On February 17, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia, ASEAN Chair in 2025, attended and delivered the opening speech at the 2025 China - Southeast Asia Conference in Kuala Lumpur. He emphasized that ASEAN must diversify partnerships and expand its global participation beyond traditional partners.
"Stibilizing relations with China, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), BRICS and other emerging economies is not a matter of choice; it is an ensure ASEAN's strategic importance in a multipolar world," the Star newspaper quoted Prime Minister Anwar as saying, adding that "by diversifying partnerships, ASEAN can enhance economic resilience, exploit new investment opportunities and play a more proactive role in shaping a global governance framework".
The Malaysian Prime Minister emphasized: "The time for ASEAN is right now. We must act urgently, unitedly and ambitiously to ensure a prosperous future for everyone".
Prime Minister Anwar said that ASEAN's economic recovery will also depend on how ASEAN effectively addresses three important challenges. First is the disruption and diversification of the supply chain. According to Prime Minister Anwar, ASEAN must become a reliable center for global trade and investment by minimizing weaknesses in the face of external shocks. Strengthening ASEAN's industrial base through investments in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors and green technology will be necessary.
Second is energy security and sustainability. The ASEAN power grid and investments in renewable energy will play a central role in ensuring climate- conscious economic growth and aiming for long-term goals. Prime Minister Anwar noted that Malaysia's 70% renewable energy target by 2050 will serve as a benchmark for ASEAN's broader sustainable development efforts.
Third is the digital economy and artificial intelligence. The ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement must act as a catalyst for regional transformation by prioritizing AI governance, cybersecurity and digital comprehensiveness.
To ensure that all ASEAN member countries can fully exploit the benefits of technological advances, Prime Minister Anwar said that ASEAN must establish common standards on data protection, facilitate seamless cross-border digital trade and invest in initiatives to build capacity to narrow digital gaps.
"By promoting a safe, creative and comprehensive digital ecosystem, ASEAN can position itself as a leading position in the global digital economy, promoting sustainable growth and common prosperity for the region," Mr. Anwar noted.
Prime Minister Anwar also said that ASEAN's relations with China need to develop beyond traditional trade and investment, while focusing on preparing the region for future challenges, in the context of new US artificial intelligence and tariffs threatening to disrupt the global economy. In 2023, ASEAN - China trade turnover will reach nearly 1,000 billion USD. According to Prime Minister Anwar, economic cooperation between ASEAN and China must be promoted by strategic technology cooperation, sustainable growth and human resource development to maximize the benefits of AI and the digital economy.
