Canada strengthens ties with ASEAN amid global challenges

KUALA LUMPUR: Canada is reinforcing its engagement with ASEAN nations, focusing on collaboration in trade, energy, and digital transformation as part of its broader commitment to global economic stability and sustainability, said its High Commissioner to Malaysia, Jodi Robinson.

Speaking on Bernama TV's The Nation, Diplomatic Dispatch, in a segment titled: Canada's Leadership Amid Global Challenges, Robinson highlighted Canada's growing partnerships within ASEAN, particularly as Malaysia assumes the ASEAN chairmanship.

"With ASEAN playing a central role in regional economic growth, Canada is eager to deepen its collaboration in key sectors such as clean energy, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence," she said.

She pointed to the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Canada-ASEAN Business Council and the ASEAN Centre for Energy as a significant step forward in promoting clean energy transitions.

"Canada is an energy powerhouse, with expertise in carbon capture, nuclear energy, biomass, and hydrogen innovation."

"We believe Canada can be a partner of choice for ASEAN in its energy transformation journey," she said.

She encouraged ASEAN leaders to visit Canada and explore its advanced clean energy solutions firsthand, offering government-to-government and private-sector collaboration opportunities.

Canada's commitment to supporting ASEAN's digital transformation was also a key focus, with Robinson citing the establishment of the Centre of Excellence for BlackBerry in Malaysia as a major step in strengthening regional cybersecurity.

"The centre will provide high-grade communication security and cyber training, equipping public servants and businesses with essential skills to combat cyber threats and misinformation," she noted.

On artificial intelligence (AI), Robinson revealed that Canada, as chair of the G7, is actively engaging with ASEAN on responsible AI adoption.

"AI was born in Canada, and we have the talent and expertise to support Malaysia and ASEAN in integrating AI across industries, from semiconductors to data centres," she said, highlighting AI's role in advancing regional digital economies.

In response to rising unilateral actions by major global powers, she reaffirmed Canada's commitment to the international rules-based system and the need for fair trade practices.

She expressed optimism about the future of Canada-ASEAN relations, citing shared priorities in trade, energy, and digital transformation.

Robinson reiterated Canada's readiness to collaborate with ASEAN nations in key sectors and called for increased engagement at both governmental and private-sector levels.

"We have the knowledge, experience, and willingness to be a strong partner to ASEAN."

"The potential for collaboration is vast, and we look forward to deepening our ties in the years ahead," she added.

-- BERNAMA