Kuala Lumpur: The ASEAN Community Vision (ACV) 2045, adopted at the 46th ASEAN Summit on Monday through the Kuala Lumpur Declaration, has the potential to make the bloc -- with its nearly 700 million population -- more respected, especially by organisations in the West.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, geostrategist and senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research (NASR) Prof Dr Azmi Hassan stated that ACV 2045 is based on two key concepts -- neutrality and centrality -- which will strengthen ASEAN as it advances to become the world's fourth-largest economy by 2030. 'ASEAN is becoming more central, involved in international affairs, while remaining neutral -- not partial toward the United States (US), China, or Russia -- even as the major powers vie to have a greater influence, especially in the Indo-Pacific region,' he explained.
Malaysia, as the current ASEAN Chair, aims to ensure that the people of ASEAN feel proud to be part of the bloc, akin to the sentiment among members of the European Union (EU). Azmi believes ACV 2045 can be achieved within the next 20 years, continuing the legacy of ACV 2025 that was launched when Malaysia last chaired ASEAN a decade ago. This vision seeks to resolve internal issues such as the Myanmar conflict and the South China Sea dispute, as well as guide responses to international issues such as the India-Pakistan conflict, Gaza crisis, and the Ukraine war.
Meanwhile, MPN chairman Distinguished Prof Datuk Dr Shamsul Amri Baharuddin noted that ACV 2045 is 'more optimistic' despite longstanding internal and external challenges faced by ASEAN. Internally, ASEAN must find a harmonious solution for persistent issues like the Myanmar crisis. Externally, the bloc faces economic threats, notably US tariffs, which could be countered by establishing economic partnerships beyond the US. Additionally, ASEAN countries are encouraged to build a resilient socio-cultural network, focusing on people-to-people connections and promoting intra-ASEAN travel.
Dr Nor Aishah Hanifa, an expert in international relations, defense, and security, highlighted that globalisation and changes in the international system necessitate innovative responses to safeguard ASEAN's security. Challenges such as peace and security issues in the Indo-Pacific region, global digitalisation, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, trade protectionism, and resource security require ASEAN to demonstrate maturity and diplomacy in its external relations. Under Malaysia's chairmanship and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership, ASEAN is poised to gain more respect as a strong regional bloc.
Institute of Malaysian and International Studies (IKMAS) director Prof Dr Sufian Jusoh emphasized the importance of explaining the essence of the new vision to the ASEAN community. As ACV 2045 is people-centred, it is crucial to communicate how the community will benefit and the implementation strategies. The ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future includes six core documents, comprising the Kuala Lumpur Declaration, ACV 2045, and strategic plans for each ASEAN pillar -- political-security, economic, socio-cultural, and connectivity, setting out 33 strategic goals with 531 concrete measures.