China's pivotal role and advancements in global digitalization and sustainable development, particularly in cooperation with Malaysia and Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, were emphasized at a summit held in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.

The Global Chinese Economic and Technology Summit 2025 (GCET 2025), themed Global Leadership and Partnership in the Age of Digital and Green Transformation, attracted over 400 participants, including policymakers, diplomats, business leaders to discuss significant economic and technological trends shaping the future of global investment and innovation.

Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia and Minister of Rural and Regional Development Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that his country, as the chair of ASEAN 2025, stands at the heart of the global transformation, adding, "One fact is clear: The countries that act fastest will lead the next decade."

Ahmad Zahid said that China has remained Malaysia's No 1 trading partner for 16 consecutive years, driven by mutual trust, stable policies, a strong talent pool, and clear economic direction. By May 2025, bilateral trade exceeded 200 billion ringgit ($48.2 billion).

He highlighted three sectors that will drive ASEAN's future growth as the digital economy, green transition, and global Chinese diaspora, underscoring development opportunities in artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing, and green technology.

KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific President Michael Yeoh addressed the summit's opening, saying there is a need to prepare for a new economy driven by digitalization, green energy and shared prosperity through peace, dialogue, and collaboration, amid increasingly complex geopolitical tensions and uncertainties.