Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025 is anticipated to bolster the nation’s stature as a hub for investment, tourism, and trade, as stated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He emphasized the potential for growth in strategic sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, data centres, and new energy, agriculture, and food technology, which are expected to be prioritized to enhance economic growth.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar, who also serves as the Finance Minister, expressed his satisfaction with Malaysia’s preparations for the ASEAN Chairmanship during a press conference following the MADANI Government Retreat. He highlighted the strong commitment of all stakeholders to ensure the success of the chairmanship and noted that several proposals were discussed in a recent meeting to enhance the country’s international image.

Anwar pointed out that Malaysia, as a trading nation, must leverage the ASEAN Chairmanship to strengthen trade initiatives. This summit will be notable as it is the first to involve the Gulf Cooperation Council and China. Additionally, Malaysia is dedicated to organizing the ASEAN-United States Special Summit to broaden its trade horizons.

He also mentioned that each ASEAN summit will feature large-scale exhibitions and conferences, organized in collaboration with media companies and major global corporations from Saudi Arabia, China, the US, and ASEAN itself. Furthermore, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has shown support for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship during his upcoming visit to Malaysia.

Themed ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’, Malaysia is set to host over 300 ASEAN-related meetings, programmes, and summits throughout the year. The country has previously chaired ASEAN in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.