SALUTATION

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,

·        Excellencies Finance Ministers of ASEAN
 
·        Excellencies Central Bank Governors of ASEAN
 
·        Distinguished Delegates and Guest
 
·        Ladies and Gentlemen
 
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh, Salam Malaysia Madani and good evening.

WELCOMING ADDRESS  

It is my great honour, on behalf of the Malaysian government, Ministry of Finance and my colleagues, to welcome Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, to this evening’s dinner. We are truly delighted to have such distinguished guests with us tonight, as your presence reflects the deep commitment we all share in shaping the economic future of ASEAN.

As we celebrate tonight, Malaysians are still basking in the joyous spirit of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, a festival that marks the end of Ramadan. Tonight, we are delighted to share this festivity, where many of us are adorned in our traditional attire, from the elegant baju kurung to the colourful baju melayu. Our attire reflects the vibrancy and rich heritage of the various ethnic groups that make up the Malaysian tapestry.

Much like the harmony we experience within our own borders, ASEAN also thrives on its multicultural identity. We, as Malaysians, take great pride in our diversity, which is, in many ways, mirrored across the ASEAN region. Our differences, whether in language, culture, or traditions, make us stronger, and it is this very diversity that fuels our shared progress and success.

Just as Hari Raya brings together families from different walks of life to celebrate a common bond, ASEAN too celebrates the coming together of diverse nations, each contributing their unique strengths to our collective prosperity. In the spirit of Hari Raya, let us continue to strengthen these bonds of friendship and cooperation, embracing our shared values of unity, mutual respect, and understanding.

As such, allow me to take a moment to express our deepest condolences to Myanmar, over the loss of lives in the recent earthquake. When the tragedy strikes, ASEAN member states without hesitation, deployed assistance true to the ASEAN Community spirit to stand together and to be there for one another in trying times.

Our hearts go out to the people of Myanmar who have suffered a great loss and extend our sympathy to other neighbouring countries – Thailand, China and Laos, which felt the tremors and were impacted by this tragedy. In this time of sorrow, we stand in solidarity with the families affected and those working tirelessly in the recovery efforts.

I would also like to extend a special welcome to our colleagues from Timor-Leste, which has joined us as an observer at this important gathering. Timor-Leste’s presence marks an exciting new chapter in ASEAN’s growth, and we are thrilled to have the country participating in our discussions. As we work toward greater regional integration, we recognize that the contributions of all ASEAN members, and now our observer countries, are crucial in building a more cohesive and resilient Southeast Asia.

As finance ministers, central bank governors, policy makers and regulators, we bear the immense responsibility of ensuring that our policies and decisions are focused on achieving economic stability, sustainable growth, and financial inclusion. In a world that is rapidly changing, we must be proactive in crafting strategies that are not only responsive to current challenges but also forward-thinking, setting the stage for long-term prosperity. We are not merely rebuilding from what was lost but also on seizing new opportunities that align with the future we want for our people.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

ASEAN’s future is full of promise, thanks to our vibrant economies, and growing connections across the region. With a combined GDP of over $3.98 trillion dollars, we’re already one of the fastest-growing economic region in the world. While there are challenges ahead, like trade tensions and geopolitical issues, our foundation remains strong, and intra-ASEAN trade continues to play a big role in our shared prosperity. Together, we have the potential to lead in trade, finance, and innovation, as long as we stay adaptable and work hand in hand.

As we move forward, it’s all about building stronger ties—whether that’s improving our capital markets, streamlining regulations, or boosting infrastructure. By making it easier for goods, services, and capital to move freely across borders, we can create a more competitive region, attract investment, and support our businesses. Through continued collaboration, ASEAN can strengthen its resilience, stay ahead of global challenges, and ensure lasting prosperity for all of us.

We deeply appreciate the unwavering support and collaboration of our ASEAN+3 partners during the ASEAN+3 Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting (AFCDM+3), including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Southeast Asia Disaster Risk Insurance Facility (SEADRIF), Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), and Global Asia Insurance Partnership (GAIP). Their contributions through capacity-building initiatives, technical assistance, and financial cooperation have been vital in enhancing our region's economic resilience.

Through the ASEAN+3 platform, which includes the People’s Republic of China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, we have actively worked to strengthen financial stability mechanisms, including the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation (CMIM), ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO), and various initiatives such as disaster risk financing and the ASEAN+3 Bond Market Forum (ABMI). It is crucial that we continue to strengthen these partnerships, leverage our shared expertise, and coordinate our policy responses to ensure ASEAN remains a dynamic force for growth and stability in the global economy. 

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

As ASEAN Chair in 2025, Malaysia is focused on leading the region in sustainable development. We are committed to green investments in the energy transition, particularly in solar energy, electric vehicles, and green infrastructure. The future we want to build is one that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability.

We understand that economic progress must not come at the expense of our natural resources, and it is crucial that we continue to integrate sustainability into our development strategies. Malaysia, with its dynamic economy and commitment to sustainability, welcomes investors who share our vision for a greener, more inclusive future.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, 

As we gather around this wonderful spread of Hari Raya dishes, let’s take a moment to enjoy the delicious food, enjoy each other's company, and reflect on the great things we’ve accomplished together. ASEAN has so much to offer, and while we’ve come a long way, there’s always more to explore and build together.

As we look ahead to the coming days, I’d like to wish you smooth and productive meetings. I’m excited for the conversations we’ll have and the decisions we’ll make, which will shape the future of our region.

Once again, welcome to Malaysia! Let’s celebrate the joy of tonight and the opportunities that lie ahead. Enjoy the food, the company, and the journey ahead. Thank you. 

--BERNAMA