KUALA LUMPUR: Asean must embed sustainability, inclusivity and digitalisation into its growth strategy if it is to remain competitive in the global economy, said Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) president Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul.
Johari, who is also Dewan Rakyat Speaker, said the bloc’s scale as home to more than 670 million people and the world’s fifth-largest economy carried with it the responsibility of preparing for the future.
“If we are to remain competitive, we must embrace sustainability, not as an afterthought, but as the core of our growth strategy.
“If we are to remain cohesive, we must embrace inclusivity, not as a slogan, but as a lived reality for women, youth and marginalised communities.
“And if we are to remain resilient, we must embrace digitalisation, not just in technology hubs, but across every corner of our region,” he said.
He made these remarks at the opening of the Now and Future 2025 Forum and Exhibition at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur today.
Also present was Malaysian parliament chief administrator Datuk Ahmad Husaini Abdul Rahman.
Johari said the forum, organised by the Malaysian Parliament in conjunction with the 46th AIPA General Assembly, was designed to turn aspirations into action by building trust between legislators and businesses.
He said that the forum was not only about policy, nor solely about business, but about forging collaboration between the two to build resilience and prosperity for Asean’s future.
“This forum is about turning aspirations into action. It is about building trust between legislators who set the rules and businesses who drive the economy.
“It is about creating partnerships, between those who set the rules and those who drive the economy,” he said.
Malaysia, which holds both the Asean chairmanship and the AIPA presidency in 2025, is positioning the forum as a bridge between governance and commerce to ensure policies are responsive, inclusive and forward-looking.
Johari said this dual responsibility underscored Malaysia’s vision of parliaments not only as law-making bodies, but as active agents of transformation.
“Parliaments must not stand apart from the realities of business and society. Instead, they must serve as the bridge, ensuring that policies are responsive, inclusive and forward-looking,” he said.
The 46th AIPA General Assembly, which begins today and runs until Sept 22, has drawn 25 observer countries, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Australia, Bahrain, the European Union, Japan, Canada, India, Germany and Georgia, among others.
It serves as a key platform for regional lawmakers to deliberate on pressing issues, strengthen cooperation and advance Asean’s collective agenda.
Nearly 70 exhibitors are also taking part in the exhibition, showcasing sectors ranging from renewable energy and digital technology to sustainable finance and social innovation.
The event also highlights the participation of young people through Asean Scouts and volunteer groups, symbolising the region’s commitment to inclusivity and intergenerational equity.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
