47th ASEAN Summit Highlights Malaysia's Role In Elevating The Region's Global Standing - Experts

By Kuvineshwaren Nedunjelian

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- The 47th ASEAN Summit, set to be held in the federal capital later this month, will not only serve as a regional forum but also as a strategic platform showcasing Malaysia’s leadership as ASEAN Chair and its role in enhancing the bloc’s global influence.

National Council of Professors Fellow Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said the expected attendance of key world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, underscores the summit’s importance and reflects the confidence of major powers in Malaysia’s role within ASEAN.

The summit is significant not only because of the presence of world leaders but also because it reflects Malaysia’s aspiration to enhance ASEAN’s standing on the global stage, he told Bernama recently.

Azmi said that the attendance of world leaders signals ASEAN’s growing awareness of global geopolitical trends and its commitment to staying involved in issues beyond the region.

He added that Malaysia’s leadership as ASEAN Chair this year demonstrates a commitment to raising the bloc’s profile not only economically, but also in addressing global issues such as the South China Sea, Ukraine, and Gaza.

“This perception is crucial not only for Malaysia’s international standing but also for ASEAN’s image as an influential global organisation,” he said.

Echoing the same sentiment, Foreign Affairs, Strategy and Security Analyst at Universiti Malaya Collins Chong Yew Keat said the summit provides Malaysia with an opportunity to demonstrate leadership that can guide ASEAN towards a more proactive role in addressing global challenges.

According to him, the presence of key world leaders would serve as a benchmark for Malaysia’s ability to facilitate a diplomatic platform that reinforces ASEAN’s role as a credible bloc.

Chong added that the summit is expected to strengthen ASEAN’s collective voice on security and defence issues, particularly through further negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea to standardise the region’s joint stance.

He also said Malaysia is anticipated to highlight ASEAN’s long-term vision through the implementation of the ASEAN Community 2045 and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), which emphasises inclusiveness, green energy, and digital development.

“As the host and Chair of the ASEAN Summit, Malaysia has always played a key role in shaping ASEAN’s future agenda. The ASEAN Community 2045 will be one of Malaysia’s important legacies in maintaining the bloc’s competitiveness and relevance in addressing new global challenges,” he said.

Chong said the summit’s impact extends beyond diplomacy, directly benefiting the people through increased job opportunities, enhanced economic inclusion, and social development across the region.

The 47th ASEAN Summit, themed “Inclusion in Sustainability”, is scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur from Oct 26 to 28, with the participation of top leaders from the 10 ASEAN member states as well as key dialogue partners, including the United States, China, Japan, and India.

--BERNAMA