Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship: A Whole-of-Nation Approach
Inclusivity and Sustainability
Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship for 2025 aims to answer the age-old question of "What’s in it for me?" By adopting a whole-of-nation approach, Malaysia is committed to making ASEAN more accessible and relatable to its citizens by engaging local businesses and communities in the process.
Whole-of-Nation Approach
Malaysia has decided to bring ASEAN meetings to various localities across the country, allowing local communities to play a direct role in the regional bloc’s activities. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said that ASEAN meetings under Malaysia’s chairmanship should be held in various states across Malaysia. "By bringing ASEAN meetings to various localities, we can get local players involved. They can be part of ASEAN events by supplying products/providing services for the meetings," he said.
ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat
The AMM Retreat is the first scheduled meeting in the annual ASEAN calendar at the ministerial level under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025. As part of this whole-of-nation approach agenda, the government has engaged locals to get them involved in certain aspects of the AMM Retreat, such as supplying local ingredients for delegates’ meals, souvenirs, and conference equipment. "ASEAN meetings/events will contribute to the socio-economic growth of the localities, as well as promote people’s sense of ownership of Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship. This will be a recurring practice throughout Malaysia’s chairmanship," he said.
Beyond Economic Opportunities
Beyond economic opportunities, the initiative aims to deepen public understanding of ASEAN’s role in the lives of ordinary citizens. By engaging with local communities through these meetings, Malaysia hopes to highlight how ASEAN’s efforts in trade, education, tourism, and sustainability benefit the wider population. The move also underscores Malaysia’s belief that ASEAN’s strength lies in its inclusivity, ensuring all levels of society are involved in and benefit from regional integration.
A Broader Vision
The whole-of-nation approach reflects Malaysia’s broader vision for a sustainable and equitable ASEAN. By bringing ASEAN closer to the people, Malaysia hopes to set an example of how regional collaboration can foster local empowerment while promoting sustainable growth. As the year progresses, Malaysians can look forward to ASEAN-related events that not only showcase the region’s potential but also open doors for local communities to connect with a broader audience, reinforcing the message that ASEAN truly belongs to its people.
Conclusion
Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship is a significant milestone in the country’s history, and the whole-of-nation approach is a key aspect of its success. By engaging local communities and businesses in ASEAN activities, Malaysia is not only promoting economic growth but also deepening public understanding of ASEAN’s role in the lives of ordinary citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship for 2025?
A: Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship for 2025 aims to answer the age-old question of "What’s in it for me?" by adopting a whole-of-nation approach to make ASEAN more accessible and relatable to its citizens.
Q: What is the whole-of-nation approach?
A: The whole-of-nation approach is a strategy adopted by Malaysia to bring ASEAN meetings to various localities across the country, allowing local communities to play a direct role in the regional bloc’s activities.
Q: What are the benefits of the whole-of-nation approach?
A: The whole-of-nation approach aims to promote economic growth, deepen public understanding of ASEAN’s role in the lives of ordinary citizens, and foster local empowerment while promoting sustainable growth.