ASEAN Leaders Welcome 2025 With Optimism, Unity And Aspirations For Regional Prosperity

By Rohani Mohd Ibrahim

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 1 (Bernama) -- Leaders across ASEAN-member states extended their New Year greetings for 2025, urging their citizens to embrace optimism and unity while reiterating commitments to regional progress and global cooperation.

Starting today, Malaysia officially assumes the ASEAN chairmanship under the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability".

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his New Year 2025 address broadcast on local television on Tuesday, said that a significant responsibility awaits Malaysia in 2025 as it takes on the role of leading the Southeast Asian region as the ASEAN chair.

He said the current complexities of the global landscape demand 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 and to ensure that this development remains sustainable," he said.

In BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah in his speech prayed that the new year would encourage all parties to shoulder their responsibilities with full dedication and commitment in order to achieve more meaningful changes for themselves, their families, society and the country.

In the international arena, His Majesty said Brunei will continue to adhere to its foreign policy which emphasises balance in considering regional interests and economic development.

"The country's (Brunei) membership and active involvement in regional and international organisations such as ASEAN and the United Nations, reflects our commitment and continued support for multilateralism and cooperation, and respect for international law," he said in his speech, which was uploaded onto the website of the Prime Minister's Office of Brunei Darussalam.

In JAKARTA, President Prabowo Subianto invited the community to celebrate the New Year with joy and optimism, and he believes that Indonesia will rise.

"To all my fellow countrymen and fellow citizens, a happy new year. We face the new year with joy, optimism, and the confidence that Indonesia will rise," Prabowo was quoted as saying by the Indonesian News Agency (Antara). 

Meanwhile, a post on the website of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, https://www.presidenri.go.id, on Dec 25 also contained Prabowo's New Year greetings.

"I also wish you a Happy New Year 2025. May the new year bring peace, goodness and blessings to all of us," Prabowo said.

In SINGAPOPRE, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said he would outline the next steps of the Forward Singapore exercise in Budget 2025, which will be tabled in Parliament on Feb 18.

He noted that among other things, the government aimed to sharpen Singapore’s economic competitiveness, create exciting opportunities and good jobs for Singaporeans, and continue to cushion the impact of the cost of living.

Wong highlighted that 2025 also marks the 60th anniversary of Singapore’s independence.

He said that while this is an occasion to celebrate, the milestone is, in fact, a time for reflection for Singaporeans on their shared values, of who they are, and what they stand for.

In BANGKOK, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra extended her heartfelt New Year greetings to the nation, expressing wishes for happiness, prosperity and a brighter future for all Thais.

In a New Year message marking the beginning of 2025, Paetongtarn reaffirmed to the people that the government will work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for everyone.

"I pray that the Triple Gem and all sacred things in the universe will inspire you and your family to experience only happiness and prosperity.

"May this be a year of opportunities, hopes and dreams for all Thai people. The government will work hard for a better quality of life for all our brothers and sisters," she said on her official X account on Wednesday.

In VIENTIANE, President Thongloun Sisoulith expressed his gratitude to the Lao people for their contributions and to international friends for their support and cooperation.

“Envisioning a world united in peace and harmony. (And) a prosperous and peaceful future for Laos and the global community,” the president was quoted by Vientiane Times.

Laos chaired ASEAN in 2024 under the theme "ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience", which focused on four priorities – economic connectivity; sustainability; digital transformation, and culture and arts.

In PHNOM PENH, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet wished the people to enjoy good health, peace, happiness and success in 2025 on Facebook.

“My family and I wish all our fellow countrymen good health, peace, happiness and success in everything. We would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year 2025.” 

In HANOI, President Luong Cuong extended his heartfelt sentiments and best wishes to all Vietnamese citizens and international friends for the New Year.

“On the occasion of New Year 2025, with new faith and enthusiasm, I would like to send my deep sentiments and best wishes to every Vietnamese citizen and international friend – A New Year, A New Victory!” he said as quoted by Vietnam News Agency.

In MYANMAR, military leader Senior General Min Aung Hliang wished his people to nurture mutual kindness and work together for the benefit of the nation.

“I wish all my fellow national brethren of Myanmar to nurture mutual kindness and work together for the benefit of the nation and our people. Wishing you all a Happy New Year!” he said as quoted by The Global New Light of Myanmar.

In MANILA, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr on Wednesday urged Filipinos to adopt an introspective and growth-focused mindset as they welcome a new year.

He referred to the occasion as an opportunity “to learn from the lessons of the past and apply the wisdom gained to better oneself”.

“It is our desire for our citizens to embrace this outlook and adopt an introspective and growth-focused mindset that balances the realities of yesterday and the promises of tomorrow,” he said in his message, which is available on the website of the Office of the President of the Philippines.

Founded on Aug 8, 1967, ASEAN comprises 10 Southeast Asian nations – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

-- BERNAMA