Inclusivity, sustainability to help steer ASEAN in 2025

Malaysia is starting the year 2025 by formally assuming the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It is expected to uphold ASEAN's long-held policy of nonalignment and promote more equitable development amid global challenges, including geopolitical tensions and climate change.

Malaysia has chosen "Inclusivity and Sustainability" as the theme of its ASEAN chairmanship. The country's Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz said that the two values represent the urgent needs of ASEAN.

"If Southeast Asia cannot become more inclusive and sustainable, other achievements such as economic prosperity and tech innovation may prove to be empty wins," Zafrul said via his social media account.