Balancing Security and Growth in ASEAN: Malaysia's Strategic Trade Governance and Regional Perspectives

ABSTRACT This study examines strategic trade governance in ASEAN through the lens of Malaysia's Strategic Trade Act 2010, which serves as a model for balancing economic development with international nonproliferation obligations. Using a qualitative case study and comparative policy analysis, the research assesses legal frameworks, digital systems, and enforcement mechanisms across four ASEAN countries: Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, and the Lao PDR. Malaysia's adoption of the ePermit STA system and the Strategic Items List 2025 underscores its commitment to safeguarding national security and strengthening compliance. The analysis reveals disparities in permit classification, end‐user verification, and the capacity of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises. Challenges such as institutional fragmentation, digital infrastructure gaps, and geopolitical pressures continue to hinder regional coherence. The findings support the need for harmonized control lists, interoperable digital platforms, and enhanced regional coordination. While grounded in Malaysia's experience, the study offers policy‐relevant insights that are transferable across ASEAN's strategic trade landscape.