AMMAN – The Malaysian embassy in Amman buzzed with anticipation on Wednesday as Ambassador Mohamad Nasri Abdul Rahman unveiled the logo and theme for Malaysia’s upcoming chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2025. The event, themed “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” offered a glimpse into Malaysia’s vision for the regional bloc.
ASEAN, a political and economic union, comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Malaysia will assume the chairmanship on January 1, 2025, marking its fifth time leading the association.
“Today brings us another step closer towards the beginning of an crucial new role for Malaysia,” Ambassador Abdul Rahman declared. He highlighted that the logo and theme, officially unveiled by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and launched by Foreign Minister Dato’ Sri Utama Mohamad Hasan on October 22, embody Malaysia’s commitment to ASEAN’s future.
“Malaysia is deeply honored and stands ready to assume this pivotal duty,” he emphasized.Ambassador Abdul Rahman outlined Malaysia’s key priorities: strengthening ASEAN’s central role, promoting intra-trade and investment, and ensuring inclusivity and sustainability are at the forefront of regional community-building efforts.
He pointed to the ASEAN-GCC plus China Summit, scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur in 2025, as a testament to ASEAN’s commitment to global collaboration. “It is therefore with great joy that I introduce the logo and the theme of the ASEAN-Malaysia Chairmanship 2025,” he said.
Ambassador Abdul Rahman stressed Malaysia’s dedication to leveraging advancements in science, technology, and innovation, harnessing the benefits of digital transformation for the region’s progress.
“Malaysia’s vision of the ASEAN will remain immutable, and will continue to reflect the hopes of the ASEAN peoples, for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region that is ready to contribute positively to global affairs,” he underlined.
As one of ASEAN’s founding fathers, established on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok, Malaysia has a long history of leadership within the bloc. Its previous chairmanships took place in 1977,1997,2005,and 2015.
“the ASEAN’s nuanced and pragmatic approach to managing geopolitical competition between major powers is increasingly seen as a model for the rest of the developing world,” Ambassador Abdul rahman observed. “The ASEAN’s commitment to neutrality, dialog, and regional cooperation, has kept Southeast Asia stable amid external rivalries.”
Highlighting ASEAN’s economic prowess,he noted that trade with China reached US $696.7 billion in 2023, solidifying China’s position as ASEAN’s largest trading partner as 2009. Trade with the US,Australia,and India,key partners in ASEAN’s Complete Strategic Partnerships,amounted to US $395.9 billion, US $183.4 billion, and US $131 billion respectively. ambassador Abdul Rahman also emphasized ASEAN’s strong economic ties with Korea, being its second-largest trading partner, largest consumption market, and second-largest investment destination.
## Interview: Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship: A Focus on Inclusivity and Sustainability
**World Today News** sat down with Ambassador Mohamad Nasri Abdul Rahman, Malaysian ambassador to Jordan, to discuss Malaysia’s upcoming chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025.
**World Today News:** Ambassador Rahman, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today.Malaysia’s theme for its 2025 ASEAN chairmanship is “Inclusivity and Sustainability” – can you elaborate on what this means in practise?
**Ambassador rahman:** Thank you. We believe these are two vital pillars for ASEAN’s future. “Inclusivity” emphasizes ensuring that the benefits of ASEAN integration reach all segments of society, leaving no one behind. This means empowering marginalized communities, addressing economic disparities, and fostering a sense of ownership among all ASEAN citizens. ”Sustainability” underlines our commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental protection and social well-being. We aim to promote sustainable growth that safeguards our shared resources for future generations.
**World Today News:** How will Malaysia translate these enterprising themes into concrete actions during its chairmanship?
**Ambassador Rahman:** We are already working on several initiatives. One key focus will be strengthening ASEAN’s economic resilience through diversification and green growth. This includes promoting sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and responsible tourism. We also aim to enhance regional connectivity through infrastructure development and digitalization.On the social front, we will prioritize initiatives to promote inclusivity in education, healthcare, and social safety nets. This will involve close collaboration with ASEAN member states,civil society organizations,and the private sector.
**World Today news:** ASEAN has faced several challenges in recent years, including geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty. How will Malaysia navigate these challenges during its chairmanship?
**Ambassador Rahman:** ASEAN has always been a region of both opportunities and challenges. We believe in dialogue and diplomacy as key tools for resolving disputes and promoting cooperation. During our chairmanship,we will strive to maintain ASEAN’s centrality in regional affairs and strengthen its role as a platform for dialogue and cooperation. We will also work closely with our dialogue partners to address shared challenges such as climate change and transnational crime.
**World Today News:** Malaysia’s chairmanship comes at a crucial juncture for ASEAN. What are your hopes for the region by the end of your term?
**Ambassador Rahman:** We aspire to see a more cohesive, inclusive, and sustainable ASEAN by the end of our chairmanship. We hope to have advanced regional integration, fostered economic resilience, and strengthened ASEAN’s global standing. Ultimately, our goal is to build a brighter future for all ASEAN citizens and contribute to peace and prosperity in the region.
**World Today News:** Thank you for your insights, Ambassador Rahman. We look forward to witnessing Malaysia’s leadership during its ASEAN chairmanship.
