ASEAN Future Forum: High-Level Plenary Session in Hanoi
WVR - On the morning of February 26, as part of the ASEAN Future Forum 2025, the high-level plenary session took place with the participation of Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, and Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta.
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| On February 26, the High-Level Plenary Session of ASEAN Future 2025 took place. (Photo: Tuấn Anh) |
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn, along with leaders from various countries, international organizations, foreign research institutions, and representatives from ministries, sectors, localities, and businesses, attended the event. A large number of diplomats, experts, scholars, and journalists from both domestic and international media were also present.
ASEAN – A Beacon of Hope
In his keynote speech at the high-level plenary session, ASEAN Chair 2025, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, emphasized that Vietnam is an admirable success story of development. He highlighted Vietnam as a testament to the journey of rising from poverty to become a modern and advanced nation with the potential for further economic growth. Below is the full text of the Malaysian Prime Minister's speech:
Good morning, selamat pagi, Chào buổi sáng [chow-bui-sang].
1. Congratulations to the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam for convening the second series of the ASEAN Future
Forum. I am pleased to be here today, to engage with this gathering.
2. First off, I want to say in all earnestness: Vietnam is a remarkable success story, one that showcases how a
country’s initial poverty is no stumbling to wealth creation and economic growth; that with the right socio-economic reforms and resolute political will, such a nation could be transformed into a progressive and modern economy; not just a great leap in GDP growth but also, more importantly, significant poverty reduction going hand in hand with enhancement in health and housing conditions.
3. The world now is at a geopolitical inflection point. Various global disruptions that we have experienced in the last decade are the new normal, highlighting the fragility of the global order and existing structures that underpin it.
4. These divergences may be economic, historical, ideological, or security driven. Some have been seized on
by populists for their own ends. Many are deeply sobering and have brought forth dire consequential effects not only to regional peace and prosperity, but also to the well-being of the people in Southeast Asia.
5. In this era of rivalry and division, ASEAN must shine as a beacon of hope, fostering a sustainable, harmonious, and economically dynamic region. Today, we gather as a community of nations, united by shared goals and a collective vision for prosperity, peace, and resilience. Together, we must navigate an era marked by rapid change and mounting strategic challenges with unity and purpose.
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| Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, emphasized that Vietnam is an admirable success story of development. (Photo: Tuan Anh) |
6. We often hear calls for ASEAN to strengthen and reinforce its centrality to continue exercising its agency and strategic autonomy. However, ASEAN must always bear in mind that centrality is not a right, but a privilege that has to be earned and re-earned in the context of changing contingencies. Our centrality counts for little when there is no cohesion among member states, when we let internal differences and priorities divide us.
7. Malaysia’s approach to prosperity is to emphasise sustainability and equitable economic development as its
main pillars of shared cooperation. We must commit to ensuring that no nation within ASEAN is left behind in the pursuit of economic growth. The economic developmental gap across our region is stark - where, for example, the GDP per capita of some ASEAN’s members are more than 34 times that others – a challenge we must collectively address.
8. While raising the regional floor on economic development is vital, we must also strive to elevate the developmental ceiling of our region. Building a robust and resilient supply chain ecosystem within the region is imperative to withstand looming geostrategic challenges. This requires ASEAN to adopt a new model of trade integration – one that aligns with global trends toward environmental sustainability.
9. Markets in developed nations are increasingly prioritising sustainability, and ASEAN must adapt to such trends to maintain its relevance in global trade. This calls for measuring, reporting, and verifying the environmental footprint of products that crosses our borders. Such initiatives will not only enhance our trade competitiveness but also encourage greater private sector investment in green economy transformations.
10. Malaysia, guided by the Malaysia MADANI framework, stands ready to lead the charge for renewed efforts in green investments, ranging from regenerative agriculture, solar energy, electric vehicles, and green infrastructure.
11. As we advance ASEAN’s agenda in this new age of uncertainty, we must also remain vigilant to possible rising geopolitical risks that could impact ASEAN’s trajectory. The ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China, including policies like recent tariffs imposed by Washington, and its counter-tariffs by those on the receiving end, present both opportunities and challenges for our region.
12. While some might argue that ASEAN could benefit as global supply chains recalibrate and seek diversification, the reality is far more complex. The question remains: can ASEAN truly capitalise on these shifts, or will we be caught in the crossfire of great power rivalry? In either case, we must ensure that any gains from investment and trade be distributed equitably among our member states and not exacerbate existing disparities.
13. Furthermore, we must remain cautious of possible overdependence on any one market or industry, which could leave us vulnerable to external shocks. ASEAN’s strength lies in its ability to unify, gel together through dialogue and act as a cohesive economic bloc, leveraging its collective potential to navigate future uncertainties.
14. Given the present and future realities that we face, Malaysia has adopted the theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability” with a deliberate view toward a future-oriented network.
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15. It is a theme that finds great resonance with this conference and reflects a pivotal moment in history for both ASEAN and the world at large, a moment marked by profound uncertainty and rapid change. It is also deeply significant as ASEAN forges ahead into an era where solidarity and collaboration are paramount in addressing shared challenges and harnessing emerging opportunities.
16. I believe that ASEAN stands on the precipice of renewal and transformation, underpinned by a vision of shared progress, prosperity and justice. We are no longer a bystander in global affairs but a dynamic and influential force driving positive change. And I could not agree more with Prime Minister Chính, where he described that ASEAN is a region of “incredible vitality”.
17. Indeed, ASEAN’s potential is boundless, and the opportunities ahead are unmatched. If, and only if, we can
truly and cohesively collaborate as a community, then this is our moment to shine – to demonstrate the strength of our unity and the power of our shared vision – together with our friends and partners. Yes, these are real challenges, but I do believe that we can and we will overcome.
Thank you, terima kasih, cảm ơn [kam en
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