00:00China, I think repeatedly, Siwai Lung, Saito, so Scattery, have been ASEAN's most significant
00:08economic partner for years.
00:11And this relationship will continue to be a cornerstone of our regional stability.
00:19However, as global economic dynamics evolve, our engagement must also adapt to new challenges
00:26and opportunities.
00:27This means that we must move beyond traditional trade and investment figures and focus on
00:34a partnership that is transformational and future-oriented.
00:38Now, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, the next phase of ASEAN-China economic cooperation
00:45must be driven by strategic technological collaboration, sustainable growth, and human
00:52capital development.
00:53This has been, I think, generally the consensus when we discussed with the leadership in Hong
00:58Kong, and particularly with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Cheng and Chinese leaders.
01:05And we are, of course, fortunate to have that sort of not only enhanced bilateral relations,
01:12but the sort of forging that sort of understanding and comradeship between our colleagues and
01:18in ASEAN and the region, and particularly, as I alluded to earlier, with China's leadership.
01:27We must therefore embrace and support in specific areas, particularly integration of artificial
01:36intelligence into regional supply chains, ensuring that ASEAN remains at the forefront
01:45of digital economy.
01:48At the same time, expanding cooperation in renewable energy, green industries, and sustainable
01:54infrastructure is vital in fostering long-term resilience and environmental responsibility.
02:02I alluded to earlier about our major focus in ASEAN, which includes ASEAN energy grid
02:12from Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, to Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Sarawak,
02:19to Sabah and the Philippines, particularly southern Philippines.
02:23So you see these collaborative efforts, sub-regional, regional, ASEAN and beyond, in energy transition,
02:37renewable energy, digital transformation, which has been the main focus.
02:44But this, of course, would have to include the empowerment of ASEAN's workforce, equipping
02:52our people with the necessary skills to navigate and thrive in an evolving digital landscape.
03:02Our ASEAN's connectivity with China must also extend beyond enhancing trade efficiency.
03:09It must drive shared prosperity.
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