KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 — Malaysia is set to host the 47th Asean Summit from October 26 to 28, bringing together leaders from across South-east Asia and key dialogue partners to discuss regional cooperation, economic growth and current security challenges.
At the invitation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who chairs Asean for 2025, Secretary-General of Asean Dr Kao Kim Hourn will lead the Asean Secretariat delegation to the summit — expected to be the largest event since 1976 — at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”
Trade, digital integration and growth top summit agenda
Economic issues are expected to dominate discussions, with country leaders set to review progress on amendments to the Asean Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) and negotiations for the landmark Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) — both aimed at improving trade flows and regional digital integration.
The signing ceremony of the Instrument of Accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South-east Asia (TAC) by Finland, the 5th Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Leaders’ Summit, and the Asean Prize presentation ceremony will also take place during the summit.
Timor-Leste set to join Asean as 11th member state
The summit will also feature the signing of the declaration on the admission of Timor-Leste to Asean, following its observer status in previous years.
This marks Asean’s first expansion since 1999 — a major achievement under Malaysia’s chairmanship.
Timor-Leste’s inclusion as Asean’s 11th member is significant as it completes the geographical map of South-east Asia within the bloc.
Membership will grant Timor-Leste access to AFTA and RCEP, development aid, investment opportunities and technical support for economic growth.
Leaders to tackle Myanmar crisis, maritime disputes and cyber threats
Beyond economic cooperation, leaders are expected to discuss regional security challenges, including developments in Myanmar, maritime disputes and collaboration on cybersecurity and transnational crime.
Asean’s ability to maintain unity amid major power rivalries — especially between the United States and China — will be closely watched.
World leaders converge on KL for three-day summit
Apart from the attendance of United States President Donald Trump, regional leaders expected to attend include Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Timor-Leste President Jose Alexandre Gusmao.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend in person but will participate virtually.
Other confirmed attendees include Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Both Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be attending in person and will be represented by Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak respectively.
In addition to Asean member states, leaders and representatives from key partners — including China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and the US — are scheduled to attend related meetings under the “Asean+” format, which brings together Asean and non-member countries to discuss economic, political and security issues of common interest.
Several side meetings will also be held, including the East Asia Summit and the Asean Business and Investment Summit.
Tight security and road closures ahead of high-profile event
Security and traffic measures have been tightened around central Kuala Lumpur ahead of the event, with thousands of delegates, media representatives and support staff expected over the three-day period.
The Malaysian government has designated several city routes for official convoys and implemented temporary road closures.
Kuala Lumpur police earlier this week issued a stern warning against any attempts to disrupt the summit.
City police chief Commissioner Datuk Fadil Marsus stressed the importance of public cooperation with law enforcement to ensure the smooth running of the biannual meeting.
More than 10,000 police personnel will be deployed for summit security duties across the capital.
Malaysia to pass Asean chair to the Philippines for 2026
The summit will conclude with Malaysia handing over the Asean chairmanship to the Philippines for 2026.
Officials say the Kuala Lumpur meeting will serve as a checkpoint for Asean’s long-term goals — building an integrated regional economy and maintaining peace and stability in an increasingly complex global environment.
