Malaysia Reaffirms Commitment To Strengthen ASEAN Statistical Cooperation

MELAKA, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional collaboration in statistics and data governance to support inclusive and sustainable development across ASEAN.

Deputy Minister of Economy Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib said Malaysia continues to uphold evidence-based policies while enhancing regional partnerships that drive growth and resilience among ASEAN member states.

She added that these efforts align with the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which places strong emphasis on economic resilience, digital transformation, and environmental sustainability, benefiting not only Malaysia but also contributing meaningfully to ASEAN’s collective progress toward a more integrated and future-ready region.

She made the remarks during the ASEAN-Malaysia Statistics Week 2025 Networking Dinner, held in conjunction with the 15th Session of the ASEAN Community Statistical System (ACSS15) Committee here, last night.

"Through close collaboration within the ACSS, we are not only strengthening the capacity of member states in producing accurate and comprehensive statistics, but also reinforcing mutual trust in building a data-driven, people-centered ASEAN region that is better prepared to face global challenges strategically,” she said.

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh and Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin also attended the event.

She also highlighted that the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) continues to deliver impactful achievements under the ministry’s leadership, reflecting the nation’s strong emphasis on evidence-based policymaking.

Key milestones this year include the 2024 Agriculture Census, the release of its Interim Report in May 2025, and the successful organisation of the National and World Statistics Day 2025 in Pahang, which brought together stakeholders nationwide to promote inclusivity within the national data ecosystem.

She noted that Malaysia achieved the top global position in the Open Data Inventory (ODIN) 2024/25 with an overall score of 90 per cent, reflecting DOSM’s continued commitment to enhancing the accessibility and transparency of official data.

Hanifah expressed confidence that Malaysia’s efforts to strengthen statistical capacity and data innovation will continue to support ASEAN cooperation and advance shared goals of sustainable and equitable development.

“Let this evening be a continuation of that spirit to forge new friendships, strengthen old ties, and reaffirm our shared commitment to statistical excellence. May our collaboration continue to flourish, bringing shared prosperity and lasting peace to our region in the spirit of ASEAN,” she added.

The DOSM has been mandated to chair and host five key meetings and one ASEAN regional statistical forum in conjunction with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025.

-- BERNAMA