KUALA LUMPUR, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- The huge potential of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) must be unlocked for the region to rise as a global center of innovation, technology and sustainable progress, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof said on Tuesday.
The region and ASEAN stand at the intersection of shifting global dynamics, rapid technological advancement and evolving economic landscapes, making unity, resilience and shared innovation essential for realizing its aspirations, Fadillah said in his keynote address at the inaugural ASEAN Technology Cooperation and Development Summit 2025.
"With a population of more than 680 million, a vibrant digital economy and a forward-looking young generation, ASEAN holds tremendous potential to rise as a global center of innovation, technology and sustainable progress," he said.
"It is this spirit of collective progress, of unity, of shared responsibility, and of regional purpose that strengthens ASEAN's journey towards a technologically empowered, resilient and sustainable future," he said.
Fadillah, who is also minister of energy transition and water transformation, urged Malaysian agencies and industry players to enhance strategic research funding to catalyze world-class scientific and technological breakthroughs that will accelerate the adoption and commercialization of frontier technologies, as well as attract global researchers, scientific institutions and high-impact talent into Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region.
"Malaysia stands ready to serve as a gateway, a testbed, a launchpad, and a thriving hub for global innovators to scale transformative solutions for the region... Malaysia firmly believes that science, technology and innovation must be placed at the heart of ASEAN's long-term regional strategy," he said.
The two-day summit, which runs from Tuesday to Wednesday, is held in conjunction with Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship, welcoming delegates from member states and international partners, including China, Canada and the Middle East.
With the theme "Uniting Innovation, Connecting the Future," the summit places the strategic role of technology in driving economic growth, cybersecurity, future mobility, smart cities, advanced healthcare, green innovation and frontier industries. ■
