KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 – Malaysia, as the ASEAN Chair for 2025, will prioritise rural development, digitalisation, and the halal economy to ensure inclusive economic growth, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Key initiatives include the proposed ASEAN Villages Network (AVN) to boost village tourism, digital connectivity, and rural entrepreneurship.
As well as expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in agrotechnology and AI. Malaysia also aims to strengthen Halal Diplomacy, leveraging ASEAN’s 240-million Muslim population to position the region as a global halal hub. The halal sector is projected to contribute 8.1% to Malaysia’s GDP, with enhanced trade ties with China, Russia, India, and the Philippines.
