STATEMENT BY
H.E. MR. AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD,
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
ON BEHALF OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS (ASEAN)
AT THE 80TH SESSION OF THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR THE 2ND COMMITTEE’S GENERAL DISCUSSION ON AGENDA ITEM 15: INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT; AND AGENDA ITEM 20: GLOBALISATION AND INTERDEPENDENCE
10 OCTOBER 2025
Chair,
I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). ASEAN aligns itself with the statement delivered by Iraq on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.
Chair,
2. The rapid digitalisation of economies is transforming global interdependence. With internet users representing more than 80 percent of ASEAN’s population in 2023, our digital economy is projected to reach USD2 trillion by 2030. ASEAN aims to be a leading digital economic powerhouse by fostering a secure and inclusive digital ecosystem, supported by transformative services and technologies. This is highlighted in the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 and the forthcoming ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA)[1].
3. As ASEAN advances in its digital transformation, it emphasizes the importance of intensifying regional cooperation to address cyber threats effectively. For this reason, ASEAN is strengthening its regional cooperation on cybersecurity through initiatives such as the ASEAN Network Security Council (ANSAC)[2].
Chair,
4. Artificial Intelligence is an emerging force that is reshaping our economies and societies. As the current ASEAN Chair, Malaysia remains committed to promoting AI to boost productivity, fostering innovation and helping businesses scale more quickly and efficiently across the region while staying true to ASEAN’s core values of cooperation and resilience.
5. In this regard, Malaysia hosted the first-ever ASEAN AI Malaysia Summit 2025[3]. This landmark gathering provided a timely opportunity for ASEAN Member States to deepen their commitment and build strategic trust for an AI-powered ASEAN economy aligned with its 2045 Community Vision, a future where technology empowers all.
6. The ASEAN AI Malaysia Summit 2025 was supported by a distinguished group of strategic partners, including ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN Foundation, EU-ASEAN Business Council, US-ASEAN Business Council, 500 Global, Alibaba Cloud, Grab, McKinsey and Women in Tech. This diverse collaboration reflects ASEAN’s conviction that digital transformation and AI governance must be co-designed and co-implemented through multi-stakeholder partnerships.
7. Understanding the importance of AI for the region’s future, the ASEAN Responsible AI Roadmap (2025-2030) was established to provide ASEAN Member States with practical guidelines for implementing responsible and safe AI practices while reaping the benefits of innovation
Chair,
8. Under Malaysia’s Chairmanship, ASEAN will be introducing a Declaration on the Establishment of the ASEAN AI Safety Network (AI Safe) at the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit. ASEAN aims to ensure that AI becomes a force for shared prosperity rather than a source of new divides.
9. At the same time, ASEAN believes that we can innovate and grow without compromising the environment. In this regard, the ASEAN Guide for Sustainable Data Centre Development is another key priority for Malaysia, as it aims to provide policymakers with tools and insights to build an economically viable and environmentally sustainable data centre across the region.
Chair,
10. In conclusion, ASEAN aims to create a vibrant and globally competitive digital landscape, fostering innovation and economic growth, and join the international community in making AI a tool for peace, prosperity, and progress in the constantly evolving world. We remain committed to working with all partners to ensure that globalisation and interdependence evolve in a way that is inclusive and sustainable, leaving no one behind in the digital age.
Thank you.