00:00Now Malaysia's position is clear, we remain non-aligned and in the ASEAN major thrust
00:17in our foreign policy is the principle of centrality to ensure that we remain fiercely
00:24independent to be able to engage with all countries, traditional partners in the West
00:32and the new emerging force particularly China in the East together with the other countries
00:38in Asia.
00:40We reject economic coercion and unilateral actions that undermine the regional stability.
00:48We support a rules-based multilateral system that ensures fairness, transparency and representation
00:56for all, particularly the global South.
01:00ASEAN must also expand its global engagement beyond traditional partners.
01:06ASEAN is a trading group of trading nations and that's precisely the reason why we have
01:13now expanded to, for example, the Gulf Cooperation Council and we will be hosting the ASEAN
01:22GCC conference in May this year and of course China will be an important player in this regard.
01:31And there's of course BRICS and other emerging economies, it is about ensuring ASEAN's strategic
01:39relevance in a multipolar world.
01:43Now by diversifying its partnership, ASEAN can enhance its economic resilience, tap into
01:51new investment opportunities and play a more proactive role in shaping global governance frameworks.
02:01Now Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, ASEAN's economic resilience will depend on how effectively
02:08we navigate three critical challenges.
02:12First, supply chain disruptions and diversification.
02:17ASEAN must become a reliable hub for global trade and investment by reducing vulnerabilities
02:24and to external shocks.
02:27Strengthening our industrial base through investments in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors
02:35and green technologies will be essential.
02:39Second, energy security and sustainability.
02:43I made reference earlier to the ASEAN energy grid and renewable energy investments that
02:50will be central to ensuring that economic growth is climate conscious and long-term oriented.
02:57Malaysia's target of 70% renewable energy by 2050 will serve as a benchmark for ASEAN's
03:04broader sustainability efforts.
03:09Third, the digital economy and artificial intelligence.
03:14The ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement must serve as a catalyst for regional transformation
03:23by prioritising AI governance, cyber security and digital inclusivity.
03:30To ensure that all ASEAN Member States can fully harness the benefits of technological
03:36advancement, we must establish common standards for data protection, facilitate seamless cross-border
03:45digital trade, and invest in capacity-building initiatives that bridge the digital divide.
03:52By fostering a secure, innovative and inclusive digital ecosystem, ASEAN can position itself
04:01at the forefront of the global digital economy, driving sustainable growth and shared prosperity
04:10in collaboration with our friends in Hong Kong, China and beyond.
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