He said strengthening ties with China, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), BRICS and other emerging economies is not about choosing sides.

“Rather, it is about ensuring Asean’s strategic relevance in a multipolar world.

“By diversifying its partnerships, Asean can enhance its economic resilience, tap into new investment opportunities and play a more proactive role in shaping global governance frameworks,” he said in his keynote speech at the China Conference: Southeast Asia 2025 here today.

However, Anwar said the regional bloc’s economic resilience depends on how effectively it can navigate three challenges, namely supply chain disruptions and diversification, energy security and sustainability, and the digital economy and artificial intelligence (AI).

“Asean must become a reliable hub for global trade and investment by reducing vulnerabilities to external shocks. Strengthening our industrial base through investments in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors and green technologies will be essential.

“The Asean (power) grid and renewable energy investments will be central to ensuring that economic growth is climate conscious and long-term oriented,” he added.

The Asean power grid (APG) is a physical network of interconnected electricity transmission lines and infrastructure linking the power systems of member nations, enabling cross-border electricity trade and resource sharing through bilateral and multilateral interconnections.

He added that Malaysia’s target of 70% renewable energy by 2050 will serve as a benchmark for Asean’s broader sustainability efforts.

Anwar said for member states to fully harness the benefits of technological advancements, it must establish common standards for data protection, facilitate seamless cross-border digital trade and invest in capacity-building initiatives that bridge the digital divide.