By : Nedal Zubeidi
Jordan Daily – Malaysia is set to assume the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2025, with a focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and regional cooperation, Malaysian Ambassador to Jordan, Mohamad Nasri Abdul Rahman, announced at a reception in Amman on Wednesday.
Speaking at the Malaysian Embassy, Ambassador Abdul Rahman introduced the official logo and theme of Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship, which were unveiled by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and launched by Foreign Minister Dato’ Sri Utama Mohamad Hasan in October. The handover of the chairmanship took place at the conclusion of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits in Lao PDR in October, and Malaysia will formally take over on January 1, 2025.
“We are deeply honored and ready to assume this pivotal responsibility,” Abdul Rahman said, emphasizing Malaysia’s commitment to advancing ASEAN centrality, strengthening intra-regional trade, and fostering innovation, highlighting the importance of promoting strategic trust through diplomacy and dialogue, as well as Malaysia’s plans to host the ASEAN-GCC plus China Summit in Kuala Lumpur in 2025.
He stressed that Malaysia will push for greater integration in science, technology, and digital transformation, while the theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability” will guide regional efforts to bridge development gaps and combat climate change. These priorities, he noted, are based on Malaysia’s MADANI framework, which emphasizes interdependence and resilience.
The ambassador also touched on ASEAN’s 10th anniversary as a formal community in 2025, and Malaysia’s intention to adopt the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, a long-term framework for the region’s strategic direction over the next 20 years.
He lauded ASEAN’s pragmatic approach to navigating geopolitical competition between major powers, citing the bloc’s robust trade ties with China, the U.S., and other key partners. In 2023, ASEAN’s trade with China totaled $696.7 billion, while its trade with the U.S., Australia, and India amounted to $395.9 billion, $183.4 billion, and $131 billion, respectively.
He added that ASEAN attracted $229.8 billion in foreign direct investment last year, with China, Japan, and Korea as key contributors, driving job creation and infrastructure development in the region.
“Malaysia is fully committed to our role as the next ASEAN Chair,” Nasri said, calling for continued support from ASEAN’s partners to ensure a successful year ahead. He reiterated Malaysia’s vision of ASEAN as a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region ready to contribute to global affairs.
