The Perdana Discourse Series 25, on “Malaysia Amidst a Changing Global Order: Challenges, Choices & Opportunities”, held on 5th November 2025 at the Perdana Leadership Foundation, examined Malaysia’s position in today’s global environment and the strategic choices required to safeguard its interests. The discourse, which featured Tan Sri Dr Munir Majid, Chairman of CARI ASEAN and Visiting Senior Fellow at the Centre for International Affairs, Diplomacy and Strategy, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), as keynote speaker, explored how Malaysia can remain resilient and relevant amid shifting geopolitical and economic dynamics. More than 100 participants attended the event, including academics, university students, and members of the public.
The session began with opening remarks by Dato’ Seri Dr Vaseehar Hassan Abdul Razack, Trustee of the Perdana Leadership Foundation, who remarked that “Malaysia stands at a pivotal moment in an increasingly complex global order. The world today is marked by great power rivalries, shifting trade patterns, armed conflicts, and rapid technological change — developments that carry significant implications for our nation’s sovereignty, economic resilience, and long-held commitment to non-alignment.”
In his keynote address, Tan Sri Dr Munir Majid observed that Malaysia possesses a wealth of talent and expertise, yet has not always fully utilised or valued these strengths. “We have capable people, but the question remains: are we truly making use of them?” he emphasised. He proposed the establishment of an independent Council on Foreign Relations to analyse Malaysia’s strategic relationships and advise on foreign policy.
He also noted that while Malaysia has explored various trade arrangements, the rapidly evolving global environment requires the nation to continually reassess its strategies to remain competitive and relevant. He highlighted that the United States, under President Trump, had strategically used market access, inbound investment, and geo-economic influence as tools of leverage in international relations. Malaysia, he said, must understand and manage its choices prudently in the face of these pressures. He further stressed that Malaysia’s foreign policy should not be framed as a choice between major powers such as the United States and China but instead should be based entirely on national interests. Malaysia must engage big powers constructively and strategically, rather than reactively, in response to geopolitical shifts.
Following the keynote session, the discourse featured a panel session moderated by Mr Ismail Adnan, News Anchor and Presenter at Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM). He underscored Tan Sri Dr Munir’s point that sovereignty extends beyond protecting borders to safeguarding Malaysia’s freedom to chart its own course. “Our task is to navigate these relationships with clarity and confidence, ensuring that Malaysia’s choices reflect our national interests above all else,” he reiterated.
Dr Azmi Hassan, Senior Fellow at the Nusantara Academy and Fellow of the National Council of Professors, reflected on the sustainability of Malaysia’s long-standing non-aligned stance. He observed that in today’s climate of intense geopolitical and geo-economic competition, maintaining neutrality has become increasingly challenging. He agreed with Tan Sri Munir’s assertions that non-alignment remains relevant but total neutrality would be almost impossible.
Dr Ngeow Chow Bing, Associate Professor and Director of the Institute of China Studies at the University of Malaya, noted that Malaysia’s foreign policy continues to balance relations between the United States and China. He observed that while Malaysia has recently intensified engagement with China through joint statements and cooperation frameworks, many of these remain largely symbolic. “Many of the joint statements contain grand language and ambitious wording, but remain general in scope,” he said, adding that such agreements lack concrete implementation pathways. Dr Ngeow advocates for a more pragmatic and implementation-driven approach to Malaysia’s foreign policy, emphasising the importance of translating symbolic commitments into tangible partnerships that advance Malaysia’s long-term strategic and socioeconomic interests.
First held in 2004, the Perdana Discourse Series facilitates dialogue and knowledge exchange between distinguished Malaysian leaders and young Malaysians. It is organised by Perdana Leadership Foundation and sponsored by DRB-HICOM Berhad. The discourse monograph will be published next year.
For enquiries or future collaborations, please contact the Coordinators of this event:
- Puan Nurul Humaira Kamarulzaman (humaira@perdana.org.my / nhkperdana@gmail.com, 03-8885 8960)
- Encik Muizzuddin Munir / (muizzuddin@perdana.org.my /muizmunir2@gmail.com, 03-8885 8979)
About Perdana Discourse Series (PDS):
Perdana Discourse Series is a half-day event where a prominent presenter will speak on a pre-determined topic addressing its definition and identifying issues, policies, and strategies. Discussions and issues arising from the discourse will be documented and published in monograph form. The Discourse has previously dissected topics such as National Unity, Social Re-engineering, Political Stability, Economic Development, Affirmative Action, International Relations, Education, and Leadership.
About Perdana Leadership Foundation
www.perdana.org.my
Perdana Leadership Foundation is a non-profit organisation established in January 2003 to document, disseminate, research, and archive materials related to the past Prime Ministers of Malaysia. The Foundation intends to become the premier institution for the study of Malaysia’s Prime Ministers and the central resource centre for research into national stewardship as well as a platform for reflection, debate, and discussion with distinguished figures in Malaysian leadership. Our Honorary President is the fourth and seventh Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad. To date, we have digitised more than 500k materials, half of which are available for free through our website www.perdana.org.my. Membership for our library is offered at an annual fee of RM10 and Library membership is open to Malaysians over the age of 13; members also get to enjoy the library’s physical facilities located in a cosy enclave in Precinct 8, Putrajaya.
About DRB-HICOM Berhad
DRB-HICOM Berhad is one of Malaysia’s leading Group of Companies listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia, operating across six core business sectors: Automotive, Aerospace and Defence, Postal, Banking, Services and Properties.
With 89 operating companies and a workforce of approximately 42,000 individuals within the group, DRB-HICOM leverages its diversified businesses to support Malaysia’s transformation into a competitive, knowledge-driven and high-income economy.
Committed to innovation and transformation, DRB-HICOM continuously evolves its business model to unlock new revenue streams, leveraging its group synergy to drive sustainable growth and create long-term value for stakeholders.
Photo Gallery
Welcome Remarks & Keynote Address
Panel Session
Participants
