Deputy State Secretary (Management) Datuk Abdul Kahar Abdullah said that these meetings will cover various areas of strategic cooperation among ASEAN member states, including security, economy, investment, trade, education, and youth development.
"The seven ministries involved are the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Ministry of Higher Education," he said in an exclusive interview with Bernama recently.
According to Abdul Kahar, the state government plays a key role as a coordinator, assisting these ministries, especially in terms of logistics, venue arrangements, cultural visits, and ensuring the state environment is in optimal condition.
"Close cooperation with various parties has been arranged to ensure the smooth running of each event, thereby providing the best experience for the attending delegations," he said.
Among the meetings are the 102nd ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Meeting and the 25th Joint Council Meeting, which took place from Jan 15 to 17, while the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) is scheduled for June.
While the meetings will be held on the island, some activities will also take place in Seberang Perai, including the arrival and departure of delegations at the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Base, as well as visits to notable locations such as Kampung Agong in Penaga.
"Preparations for Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 are progressing smoothly. Discussions with the seven involved ministries have been held, while beautification of the cities is being actively carried out by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP)," he explained.
Abdul Kahar said that the main route from Penang International Airport (PIA) to the dedicated hotels for the delegates is also being given special attention to ensure they would have a more beautiful view.
"ASEAN posters are also being displayed on electronic billboards around Penang, including Seberang Perai, as part of efforts to promote the state as an international destination," he added.
Abdul Kahar also said that various events have been organised for the delegations on the sidelines of the meetings, including visits to iconic locations, cultural and art exhibitions, as well as official dinner events aimed at introducing the heritage and cultural diversity of the Pearl of the Orient.
On the accommodations for the delegates, he said the ministries involved are responsible for ensuring international standards are met, with hotel recommendations provided by the state government.
"Our recommended hotels will have the best facilities to ensure the comfort of the delegations during their stay in Penang," he said.
Additionally, the state government has also proposed local handicraft products, such as Penang Batik and wood carvings, as official souvenirs for the delegations.
He said the state government had also prepared some allocations to support the organising of the events, including collaborating with ministries and federal agencies to ensure preparations meet international standards.
Malaysia officially assumed the role of ASEAN Chair on Jan 1, with the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability", reflecting the country's aspirations to create a united and prosperous ASEAN.
This is the fifth time Malaysia has held the ASEAN Chairmanship throughout its history as a member of the regional bloc, having previously chaired it in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.
-- BERNAMA
