Regional unity: Star Media Group group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt (left) shaking hands with Loke at the inaugural Asean Chinese Business Leaders Summit 2025. Looking on is Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia president and Tomei group managing director Datuk Ng Yih Pyng.
PETALING JAYA: Asean businesses and governments have been urged to seek opportunities that ensure common prosperity through shared and sustained growth, amid the increasing protectionism and nationalism buffeting global trade.
This was the theme of the inaugural Asean Chinese Business Leaders’ Summit organised by the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM).
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said in his keynote speech that for the 10-member bloc to thrive, growth must be shared and it must endure, with the resulting progress and prosperity leaving no community behind as part of the pledge towards common prosperity under the banner of inclusivity and sustainability – also this year’s Asean theme.
“Throughout 2025, we are focused on making trade more seamless, strengthening supply chains, deepening digital links and embedding sustainability into our economic agenda.
“This may sound like technical goals, but together they form the scaffolding of a stronger, fairer and greener Asean economy,” he said, with tangible progress made through modernised trade frameworks, digital economy cooperation and greener investment standards.
Loke noted that these measures formed an infrastructure of resilience, building a market of almost 700 million that can stand on its own feet and compete globally.
“And the moment to seize this opportunity is now. Across the world, major economies are distracted, divided by politics or paralysed by polarisation.
“Yet in this global disorder lies our window of possibility,” he said.
“If Asean can uphold good governance, the rule of law, fair arbitration, and we can safeguard both human and property rights, then we can send a powerful message.
“Asean is not just a safe haven for capital but a smart bet for long-term returns,” Loke said.
Separately, at a panel discussion, Socio-Economic Research Centre executive director Lee Heng Guie said global trade policy uncertainty “is the highest ever, and we have reached the peak in early 2025”.
He pointed to shifting industrial policy and growing protection and nationalism, as well as the intense competition for resources that businesses and policymakers must understand as they seek opportunities or navigate the challenges.
Lee said in a world where even the World Trade Organisation and its rules have become dysfunctional and amid global uncertainties, Asean should look for opportunities to leverage strategic partnerships.
He added that the bloc should foster strategic multi-alignments and multiple partnerships among members to explore opportunities in emerging industries.
