BERNAMA – Various Voices Important For Strengthening Global South Cooperation

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 (Bernama) — The Centre of Regional Strategic Studies (CROSS) has emphasised the importance of involving parties other than the government, such as think tanks, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the media, in firming up the nation’s direction and Global South cooperation.

The think tank’s chairman, Lee Chean Chung, said broader collaborations can enhance information dissemination and contribute to the formation of new perspectives that can influence policies and the people’s mindsets at the national and regional levels.

“Leaving everything to the government would be limiting, whereas getting many parties involved can amplify the voice and make it more effective.

“The government needs to act as a coordinator by empowering think tanks and encouraging the media to be more comprehensive in their coverage and reports,” he told Bernama during a break at the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum 2025 in Kunming, recently.

Lee also stressed that this coming together of voices could stimulate the economic developments of Global South countries, underpinned by collaborations that are based on mutual respect and consensus.

“Without this foundation, regional development is hard to achieve. ASEAN in this context plays an important role, and the forum held in Kunming, in the Yunnan province for example, is a reflection of that effort to strengthening regional cooperation,” he said.

The Yunnan province in southwestern China is bordered by three ASEAN countries, namely Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam. 

Established in 2022, CROSS is an independent Malaysian think tank focused on the study and advice on issues regarding organisation, economic policies, and sustainable social development.

It acts as a bridge between the government, academia, and industry, as well as promoting regional dialogue through forums and the publication of studies.

Some 500 participants comprising journalists, academics, government representatives, and business leaders from 110 countries, as well as international and regional organisations, gathered in early September for the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum 2025.

The forum aims to transform the Global South’s growing economic role — which accounts for 40 per cent of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 80 per cent of global growth — into a stronger voice in international dialogue and communication.

Also present at the forum was Bernama Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin.

The term “Global South” refers to the group of developing countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Oceania.

It is not an official bloc but rather a geopolitical concept that represents the collective voice of developing nations in calling for justice and balance within the international system.

— BERNAMA

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