KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 — Malaysia marked a significant milestone in its Asean chairmanship with the launch of three Asean Initiatives on Inclusivity and Sustainability today, aimed at strengthening the region’s commitment to inclusivity, sustainability and forward-looking development.
The three initiatives are the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Excellence Centre for Green Transition in Asean (MEGA); the Asean Ahead: Asean STI Ecosystem Foresight 2035 and Beyond report; and the Asean in 2025: Shaping an Inclusive and Sustainable Future book.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the initiatives not only define Malaysia’s legacy as the 2025 Asean chair but, more importantly, will serve Asean and its member states well into the future.
Each initiative, in its own way, prepares Asean for a rapidly changing world and reaffirms the region’s collective determination to shape a future that is both inclusive and sustainable.
“The MEGA embodies the principle that economic transformation must begin at the grassroots. Across the region, MSMEs are the backbone of our economies. They employ the majority of our workforce and drive local innovation.
“Through MEGA, these MSMEs will gain access to an education and training hub that will facilitate their transition to green, sustainable business models. By enabling all businesses to participate in the green transition, we are not only protecting livelihoods, but also preparing Asean’s economy for the realities of a low-carbon future,” he said.
Mohamad was speaking during the launch of Asean Initiatives on Inclusivity and Sustainability, held ahead of the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits today.
Also present were Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz; Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, and Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan.
On the second initiative, he said the Asean Ahead: Asean Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Ecosystem Foresight 2035 and Beyond report reflects the region’s commitment to anticipate the future rather than be overtaken by it.
It outlines the trends, disruptions and opportunities that will shape science, technology, and innovation in the coming decade, while charting pathways for STI to serve as a driving force behind Asean’s economic growth and collective prosperity.
“Through this, we will ensure that Asean’s progress is guided not by chance, but by choice. Grounded in knowledge, driven by innovation and directed toward a future that is inclusive and sustainable.
“While the last initiative, the Asean in 2025: Shaping an Inclusive and Sustainable Future book, stands as both a reflection and a legacy. With contributions from over 30 of the region’s leading thinkers, it gathers ideas across geopolitics, sustainability, trade, economics and technology,” Mohamad said.
The minister added that the book also serves as a reminder that Asean’s centrality and relevance cannot be taken as a foregone conclusion.
Speaking to the press later, he said Asean’s development must be managed responsibly to prevent adverse environmental and local community impacts.
Therefore, the launch of the three initiatives marked a vital step to ensure that regional progress does not come at the expense of environmental sustainability.
Mohamad noted that Asean’s development agenda for the next two decades must be guided by science, green technology and environmental preservation to ensure that no one is left behind in the region’s advancement.
“When people talk about science and technology, it does not mean we should neglect the environment. We want the Asean Community Vision 2045 to be anchored on these three core principles so that we remain focused and stay on the right path.
“We must not pursue development that destroys the environment or harms the well-being of the people. Development must be carried out responsibly and managed properly,” he said.
