At the end of this month, world leaders will gather in the capital city, making the 47th ASEAN Summit not just a regional forum but a strategic platform to highlight Malaysia’s leadership as ASEAN Chair in 2025, thereby strengthening the organization’s role as a globally influential voice.
Azmi Hassan, a researcher from the National Council of Professors, pointed out that this summit is of great significance and is expected to see the attendance of major world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang. This reflects the major powers’ trust in Malaysia within ASEAN.
“What makes this summit, to be held at the end of this month, important is not only the presence of international leaders like Trump, Lavrov, and Li Qiang, but also that it reflects Malaysia’s vision to shape ASEAN into a highly respected organization on the international stage.”
He told Bernama that the attendance of these major world leaders also sends a message that ASEAN is now more aligned with global geopolitical developments and is no longer standing aloof from international situations outside Southeast Asia.
He said that as this year’s ASEAN Chair with the theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” Malaysia is fully demonstrating its determination to elevate ASEAN’s international image, not only on the economic front but also in addressing global issues such as the South China Sea, Ukraine, and Gaza.
“This impression is not only crucial for Malaysia’s status on the international stage, but also for ASEAN’s image as an influential global organization.”
Zhang Youjie, a strategic, security, and international relations analyst at Universiti Malaya, also holds the same view. He said that this summit provides Malaysia with the best opportunity to showcase its leadership that can lead ASEAN beyond the traditional regional framework and respond more actively to global challenges.
He pointed out that the participation of major powers such as the US, India, China, the EU, and possibly Russia will serve as a benchmark for Malaysia’s ability to serve as a bridge and balancing force in creating a diplomatic platform, thus strengthening ASEAN’s status as an influential bloc.
He said the summit is also expected to strengthen ASEAN’s unified voice on security and defense issues, especially through further negotiation of the code of conduct for the South China Sea to establish a regional position.
Zhang Youjie said Malaysia also expects to highlight ASEAN’s long-term vision by implementing the ASEAN Community 2045 and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), with an emphasis on inclusivity, green energy, and digital development.
“As host and chair country, Malaysia has always played an important role in setting the future agenda for ASEAN. The ASEAN Community 2045 will be one of Malaysia’s important legacies, ensuring that the group remains competitive and relevant in addressing new global challenges.”
He added that the impact of this summit will not only be felt at the diplomatic level but will also directly benefit the people by creating more job opportunities, enhancing economic inclusion, and promoting regional social development.
The 47th ASEAN Summit will be held from the 26th to 28th of this month in Kuala Lumpur and will see the attendance of leaders from all 10 ASEAN countries. Major dialogue partners, including the US, China, Japan, and India, will also participate.