00:00Over the past years, our region has seen important milestones achieved in the transportation
00:19sector, particularly in infrastructure and policy framework initiatives such as the ASEAN
00:25Single Window, ASEAN Cross-Border Transport Agreements and ASEAN Highway Network, have
00:32been pivotal, especially in enhancing regional integration.
00:39Undertaking the concerted regional and national programmes to improve our transport system,
00:45the transportation sector has indeed created a lot of job opportunities for locals and
00:51cross-borders key labourers in various sectors and thus directly improve the socio-economic
00:59and wellbeing of our ASEAN community.
01:02These accomplishments are a testament to our collective vision and dedication.
01:09Ladies and gentlemen, as ASEAN citizens, I am sure all of us have witnessed the progress
01:16that has turned around the transportation sector and its profound implications for the
01:22communities we live in.
01:25Take for example the Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Links.
01:29It is a major infrastructure initiative with far-reaching implications, not just for transportation,
01:37but also for economic integration, regional cooperation and sustainability.
01:43The broader impact of the project goes beyond simply connecting the two cities.
01:48It also has significant potential for reshaping the way people and goods move within the wider
01:56ASEAN region.
01:58I personally look forward to completion of the RTS project in 2026 and witnessing its
02:04impact to our citizens.
02:08We have also made further inroads in our land connectivity.
02:11I am particularly pleased that Ketapi Tanah Melayu Berhad has started operating the cargo
02:17rail service under the ASEAN Express Freight Train which links Malaysia, Thailand, Laos-PDR
02:25and China.
02:27This is a remarkable achievement to the logistics sector as it facilitates cross-border trade
02:34and transportation of goods across ASEAN.
02:37It has also seen multiplying economic effects to the region.
02:41It would be a remiss of me if I did not highlight milestones that we have achieved in the aviation
02:48sector.
02:50ASEAN Open Sky Policy has not only made air travel more affordable and accessible across
02:56ASEAN, but also enabled us to travel by air to cities within the region that were previously
03:04underserved.
03:06This has given us the opportunity to get to know each other better.
03:12The liberalisation of air transport under ASEAN Open Sky Policy has also fostered closer
03:18economic integration and the expansion of business in aviation.
03:23AirAsia, with physical business operations in almost all ASEAN Member States, for instance
03:31is basically an ASEAN's airline.
03:33Hence, its tagline of now everyone can fly precisely mirrors the significant achievement
03:41of ASEAN.
03:43Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, all the transportation developments we see
03:48often lead to increased job creation, higher productivity and expansion of local businesses.
03:56From these perspectives, the next phase of strategies for the transportation sector is
04:01therefore vital.
04:03To stay up with the global megatrends, we should prioritise sustainability, addressing
04:10environmental issues, digital transformation and utilising artificial intelligence.
04:18Megatrends cannot be ignored and we must start to design future transport policy frameworks
04:24and infrastructure that are able to handle the complexity of these revolutionary changes.
04:34Indispensably, the future transport policy frameworks, infrastructures and facilities
04:42must also accommodate a vulnerable community in ASEAN.
04:45We, ASEAN, are a big family.
04:49It has been a success story, as I said earlier.
04:54Now, we are looking for ways to improve the relationship between ASEAN Member States.
05:00Not only in the transportation sector, because transportation is the most important
05:04as it is a mode for us to transport people, goods and services.
05:12Alhamdulillah, we have seen an increase.
05:16RTS, for example, between Singapore and Malaysia.
05:20We also have relations between Thailand, Laos and China.
05:27I think we have a good foundation to strengthen the transportation network
05:34among ASEAN Member States.
05:36In your speech, you said that the development of public transport is not only for the economy
05:41but also for ASEAN.
05:43Can you elaborate on that?
05:46The economy is for the transportation of goods and services.
05:49If it is efficient, it will definitely help to develop the economy.
05:52When the economy develops, it will definitely need workers.
05:55The number of workers will increase.
05:57When the number of workers increases, it will definitely be an economic advantage
06:00for the local communities and so on.
06:02So, that is what we hope for.
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