Kuala Lumpur: ASEAN is intensifying its green energy initiatives and digital innovation to strengthen supply chain resilience and sustain its significant role in global trade amidst evolving US-China dynamics. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz noted that industries across the region are focusing on redesigning supply chains for resilience, while policymakers are working collaboratively to mitigate risks and seize emerging opportunities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tengku Zafrul highlighted the criticality of navigating US-China relations for both Malaysia and the ASEAN region due to their dependence on robust supply chains. He stated, “Companies are engaging with us, redesigning supply chains based on resilience, security, and commercial considerations.” Emphasizing the need for policymakers to diversify and mitigate risks, he shared these insights via a brief posting on X following the recently concluded World Economic Forum 2025.

Tengku Zafrul pointed out th
at Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap aligns with regional efforts like the ASEAN Power Grid to ensure access to renewable energy. Moreover, he noted that advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies present growth opportunities, despite challenges such as chip export restrictions.

He further highlighted Malaysia’s status as a small yet open economy with a trade-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio of approximately 180 percent. He remarked, “For Malaysia, 80 percent of exports are in manufacturing, while only 20 percent are in agriculture. The manufacturing sector contributes a quarter, or 25 percent, of our GDP.”

Additionally, Tengku Zafrul emphasized ASEAN’s strength as the fifth-largest economic bloc globally, boasting a GDP of US$3.8 trillion and a population of 680 million. He expressed confidence in ASEAN’s growth trajectory, stating, “With that trajectory, we should become the fourth-largest economic bloc.”