Malaysia and the World: How International Decisions Affect Us All

10 Mar 2025

7 Min Read

Professor Dr Ong Kian Ming, Pro Vice-Chancellor of External Engagement

IN THIS ARTICLE

Written by Professor Dr Ong Kian Ming, Pro Vice-Chancellor of External Engagement at Taylor’s University and former Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Malaysia. He can be reached at kianming.ong@taylors.edu.my.

When world leaders make big decisions, it’s easy to assume they only affect their own countries. After all, what does a policy change in the United States have to do with Malaysia? But in today’s hyper-connected world, global politics doesn’t stop at national borders.

Take, for example, President Trump’s decision to cut funding for USAID (U.S. Agency for International Development)—an organisation that provides assistance to communities in need worldwide. At first glance, this might seem irrelevant to Malaysia. But the truth is, it could have unexpected consequences right here at home—from job losses to an increase in refugees seeking safety in our country.

The Unexpected Impact on Jobs in Malaysia

Many Malaysians might not realise this, but our country plays a key role in hosting regional and global offices for international organisations like the International Committee for the Red Cross, The Malaysian Red Crescent Society and UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). These organisations rely on funding from sources like USAID.

If that funding is cut, some job functions may be removed, meaning that Malaysians working in these roles could lose their jobs.

But that’s just one way these decisions can affect us. There’s another, possibly bigger, consequence.

More Refugees, More Challenges

USAID funding also supports displaced communities, including Rohingya refugees from Myanmar who live in camps like Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh. Without this aid, conditions in refugee camps could worsen, forcing more people to seek safety elsewhere—including Malaysia.

Malaysia has long been a destination for refugees, but an increase in arrivals could create new social, economic, and humanitarian challenges. This shows how a single decision made in another country can directly affect life here.

— Professor Dr Ong Kian Ming

A World More Connected Than Ever

The world today is more interconnected than ever before. A major event in one country can set off a chain reaction worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic was a perfect example:

Border closures divided families and disrupted travel.
The tourism industry in Malaysia took a massive hit.
Countries competed fiercely for vaccines, sometimes putting their own interests first.

This level of global interconnectedness is why regional and international organisations like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the European Union, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) are so important. They help countries work together to avoid unnecessary conflicts and competition.

The Role of ASEAN: More Than Just Diplomacy

Some people think ASEAN moves too slowly or that its decisions don’t have enough power over individual countries. But what ASEAN has built over decades is something equally valuable—trust and cooperation.

This sense of unity might be one of the reasons ASEAN has remained peaceful for decades. It’s also why ASEAN plays a critical role in addressing complex issues like:

Finding a pathway back to civilian rule in Myanmar.
Negotiating a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea, ensuring that ASEAN countries stand together rather than being divided by external powers.

Without ASEAN’s collective strength, individual countries might struggle to negotiate fair agreements, making them more vulnerable to outside influence.

Malaysia’s Opportunity to Lead

Despite the challenges, there are also opportunities. In 2025, Malaysia will be the Chair of ASEAN, meaning we can take the lead on important policies that benefit both our country and the region.

For example, Malaysia could push for:

Internship mobility – allowing students and young professionals to gain work experience across ASEAN countries.
Easier cross-border payments – making it simpler for businesses and fintech companies to operate across Southeast Asia.

These kinds of initiatives could create better opportunities for young Malaysians looking to build their careers in a rapidly changing world.

Panoramic view over the city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Thriving in a VUCA World

We are living in a VUCA world—Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous—where disruptions can happen at any time. The second Trump administration is just one example of how unpredictable global politics can be.

This is why understanding international policies and their ripple effects is a valuable skill. The ability to analyse these trends will be increasingly important, and academic programmes that equip students with this knowledge will be in high demand in the future job market.

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to think of international politics as something distant and unrelated to our daily lives. But the truth is, decisions made in Washington, Beijing, or Brussels can have real consequences for Malaysia—affecting jobs, migration, and even our ability to do business in the region.

As Malaysia takes on a leadership role in ASEAN, young people—like you—have an opportunity to engage with these global issues and shape the future. The world is more connected than ever, and understanding these connections is the key to thriving in the years ahead.

Just like nations shape global influence, you can shape your future. Start with a Foundation or Diploma in Business to build key skills in economics, strategy, and global markets. Then, step into the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) programme to explore how policies, businesses, and people drive global change.

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