Kuala lumpur: Education and tourism have been identified as the central pillars of the ASEAN-New Zealand Partnership, serving as crucial pathways for fostering people-to-people connections that enhance regional understanding and prosperity. This was emphasized by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who highlighted these areas as vital in navigating the challenges of an increasingly uncertain global landscape.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Luxon stressed the importance of collaboration between ASEAN and New Zealand in addressing growing global pressures and external forces. He noted that education and tourism are essential to strengthening mutual ties and resilience. Luxon emphasized that individual relationships fostered through these sectors can lead to broader exchanges in trade, capital, and information, thereby deepening mutual understanding.
Luxon shared, "We need to work together, as I see it, as a group, in a world that's increasingly uncertain...through education and tourism, these are the cornerstones of the ASEAN-New Zealand Partnership and ties. The people-to-people links are paramount because you build familiarity and understanding with each other, and then you talk about the possibilities of what you can do beyond that."
New Zealand's longstanding education partnerships with ASEAN countries, particularly Malaysia, were highlighted by Luxon. These partnerships date back to the Colombo Plan era and have significantly expanded, with ASEAN countries comprising a substantial portion of New Zealand's international education community. Luxon expressed a commitment to continuing this growth, noting the numerous scholarships offered to ASEAN students to build capacity and share expertise.
Tourism was also acknowledged as a secondary focus area for forging people-to-people links. Luxon mentioned that an increasing number of New Zealanders have been exploring Malaysia as a travel destination, further strengthening these ties.
In terms of regional stability, Luxon underscored New Zealand's deepening defence and security relationships within the region, particularly through the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) involving Malaysia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. He revealed a strategic plan to upgrade New Zealand's defence and security focus over the next 15 years, with a significant investment earmarked for the next four years.
Luxon also highlighted the need for collaboration beyond military domains, particularly in addressing climate change, a challenge no country can tackle alone. He pointed out New Zealand's expertise in renewable energy technologies like hydro, solar, wind, and geothermal power, and expressed readiness to assist ASEAN countries in transitioning to sustainable energy systems.
Luxon concluded on a personal note, sharing his appreciation for Malaysia's unique cuisine and hospitality, recalling an introduction to durian by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. "The durian, I quite like it. It's very good, you've got amazing food, incredible hospitality, great people, and great energy and fun," Luxon remarked, expressing eagerness to return.