A regional expedition celebrating innovation and sustainability across ASEAN was flagged off in Singapore, uniting stakeholders under the banner of cleaner, smarter mobility.
Singapore, 6 May 2025 – The High Commission of Malaysia in Singapore, in collaboration with the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), held a ceremonial flag-off for the ASEAN Unity Drive 2025 (AUD2025) – a 9,000-kilometre cross-border journey celebrating ASEAN cooperation, green innovation, and regional connectivity. The event drew the attendance of diplomatic missions and members of the media, spotlighting the shared commitment of ASEAN countries toward a sustainable future.
His Excellency Dato’ Indera Dr. Azfar Mohamad Mustafar, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Singapore, delivered opening remarks highlighting AUD2025 as a manifestation of Malaysia’s inclusive and sustainable ambition for its ASEAN Chairmanship. He noted that the expedition, which began on 20 March 2025 in Malaysia, had already journeyed through several ASEAN member states and was now embarking on its final return leg from Singapore.
“The ASEAN Unity Drive 2025 is a bold statement of ASEAN’s shared commitment to a greener, cleaner, smarter and more connected region. It reflects Malaysia’s ambition for its ASEAN Chairmanship—centred on inclusivity and sustainability,” said H.E. Dato’ Indera Dr. Azfar Mohamad Mustafar during his welcome remarks.
“This journey across nine ASEAN member states is not just about electric vehicles—it is a testament to innovation, environmental responsibility and the promise of a better tomorrow. These vehicles represent our collective effort to reduce carbon emissions, embrace green technology and chart a course toward net zero.”
He added, “The Proton E-MAS, Malaysia’s very own electric vehicle, is a symbol of our national EV agenda and technological progress. This ecosystem can and must be strengthened through collaboration with neighbours like Singapore and Thailand—especially in expanding EV charging infrastructure across the region.”
“As ASEAN positions itself to become the third-largest economic bloc by 2050, AUD2025 stands as a mobile testament to what we can achieve when governments, industry players and civil society work together towards sustainable development. Sustainability is not a choice for tomorrow—it is the responsibility of today.”
Centred on the theme “Uniting Automotive Across Borders”, the ASEAN Unity Drive promotes sustainable transport through the symbolic use of electric vehicles (EVs), including the Proton E-MAS. This initiative underscores Malaysia’s national EV agenda and the broader ASEAN-ED Policy and Guidelines, one of 18 Priority Economic Deliverables for 2025.
With its focus on clean energy, green technology, and regional unity, AUD2025 not only showcases ASEAN’s capability in sustainable mobility but also reinforces the bloc’s position as a future-ready economic powerhouse. The flag-off ceremony in Singapore marked a significant milestone in the journey and reaffirmed the participating nations’ shared commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation-driven progress.
Source: IN Diplomacy Reporter
