Kuala Lumpur: The ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its four Strategic Plans, which will set the strategic direction for the region over the next two decades, are scheduled for launch at the 46th ASEAN Summit in the capital this May.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has revealed that the Strategic Plans encompass areas such as Political-Security, Economy, Socio-Culture, and Connectivity. The vision aims to further ASEAN’s integration across political, economic, and social domains, positioning the region as a global exemplar.

Malaysia, as the permanent shepherd of this vision, will work to ensure that the framework addresses both current and future challenges through strategic collaborations outlined in the Action Plans, which foster regional peace and stability. This was conveyed by Mohamad during the Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat.

Responding to a query from Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah (BN-Paya Besar), Mohamad outlined Malaysia’s objectives as the Chair of ASEAN in 2025, focusing on unity, resilience, and relevance from political-security, economic, and socio-cultural perspectives. Discussions on the Strategic Plans are advancing well, with security and socio-cultural plans completed and the remaining two nearing finalization.

Mohamad also detailed Malaysia’s priorities for ASEAN Chairmanship, emphasizing efforts to maintain Southeast Asia’s peaceful and prosperous stance amid geopolitical challenges. The priorities include boosting intra-ASEAN trade and investment, expanding economic ties beyond the region, and fostering an inclusive, sustainable community.

Strengthening consensus, understanding, and cooperation among ASEAN members is crucial, especially in the face of potential divisions within the bloc. Malaysia’s leadership aims to fortify unity and consensus, enhancing ASEAN’s stability and economic prospects.

Mohamad highlighted the projection that by 2030, ASEAN’s GDP could rank as the fourth-largest globally. To capitalize on this opportunity, ASEAN’s unity must remain robust and unbroken.