Najib urges greater unity, collaboration among Asia Cooperation Dialogue states
BANGKOK: Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) member states must more united and boost collaboration in order to fulfill Asia’s potential as the major driving force for global economic growth.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said such unity can be achieved if ACD members can truly act together as spelt out by the theme of the 2nd ACD Summit - “One Asia, Diverse Strength”.
He said the member countries should act to promote common development and prosperity in Asia, and resist interference from outside powers.
“The day of the old empires is long gone. The people of Asia insist that our own cultures, our own laws and our own sovereignty be respected by all," he said when delivering Malaysia's statement at the summit's plenary session today.
The summit, held at the Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry, was opened earlier by Thai Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-o-Cha.
Najib said the ACD must focus on specific programmes that will yield quick and tangible outcomes, thus strengthening the relevance of the organisation.
He said Malaysia welcomes the ACD Vision on Asia Cooperation 2030, a strategic document that will propel ACD's shared continental aspiration to create an Asian community.
Najib also shared the journey of Malaysia’s nation-building, and said the country has learned that developing human capital is one of the key factors which contribute towards national progress, social development and economic growth.
“In this regard, we warmly support the special emphasis placed on ACD’s pillar on education and human resource development.
“The pillar aims to open up possibilities for our peoples by reducing poverty, raising living standards, and capitalising on labour skills," he said.
Najib said Malaysia is aware of the diversity and the different stages of development in higher education among the ACD member states.
“As a co-prime mover of the education and human resource development pillar, Malaysia reaffirms our commitment to developing the Asia e University (AeU) into a major educational platform which will enhance people-to-people connectivity among the ACD member states,” he said.
He said that since its beginning in 2008, the AeU has enrolled around 2,350 international students from 60 countries, and has established partnerships in 25 countries.
Najib said that through the AeU platform, institutions of higher learning in Asia will be able to leverage on each others’ resources and facilities.
He added that via the AeU Open and Distance Learning programmes, students from across the ACD member states will be able to enjoy high quality, affordable, accessible and relevant courses.
“In conclusion, I firmly believe that the ACD can be an effective, continent-wide forum that will drive Asia forward in facing and overcoming the challenges that face us today and tomorrow.
“We must ensure that its future is marked by cooperation, interdependence, sharing, caring and complementarity," he said.