Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Recent

Malaysia's inclusion in the BRICS will bring great benefits to the country with great opportunities to strengthen cooperation with its member countries, said the country's analysts when commenting on the country's bid to join the group.

The BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, with the latter five becoming its members in January this year.

Speaking at at the 9th Eastern Economic Forum held in early september, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said joining BRICS will boost Malaysia's trade relations and help prevent financial monopolies worldwide.

Russia, host of this year's BRICS summit, has invited Malaysia to attend the event, and Malaysia hopes this will be a steppingstone to the country's full membership.

Malaysia is already a member of key groups such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Non-Aligned Movement, as well as major trade pacts including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

The country has long pursued a balanced foreign policy, enjoying close economic and strategic ties with both the United States and China.

Malaysia has plenty to gain from the BRICS economically too, as it is a major trading country and exporter of commodities. It also plays a critical role in the global electronics supply chain.

The 16th BRICS Summit is scheduled to take place in Kazan, Russia from Oct 22 to 24.

Shotlist:
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Recent:
1. National flag of Malaysia;
2. Flags, Putrajaya Square;
3. SOUNDBITE (English) Collins Chong, Vice Chancellor, University of Malaya (starting with shot 2):
"We have done the cost-benefit calculation in terms of grand strategic returns to the country, where we see BRICS as a natural platform for us to not only elevate our voice, our influence at the global level in terms of consolidation of our position as a middle power and as a stabilizing power in the region.";
4. Various of port scene, ship, containers;
5. SOUNDBITE (English) Michael Yeoh, CEO, KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific:
"I think BRICS plays a very important role in connecting Malaysia with the Global South and Malaysia has long been championing the Global South with our focus on the non-aligned movement.";
6. Various of port scene, facilities;
7. SOUNDBITE (English) Michael Yeoh, CEO, KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific (starting with shot 6/partially overlaid with shot 8):
"I think we would be able to benefit from BRICS through the potential opportunities arising from increased trade and investments with Brazil, with South Africa, some of the countries that Malaysia previously didn't have much of an economic relationship with. Even an economic relationship with Russia has not been very much so. I think BRICS will enable Malaysia to tap into opportunities.";
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8. Various of cityscape;
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9. Various of cityscape, buildings.

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