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Home of the Bright. Land of the Brave

Di Sini Bermulanya Pintar, Tanah Tumpahnya Berani

significant economic advantages derived
from the region’s demographic dividend,
remains central to ASEAN’s new growth
trajectory.
Synergising Key Strength Indicators
ASEAN’s demographic and economic
landscape presents a new, combined
key strength for enhancing consolidated
capacities in economics, investment and
trade.
The median age across ASEAN is
approximately 30 years, reflecting a
predominantly young population
Around 30%-35% of ASEAN’s population
falls within the 15-35 age bracket,
representing a significant pool of socio-
economic potential and opportunities
in higher education and research — if
effectively harnessed.
Between 2014 and 2023, the bloc’s
GDP grew at an average annual rate of
4%, showcasing resilience amid global 133
headwinds. A forward-looking higher
education policy is essential to capitalise
on this upward trajectory — by producing
a new generation of high-skilled human
capital to support the region’s economic
THE recent 46th ASEAN Summit and it a rich historical and global context,
related summits hosted by Malaysia along with a blend of humanistic, artistic transition and reduce foreign dependency
on talents and expertise.
provided a pivotal backdrop for the and academic vigour and resilience —
solidification of regional and cross- elements that are pivotal in confronting A well-developed higher education system
regional synergy, and future-driven renewed risks affecting humanity and the across the region — one that addresses
strategic engagements aimed at creating a region. systemic geographical, inclusivity and
new frontier of resilience against renewed Malaysia’s Chairmanship, under the access gaps at both intra-regional and
uncertainties and global challenges. intra-country levels — will help create a
visionary insights and leadership of Prime
This volatility transcends different Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, more sustainable and inclusive region.
This is especially important in the quest
geopolitical dynamics, therefore, the has been stellar in injecting a new wave of
role of higher education, academic and dynamism, an expanded role and future- to escape the middle-income trap and to
support continued economic transition,
research impacts, solutions to these driven policies and visions for ASEAN.
challenges and the development of As the PM said during the summit: “Quiet in line with this year’s thematic focus on
strengthening internal consolidation and
a capable and resilient pool of a new engagement has mattered. The steps may pooling of strength.
generation of human capital have never be small and the bridge may be fragile,
been more profound and critical. By producing capable, future-driven
but as they say, in matters of peace, even
As ASEAN continues to pursue deeper a fragile bridge is better than a widening graduates and researchers equipped
with holistic expertise and skills rooted in
integration, the current strength of gulf.”
demographic trends and economic From integrating the Gulf Cooperation regional values and dynamism, ASEAN can
growth present unique opportunities and Council (GCC) into ASEAN’s strategic spearhead a progressive transition toward
economic reform and transformation.
reinforce the need for regional universities framework and expanding the group’s
to consolidate their roles in ensuring the influence on global issues, to establishing This includes fostering social mobility,
addressing socio-economic imbalances
success of ASEAN’s visions of regional a long-term strategic foundation through
collective pooling of talents and resources. and systemic poverty, and correcting the
the Kuala Lumpur Declaration 2045, endemic economic challenges of relatively
In this context, Universiti Malaya (UM), Malaysia has consistently envisioned its low per capita GDP, as well as dependence
as Malaysia’s premier institution, is regional commitments as enduring and on low-skilled, low-technology-driven
well-positioned to spearhead regional progressive. industries.
excellence and foster cooperation in This ripple effect transcends any single To ensure a continuous rise in purchasing
developing human capital. It brings with sector, higher education, along with the power parity (PPP) for ASEAN —