Malaysia seeks to strengthen economic cooperation with ASEAN members

The Malaysian economic forum (FEM) 2025 was held in Kuala Lumpur on January 9 to discuss cooperation orientations and key initiatives for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Malaysia in the coming year.

The Malaysian economic forum (FEM) 2025 was held in Kuala Lumpur on January 9 to discuss cooperation orientations and key initiatives for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Malaysia in the coming year.

The forum brought together over 50 speakers from various sectors, including fiscal and monetary policy, technology, green growth, and education reform.

Speaking at the event, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim underscored the importance of deepening ties with Southeast Asian neighbours to address future challenges effectively.

malaysia-economic-forum.jpg
At the Malaysian economic forum (FEM) 2025 in Kuala Lumpur on January 9. (Photo: VNA)

He said this year, Malaysia plans to solidify its position as a hub for electricity and high-quality human resources, and diversify supply chains via such key sectors such as oil and gas, semiconductors, and Islamic finance.

ASEAN is projected to become the world’s fourth-largest economic bloc, thanks to enhanced partnerships with non-regional countries such as India and China. As the ASEAN Chair in 2025, Malaysia is committed to working with member states to address shared challenges, promote economic development, and ensure peace and stability in the region.

ASEAN’s strength lies in its vast market of approximately 665 million people, with a middle-class population expected to double compared to two decades ago. While other regions face predictions of slower or declining economic growth, the bloc is forecast to grow between 4% and 5% over the next decade./.

World

Japan strengthens commitment to Southeast Asia
World

Japan strengthens commitment to Southeast Asia

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on January 10 met with his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim during his visit to the Southeast Asian country, pledging to enhance cooperation in addressing urgent regional and international challenges, including tensions in the East Sea, the Middle East, and the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.

Thai PM calls for extra efforts to address PM2.5 air pollution
World

Thai PM calls for extra efforts to address PM2.5 air pollution

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has instructed ministries and departments to accelerate efforts to tackle PM2.5 air pollution, particularly through halting the purchase of burnt sugarcane, cracking down on vehicles that emit smoke, and strictly controlling construction sites.

Indonesia confirms cases of HMPV
World

Indonesia confirms cases of HMPV

Indonesian Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin on January 7 confirmed the detection of cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in the country, but assured the public that the disease is not dangerous.

RoK pins high hope on FTA with Philippines
World

RoK pins high hope on FTA with Philippines

The Republic of Korea (RoK)'s Minister of of Trade, Industry and Energy Cheong In-kyo on December 26 said that the RoK-Philippines free trade agreement (FTA), set to take effect next week, will help the country further bolster its trade portfolio and contribute to maintaining a stable supply chain.