Can There Be A Second Renaissance For ASEAN? Asks Senior Editor

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 8 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership has the potential to reignite the second ASEAN renaissance, especially through ASEAN-Malaysia 2025, according to senior editor Zuraidah Ibrahim.

Addressing the ASEAN Economic Opinion Leaders Conference: Outlook 2025 here today, the South China Morning Post managing executive editor commended Anwar’s approach to regional leadership.

“Prime Minister Anwar actually used a very good phrase when he took over the chairmanship of ASEAN when he spoke of launching a second renaissance of the grouping.

“As someone who grew up in Singapore, in this region and I feel deeply for this region, I really hope that Malaysia can succeed in sparking this second renaissance of ASEAN,” Zuraidah said during a session at the conference.

The session, titled "The Role of Media and Opinion Leaders in Narrating ASEAN", was moderated by Bernama Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai.

Malaysia strode into 2025 on a high note as it formally assumed the notable ASEAN chairmanship, setting the stage to lead a series of international events aimed at strengthening multilateral diplomatic relations, enhancing regional cooperation and shaping the broader geopolitical landscape.

Under the theme of Inclusivity and Sustainability, Malaysia will host over 300 key meetings and programmes across the country throughout the year.

Anwar, in his New Year 2025 address, said that Malaysia faces significant responsibility in 2025 as it takes on the leadership of the Southeast Asian region as the ASEAN Chair.

The Prime Minister said that the current complexities of the global landscape require ASEAN to chart new roles and directions.

"This is a major responsibility for Malaysia to mobilise all of its strengths and its entire team as a unified force, ensuring that this development remains sustainable," he said.

Laos handed over the ASEAN chairmanship to Malaysia on Oct 11 during the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits in Vientiane. Malaysia officially assumed the ASEAN Chair on Jan 1.

-- BERNAMA