ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship: Programmes to benefit all levels of society - Foreign Ministry

KUALA LUMPUR: Various programmes have been planned for all segments of society, including rural communities, persons with disabilities, senior citizens and children, throughout Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship this year, according to the Foreign Ministry.

It said that among the planned initiatives are a campaign to promote locally made products and the ASEAN Plus Three Forum aimed at empowering rural women.

Additionally, the ASEAN Youth Summit, a special edition of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), and programmes for school students and higher education institutions are also set to take place this year.

"Malaysia's chairmanship will also focus on cooperation in addressing issues such as poverty, public health and social well-being, which will directly benefit not only urban populations in general but also rural communities and underprivileged groups specifically.

"Furthermore, emphasis will be placed on leveraging advancements in science, technology and innovation, as well as the benefits of digital transformation and new technologies," the ministry said in a written reply uploaded on Parliament's website yesterday.

It said this in response to a question from Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang (PN-Marang) regarding how Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship this year will benefit grassroots communities and indirectly aid the country's economic recovery.

The ministry also noted that digital infrastructure development programmes will create opportunities, particularly for rural populations, to access better technological facilities and engage in remote learning.

Additionally, souvenirs presented to guests and foreign delegates throughout the year, sourced from local industries, are among the measures being taken to boost the tourism sector and micro, small and medium enterprises.

-- BERNAMA

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