Malaysia believes in ASEAN’s role in addressing COVID-19 challenges
Malaysia firmly believes that the ASEAN continues to play a critical role in addressing challenges brought by the pandemic through the implementation of the many initiatives discussed through the various ASEAN-led mechanisms, the Malaysian News Agency (Bernama) reported.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin (AFP/VNA)
KualaLumpur (VNA) - Malaysia firmly believes that the ASEAN continuesto play a critical role in addressing challenges brought by the pandemicthrough the implementation of the many initiatives discussed through thevarious ASEAN-led mechanisms, the Malaysian News Agency (Bernama) reported.
Malaysia’sPrime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, in his intervention at the 37th ASEAN Summit plenary session held virtually on November 12 by host Vietnam,said it is important to ensure ASEAN’s initiatives serve as a platform forASEAN to work collectively with external partners and other competent partiesin alleviating and countering the impacts of COVID-19 in the region.
TheMalaysian leader stressed that this is especially true when it comes to thedevelopment and access to COVID-19 vaccine. According to the leader, ASEAN mustwork hand-in-hand with relevant international organisations such as the WorldHealth Organisation and countries to ensure the vaccine, once available, isaffordable, accessible and equitably shared by all.
Healso noted that it is imperative now for ASEAN, a regional bloc comprisingmainly developing states, to focus on the ASEAN Comprehensive RecoveryFramework (ACRF). ACRF is one of the three official documents that will bereleased at this summit.
ThePM went on to say that ASEAN should strategise its approach in reviving theeconomy, trade and investment by embracing the new norm of conducting itseconomic engagement including through technology such as digital platforms.
Inregard to the recent disruption of the global supply chain caused by COVID-19,Prime Minister Muhyiddin said as a region blessed with rich natural resources,it is time for ASEAN to look into possible ways to strengthen food security inthe region, and seize opportunity to fortify the agro-foundation in the region./.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc attended and delivered his remarks at the opening ceremony of the 37th ASEAN Summit in Hanoi on November 12. Following is the full remarks:
Singapore-based ASEAN Studies Centre (ASC) of the Yusof Ishak Institute (ISEAS) on November 12 was honoured with the ASEAN Prize, an annual regional permier award, for promoting greater understanding and awareness of ASEAN and contributing towards regional cooperation and integration.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has weighed heavily on the global economy, members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China have seen economic exchanges heat up, including surging trade and investment inflows, thanks to deepened bilateral economic ties.
ietnam is an important factor in promoting relations between India and ASEAN, as it has a special relationship with India, which is reflected in deepening bilateral relationship between the two countries in all aspects, an Indian scholar has affirmed.
The DES Ministry will seek cooperation from social media platforms to prevent the spread of fake news and monitor accounts related to such activities, he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the newly established Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC).
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking identified the US tariff reduction as a significant driver behind the improved economic outlook for Thailand.
Financial institutions and financial technology (fintech) players are intensifying their focus on expanding across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), adopting tailored strategies to strengthen their presence in the region’s digital financial services landscape.
Featuring a permanent exhibition area, the ASEAN Hall will function both as a cultural showcase and as a dynamic venue for ASEAN-related events and programmes. Its inauguration on ASEAN Day added symbolic weight, marking a fresh milestone in ASEAN–RoK relations.
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and rice exporters are devising strategic plans to boost rice exports amid global market fluctuations, focusing on key markets and adjusting output.
The focus of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October will be on strengthening economic relations through intra-regional trade and investment, as well as regional initiatives on energy networks and connectivity.
Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, who currently serves as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, emphasised the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation, and the importance of enhancing ASEAN–Czech Republic relations.
The Indonesian Government is determined to seize opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of national agricultural products, an official has said, adding that it always strives to promote exports at the highest possible level, based on a mutually beneficial foundation.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has outlined a six-point strategy to promote innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and push for Thailand's removal from the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s special 301 Watch List regarding intellectual property rights protection among trading partners.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), highlighting its significant contribution to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The 30-storey tower crumbled seconds after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit neighbouring Myanmar on March 28. The partially built high-rise, meant to house the State Audit Office (SAO), was the only building in Thailand to collapse, killing 89 people on the site, mostly construction workers.
Indonesia’s waste generation is projected to exceed 50 million tonnes in 2025. Of the total, more than 20 million tonnes could potentially enter the ocean through rivers, coastal areas, small islands, ports, and marine activities, and thereby, pose a risk to coastal ecosystems and marine biota.
Indonesia is accelerating plans to increase lithium imports, particularly from Australia, in a bid to fill gaps in the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain and realise its ambition of becoming a global EV manufacturing hub.
Malaysia’s gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) reached 1.01% of gross domestic product in 2022, a notable increase, with more than 51% contributed by the industry sector. The country is targeting GERD to reach 2.5% by 2030, in line with the national goal of transforming into a high-technology nation.
The facility was established in response to a growing shift in the Filipino labour force from the Middle East to Japan, where workers are seeking safer working environments.
In the latest Indonesia-US trade agreement in July, the US administration agreed to reduce the reciprocal tariff, which was initially set at 32% by US President Donald Trump last April, to 19%.
Real estate agency ERA Singapore estimated that there are 2,703 condo developments in Singapore today, of which 836 or 31% are at least 30 years old. In 10 years, this number is expected to climb to 1,160, assuming none is sold en bloc.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin (AFP/VNA) 
