KUALA LUMPUR - Boao Forum for Asia Secretary-General Zhang Jun said Asia is at the centre of a historic global transformation driven by the rise of emerging economies, shifting economic power and deeper regional integration, even as protectionism and geopolitical tensions intensify.

Speaking at the 39th Asia-Pacific Roundtable on July 2, he said the world is undergoing its most profound structural change since the end of the Second World War, with economic gravity steadily moving from the West to the East and from the North to the South.

Zhang said this shift is largely driven by the rise of the Global South and developing economies, which are increasingly shaping global growth, governance and long-term development trends.

He noted that Asia now accounts for almost half of the global economy and contributes around 60 per cent of global growth, making it the main engine of global economic expansion.

“Asia is leading the world in digitalization, in green transition,” he said, adding that the region has moved from being a follower to a frontrunner in several key areas of structural transformation.

He said economic integration in Asia continues to advance through frameworks such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and broader ASEAN-led cooperation, even as the global trading system faces headwinds.

Zhang said these developments are generating new opportunities, particularly in strengthening regional resilience and reinforcing cooperation at a time when global institutions are under pressure.

He also said there is still reason for confidence in multilateralism, despite rising unilateral actions and growing fragmentation in global governance.

However, Zhang cautioned that Asia is not immune to challenges, pointing to geopolitical uncertainty and the need for countries in the region to make careful strategic choices.

He stressed that Asia must remain strategically alert while maintaining a clear long-term vision to sustain its growth trajectory and stability.

Zhang said the region’s continued progress will depend on balancing optimism about economic potential with realism about global risks.

He added that while Asia is widely seen as entering an “Asian century”, this future is not guaranteed and will require sustained cooperation and policy discipline across economies.