Malaysia’s Ambassador to ASEAN, Sarah Al Bakri Devadason, shared her insights on the anticipated outcomes of the event in an interview recently granted to Jakarta-based VOV correspondents.

VOV: Could you share some main agendas and expected outcomes of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits?

Ambassador Sarah Al Bakri Devadason: The 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, to be held in Kuala Lumpur from 26 to 28 October 2025, will convene under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, reflecting ASEAN’s commitment to building a community that is both cohesive and forward-looking.

A historic milestone of the 47th ASEAN Summit will be the formal admission of Timor-Leste as the 11th ASEAN member state. Timor-Leste’s entry into the ASEAN family embodies the spirit of regional unity and shared destiny, reinforcing ASEAN’s determination to bridge development divides and ensure that no nation is left behind. This expansion not only strengthens ASEAN’s geographic and political identity but also enhances its legitimacy as a comprehensive regional organisation encompassing all Southeast Asian nations.

On 26 October 2025, ASEAN is expected to sign a Leaders’ Declaration welcoming Timor-Leste’s admission into ASEAN, outlining continued support for its institutional development and integration into ASEAN Community Vision (ACV) 2045, which was adopted by ASEAN Leaders at the 46th ASEAN Summit in May 2025.

The Summit will also commemorate two major anniversaries. The first is the 20th Anniversary of the East Asia Summit (EAS), which will provide leaders the opportunity to reflect on two decades of dialogue and cooperation in the region. The EAS is expected to reaffirm its role as the leaders-led forum for strategic and economic dialogue, with discussions focusing on enhancing cooperation in mutually beneficial areas, such as disaster management. A declaration and statement may be adopted to chart the EAS’ next phase of partnership and strengthen ASEAN centrality within the evolving regional architecture.

Another milestone will be the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN-New Zealand Dialogue Relations, which will culminate in the elevation of the partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) during the ASEAN-New Zealand Commemorative Summit scheduled for 28 October 2025. This upgrade will be marked by the adoption of a Joint Vision Statement and a Plan of Action to implement the CSP, aimed at deepening cooperation in trade and investment, green economy, education, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges. The CSP will provide a forward-looking framework that reinforces shared values of inclusivity, sustainability and mutual prosperity in line with ACV 2045.

Collectively, the outcomes of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits are expected to reaffirm ASEAN’s unity, centrality and adaptability amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. The formalisation of Timor-Leste’s membership, the commemoration of the EAS’ 20th anniversary, and the elevation of ASEAN-New Zealand relations to a CSP will stand as defining moments of renewal, demonstrating ASEAN’s resolve to shape a region that is not only united and peaceful but also inclusive and sustainable for generations to come.

VOV: Could you please assess the main achievements during Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 across all sectors?

Ambassador Sarah Al Bakri Devadason: As the Chair of ASEAN this year, Malaysia has championed the theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” underscoring that ASEAN’s future must rest on inclusive growth and sustainable development. Guided by this conviction, Malaysia has outlined five priority areas: strengthening regional peace and security; consolidating the ASEAN Community-building agenda; reinforcing ASEAN’s role in the Indo-Pacific and beyond; enhancing institutional capacity; and advancing a truly people-centred ASEAN Community. As such, Malaysia has actively demonstrated leadership during its Chairmanship to advance ASEAN’s goals in these five priority areas.

As Chair, Malaysia continues to pursue peace through efforts aimed at reducing tensions, misunderstanding and miscalculations among Member States. Malaysia had spearheaded several ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statements on regional and international issues, including Gaza, the rights of the Palestinian people, the earthquakes in Myanmar and Thailand, and the Israel-Iran conflict.

Malaysia has prioritised initiatives to deepen ASEAN’s integration and expand cooperation beyond the region. We will convene the Fifth Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit on 27 October 2025. This proposed Summit would be the first Leaders’ meeting since the Agreement’s entry into force in 2022. Convening the RCEP Summit would send a clear and unequivocal signal of our continued unity and strong political will to uphold an open, inclusive and rules-based trading system. This is crucial for investor confidence and for demonstrating RCEP's collective resilience in these challenging times.

Malaysia has also promoted trilateral cooperation between ASEAN, China and the GCC, to expand trade, investment and connectivity across regions. These efforts build on milestones such as accelerating the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) and enhancing Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises  (MSME) participation in regional supply chains.

Under the people’s pillar, we have made significant progress across our five priority areas: Cultural Heritage; Artificial Intelligence, Digitalisation and Green Jobs; Healthy Initiatives; Youth and Sports; and Climate Action. The ASEAN Creative Economy Sustainability Framework and the forthcoming Melaka Declaration on Cultural Heritage Value Creation pave the way to transform our cultural heritage into a driver of sustainable economic growth. We also championed the ASEAN Declaration of Commitment on Drug Security and Self-Reliance (ADSSR), an important step to safeguard food security and strengthen risk assessment for our peoples’ wellbeing. In addition, the ASEAN Joint Statement on Climate Change reaffirms our shared resolve to tackle climate challenges and deepen cooperation with global partners for a more resilient and sustainable future.

In May 2025, ASEAN Leaders adopted the “ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future”, a landmark compendium comprising six key documents under the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, charting the region’s direction for the next two decades. Malaysia is committed to working with Member States, Dialogue and External Partners, the ASEAN Secretariat and other relevant stakeholders to ensure its meaningful implementation. We deeply appreciate and look forward to the continued support and cooperation extended to Malaysia in advancing this shared vision.

Looking ahead, ASEAN’s relevance rests on its ability to adapt, remain united and deliver tangible benefits to its peoples. The admission of Timor-Leste as the 11th Member State will strengthen ASEAN’s inclusivity and collective identity. This enlargement reflects ASEAN’s enduring appeal and its potential as a stronger and more cohesive community. Together, we can harness our diversity and economic integration to ensure that ASEAN continues to be a zone of peace, prosperity and progress for decades to come.

Vietnam places high expectations on the 47th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia

VOV.VN - Vietnam places great expectations on the 47th ASEAN Summit and related meetings in Malaysia, helping to strengthen ASEAN’s solidarity and centrality, effectively implement the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, and elevate partnerships while expanding new areas of cooperation.