Langkawi Awash With ASEAN Colours As Foreign Ministers Gather For Retreat

By Linda Khoo

LANGKAWI, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- As Malaysia prepares to host delegations for the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat (AMM) beginning this Saturday, the resort island of Langkawi is awash with ASEAN logos and banners. 

The two-day retreat marks the first ministerial-level meeting under Malaysia's Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025, setting the stage for a busy and significant year ahead.

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At Langkawi International Airport, arriving guests and dignitaries are greeted by a message reading, "Selamat Datang. Langkawi Welcomes All ASEAN Delegates."

The ASEAN logo and banners are prominently displayed across the island to welcome over 200 delegates from the 10 member states and Timor-Leste, an ASEAN observer state.

The ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 logo, featuring blue, red, yellow, and white, reflects the principal colours of the flags of all ASEAN member states, emphasising the theme of unity and readily capturing the attention of both the public and delegations.

Inspired by Malaysia’s national flower, the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Bunga Raya), the logo highlights the country’s cultural richness while reflecting the unity and identity of the ASEAN community. The flower's five petals, which curve inward to embrace the ASEAN logo at the centre, embody Malaysia’s commitment to fostering a peaceful, stable, and prosperous ASEAN. 

The ASEAN Senior Officials' Meeting is scheduled for Saturday (Jan 18), followed by the AMM on Sunday at the Langkawi International Convention Centre (LICC).

The retreat will mark the first major meeting under Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025.

Under the theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, Malaysia will host more than 300 key meetings and programmes nationwide this year as part of its chairmanship.

To support delegates and enhance public engagement during Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, a 24-hour helpdesk has been established at Langkawi International Airport. 

This initiative, led by the Foreign Ministry with support from Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), Langkawi International Airport, and the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), aims to ensure seamless coordination and outreach.

-- BERNAMA