of digital technology, including nurturing innovation and addressing digital divides. Strengthening cooperation on cybersecurity to protect digital ecosystems, enhance online safety, and combat online scams. Enhancing information inclusiveness and accessibility, and strengthening collaboration in digital media and information literacy to foster digital literacy among Asean citizens and address fake news, disinformation and misinformation. Strengthening and nurturing digital talent mobility within Asean. Prior to the ongoing Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia – as Asean Chair this year – would continue supporting the development of digitalisation and AI across Southeast Asia. He added that Malaysia's digital push was not only for domestic growth, but also aimed at building a strong, integrated regional ecosystem that benefits all Asean member states.
