[eBook]Malaysia Chairs ASEAN at a Strategic Crossroads: Priorities, Opportunities and Challenges

Malaysia’s chairmanship takes place amid heightened geopolitical volatility, including intensifying major power rivalry, ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, and the deepening political and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. Malaysia is expected to lead with a more pragmatic and action-oriented approach to the South China Sea and more structured engagement with Myanmar’s opposition groups and humanitarian actors, while managing ASEAN’s internal divisions and external pressures.

The chairmanship coincides with key milestones, including the tenth anniversary of the ASEAN Community and the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. Malaysia is expected to guide ASEAN in reviewing the region’s progress and finalizing the vision’s strategic plans. This will include strengthening ASEAN’s institutional processes and enhancing cross-pillar coordination in support of a resilient and future-ready ASEAN.

On economic integration, Malaysia is expected to steer the conclusion of key deliverables such as the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), the ASEAN Green Deal 2030, and upgraded agreements, including ATIGA and ACFTA, while promoting inclusive growth, sustainable finance, and digital transformation.

Malaysia will also lead efforts to enhance ASEAN’s external relations by strengthening cooperation with traditional dialogue partners and promoting South-South engagement, including through the proposed ASEAN-GCC-China Summit. These initiatives will be pursued alongside efforts to reinforce ASEAN’s commitment to multilateralism, strategic autonomy, and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.