Malaysia Proposes ASEAN Rural Development and Innovation Council to Boost Regional Cooperation

BANGKOK: Malaysia has proposed the establishment of the ASEAN Rural Development and Innovation Council (ARDIC) as a new permanent platform aimed at strengthening regional cooperation in rural development across Southeast Asia.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the proposed council would play a key role in coordinating policies, sharing best practices and innovations, and jointly advancing rural development initiatives among ASEAN member states. He made the remarks after attending the 14th ASEAN Ministers Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (AMRDPE) in Bangkok.

Ahmad Zahid, who is on a three-day working visit to Thailand and leads the Malaysian delegation to the meeting, said Malaysia hopes ASEAN’s shared prosperity can be extended to all member countries, particularly those that have yet to achieve sustainable rural development.

As Minister of Rural and Regional Development, he also announced that Malaysia will celebrate Rural Development Day in July next year, in line with the United Nations declaration. The event aims to highlight the crucial role of rural communities in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improving overall quality of life.

He said Malaysia will continue to prioritize rural development through an innovation-driven approach, with a strong focus on community engagement, digitalization, and the expansion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs to enhance well-being and eradicate poverty.

“The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development will continue to play a constructive and authoritative role within the ASEAN framework, ensuring that rural communities remain the primary beneficiaries of regional development as we move towards ASEAN 2045,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid also outlined Malaysia’s ongoing investments in rural infrastructure, including RM2.3 billion allocated for 1,364 rural road projects and RM195.2 million to provide clean water access to 5,000 households. Additional investments include RM159.47 million to ensure a stable electricity supply for 2,010 recipients, as well as RM364.45 million under the Perumahan Rakyat Sejahtera Programme (PPRS), which has benefited more than 10,000 families.

He added that efforts to strengthen the rural socioeconomy will be further enhanced by supporting 55,400 entrepreneurs, particularly through digitalization initiatives that enable access to wider markets across ASEAN.

The 14th AMRDPE also recognized two Malaysian organizations, Energy Action Partners (ENACT) and GE Nitrate Solutions, with the ASEAN Leadership Award for their significant contributions to rural development and poverty eradication in the region.