Malaysia officially took over the 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship from Laos on the closing ceremony of the forty fourth and forty fifth ASEAN Summits on 11 October. Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim received the leadership gavel from Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, marking the start of Malaysia’s role as ASEAN chair with effect from January 1, 2025.
As a part of the handover ceremony, Anwar unveiled the brand and theme of Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship: “Inclusion and Sustainable Development.”
This theme reflects Malaysia’s aspiration to foster closer regional cooperation based on the principles of inclusiveness and sustainable development, ensuring that no ASEAN member is left behind. Anwar also reaffirmed that ASEAN will proceed to stick to the principle of consensus-based decision-making.
Anwar stressed the importance of Timor-Leste’s integration with ASEAN to develop the region’s economy and support ASEAN’s broader vision. In addition, ASEAN will proceed to strengthen global economic partnerships, including through the ASEAN-Gulf-China Cooperation Council summit next 12 months.
Anwar reiterated his commitment to strengthening regional cooperation through dialogue and cooperation, working closely with all ASEAN member states and external partners to advertise an open, inclusive and rules-based regional architecture.
Anwar also recalled that ASEAN’s journey, which began almost sixty years ago, was based on a vision of peace, stability and prosperity. Today, ASEAN is powerful and prepared for the longer term.
The 12 months 2025 shall be a major milestone as it would mark 10 years for the reason that establishment of the ASEAN Community and the launch of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which is able to function a standard roadmap for the following 20 years. Anwar reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to maintaining Southeast Asia as a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.
