Secretary-General of ASEAN Kao Kim Hourn on June 5 said that ASEAN, which has always been a robust, dynamic and agile regional bloc, is facing many emerging challenges.
Secretary-General of ASEAN Kao Kim Hourn speaks at a discussion themed “ASEAN in 2025: Reflecting the Past, Shaping the Future” within the framework of the Asia-Pacific Roundtable in Malaysia on June 5. (Photo: asean.org)
Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Secretary-General of ASEAN Kao Kim Hourn on June 5 said that ASEAN, which has always been a robust, dynamic and agile regional bloc, is facing many emerging challenges.
Speaking at a discussion themed “ASEAN in 2025: Reflecting the Past, Shaping the Future” within the framework of the Asia-Pacific Roundtable in Malaysia on June 5, Kao said that major power rivalries are among the challenges facing ASEAN.
In addition, ensuring there is an ASEAN identity among its young generations is also another challenge for the region, he said.
Agreeing with Kao, Prof. Dewi Fortuna Anwar, Chair of the Board of Directors at Indonesia's Habibie Centre, said that when the major powers are nice to each other, ASEAN can function well but when they are rivals, the grouping is squeezed.
On the issue of Myanmar, she said there should be an ASEAN-dedicated envoy on Myanmar who will have the time and ability to know what is happening on the ground and to earn the trust from the various stakeholders, so that there will be a clearer support (for Myanmar).
Anwar perceived that there should be a coordinated response, adding that she hopes there will be important positive progress in the coming time when Myanmar takes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025.
The Asia-Pacifi𒁃c Roundtable, held annually by the Institute of Strategic & International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia, discusses key issues that impact the Asia-Pacific./.
Member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should strengthen solidarity, enhance economic integration, nurture the political ties in a deeper manner, and show their unified stance on important issues, President of the ASEAN – Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia network Yose Rizal Damuri said on June 5.
The 11th ASEAN Economic Community Dialogue was organised in Jakarta on June 4, providing a platform for the governments and business community to discuss AI opportunities in the bloc.
ASEAN countries and India held the 4th joint committee meeting for the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) from May 7-9 in Putrajaya, Malaysia, according to the India’s Department of Commerce.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
