Amid growing global turbulence and shifting geopolitical alignments, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has underscored the “silver lining” of renewed Asean unity and a shared resolve to deepen regional integration.
Speaking after the close of the 47th Asean Summit and related meetings in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 28, PM Wong said the bloc’s leaders were “more conscious than ever of the need to stay united and work together” as major powers recalibrate their global strategies.
“There will be issues and differences,” he said, “but Asean cannot afford to be divided. Everything is at stake.”
A highlight of the summit was the historic inclusion of Timor-Leste as Asean’s 11th member – the bloc’s first enlargement in 26 years.
PM Wong hailed the milestone as completing “the Asean family,” while noting that Timor-Leste would need continued support to integrate its economy and institutions. Singapore, he said, “will do its part to help build capacity and share expertise”.
Under Malaysia’s chairmanship, Asean also made major strides in economic integration. PM Wong pointed to the substantial progress on the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) and the upgraded Asean Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) as concrete signs of momentum.
DEFA, due to be finalised in 2026, aims to harmonise standards for e-commerce, data flows, payments, and cybersecurity – a move expected to expand the region’s digital economy, already worth over US$200 billion.
The updated ATIGA will streamline customs procedures and lower trade barriers, helping businesses move goods more efficiently across borders.
“These steps may seem incremental, but each one strengthens Asean’s single market, making it more competitive and attractive to investors,” PM Wong said. “Integration is not a one-off event; it’s a continuing journey.”
PM Wong praised Malaysia’s leadership in fostering consensus amid global economic fragmentation and trade tensions. He also reaffirmed Singapore’s support for future Asean chairs – the Philippines in 2026 and Singapore itself in 2027 – to “sustain the momentum” of cooperation.
“If each successive chair builds on what the preceding one does, Asean will remain strong, resilient, and united,” he said. “That’s the spirit of continuity we must preserve.”
He cited progress on conflict management, including constructive dialogue between Thailand and Cambodia over their border dispute, as evidence that Asean’s mechanisms for cooperation and peacebuilding remain robust.
Mr Wong also noted the importance of developing new frameworks for cooperation with external partners beyond trade, including supply chain security, green transition, and digital innovation.
“Asean must remain a zone of peace and stability while becoming a hub of connectivity and innovation,” he said.
India-Asean: Maritime and Digital Synergies
India’s engagement featured prominently during the meetings, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi declaring 2026 as the Asean-India Year of Maritime Cooperation, aimed at strengthening regional security, connectivity, and the blue economy.
“India has always supported Asean centrality and the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific,” Mr Modi said, adding that India was committed to working with Asean on maritime security, disaster relief, and digital inclusion. He also reaffirmed India’s support for resilient supply chains, food security, and cooperation in green energy, education, and cybersecurity.
India and Asean also adopted a joint declaration on sustainable tourism, pledging to promote eco-friendly travel, protect biodiversity, and expand people-to-people ties through heritage-based and digital tourism initiatives. The agreement calls for joint efforts in renewable energy adoption, waste management, and cultural preservation.
Shared Vision for the Region
PM Wong emphasised that Asean’s partnerships with external actors like India, Japan, and the United States complement its central goal: maintaining peace and stability while advancing shared prosperity. “Asean must develop new norms, new practices, and new models of cooperation – internally and with our partners,” he said.
The summit also discussed initiatives for inclusive growth, including digital literacy programs and the creation of a cross-border green finance framework to fund renewable projects. Leaders reiterated their commitment to the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and the Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships with India, China, and Australia.
United States President Donald Trump arrived at his second Asean Summit on Oct 26 armed with praises and diplomatic compliments.
He praised Asean leaders for their role in the Thailand-Cambodia peace deal and described them as “spectacular leaders” and “incredible people” of “genius”.
Mr Trump’s visit resulted in new trade deals, including one with Malaysia securing a 19 per cent tariff on exports to the US.
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25 Sep 2025 12:38
