As Malaysia and China celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2024, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sat down with CMG during his working visit to the Chinese mainland, calling President Xi Jinping a friend and praising China’s global initiatives as “fundamental pillars” for peace and security.
💡 Why it matters: With Malaysia set to chair ASEAN in 2025, Anwar’s visit to Shanghai’s 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) and talks with Chinese leaders spotlight a “shared future” vision. He emphasized boosting collaboration in trade, tech, and green energy—key themes for young entrepreneurs and investors watching Asia’s growth.
🤝 The friendship factor: Anwar’s warmth toward Xi—“We discuss openly, like old friends”—reflects deepening Sino-Malaysian ties. He praised China’s Belt and Road Initiative for “connecting nations, not just infrastructure,” a nod to Gen Z’s love of global connectivity.
🌍 ASEAN 2025 goals: As next year’s ASEAN chair, Anwar vowed to prioritize “political stability and effective teamwork” among members. Students and policy watchers, take note: this could shape Southeast Asia’s digital economy and climate action strategies.
📈 Young professionals, listen up: Anwar’s push for “innovation without borders” signals opportunities in AI, renewable energy, and cross-strait startups. His Shanghai trip also highlighted Malaysia’s role as a bridge between China and ASEAN markets.
