Malaysia's Foreign Policy Should Make Malaysia A Smart Middle Power

The Malaysian government, in particular the Foreign Ministry should be congratulated for the new Foreign Policy Framework. The Prime Minister, in launching the new policy framework of the new Malaysia, captures the essence of the foreign policy direction of the new administration which focused on change in continuity. Malaysia continues to pursue an independent, principled and pragmatic foreign policy founded on the values of peace, justice and equality.

This new policy framework should enable Malaysia to be a middle smart power. We need to aspire to be a middle power with Malaysia assuming the chairmanship of APEC in a few months time and hosting the 2020 APEC Summit in November 2020.

I would like to suggest that our foreign policy framework should also emphasize the 3Es – Economic Diplomacy, Ethical Diplomacy, and Ecological diplomacy. With the haze and greater focus on sustainability the importance of ecological diplomacy.

Merdeka a time to unite, heal nation

As the country gears up to celebrate National Day on Aug 31, we should re-dedicate ourselves to building a better Malaysia. Let National Day be of hope and national reconciliation, bridging racial, religious and geographical divides and boosting unity, social cohesiveness and social harmony. Let us end divisiveness and celebrate our diversity. We need to overcome divisive politics.

We must boost the 4Ts — trust, tolerance, transparency and truth — and the 4Ps — peace, people, partnership and prosperity. The 4Rs are also important: racial harmony, religious tolerance, reconciliation and rights-based governance. The latter will ensure the rights of Malaysians are protected.

Equally important for the nation to move forward are the 4Is: integrity, innovation, inequalities and investments.

A better Malaysia must also address the 4Ds: development divide, debt, digital disruption and devolution of state powers for better federal-state relations. No one must be left behind. We must adopt and pursue policies that are fair and just. More importantly, we should ensure that no new injustices are created.

Dialogue Among Stakeholders on Transformative Economies Report

Inequalities between the top 10 percent and the bottom 10 percent among all the ethnic communities is on the rise. There are also evident signs of growing poverty despite claims from official reports. The actions of the global elites and the global super wealthy are impacting local economies, calling for stronger global action to facilitate local economic development. Here, the role the cooperative movement in Malaysia and globally provide alternative economic models. The Kingsley Strategic Institute (KSI) and the Malaysian CSO-SDG Alliance hosted a dialogue to discussed these issues and examine how cooperatives can bring about viable transformative economies to improve standards of living and wellbeing.

2019 Sarawak Investment and Business Summit

Sarawak has for a long time being associated with the 3P’s – Progress, Peace and Prosperity. Sarawak can be the fulcrum of the East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP - EAGA) and tap into regional connectivity and partnership to accelerate growth. Tourism, the Digital Economy, Energy will be future drivers of growth in Sarawak. Sarawak is also will positioned to tap into the growth potential of the Greater Bay Area comprising Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau – the World’s largest Bay Area.

Better Connectivity within Sarawak resulting from the Pan Borneo Highway and improved regional connectivity and other parts of East ASEAN will open up new business and investment opportunities. The Fourth Industrial Association with the impact of artificial intelligence, robotics and the internet of things that Sarawak Digital Economy will promote can shape the future of the State. At the same time this must be stronger emphasis on sustainable and inclusive development.

This Summit will enable participants to feel the pulse of the Sarawak economy and the tempo of development in the State. It will provide timely updates on the State’s plans and obtain feedback from the business communities and civil society. It will also provide a forum for exchange of expert views, information and discuss critical issues facing the State.

The 2019 World Chinese Business and Economic Summit

The World Chinese Business & Economic Summit (WCBES) is an annual international forum. It’s purpose is to improve business linkages and connectivity between China and the world, providing a platform for high level discussions on global and regional events in relation to China’s rise as a world leading economy.

This year the Forum is re-branded as the World Chinese Business and Economic Summit (WCBES) to refocus on the importance of business as a driver of sustainable economic growth and as builders of bridges across communities, nations and cultures. The partnership between Government, Business, Think Tanks and Scholars is a key priority for the WCBES which provides a meeting of minds for Entrepreneurs, Strategists and Government Officials.

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