MALAYSIA’S trade diversification strategy is already gathering pace. Quoting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim: “Winds may shift, but we do not drift”.
“While we intend to remain steadfast trade partners with the US, we will, in tandem, do whatever it takes to safeguard our economic interests. This includes engaging proactively with the US towards achieving a mutually beneficial outcome and at the same time, diversifying and strengthening our ties with all major trade markets across the EU, Asia, Middle East and Africa,” said Anwar during his keynote address at the ASEAN Investment Conference 2025 here entitled: “ASEAN 2025: Forging a resilient and inclusive future.”
While Malaysia intends to remain steadfast trade partners with the US, the government will, in tandem, do whatever it takes to safeguard its economic interest. Anwar stressed that Asean must strengthen economic self-reliance as globalisation retreats and protectionism rises. He emphasised the urgency of moving beyond rhetoric to real action—particularly by improving intra-Asean trade through regulatory alignment, logistics, and digital connectivity.
Malaysia, as Asean Chair, will prioritise revitalising strategic platforms like ASEAN Plus Three to enhance regional resilience. Anwar also highlighted the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone and investments in border regions as models for deeper cross-border cooperation.
He underscored that infrastructure must be climate-resilient, with stronger safeguards against natural disasters. Green technologies—such as carbon capture and circular production—are now seen as economic necessities.
On digital transformation, Anwar warned of rising inequality, urging investments in literacy, infrastructure, and governance. He also announced the Asean Simplified ESG Disclosure Guide to help SMEs meet sustainability standards and thrive in a more transparent, green economy.
“Small and medium-sized (SMEs) enterprises, form the bulk of our employment base, yet are often the most exposed to shocks and the least equipped to respond. Compliance with global sustainability standards is daunting for a company of, say, five people. That is why Malaysia, with the support of our partners, is launching the Asean Simplified ESG Disclosure Guide (ASEDG) for SMEs,” he said.
Empowering SMEs
According to the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC), the ASEDG for SMEs in Supply Chains (ASEDG) Version 1, is aimed at equipping SMEs across Asean operating within global and local supply chains with a simplified reference guide to report on ESG disclosures to various stakeholders including customers, financiers and investors.
It streamlines and consolidates various global ESG frameworks as well as local guidelines and frameworks of each of the ten ASEAN member states into a set of 38 priority disclosures recommended for SMEs to address.
It is further categorised into Basic, Intermediate and Advanced, to cater to the different levels of sustainability maturity of each SME. The disclosures are applicable across all industries with different levels of priority, and SMEs are encouraged to determine the significance and relevance of these disclosures to their companies.
SC executive chairman Datuk Mohammad Faiz Azmi said the commission, as the chair of the ACMF, is pleased to initiate development of this guide as a valuable contribution to Malaysia’s Asean counterparts, adding that the ACMF is committed to promoting sustainable and inclusive growth across the region.
“We encourage SMEs, investors, and all stakeholders to use this guide as a catalyst for meaningful ESG adoption,” he said.
The ASEDG will be updated over time to reflect changes in global standards and regional feedback. Further consultations are planned across Asean member states over the next six months.
The ASEDG Version 1 is available at: https://www.theacmf.org/sustainable-finance/publications.
