October 14, 2024
BEIJING – As Malaysia prepares to assume the ASEAN chairmanship in 2025, it faces a crucial opportunity to steer the region through transformative geopolitical and economic shifts while championing environmental sustainability.
Southeast Asia’s growing strategic importance positions Malaysia to enhance ASEAN’s global influence. By leveraging its pragmatic diplomacy and Look East policy—emphasizing strategic partnerships with China and other East Asian nations—Malaysia can drive regional integration, foster economic growth, and ensure environmental stewardship.
The task is not only to address current challenges but to lay the groundwork for a visionary ASEAN future extending to 2100, characterized by resilience, dynamism, and ecological sustainability.
First, on economic integration and green growth. A primary focus for Malaysia will be advancing economic integration within ASEAN while embedding sustainability into economic policies. As China remains the largest trading partner in the region, Malaysia can lead initiatives that streamline trade and investment flows with an emphasis on green practices.
Utilizing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) as a framework, Malaysia can advocate for environmentally friendly trade policies and support green technologies.
In the context of the evolving global economic landscape, the rise of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) presents both opportunities and challenges. BRICS countries, with their significant economic clout and growing influence, offer potential avenues for expanding green trade and investment partnerships.
Malaysia can leverage these relationships to foster collaboration on sustainable development initiatives and green technologies.
Looking towards 2100, Malaysia could propose the creation of a unified ASEAN Green Economic Zone. This zone would harmonize regulations and policies to promote sustainable trade and investment. Prioritizing innovation in green technologies, renewable energy, and circular economy practices will be essential.
Establishing long-term economic and environmental goals will help ASEAN maintain its global leadership in sustainable development, while engaging with BRICS can enhance the region’s capacity to address global challenges and drive forward the green agenda.
Second, on infrastructure development and green connectivity. Infrastructure development will be a cornerstone of Malaysia’s leadership, particularly within the context of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Emphasizing the modernization of infrastructure with a focus on sustainability—such as green ports, eco-friendly railways, and smart digital networks—will drive regional integration and equitable growth.
For the future, Malaysia can propose an ASEAN-wide Green Infrastructure Master Plan for 2100. This plan should include smart cities powered by renewable energy, integrated transportation networks that reduce carbon emissions, and robust digital infrastructure supporting a low-carbon economy. Investing in sustainable infrastructure will be crucial for ASEAN to adapt to global environmental trends and maintain its competitive edge.
Third, on maritime security and environmental preservation. Maritime security and environmental preservation will be critical during Malaysia’s chairmanship. Malaysia can lead ASEAN in promoting peaceful dialogue and cooperation among member states and external partners, including China, with a focus on environmental protection.
Looking to 2100, Malaysia should propose the establishment of an ASEAN Maritime Environmental Security Alliance. This alliance would focus on joint efforts to combat marine pollution, protect marine biodiversity, and ensure sustainable maritime practices. By setting a clear trajectory for maritime environmental security, Malaysia can contribute to a stable and ecologically balanced Asia-Pacific region.
Fourth, digital transformation and eco-friendly technology. Aligned with its Look East policy, Malaysia can drive ASEAN’s green digital transformation by leveraging advancements in Chinese technology. Advocating for collaboration in e-commerce, fintech, and smart city development with an emphasis on environmental sustainability will be key.
Malaysia can propose the creation of a Digital ASEAN Green Community by 2100. This community could integrate digital platforms across member states, enhance cross-border e-commerce, and ensure equitable access to green technologies. Establishing a regional digital innovation hub focused on eco-friendly technology and entrepreneurship will be crucial.
By positioning ASEAN as a leader in green digital innovation, Malaysia can ensure the region’s continued growth and relevance in a rapidly evolving, environmentally-conscious technological landscape.
Fifth, on sustainability and environmental stewardship. Addressing climate change will be a central issue during Malaysia’s chairmanship. Collaborating with China on green technology and renewable energy initiatives will be essential for promoting sustainable development across ASEAN.
Looking to 2100, Malaysia can propose a comprehensive long-term sustainability framework for ASEAN. This framework should include ambitious targets for carbon neutrality, significant investment in renewable energy sources, and strategies for climate adaptation and disaster resilience.
Emphasizing sustainable urbanization, conservation of natural resources, and ecosystem restoration will help ASEAN meet its environmental goals and position the region as a global leader in sustainability.
Sixth, on youth engagement and green capacity building. Engaging youth and focusing on education will be vital components of Malaysia’s agenda. ASEAN’s young population is a significant asset for the region’s future. Malaysia can champion initiatives to equip the next generation with skills for a green, digitally connected world.
Envisioning the future, Malaysia can propose a comprehensive ASEAN Youth Green Development Program by 2100. This program could focus on education in environmental science, green technology, and sustainable entrepreneurship.
Building partnerships to ensure that the region’s youth are prepared to address future environmental challenges and seize green opportunities will be crucial. Developing this capacity will help shape a new generation of leaders and innovators driving ASEAN’s sustainable success.
In summary, Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025 offers a pivotal opportunity to enhance the bloc’s economic, security, and environmental resilience. By deepening ties with China, advancing regional integration, and fostering sustainable and inclusive growth, Malaysia can position ASEAN as a forward-thinking, cohesive, and environmentally conscious global player.
Proposing a visionary plan that extends to 2100 will ensure ASEAN not only navigates current challenges but thrives in an increasingly multipolar world, setting the stage for a prosperous and ecologically balanced future.