Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has called for ASEAN to seize its “moment” with bold decisions and transformative partnerships, positioning the regional bloc as a pivotal player in a multipolar world. Speaking at the China Conference Southeast Asia 2025 on Monday, Anwar outlined a vision for ASEAN that prioritises unity, economic resilience, and digital innovation, while steadfastly rejecting entanglement in great power rivalries.
In a powerful opening address, Anwar underscored Malaysia’s commitment to non-alignment, emphasising that the country would not be drawn into global power struggles or economic coercion. “We support a rules-based multilateral system that ensures fairness, transparency, and representation for all, particularly for the Global South,” he declared, setting the tone for a discussion on ASEAN’s strategic relevance.
A Multipolar Vision for ASEAN
Anwar’s speech highlighted the importance of diversifying ASEAN’s global partnerships beyond traditional allies. He advocated for deeper ties with China, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), BRICS nations, and other emerging economies—not as a matter of choosing sides, but as a means to bolster the bloc’s economic resilience and influence. “By diversifying its partnerships, ASEAN can enhance its economic resilience, tap into new investment opportunities, and play a more proactive role in shaping global governance frameworks,” he said. 
This approach reflects a broader shift in Southeast Asia’s geopolitical strategy, as the region navigates an increasingly complex international landscape. Analysts suggest that Anwar’s emphasis on strategic autonomy could help ASEAN maintain its centrality amid rising tensions between major powers like the United States and China. If successful, such a stance may position ASEAN as a neutral yet influential mediator in global affairs, though the challenge of balancing diverse national interests within the bloc remains significant.
Beyond geopolitics, Anwar urged ASEAN to act with “urgency, unity, and ambition” to secure a prosperous future. He warned against incrementalism, calling instead for transformative policies that address the region’s most pressing challenges. “This is not a time for short-term thinking. It is a time for bold decisions and a shared commitment to long-term prosperity,” he stressed.
Tackling Economic and Environmental Challenges
Anwar identified three critical areas for ASEAN’s economic resilience: supply chain diversification, energy security, and digital transformation. On supply chains, he argued that ASEAN must become a reliable hub for global trade by reducing vulnerabilities to external shocks. Investments in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, and green technologies, he noted, would be essential to strengthening the region’s industrial base.
Energy security and sustainability also featured prominently in his address. Anwar highlighted the ASEAN Energy Grid and renewable energy investments as key to ensuring that economic growth aligns with climate goals. Malaysia’s ambitious target of achieving 70% renewable energy by 2050 was presented as a potential benchmark for the region, signaling a commitment to long-term, climate-conscious development. If other ASEAN nations adopt similar targets, the bloc could emerge as a leader in sustainable growth, though disparities in resources and infrastructure across member states may pose hurdles.
Pioneering the Digital Economy
Perhaps the most forward-looking aspect of Anwar’s speech was his focus on the digital economy and artificial intelligence (AI). He called for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement to serve as a catalyst for regional transformation, prioritising AI governance, cybersecurity, and digital inclusivity. “To ensure that all ASEAN member states can fully harness the benefits of technological advancements, we must establish common standards for data protection, facilitate seamless cross-border digital trade, and invest in capacity-building initiatives that bridge the digital divide,” he said (The Star, 18 February 2025).
This vision for a secure and inclusive digital ecosystem is timely, given the rapid growth of digital markets in Southeast Asia. The region’s digital economy is projected to reach $300 billion by 2025, driven by e-commerce, fintech, and tech innovation. However, challenges such as unequal access to technology and varying levels of digital literacy persist. Anwar’s call for capacity-building initiatives could, if implemented effectively, help smaller or less developed member states keep pace with digital frontrunners like Singapore and Malaysia. Yet, without concrete funding mechanisms or timelines, such proposals risk remaining aspirational.
Anwar’s emphasis on data protection also resonates amid growing concerns over cybersecurity in the region. Cross-border digital trade, while a driver of economic integration, exposes ASEAN nations to risks such as data breaches and cybercrime. Establishing common standards could mitigate these threats, positioning ASEAN at the forefront of the global digital economy. If member states fail to align on regulatory frameworks, however, the bloc’s digital ambitions may be undermined by fragmentation.
Navigating Regional and Global Dynamics
Anwar’s address also reflected Malaysia’s nuanced role within ASEAN. As a middle-income nation with a diverse economy, Malaysia often serves as a bridge between the bloc’s more developed economies, such as Singapore, and its emerging markets, like Laos or Cambodia. His advocacy for inclusivity—whether in digital access or global representation—signals an intent to ensure that ASEAN’s growth benefits all member states, not just a select few.
At the same time, Anwar’s rejection of great power rivalries underscores Malaysia’s historical commitment to non-alignment, a principle rooted in the country’s foreign policy since the Cold War era. This stance is particularly relevant as ASEAN navigates economic dependencies on both China and Western powers. For instance, while China is a major trading partner for many ASEAN countries, including Malaysia, concerns over debt traps and geopolitical influence linger. Anwar’s push for diversified partnerships could, if pursued with caution, help mitigate over-reliance on any single power.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While Anwar’s vision for ASEAN is ambitious, it is not without obstacles. The bloc’s consensus-driven decision-making process often slows progress on contentious issues, from trade agreements to environmental policies. Additionally, disparities in economic development and political systems among member states complicate efforts to implement unified standards, whether for digital trade or renewable energy.
Moreover, Anwar’s focus on digital transformation raises questions about implementation. While frameworks like the ASEAN Digital Economy Agreement provide a roadmap, translating rhetoric into action requires substantial investment and political will. Smaller nations, in particular, may struggle to fund capacity-building initiatives without external support. If ASEAN can secure partnerships with tech giants or international donors, however, the region could leapfrog into a digital future.
On the geopolitical front, maintaining neutrality in a polarised world will test ASEAN’s diplomatic agility. Anwar’s call for a rules-based multilateral system is laudable, but enforcing fairness and transparency in global governance remains a distant goal. For now, ASEAN’s ability to project unity—despite internal differences—will be crucial to its relevance.
Calling ASEAN to Action
Anwar’s address at the China Conference Southeast Asia 2025 was both a rallying cry and a blueprint for ASEAN’s future. By prioritising economic resilience, sustainability, and digital innovation, he articulated a path for the bloc to navigate an era of uncertainty. His insistence on non-alignment and diversified partnerships further reinforces ASEAN’s role as a stabilising force in a multipolar world.
As the region stands at a crossroads, Anwar’s words serve as a reminder of what is at stake. “ASEAN’s moment is now,” he declared, urging member states to act decisively. Whether the bloc can rise to this challenge remains to be seen, but under Malaysia’s leadership, the vision of a united, innovative, and resilient ASEAN appears within reach—if only the will to transform matches the ambition of the rhetoric.
