By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah
GYEONGJU, South Korea, Oct 31 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has arrived in the Republic of Korea to lead Malaysia’s delegation to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM), held from 31 October to 1 November 2025 in the historic city of Gyeongju.
This year’s summit, themed “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow,” gathers leaders from the 21 APEC economies to discuss strategies under the priorities of “Connect, Innovate, and Prosper.” The meeting marks the 20th anniversary since Korea last hosted APEC in Busan in 2005.
Anwar is accompanied by Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Haji Hasan, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Member of Parliament for Gopeng Tan Kar Hing, Member of Parliament for Tenggara Haji Manndzri Haji Nasib, and senior government officials.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said the Prime Minister will deliver Malaysia’s key interventions during the APEC Economic Leaders’ Dialogue with Guests today (Oct 31) and the Leaders’ Retreat on 1 November.
His address will spotlight Malaysia’s achievements under the MADANI Economy Framework, emphasizing inclusivity, sustainable development, and cooperation that benefits all segments of society — values Anwar has consistently advanced at international platforms.
President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea, chairing this year’s summit, will guide discussions on promoting trade and investment amid global uncertainties, enhancing public-private collaboration, and harnessing emerging technologies as new engines of growth.
Beyond the official APEC sessions, Anwar is scheduled to engage with the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) and hold bilateral meetings with several regional counterparts to deepen Malaysia’s economic partnerships.
In his Facebook post, Anwar said the visit forms part of his continued “MADANI Diplomacy Mission,” focused on advancing fair trade, regional cooperation, and global sustainability.
“This summit is an important platform to strengthen regional economic cooperation, expand equitable trade, and empower the global sustainability and prosperity agenda,” Anwar wrote.
“Outside the APEC framework, I am also scheduled to meet several leading industry players, including representatives from NVIDIA, to discuss potential strategic investments and opportunities to enhance Malaysia’s technology and innovation ecosystem,” he added.
Anwar’s outreach to top technology firms underscores Malaysia’s ambition to position itself as a digital and green innovation hub within Asia, aligned with APEC’s forward-looking goals.
Malaysia, a founding member of APEC, remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing regional economic integration, shared prosperity, and inclusive growth. Through its participation in this year’s AELM, Malaysia seeks to reinforce collaboration across APEC economies and showcase its leadership in promoting sustainable, people-centered growth under the MADANI vision.
As Anwar embarks on this mission, he expressed confidence that the engagements in Gyeongju will yield tangible outcomes for both Malaysia and the wider Asia-Pacific community.
“May this mission bring great benefit to our nation and people,” he said. – TNS NEWS