Assuming the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 2025 provides Malaysia with a vital opportunity to lead the region through transformative geopolitical and economic change while supporting environmental sustainability.

The growing strategic importance of Southeast Asia gives Malaysia a chance to enhance ASEAN’s global influence. By leveraging its pragmatic diplomacy and Look East policy – ​​emphasizing strategic partnerships with China and other East Asian nations – Malaysia can foster regional integration, stimulate economic growth and ensure environmental stewardship. The task is not only to address current challenges, but to lay the foundations for a visionary future of ASEAN, extending to 2100, characterized by resilience, dynamism and ecological sustainability.

A key area of ​​focus for Malaysia will be promoting economic integration within ASEAN by incorporating sustainability into economic policies. Using the Comprehensive Regional Economic Partnership as a framework, Malaysia can support environmentally friendly trade policies and support green technologies.

In an evolving global economic landscape, the rise of the BRICS presents both opportunities and challenges. The BRICS countries, with their significant economic power and growing influence, offer potential avenues for expanding green trade and investment partnerships. Malaysia can leverage these relationships to encourage collaboration on sustainable development initiatives and green technologies.

Looking to 2100, Malaysia could propose a unified ASEAN Green Economic Zone. This area would harmonize regulations and policies to promote sustainable trade and investment. Prioritizing innovation in green technologies, renewable energies and circular economy practices will be essential. Setting long-term economic and environmental goals will help ASEAN maintain its global leadership in sustainable development, while collaboration with BRICS can enhance the region’s ability to address global challenges and advance the green agenda.

Infrastructure development will be a cornerstone of Malaysia’s leadership, especially in the context of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Emphasizing infrastructure modernization with a focus on sustainability – such as green ports, green railways and smart digital networks – will boost regional integration and equitable growth.

For the future, Malaysia can propose an ASEAN-wide green infrastructure master plan for 2100. This plan should include smart cities powered by renewable energy, integrated transport networks that reduce carbon emissions and robust digital infrastructure that supports a low-carbon economy low carbon. Investments in sustainable infrastructure will be essential for ASEAN to adapt to global environmental trends and maintain its competitive edge.

Maritime security and environmental conservation will also be central during Malaysia’s presidency. Malaysia can lead ASEAN in promoting peaceful dialogue and cooperation between member states, including China, and external partners, with a focus on environmental protection.

Looking to 2100, Malaysia should propose an ASEAN maritime security alliance. This alliance would focus on joint efforts to combat marine pollution, protect marine biodiversity and ensure sustainable maritime practices.

Aligned with its Look East policy, Malaysia can drive ASEAN’s green digital transformation by harnessing Chinese technological advances. Fostering collaboration in e-commerce, fintech and smart city development with a focus on environmental sustainability will be key.

Malaysia can propose an ASEAN Green Digital Community by 2100. This community could integrate digital platforms across member states, improve cross-border e-commerce and ensure equitable access to green technologies. The establishment of a regional digital innovation center focused on green technology and entrepreneurship will be crucial.

Addressing climate change will be a central issue during Malaysia’s presidency. Collaboration with China on green technology and renewable energy initiatives will be key to promoting sustainable development in ASEAN.

Looking to 2100, Malaysia can propose a comprehensive long-term sustainability framework for ASEAN. This framework should include ambitious goals for carbon neutrality, significant investments in renewable energy sources and strategies for climate adaptation and disaster resilience. Emphasizing sustainable urbanization, natural resource conservation and ecosystem restoration will help ASEAN achieve its environmental goals and position the region as a global leader in sustainability.

Finally, youth engagement and a focus on education will be vital components of Malaysia’s agenda. Malaysia can support initiatives to equip the next generation with skills for a green, digitally connected world.

Looking to the future, Malaysia can propose a comprehensive ASEAN youth green development program by 2100. The program could focus on environmental science education, green technology and sustainable entrepreneurship. This will help train a new generation of leaders and innovators who drive the sustainable success of ASEAN.

Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025 provides a critical opportunity to enhance the group’s economic, security and environmental resilience. By deepening ties with China, promoting regional integration and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth, Malaysia can position ASEAN as a forward-thinking, cohesive and environmentally conscious global player.

The author, a PhD in Political Science, is with the Department of Fundamental and Interdisciplinary Studies at the International Islamic University of Malaysia.