The key content of the document titled "Accelerating Innovative Strategies: Addressing the OOSCY Challenges" will be refined further in a seminar preceding the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur this October.
PM Anwar Ibrahim affirmed the determination of Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair for 2025, to utilise all viable regional mechanisms of the bloc and work with partners to de-escalate violence and restore a peace process led by Myanmar.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
Outbound shipments to the ASEAN region came to 47.88 billion USD in the January-May period, up 4.3% from the same period last year, according to data compiled by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA).
ASEAN is a peaceful region, which makes it a conducive location for foreign direct investment and business ventures that can come from across the globe, said the chief economist of Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad.
According to the earlier US tariff announcement, Cambodia encounters the highest rates of 49%, followed by Laos (48%), Vietnam (46%), Myanmar (44%), Thailand (36%), and Indonesia (32%). Meanwhile, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, and Singapore face lower rates ranging from 10% to 24%.
Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz described the plan as a "blueprint for regional economic transformation" that will drive sustainable growth and deeper integration.
AIPA President and Speaker of the Malaysian House of Representatives Tan Sri Johari Abdul said that a report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) released on May 28 warned that ASEAN youth are facing emerging threats from synthetic drugs, especially when they are disguised in products such as e-cigarettes.
Vietnam is an important component in terms of politics, diplomacy, security, economy, culture, and society, making ASEAN stronger, more self-resilient, and more dynamic, according to ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn.
With the theme “Regional Cooperation for Joint Advancement”, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) 2025 Local Governments and Friendship Cities Cooperation (Huangshan) Forum is set to enhance understanding, substantive and effective cooperation in all areas, from economy and trade to cultural exchange among RCEP member countries.
The "ASEAN Visa" is launched on the basis of comprehensive mutual visa exemption with countries such as Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia, as well as the issuance of the "Lancang-Mekong visa" for Mekong River nations, aiming to further facilitate cross-border travel within the region.
ASEAN always has connectivity and stability, cooperation and development, especially in terms of economy. Not only within the association, ASEAN also cooperates with external partners in the fields of economy, investment, energy, cyber security, food security, and culture.
Talking about Vietnam’s role within the bloc, the PM noted that he maintains regular contact with Vietnamese leaders to exchange views on ASEAN-related issues, including the US’s new tariff policy and the situation in Myanmar.
ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn highlighted the adoption of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, describing it as a key document that will guide the region’s development and cooperation over the next two decades.
ASEAN leaders have reasserted their unwavering commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea, amid growing concerns over rising maritime tensions in the region.
Speaking at a press conference following the conclusion of the 46th ASEAN Summit and related meetings on May 27, PM Anwar attributed his optimism to the ongoing discussions and an unprecedented level of commitment demonstrated by member states during the summit.
Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto said at the plenary session of the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on May 26 that Indonesia welcomed Timor Leste and Papua New Guinea’s wish to join the ASEAN as member states.
According to the Declaration, ASEAN member states reaffirmed their collective resolve to enhance regional unity, promote inclusive and sustainable development and strengthen institutional capacity to respond effectively to existing and future megatrends.
Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien called for greater efforts to bring into full play the 18 priority economic cooperation initiatives in 2025, and continue exploring new collaboration opportunities with emerging partners, including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Timor-Leste is steadily carving its place in the ASEAN family, with several milestones already achieved under the official roadmap, said ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn.
The adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, along with four strategies, demonstrates ASEAN's proactive approach, not only adapting to a changing world, but also leading with solidarity, mettle and a common vision.
