Latest news with #AseanChair
South China Morning Post
01-06-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Beyond trade, Asean-GCC-China summit heralds Asia's cultural renaissance
The inaugural summit between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China, recently held in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, went beyond underscoring Asia's growing geoeconomic prominence – it also served to position the continent as a catalyst for a cultural renaissance. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia, the current Asean chair, has long maintained the principle of neutrality as essential to maintaining the bloc's centrality. One key approach to securing the region's stability and prosperity, he has said , is through expanding and diversifying Asean's partnerships. In line with this vision, Malaysia hosted the Asean-GCC-China Summit alongside the 46th Asean Summit To be sure, Asean has robust relationships with both the Gulf states and China. In 2023, the first GCC-Asean Summit was held in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, where both sides agreed to strengthen their ties through economic collaboration in the digital economy, renewable energy and food security. Like Asean, the Gulf states are actively diversifying their partnerships, pursuing stronger engagement with the European Union, African Union, India and China. In 2022, the inaugural GCC-China Summit also took place in Riyadh, emphasising shared goals in economic diversification, technology and global governance. Meanwhile, the China-Asean economic integration continues to deepen. Both sides recently wrapped up negotiations to upgrade their 15-year-old free-trade agreement, marking another milestone in their growing partnership.
Malay Mail
15-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Fahmi urges JKom and JaPen to boost public awareness on Malaysia's pivotal role as Asean Chair, especially in rural areas
KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 — The Community Communications Department (JKom) and the Information Department (JaPen) have been asked to intensify efforts to enhance public awareness and understanding about Malaysia's role as Asean Chair in 2025, especially in rural communities. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said continuous outreach is essential to help Malaysians understand the benefits of assuming the Asean Chairmanship, particularly in terms of economic spillovers. 'I call on JKom and JaPen to help more Malaysians grasp what it means to be the host (of Asean). For those in villages or towns with hotels, for instance, I'm sure they'll see the influx of international delegates, which is part of the economic benefits.' Fahmi said this at the ministry's 2024 Excellent Service Awards Ceremony (Peninsular Zone) at the Seri Angkasa Auditorium, Angkasapuri Media City, here today, which was also attended by Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching and secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa. JKom director-general Datuk Ismail Yusop and JaPen director-general Julina Johan, as well as Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, were in attendance. A total of 691 staff of the Communications Ministry and its agencies, including 63 from Bernama, received the awards during the event. Expanding on the matter, Fahmi said that beyond the upcoming Asean Summit on May 26-27, Malaysia will also host the Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the Asean-GCC-China Economic Summit, both are key platforms for addressing regional and global challenges. 'This matters for Malaysians, especially in light of recent developments like the United States' announcement of its tariff rates on various countries, including Malaysia and our Asean partners. It's a clear signal that we need to act proactively to support Asean member states,' he said. Fahmi also noted Malaysia's leadership on digital governance issues, pointing out the country's unique success in officially licensing the Telegram app. 'Some countries were surprised by how we managed to engage with Telegram's founders. When it comes to big tech, many believe they're bigger than nations. But our stance is simple; you can be big tech, but our laws are bigger,' he added. — Bernama
Malay Mail
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Chief Secretary urges civil servants to lead with excellence on Asean stage
TAWAU, May 11 — Malaysia's civil servants must champion professionalism and play a strategic role as ambassadors of excellence, particularly as the nation takes centre stage as Asean Chair this year, said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. He said Malaysia's leadership of Asean will highlight the capabilities and strong commitment of its civil service in delivering its responsibilities. 'Let us unite in elevating the nation's standing through efficient governance, effective communication, and public service delivery that reflects the values of Madani,' he said in his address at the Madani Rakyat: Bersama-sama Ketua Setiausaha Negara programme today. Shamsul Azri advised civil servants not to be merely reactive, but to take a proactive approach in formulating more resilient policies, strengthening trade strategies and accelerating efforts to diversify the economy. He stressed that this is crucial to ensuring Malaysia's long-term economic resilience and safeguarding the well-being of its people against the uncertainties of global policies. He emphasised that every civil servant must uphold integrity, exercise a high level of accountability and resist any form of abuse of power. 'According to the Corruption Perceptions Index published by Transparency International in 2024, Malaysia ranks second among Asean countries after Singapore, with a score of 50. 'Nevertheless, it is imperative for all Malaysians to work together to realise the national vision of being among the world's top 25 countries by 2033. This can only be achieved by continuously improving accountability and transparency in public sector governance,' he said. Shamsul Azri also reminded civil servants to protect the nation's image, particularly when dealing with matters of national sensitivity, such as the flag or any issue that touches on the 3Rs (race, religion and royalty). 'As civil servants, our role goes beyond implementing policies and directives. We are the backbone of the nation and the driving force behind the Malaysia Madani aspiration,' he said. He urged the more than 800 civil servants present at the event to uphold the value of loyalty, not merely in words, but in every action, decision and responsibility entrusted to them. — Bernama
