(Kuala Lumpur, 26th) Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar today called on ASEAN member states to uphold unity, remain adaptable, and pursue common goals amid an increasingly uncertain global landscape.
He noted that Malaysia, as this year's ASEAN Chair, shoulders a heavy responsibility—not only to lead the regional organization forward but also to reinvigorate its sense of mission and direction in a rapidly changing world.
In his speech at the opening ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit and related summits, he said: "Leadership is never a mere routine—it's a choice. It's about setting priorities, reshaping ASEAN's sense of mission, and charting a course that meets the expectations of our people."
Attendees included Thai Prime Minister Anutin, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Indonesian President Prabowo, Philippine President Marcos Jr., and Brunei Sultan Bolkiah.
Other attendees included United Nations Secretary-General Guterres, European Council President Costa, Canadian Prime Minister Carney, Brazilian President Lula, South African President Ramaphosa, Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana, and President Ramos-Horta.
Anwar said that as global uncertainty continues to rise and shifts in the geopolitical landscape and economic turbulence intensify, 2025 will present new challenges for ASEAN—testing the region's resilience and collective resolve.
"Increasing competition and uncertainty in various regions continue to rise. These headwinds test not only our economies, but also our belief in cooperation—to believe that in an era of division, understanding and dialogue can still prevail."
He stressed that despite the challenges, ASEAN's strength lies in its diversity and the steadfast commitment to respect and rationality—values that have always kept the region closely connected.
Anwar noted that the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, adopted in May this year, embodies the organization's vision to strengthen unity and centrality, promote inclusive and sustainable growth, and safeguard the well-being of future generations.
The Prime Minister also spoke of the establishment of the ASEAN Artificial Intelligence Safety Network (AI SAFE), an initiative aimed at promoting ethics, safety, and good governance of AI across the region.
"Technology must be our servant, not our master."
He also emphasized the need for ASEAN to remain proactive in the face of rising protectionism and evolving global supply chains.
"The increasing tide of protectionism and the constant evolution of supply chains remind us that resilience depends on adaptability."
Therefore, he said, ASEAN cannot stand still—it must have the courage to forge new partnerships and the foresight to deepen existing ones.
He added that Malaysia's hosting of the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the ASEAN-China Summits earlier this year highlighted the ongoing deepening of the region's global partnerships.
Anwar pointed out that efforts to advance economic cooperation among ASEAN members will continue, and that the 5th Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Leaders' Meeting to be held tomorrow will further unlock the potential of the world's largest free trade area.
He also welcomed Brazil and South Africa as guest chairs at the 20th East Asia Summit, noting that this move is a significant step in expanding ASEAN's engagement with BRICS, the G20, and strengthening ties with the Global South.
"ASEAN's future will not be determined by circumstances, but by the choices we make today."
This year, Malaysia chairs ASEAN under the theme of "Inclusivity and Sustainability" and is scheduled to host the 47th ASEAN Summit from October 26 to 28 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
This summit will serve as an important platform to deepen regional collaboration and jointly tackle global challenges with cohesion and an inclusive spirit.
In his speech at the opening ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit and related summits, he said: "Leadership is never a mere routine—it's a choice. It's about setting priorities, reshaping ASEAN's sense of mission, and charting a course that meets the expectations of our people."
Attendees included Thai Prime Minister Anutin, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Indonesian President Prabowo, Philippine President Marcos Jr., and Brunei Sultan Bolkiah.
Other attendees included United Nations Secretary-General Guterres, European Council President Costa, Canadian Prime Minister Carney, Brazilian President Lula, South African President Ramaphosa, Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana, and President Ramos-Horta.
Anwar said that as global uncertainty continues to rise and shifts in the geopolitical landscape and economic turbulence intensify, 2025 will present new challenges for ASEAN—testing the region's resilience and collective resolve.
"Increasing competition and uncertainty in various regions continue to rise. These headwinds test not only our economies, but also our belief in cooperation—to believe that in an era of division, understanding and dialogue can still prevail."
He stressed that despite the challenges, ASEAN's strength lies in its diversity and the steadfast commitment to respect and rationality—values that have always kept the region closely connected.
Anwar noted that the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, adopted in May this year, embodies the organization's vision to strengthen unity and centrality, promote inclusive and sustainable growth, and safeguard the well-being of future generations.
The Prime Minister also spoke of the establishment of the ASEAN Artificial Intelligence Safety Network (AI SAFE), an initiative aimed at promoting ethics, safety, and good governance of AI across the region.
"Technology must be our servant, not our master."
He also emphasized the need for ASEAN to remain proactive in the face of rising protectionism and evolving global supply chains.
"The increasing tide of protectionism and the constant evolution of supply chains remind us that resilience depends on adaptability."
Therefore, he said, ASEAN cannot stand still—it must have the courage to forge new partnerships and the foresight to deepen existing ones.
He added that Malaysia's hosting of the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the ASEAN-China Summits earlier this year highlighted the ongoing deepening of the region's global partnerships.
Anwar pointed out that efforts to advance economic cooperation among ASEAN members will continue, and that the 5th Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Leaders' Meeting to be held tomorrow will further unlock the potential of the world's largest free trade area.
He also welcomed Brazil and South Africa as guest chairs at the 20th East Asia Summit, noting that this move is a significant step in expanding ASEAN's engagement with BRICS, the G20, and strengthening ties with the Global South.
"ASEAN's future will not be determined by circumstances, but by the choices we make today."
This year, Malaysia chairs ASEAN under the theme of "Inclusivity and Sustainability" and is scheduled to host the 47th ASEAN Summit from October 26 to 28 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
This summit will serve as an important platform to deepen regional collaboration and jointly tackle global challenges with cohesion and an inclusive spirit.