CPR Dialogue Series: ASEAN Policy Solutions for Shared Growth by YAB Tun Dato’ Seri Utama (Dr) Ahmad Fuzi Haji Abdul Razak, Former Governor of Penang held on Thursday 7th February 2026 / 9:30 am to 1:00 pm at Auditorium Murad Mohd Noor, sains@usm, Bukit Jambul, Penang.

MCPF Penang was among distinguished invitees to the Program organized by the Centre for Policy Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia. This program served as an eye opener to enhance and appreciate “The ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and Sub-Regional Cooperation” to an audience of approximately 180 consisting amongst others of Academia, Industry, Business Entities and invited NGOs.

Agenda:

1. Welcoming of Audience by YBrs. Dr. Azrina Husin, Assoc. Prof (Sociology), School of Social Sciences, USM (MC for the Program);
2. National Anthem NegaraKu & USM Anthem Menara Ilmu;
3. Welcoming Remarks by YBrs. Assoc Professor Dr. Azeem Fazwan Ahmad Farouk, Director of Centre for Policy Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia;
4. Plenary Lecture: The ASEAN Free Trade Area and Sub-Regional Cooperation by YAB Tun Dato’ Seri Utama (Dr) Ahmad Fuzi Haji Abdul Razak, Former Governor of Penang;
5. Policy Panel Discussion:

5.1 Panel 1: YBhg. Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Sulaiman Mahbob, Executive Director of MIER (Malaysian Institute of Economic Research);

5.2 Panel 2: YBhg. Dato’ Dr. Ooi Kee Beng, Executive Director, Penang Institute;

5.3 Moderator: YBrs. Assoc. Professor Dr. Azeem Fazwan Ahmad Farouk, Director, CPR

6. Dialogue Session with Participants;

7. A Soft Launch of IMPAKT Nasional;

8. End / Lunch
Highlights / Key Takeaways:

1. ASEAN Free Trade Area emphasizes on a Free Movement of Goods & People focused on Removal of Tariffs & Non Tariff Barriers;

2. Enhancement of Intra-Regional Trade;

3. Rise of Protectionism & Global Trade;

4. Rise of Nationalism which is an impediment to Growth of Regionalism;

5. ASEAN has a total population of approximately 680 to 700 million people;

6. This program paid particular focus on the Sub-Regional Entities of IMT-GT (Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Growth Triangle) with Opportunities for the Area based cooperation of Thailand and Malaysia Border Areas and Sumatra Island in Indonesia that ensures communities benefit from economic integration;

7. IMT-GT promotes private sector-led economic growth that focuses on the 8 strategic pillars of transport connectivity, trade facilitation, agriculture, halal products, human resource development, tourism, environment, and, digital transformation;

8. Tun Dato’ Seri Ahmad Fuzi Haji Abdul Razak emphasized the need to avoid ‘ideas’ stopping at the ‘discussion stage’/’planning cycles’; and various challenges and vulnerabilities to the 8 Strategic Pillars;

9. Contemporary Global Uncertainties necessitates ASEAN to take on a more predominant role;

10. From the perspective of Crime Prevention, ASEAN’s position to work together is encapsulated but not limited to:

10.1 Greater cooperation amongst its Law Enforcement Agencies through ASEANAPOL (Association of Southeast Asian Nations Police);

10.2 Reduction of Smuggling (e.g. Goods, Contraband, and Drugs); and,

10.3 ATIPSOM (Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants).

MCPF Penang Participants:

1. Y.Bhg. Honorary Assoc. Professor CPR, USM Dato’ Dr. P. Sundramoorthy / MCPF Penang Advisor;

2. Y.Brs. Assoc. Professor Dr. Azeem Fazwan Ahmad Farouk, Director, CPR / MCPF Penang ex-officio (USM);

3. Mr. Johnny Michael Tan, Secretary, MCPF Penang;

4. Mr. James Mohan, Chairman, MCPF Southwest DLC;

5. Mej. Bersekutu (PA) Paramaguru Balan Moghan, Chairman, MCPF South Seberang Perai DLC;

6. En. Ridzuan Md Zain, Chairman, MCPF Central Seberang Perai DLC;

7. Mr. Munusamy Muniandy, Chairman, MCPF North Seberang Perai DLC;

8. Y.Bhg. Mej. (K) Dato’ M. Kaleessvaran, MCPF Penang Committee Member;

9. Mr. Joseph Sawaremuthu; MCPF Penang Committee Member;

10. Mr. Peter Paul Arokiyasamy, Secretary, MCPF Northeast SLC;

11. En. Adriel Jefryzal Albert bin Abdullah, MCPF Northeast DLC Member;

12. Mr. William Hoe Chin Khwan, MCPF Southwest DLC Vice-Chairman (II);

13. Mr. Selva a/l Pichaimuthu, Secretary, MCPF Southwest DLC;

14. Mr. Nicholas Chang Gim Hooi, MCPF Southwest DLC Member;

15. Mr. Jarmy Goh Jiun Ming, MCPF South Seberang Perai DLC Vice-Chairman (II);

16. Mr. Cheong Yu Hoo, MCPF South Seberang Perai DLC Member;

17. Ms. Nirmala a/p Kuppusamy, Secretary MCPF Central Seberang Perai DLC;

18. En. Razalan Md Zain, MCPF Central Seberang Perai DLC Member;

19. Mr. Haribalan Gopal, Secretary, MCPF North Seberang Perai DLC; and,

20. En. Madzuki bin Md Nor, Treasurer, MCPF North Seberang Perai DLC.

Conclusion & Acknowledgement: Many thanks to CPR, USM for this invitation and the opportunity for added knowledge on things that influence and matter to our ASEAN FTA and in particular to the Sub-Regional IMT-GT Area.