Kuala lumpur: The year 2025 witnessed the rise of the Global South as one of the most significant forces reshaping international politics and economics, as developing nations push for a fairer, more representative global governance system. No longer mere passive recipients of policies defined by Northern powers, countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific are increasingly asserting their own development models and diplomatic influence.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this shift is driving renewed calls for multipolarity, equitable growth, and genuine multilateralism. The momentum is reflected in the strengthening of platforms such as BRICS, which has expanded to include Indonesia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Ethiopia, now representing half of the world's population. The grouping continues to advance a collective agenda aimed at balancing Western dominance in global economic structures, grounded in inclusivity, solidarity, and sustainable development.
China, in particular, stands out for its development model that integrates ecological considerations with economic planning. Its achievements in poverty eradication, green development, and technological innovation are seen by many Global South countries as evidence of viable development pathways beyond Western templates. Observers say the Global South's vision for global governance is anchored on principles such as true multilateralism, equitable development, and respect for national sovereignty. The approach emphasizes cooperation based on mutual benefit rather than hierarchy.
Malaysia's engagement with the Global South, BRICS, and the G20 stems from a long-held concern that decisions made by a handful of advanced economies often affect the developing world without adequate consultation. Geostrategist Prof Dr. Azmi Hassan noted that Malaysia has gravitated naturally toward alternative groupings, citing the Global North's dominance within the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and G7, which has left many developing countries feeling 'discarded or overlooked.'
During Malaysia's recent ASEAN chairmanship, the country encouraged all ASEAN member states to maintain dialogue amid rising geopolitical tensions, including during tariff disputes involving the United States. This neutral stance helped strengthen ASEAN's credibility and contributed to a record presence of world leaders at the most recent ASEAN Summit.
Leading geopolitical expert Prof James Chin from the University of Tasmania highlighted Malaysia's strategic direction, which traces back to the era of Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim now reinforcing and expanding this approach. Beyond BRICS, Malaysia is part of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and maintains numerous free trade agreements and strategic partnerships.
The inclusion of Brazil and South Africa as "Guests of the Chair" during the 20th East Asia Summit signaled ASEAN's widened engagement with BRICS and G20 nations. Malaysia's long-term alignment with the Global South is expected to shape ASEAN's strategic outlook in the coming years, preparing the region for intensifying major-power rivalry and currency vulnerabilities.
In outlining the road ahead, Malaysia's established Global South strategy positions ASEAN to broaden its partnerships, strengthen multilateralism, and expand geopolitical space. Chin stated that Malaysia's continued outreach to BRICS, the G20, and other Global South coalitions reflects a forward-looking approach aimed at reducing overdependence on Western-dominated structures such as the G7, IMF, and World Bank.
BRICS' growing emphasis on alternative financial mechanisms, including the New Development Bank and de-dollarisation initiatives, could offer ASEAN new tools to manage risk amid renewed unpredictability in the United States. A recent report notes that the Global South is gradually encouraging de-dollarisation by promoting alternative payment platforms such as BRICS Pay and local currency use for international trade.
Looking ahead, ASEAN's main challenges will include sustaining centrality, advancing economic integration projects, and managing internal divisions over relations with China. Ongoing instability in Myanmar will continue to undermine ASEAN's credibility, with progress on the Five-Point Consensus remaining a key test of the group's effectiveness. However, Malaysia's long-standing Global South orientation offers ASEAN a broader foundation to navigate uncertainty and deepen cooperation.
Malaysia's strategic push to widen ASEAN's partnerships provides an important outlook for the region's future. Azmi also mentioned Malaysia's recent role in widening ASEAN's engagement platforms, reflecting a broader regional outlook focused on diversifying partnerships and expanding economic opportunities. Malaysia's neutral, dialogue-driven approach is expected to remain central to the region's diplomatic posture, especially as the Philippines assumes the role of ASEAN chair next year.