46th ASEAN Summit, Related Summits open in Malaysia

ASEAN leaders have reasserted their unwavering commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea, amid growing concerns over rising maritime tensions in the region.

More than 10,000 delegates from Asia, including shipowners, policymakers, investors, and technology experts, attended the Indonesia Maritime Expo, held as part of Indonesia Maritime Week 2025 on May 26-28.

Speaking at a press conference following the conclusion of the 46th ASEAN Summit and related meetings on May 27, PM Anwar attributed his optimism to the ongoing discussions and an unprecedented level of commitment demonstrated by member states during the summit.

Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao has expressed optimism that the country will secure full membership by the end of this year.

Indonesia's agricultural land faces mounting pressure from multiple fronts, from oil palm plantations to urbanisation and tourism development.

As Thailand cements its place as Southeast Asia's leading luxury market, the synergy between tourism and retail will remain a defining factor in shaping the industry's future.

Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto said at the plenary session of the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on May 26 that Indonesia welcomed Timor Leste and Papua New Guinea’s wish to join the ASEAN as member states.

According to the Declaration, ASEAN member states reaffirmed their collective resolve to enhance regional unity, promote inclusive and sustainable development and strengthen institutional capacity to respond effectively to existing and future megatrends.

Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien called for greater efforts to bring into full play the 18 priority economic cooperation initiatives in 2025, and continue exploring new collaboration opportunities with emerging partners, including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

UN experts called on the international community, particularly Southeast and East Asia countries, to take urgent and coordinated action to protect victims and step up prevention efforts.

Thailand recorded 53,563 COVID-19 cases with five deaths from May 18 to 24. So far this year, the country reported a total of 186,955 cases and 46 deaths.

The ship KM Althaf departed from a seaport in Bengkulu city, the capital of the province, at approximately 3:00 pm on May 24. It was headed to Enggano Island in North Bengkulu Regency. It should arrive in Enggano Island at about 7:00 am on May 25. However, so far, the ship and all the people on board including the captain, two crew, and five passengers cannot be contacted.

The ASEAN Community Vision 2045 (ACV 2045) marks the beginning of a collective journey toward a more resilient, innovative, and dynamic ASEAN, with people at its core.

Timor-Leste is steadily carving its place in the ASEAN family, with several milestones already achieved under the official roadmap, said ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn.

Earlier this month, Indonesian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia said that Indonesia could redirect up to 60% of its fuel imports away from Singapore over the next six months as part of a broader diversification strategy.

ASEAN’s first Women’s Economic Empowerment Centre (AWES) will make economic potential and opportunities accessible to all including micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), youth and women.

At airports in Thailand, protocols are in place to assist travellers with lost property, including a dedicated support service operated by the Airports Authority and airlines to handle incidents resulting from official errors. Immigration procedures are also supported by immigration police to facilitate smooth entry into the country.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra urged citizens to follow government announcements closely to ensure timely responses to any emergency situations, noting that early warnings are crucial for protecting lives and property.

The adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, along with four strategies, demonstrates ASEAN's proactive approach, not only adapting to a changing world, but also leading with solidarity, mettle and a common vision.

Chinese investments are expected to bring more than just financial benefits, but also help develop Indonesia’s human capital and technological expertise.