Kuala lumpur: ASEAN must strengthen its collective innovation ecosystem and avoid working in silos to sustain growth and resilience in the coming decade, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He emphasized that innovation has become the new currency of competitiveness, the foundation of economic resilience, and the engine of regional growth.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid highlighted the importance of the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation (A-PAS-TI) 2026-2035 in aligning policy, research, capital, and talent towards a shared innovation agenda. He noted that Malaysia's rise to 33rd in the Global Innovation Index signifies a region progressing by choice, not by chance.

Ahmad Zahid stressed that ASEAN is maturing into a community that values talent, science, and technology as strategic assets. He urged governments to collaborate with universities, industry, investors, and civil society to unlock the next decade of growth and transform ASEAN into a dynamic center of science and technological excellence. His remarks were made at the opening of the Cyberjaya Conversations Summit 2025, attended by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang.

The Deputy Prime Minister also pointed out the need for ASEAN to prepare for emerging frontiers, such as the space economy, which is projected to exceed US$1 trillion globally. He noted ASEAN's favorable geography for launches, growing talent base, and expanding digital infrastructure as advantageous for meaningful participation.

Furthermore, Ahmad Zahid emphasized that harnessing satellite technology and geo-spatial intelligence can help ASEAN leapfrog traditional development constraints, unlocking new economic value and enhancing everyday life for millions. He called for strengthening the connective fabric that binds the region through ideas, talent, and technology to compete at the global economy's frontiers.