PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will share Malaysia’s and ASEAN’s perspectives on digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives during the final day of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) in South Korea.
With the theme “Preparing a Future-Ready Asia-Pacific”, this year’s summit has focused on tackling emerging challenges such as demographic shifts, which have been identified as a major concern for the region’s long-term development. Digitalisation and AI are seen as key drivers in addressing these structural changes.
As host nation, South Korea has identified demographic transformation and AI as the two core initiatives that will shape Apec’s future economic direction. Following national presentations, leaders are expected to adopt the Gyeongju Declaration, along with three complementary documents.
The declaration is anticipated to highlight connectivity as a foundation for strengthening regional trade and economic integration, enhancing resilient supply chains, harnessing innovation through digital transformation and AI, and addressing sustainability challenges.
The three additional frameworks to be endorsed are the Apec AI Initiative, the Collaborative Framework on Demographic Change, and the Leaders’ Statement on Cooperation in the Cultural and Creative Industries.
The meeting will conclude with a group photo session before Anwar departs for Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia, a founding member of Apec since 1989, recorded RM2.6 trillion in trade with Apec economies in 2023, representing 78 per cent of its total trade.
Apec’s 21 member economies collectively account for nearly 60 per cent of global GDP and 47 per cent of world trade.
This year’s summit marks 20 years since South Korea last hosted the AELM in 2005. - November 1, 2025
