Davos: As the chairman of ASEAN this year, Malaysia had a strong start by delivering the 10-member bloc's collective voice on its challenges, potentials, and its independence in making decisions at the renowned World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Summit 2025 here. The high-level summit, taking place from January 20 to 24, has the ability to influence global political and business policy decisions.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, guided by the theme of 'Inclusivity and Sustainability,' Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship this year aims to blend economic pragmatism with human-centered values, a message that was well heard at the WEF this year from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim himself. He emphasized positioning ASEAN as an attractive destination for investment and growth while mitigating the harsher impacts of a pro-business environment.
In his multiple engagements, Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, repeatedly highlighted that Malaysia, as the chairman of ASEAN, will steer the alliance to the principle of centrality. ASEAN member countries are focusing on strengthening economic fundamentals, collaboration, and enhancing intra-ASEAN trade, which, as of 2023, represents a population of 677 million and a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of US$3.8 trillion (US$1=RM4.43).
According to the ASEAN Statistical Brief, from 2003 to 2023, intra-ASEAN trade accounted for approximately 22 percent of the total trade during this period, indicating that the potential for intra-ASEAN trade remains vast and largely untapped. The prime minister said ASEAN has realized that it needs to enhance intra-ASEAN trade and work to complement each other's competitive advantages and would remain focused on it.
On the topic of Myanmar, ASEAN is progressing cautiously as it is critical to secure peace in the country. Anwar added that ASEAN's approach is not about enforcing a particular system but ensuring inclusivity and peace as well as the importance of participatory democracy. Meanwhile, United Nations Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar, Julie Bishop, said Malaysia's chairmanship of ASEAN offers hope for mitigating the longstanding crisis in Myanmar.
In her address during an ASEAN Plenary entitled 'Even Stronger Together' at the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025, Bishop highlighted ASEAN's key role in addressing the crisis. Besides this, Anwar reiterated Malaysia's commitment to the Paris Agreement, highlighting the country's willingness to take bold and tough measures to value humanity and preserve sustainability. He noted that Malaysia, as a multiracial country, would continue to demonstrate unity at home and within the region.
On the sidelines of WEF 2025, the prime minister had meetings with business leaders from multinational companies (MNCs) including AstraZeneca, Fortescue, DP World, Medtronics, Nestle, Google, and TotalEnergies, which was arranged by the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI). One of the key outcomes of the meetings is Australia's global metal mining company, Fortescue, agreeing to invest in green hydrogen alternative energy in Bintulu, Sarawak.
'The Sarawak government has agreed in principle, and I have guaranteed several incentives and support so that Bintulu will become a hub,' he said at the end of his three-day visit. Besides MNCs, the prime minister also held three bilateral meetings with Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof. Accompanying the prime minister on the visit were MITI Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir, and Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.
Themed 'Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,' the WEF Annual Meeting 2025 focused on the role of emerging technologies in addressing global economic challenges. Key discussions centered on five main priorities -- Industries in the Intelligent Age; Rebuilding Trust; Reimagining Growth; Investing in People; and Safeguarding the Planet. This was Anwar's first WEF as prime minister since taking office in 2022.