KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 1- Malaysia has the opportunity to strengthen the economic growth of the ASEAN community when it assumes responsibility in the 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship this year.

Therefore, Malaysia's leadership opens up greater opportunities for the country to empower cooperation between member countries, apart from ensuring regional stability.

ASEAN Studies expert Dr Siti Darwinda Mohamed Pero said that the 2025 ASEAN chairmanship gives the country room to build strategic trust among foreign countries through continuous dialogue and diplomacy as well as to expand economic networks.

"I see the empowerment of local industry through a focus on transformation, digital transformation and green economy; Malaysia is able to increase intra-ASEAN trade.

"It is seen as helping Malaysia strengthen its position as a logistics and trade hub through the promotion of regional economic integration," she said when contacted by RTM.

Through ASEAN, Malaysia can develop a variety of new industries and economies, especially the halal industry to new markets such as the BRICS, other than on the global level.