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SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS ADVANCE CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND DIGITAL INTEGRATION, WITH SINGAPORE BACKING REGIONAL PRIORITIES.

Foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) convened in Langkawi, Malaysia, on 18–19 January 2025 for their annual retreat, marking the first major diplomatic event under Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN chairmanship. Singapore’s Foreign Minister, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, joined counterparts to discuss regional priorities, including sustainability, maritime security, and digital cooperation.

The retreat, themed “Inclusivity and Sustainability for a Resilient ASEAN”, saw member states agree to accelerate the ASEAN Green Deal 2030, a framework to achieve net-zero emissions. Singapore pledged S$50 million to the ASEAN Climate Action Fund to support renewable energy projects and disaster-response coordination. Dr Balakrishnan emphasised Singapore’s commitment to “shared solutions for climate challenges” during closed-door talks.

Discussions also addressed progress on the South China Sea Code of Conduct (COC), with Malaysia urging faster negotiations to finalise the agreement by 2026. Ministers reaffirmed adherence to international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), while Singapore highlighted ASEAN’s role in balancing geopolitical interests.

A proposed ASEAN Digital Economy Compact aimed to harmonise cross-border e-commerce rules, with Singapore offering technical expertise to streamline digital trade standards. Dr Balakrishnan cited Singapore’s existing digital payment links with Malaysia and ������ as a blueprint for regional collaboration.

Malaysia announced plans to host an ASEAN Summit on Sustainable Infrastructure in June 2025, where Singapore will co-chair sessions on smart-city partnerships. The retreat underscored ASEAN’s focus on unity amid global economic fragmentation and climate threats.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore