KUALA LUMPUR, October 25 — Malaysia is set to host the landmark 47th Asean Summit from October 26 to 28 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, the largest gathering of its kind since 1976.
Leaders from across Southeast Asia and major global partners, including the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, and South Africa, will convene to discuss regional peace, economic integration, and inclusive growth under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”
The summit will also see the signing of a declaration marking Timor-Leste’s official admission as Asean’s 11th member state — a historic milestone under Malaysia’s chairmanship. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng arrived in Kuala Lumpur last night ahead of high-level US-China trade talks taking place on the sidelines of the summit, signaling renewed diplomatic engagement between the world’s two largest economies.
China reaffirmed Asean’s centrality in its regional policy and expressed strong support for Malaysia’s inclusive leadership approach. Meanwhile, tight security measures and road closures are in place across the capital as over 30 heads of state and thousands of delegates gather for three days of discussions that will shape Asean’s future direction.
The summit will conclude with Malaysia handing over the Asean chairmanship to the Philippines for 2026. Officials said the event highlights Malaysia’s leadership in fostering regional unity amid global uncertainties, strengthening Asean’s role as a driver of peace, cooperation, and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific.
