VIENTIANE, Laos (Oct 10): Malaysia has encouraged strategic collaboration in digital transformation between Asean and its dialogue partners Japan and South Korea, at the bloc’s Plus One Summits here on Thursday.

During the 27th Asean-Japan Summit, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim pointed out the need to strengthen cooperation on supply chains and the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) between the 10-member bloc and Japan. 

Meanwhile, at the 25th Asean-South Korea Summit, he said the digital collaboration should include capacity building, upskilling and strategic diversification of human resources.

“As Asean marks the 35th anniversary of the Asean-South Korea Dialogue Relations, Malaysia welcomes the establishment of the Asean-South Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” he said.

Anwar’s talking points at the two summits were provided to the media by the Prime Minister’s Office.

Japan was represented by its newly-minted Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, while South Korea was represented by President Yoon Suk Yeol.

On another note, Anwar said Malaysia supported the peaceful unification of the Korean Peninsula, including the initiative announced on Aug 15, 2024.

According to media reports, Yoon unveiled a vision for unification with North Korea on Aug 15, pledging to expand outside information in the reclusive nation and proposing an official dialogue channel that can “take up any issue”.

The Asean Plus One Summits were held as part of the 44th and 45th Asean Summits and Related Summits, which began on Wednesday (Oct 9) and will continue until Friday (Oct 11).

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