REGISTRATION

Forging Ahead as ASEAN Chair 2025

Malaysia has once again taken on the role of ASEAN Chair in 2025, having previously held this esteemed position in 2015. As Malaysia prepares to assume the Chairmanship, several important tasks lie ahead to ensure a successful tenure. While Malaysia has experience in this role, it is essential to recognise that this Chairmanship arrives at a critical juncture.

ASEAN and the global community are currently navigating unprecedented challenges that differ significantly from those faced a decade ago. Addressing these complex issues will necessitate a collaborative and concerted effort from nations around the world. Malaysia is committed to fostering unity and cooperation within ASEAN and seeks to engage with global partners to effectively tackle these pressing challenges.

Malaysia will utilise the position of ASEAN Chair to address the fundamental issues that ASEAN should prioritise in order to strengthen its position in the global economic landscape. Additionally, Malaysia will leverage the position to address issues that are relevant to the region’s development.

Explore ASEAN's
Economic Landscape

Through the profiles of each ASEAN member

GDP Growth

Real GDP per capita
GDP Contribution to ASEAN
Inflation Rate
Unemployment Rate
OPR rate
Thailand Thailand is Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, playing a vital role in trade, tourism, and supply chain connectivity within ASEAN. Thailand is a major player in automotive, electronics, and agricultural exports, largely contributing to ASEAN’s intra-regional trade. Home to approximately 70.3 million people, Thailand’s GDP is worth US$514.95 billion in 2023. Myanmar Myanmar is the 7th largest ASEAN member state by population, with approximately 55 million people and has one of the bloc’s smallest GDPs of around US$79.3 billion. Myanmar’s economy is largely based on agriculture and natural resources, but faces a number of economic challenges due to its political instability and sanctions. While ASEAN has attempted to address its humanitarian crisis through the Five-Point Consensus, its implementation has been hampered by the military regime’s lack of cooperation. While Myanmar remains a member of ASEAN, its participation is limited and its relationship with the bloc is strained. Myanmar is the 7th largest ASEAN member state by population, with approximately 55 million people and has one of the bloc’s smallest GDPs of around US$79.3 billion. Myanmar’s economy is largely based on agriculture and natural resources, but faces a number of economic challenges due to its political instability and sanctions. While ASEAN has attempted to address its humanitarian crisis through the Five-Point Consensus, its implementation has been hampered by the military regime’s lack of cooperation. While Myanmar remains a member of ASEAN, its participation is limited and its relationship with the bloc is strained. Malaysia The Chair of ASEAN in 2025, a founding member of ASEAN since the Bangkok Declaration in 1967, Malaysia is now a thriving economy with a population of approximately 34 million people from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds. Laos Laos is ASEAN’s only landlocked country with a population of about 7.5 million and a GDP of approximately US$18 billion. Its economy is driven by hydropower, mining, and agriculture. Laos joined ASEAN later than other members, in 1997, and held the Chairmanship in 2024 with the theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”. Cambodia Cambodia, with a population of approximately only 17 million, has a smaller economy compared to other member states in ASEAN—estimated at around US$28 billion in 2023. Cambodia still faces challenges with economic development as it faces stiff competition from other ASEAN members in terms of trade and foreign investments. Cambodia, with a population of approximately only 17 million, has a smaller economy compared to other member states in ASEAN—estimated at around US$28 billion in 2023. Cambodia still faces challenges with economic development as it faces stiff competition from other ASEAN members in terms of trade and foreign investments. Vietnam Vietnam is the 3rd most populous ASEAN member, with over 98 million people. Vietnam’s GDP is estimated at around US$410 billion, marking it as a rapidly growing economy in recent years. Vietnam is the 3rd most populous ASEAN member, with over 98 million people. Vietnam’s GDP is estimated at around US$410 billion, marking it as a rapidly growing economy rapidly growing economy Singapore Singapore is ASEAN's smallest member state by land area, covering just 728 square kilometres. Despite its size, however, Singapore's GDP per capita ranks the highest in the region at US$84,000. The island nation is renowned for its high standards of education, financial institutions and has established itself as an investment hub in the region. Indonesia Indonesia is ASEAN's largest member state, covering 1.86 million square kilometres of land and being home to some 238 million people. The country is also the largest contributor of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the region, with a total GDP worth US$1.3 trillion in 2023. Philippines The Philippines is one of ASEAN’s largest economies, with a population of about 113 million and a GDP of US$440 billion. Its economy is driven by services, remittances, and its rapidly growing tech sector. The Philippines is one of ASEAN’s largest economies, with a population of about 113 million and a GDP of driven by services ,remittances, and its rapidly growing tech sector. Brunei Brunei Darussalam is the smallest ASEAN member by population, with approximately 458,000 people, but it has the second-highest GDP per capita— US$32,962.9—due to its vast oil and gas reserves. Brunei Darussalam is the smallest ASEAN member by population, with approximately 458,000 people, but it has the second-highest GDP per capita—US$32,962.9—due to its vast oil and gas reserves.

Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship
under the Economic Pillar

The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) represents the region’s ultimate goal of economic integration, envisioning ASEAN as a single market and production base with a competitive and globally connected economy. Its foundation dates back to 1992 with the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), followed by the adoption of ASEAN Vision 2020 in 1997, which emphasised free flows of goods, services, investments, and capital while promoting equitable economic development. Key milestones include the 1998 Hanoi Plan of Action and the 2003 Declaration of ASEAN Concord II, which accelerated the establishment of the ASEAN Community to 2015.

 

The AEC Blueprint 2015, adopted in 2007, guided the formal establishment of the AEC, while the AEC Blueprint 2025, part of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, was developed to deepen economic integration further. The latter focuses on five key characteristics: a highly integrated and cohesive economy, a competitive and innovative ASEAN, enhanced connectivity and sectoral cooperation, a resilient and inclusive community, and a globally engaged ASEAN. These elements align with the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, ensuring that ASEAN remains a dynamic and unified economic bloc.

 

As we reach the end of ASEAN Community Vision 2025, Malaysia looks forward to advancing the ASEAN Strategic Plan 2026-2030, which will form part of the broader ASEAN Community Vision 2045 – set to be launched in May during the 46th ASEAN Summit.

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