47th ASEAN Summit Highlights Malaysia's Growing Diplomatic Influence On Global Stage - Analysts

By Nina Muslim

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 (Bernama) -- The 47th ASEAN Summit is unfolding as a defining moment for Malaysia, reflecting the growing recognition of its diplomatic weight and credibility as a middle power.

The turnout at this year’s summit has been nothing short of impressive.

Leaders from major global economies, including the United States, Canada, Brazil, South Africa, Italy, South Korea, and New Zealand, are gathering here in the capital city.

Experts say this unprecedented participation speaks volumes about Malaysia’s ability to bring together diverse partners and foster meaningful dialogue at a time of geopolitical uncertainty.

Dr Benjamin Barton, head of the School of Politics, History, and International Relations at the University of Nottingham-Malaysia, was quick to highlight the significance of such a strong turnout.

“Malaysia, despite its relatively small population compared to the giants of the world, has proven time and again that it can sometimes punch well above its weight on certain issues,” he told Bernama.

The summit, which runs from Oct 26 to 28, is dubbed to be the largest gathering of its kind since ASEAN was first established in 1967. The focus this year is on trade, digital integration, sustainable growth, and regional stability - issues that are no longer merely academic, but vital to the future of the global economy.

But it’s not just the scale of the summit that stands out; it’s the underlying message of Malaysia’s role in the world. While ASEAN’s collective influence is undeniable, it’s the leadership of the host nation that has caught the world’s attention.

Director of Foreign Policy and Security Studies at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia, Thomas Daniel, sees this as a pivotal moment.

“Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship theme, ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’, is extremely forward-looking. Malaysia is sending a message that the region should move forward together to be effective regionally and taken seriously globally,” he explained.

The presence of these major world leaders, he added, could help ensure ASEAN’s continued growth and relevance on the global stage.

Nusantara affairs expert Dr Azmi Hassan noted that the strong turnout also highlights the personal credibility of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as ASEAN Chair.

He said the decision of foreign leaders to attend this summit isn’t just about ASEAN’s collective importance, but about Anwar’s individual reputation as a leader who can foster dialogue and build consensus.

“The invitation alone carries weight. Not only is Anwar the Chairman, but he is also the Prime Minister of Malaysia, a position highly regarded by foreign leaders. I think that is the reason why they chose to attend this particular summit,” he said.

As discussions on trade, digital innovation, and regional stability take centre stage, the tangible benefits for Malaysia and the broader ASEAN region are undeniable, he added.

ASEAN, already the world’s fifth-largest economic bloc, is projected to become the fourth-largest by 2030. For Malaysia, which is hosting the summit for the fifth time, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

And as the ASEAN Summit unfolds, the world is watching closely, eager to see what Malaysia will do next.

-- BERNAMA