The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional organization made up of ten countries in Southeast Asia. Since its establishment in 1967, ASEAN has sought to promote peace, economic growth, and cultural development in a rapidly evolving global environment. With a population exceeding 680 million and a combined GDP of over US$3.6 trillion, ASEAN represents both a significant regional bloc and an important partner on the international stage. Its structure is built around three interconnected pillars: Political-Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural Communities, united by a commitment to consensus and regional cooperation.
Malaysia’s 2025 Chairmanship: A Key Year
In this milestone year, Malaysia assumes the Chairmanship of ASEAN, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the formal establishment of the ASEAN Community. Under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” Malaysia aims to collaborate closely with fellow Member States to foster peace, prosperity, and resilience across the region. The Chairmanship provides an opportunity to lead ASEAN through a period of growing complexity in global and regional affairs.
ASEAN in a Changing Global Landscape
The world today is marked by rapid interconnectedness as well as intensifying global disruptions, from pandemics to supply chain disruptions and rising geopolitical tensions. These developments underscore the growing importance of regional frameworks like ASEAN in supporting stability and multilateral cooperation. Malaysia’s chairmanship will seek to reinforce “ASEAN Centrality,” the guiding principle that places ASEAN at the centre of regional architecture and diplomacy.
Malaysia has identified three strategic priority areas for its chairmanship, reflecting both current global challenges and long-term aspirations for the ASEAN Community.
Priority Area 1: Promoting Regional Peace, Stability and Security
Malaysia will continue to emphasize trust-building, sustained diplomatic engagement, and constructive dialogue to foster a peaceful and stable regional order. During its ASEAN chairmanship, Malaysia aims to expand and deepen ASEAN’s partnerships with international partners and promote a cooperative framework anchored in mutual respect and pragmatic principles. In doing so, Malaysia seeks to reaffirm ASEAN’s role as a key player in regional peace and security.
Priority Area 2: Enhancing Trade and Investment
The second priority focuses on strengthening economic integration within ASEAN and enhancing ties with global partners. High-level events, such as the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur, will serve as platforms to boost economic collaboration.
In parallel, ASEAN will prioritize technological advancement and digital transformation as essential drivers of economic resilience. ASEAN will continue to capitalise on developments in science, technology, and innovation while maximising the benefits of digital transformation across Member States as means to achieve inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Priority Area 3: Advancing Inclusivity and Sustainability in Regional Development
The third focus area highlights the importance of narrowing development disparities within ASEAN. Malaysia’s chairmanship will promote inclusive growth by addressing social and economic inequalities, improving living standards, and strengthening climate resilience.
Sustainability is at the heart of this agenda. ASEAN will work collectively to tackle climate change challenges to foster sustainable development, economic growth, and shared prosperity that benefits all segments of society.
ASEAN Community Vision 2045: Charting a Strategic Path Forward
A key outcome of Malaysia’s chairmanship will be the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, a comprehensive roadmap guiding ASEAN community-building initiatives over the next two decades.
The Vision aims to transform ASEAN into a more resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centred Community. It will outline ASEAN’s approach to existing and emerging global trends through more effective and innovative responses, while simultaneously reinforcing ASEAN Centrality. On the international stage, the Vision will position ASEAN as a more influential global stakeholder capable of making substantive contributions to worldwide development efforts.
Fostering Trans-Regional Cooperation: ASEAN, Europe and the Netherlands
Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship presents valuable opportunities for enhanced ASEAN-Netherlands cooperation. For a globally engaged nation like the Netherlands, stronger ASEAN integration offers mutual benefits in trade, innovation, climate action, and education. Malaysia deeply appreciates the European Union including the Netherlands’ support in working towards a successful ASEAN Chairmanship under Malaysia’s leadership.
Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025 is both a responsibility and an opportunity to lead with vision and resolve. By championing inclusivity and sustainability, Malaysia will work to ensure that ASEAN remains a cohesive, dynamic, and forward-looking community. As ASEAN looks to the future, partnerships with international partners including the Netherlands will be crucial in promoting mutual growth, peace, and shared prosperity.
