Malaysia's Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry has underscored ASEAN's central role as a "middle power" in navigating global uncertainties, stressing the importance of unity and inclusivity in supporting SMEs, women, and youth across the region.
As Malaysia holds the rotating chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for 2025, Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz shared his insights on the challenges and opportunities facing both Malaysia and the ASEAN in an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) in Kuala Lumpur.
Aziz noted that although global supply chain challenges have impacted economies worldwide, ASEAN, including Malaysia, has continued to experience positive foreign direct investment (FDI) growth.
"The supply chain globally is all very interrelated and interdependent. So a supply chain challenge in one part of the world will have a knock-on effect to the rest of the world. For FDI (foreign direct investment), as a region, ASEAN still enjoyed a positive FDI growth last year, and Malaysia also benefited from that. We are seeing China still continue to be a top investor in Malaysia, and, of course, in the region as well. And when you look at Chinese investment into Malaysia, it has always been in sectors that are quite diversified," he said.
The minister emphasized the importance of inclusive growth and regional cooperation, aligning with ASEAN’s current priorities.
"The theme [this year] is 'Inclusivity and Sustainability.' If you look at ASEAN, more than 95 percent are SMEs, so how do we make sure the SMEs -- and when you look at SMEs, don't forget there are women SMEs, women entrepreneurs, and the youth also involved in the ASEAN economy. I think the inclusivity part is very important and not taken for granted, because if you have seen all around the world, when people don't feel they are included in the growth of the economy, naturally, they will then question the whole concept of multilateralism. So I think that principle of multilateralism has to be made clear [in terms of] the benefits," the Minister said.
When asked how to counter the current risks and challenges in the global trading order, Aziz emphasized ASEAN’s role as a middle power, highlighting the importance of unity, neutrality, and putting regional interests first.
"I think ASEAN has a middle-power role to play, where we can try and navigate these very tricky and uncertain times by being together, and that's why ASEAN centrality is important. What we need to do is continue to be non-aligned, continue to be neutral, and, at the same time, always put our interests first," he said.
Malaysian trade minister backs ASEAN unity, inclusivity in face of global challenges
