ASEAN digital officials discussed regional priorities and developments shaping the digital future.

Digital senior officials and telecommunications regulators from ASEAN Member States (AMS) convened in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for the 2nd ASEAN Digital Senior Officials’ Meeting – ASEAN Telecommunications Regulators’ Council (ADGSOM–ATRC) Leaders’ Retreat of 2026, held from 23–24 September. The retreat provided a platform for senior representatives to deliberate on key issues related to ASEAN’s digital future and regional telecommunications development.

The retreat was hosted by the Ministry of Digital Development and Communication and the Posts and Telecommunications Department of Myanmar. Participants included senior leaders and representatives from ASEAN Member States, the ASEAN Secretariat and external partners.

Discussions focused on key topics shaping the region’s digital development. The meeting enabled officials responsible for digital policy and telecommunications regulation to exchange views on issues relevant to ASEAN’s ongoing digital agenda.

The ADGSOM–ATRC Leaders’ Retreat brought together the digital and telecommunications components of ASEAN’s institutional framework. ADGSOM provides a forum for senior digital officials from ASEAN Member States, while the ASEAN Telecommunications Regulators’ Council (ATRC) provides a platform for telecommunications regulators to engage on matters concerning the sector.

Held in Kuala Lumpur on 23 and 24 September, the 2026 retreat provided an opportunity for participating officials to discuss regional priorities and consider developments affecting ASEAN’s digital landscape. The participation of the ASEAN Secretariat and external partners also supported discussions involving stakeholders beyond the Member States.

The retreat was part of ASEAN’s continuing official engagement on digital development and telecommunications, with participating officials examining issues relevant to the region’s future digital environment.

The meeting concluded two days of discussions among ASEAN digital officials, telecommunications regulators, the ASEAN Secretariat and external partners on priorities for digital development and telecommunications in the region.

Source: ASEAN

Dialogue addressed energy security, transition, critical minerals, investment and resilient regional supply chains.

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, delivered opening remarks at the Australia–ASEAN Energy Leadership Dialogue in Adelaide, Australia, on 30 September 2026. The session was held as part of the Australia–ASEAN Business Forum 2026 and focused on shared priorities in energy security and transition, critical minerals, investment, resilient supply chains and practical cooperation to advance bankable projects.

The Australia–ASEAN Energy Leadership Dialogue provided a platform for discussion between Australia and ASEAN on key energy and economic priorities. The session took place in Adelaide alongside the Australia–ASEAN Business Forum 2026, bringing attention to areas of cooperation relevant to regional energy security, investment and supply-chain resilience.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn highlighted the importance of addressing shared priorities in energy security and energy transition. Discussions also covered critical minerals, reflecting their relevance to energy systems and investment, as well as measures to support resilient supply chains between Australia and ASEAN.

The dialogue further examined investment opportunities and practical cooperation aimed at advancing bankable projects. These discussions placed emphasis on translating shared priorities into projects capable of attracting investment and supporting cooperation in the energy sector.

The Australia–ASEAN Business Forum 2026 provided the broader setting for the energy leadership dialogue, with the session focusing specifically on issues affecting energy security, transition, critical minerals, investment and supply-chain resilience.

The discussions in Adelaide underscored the range of areas addressed through Australia–ASEAN engagement, including energy cooperation and investment. The dialogue also provided an opportunity to consider practical approaches for developing bankable projects aligned with shared priorities in the energy sector.

Source: ASEAN

ASEAN Secretariat shared coordination experience and the TAC’s role in regional peace.

Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Political-Security Community (DSG APSC), H.E. Dato’ Astanah Abdul Aziz, participated in the 7th ASEAN Workshop on the Intersection between Conflict and Human Rights on 28 September 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The workshop provided an opportunity for the ASEAN Secretariat to share its experience in supporting coordination among ASEAN’s organs, bodies and mechanisms in developing ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future.

During the workshop, DSG APSC highlighted the role of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) in preserving peace in the region. The discussion took place in the context of the workshop’s focus on the relationship between conflict and human rights.

H.E. Dato’ Astanah shared the ASEAN Secretariat’s experience in facilitating coordination among the various ASEAN organs, bodies and mechanisms involved in the development of ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future. The framework sets out ASEAN’s long-term direction and shared vision for the region.

The DSG APSC also highlighted the TAC as an important instrument in ASEAN’s regional framework for maintaining peace. Adopted in 1976, the treaty provides principles for relations among states, including mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

The 7th ASEAN Workshop on the Intersection between Conflict and Human Rights provided a platform for discussion on issues connecting conflict and human rights within the regional context. H.E. Dato’ Astanah’s participation also reflected the ASEAN Secretariat’s role in supporting coordination and the implementation of ASEAN’s political-security agenda.

The workshop was held in Kuala Lumpur on 28 September 2026, with the participation of the ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General for the ASEAN Political-Security Community. Discussions addressed the intersection between conflict and human rights, while also highlighting ASEAN’s institutional processes and regional instruments relevant to peace and stability.

Source: ASEAN

Reception opened discussions on deeper Australia-ASEAN economic and business relations in Adelaide.

ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn delivered remarks at the Welcome Reception of the Australia-ASEAN Business Forum (AABF) 2026 on 28 September 2026 at Government House in Adelaide, Australia. Hosted by The Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, the reception opened the AABF 2026, which was scheduled to take place on 29–30 September at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

Held under the theme “Deepening Australia-ASEAN Economic Integration in a Changing Global Landscape,” the AABF 2026 provided a forum for representatives from Australia, ASEAN Member States and several Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) countries to exchange views on economic and business cooperation.

Participants included government officials, business leaders, experts, academics and other stakeholders. Discussions focused on trade, investment and innovation in key sectors relevant to sustainable growth, as well as other areas of mutual interest between Australia and ASEAN.

In his remarks at the Welcome Reception, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn highlighted the forum’s role in advancing economic and business relations between Australia and ASEAN. The engagement also supported efforts to advance the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership through greater interaction among government, business, academic and other stakeholders.

The AABF 2026 was scheduled to continue on 29 and 30 September at the Adelaide Convention Centre. The forum provided an opportunity for participants to exchange perspectives on economic integration and explore areas of cooperation involving Australia, ASEAN Member States and participating RCEP countries.

The event in Adelaide reflected the continuing engagement between ASEAN and Australia in the economic and business sectors, with discussions centred on trade, investment, innovation and sustainable growth.

Source: ASEAN

ASEAN and Pacific Alliance discussed developments and future cooperation in New York.

ASEAN and the Pacific Alliance discussed regional developments and the future direction of their cooperation at the 9th ASEAN-Pacific Alliance Ministerial Meeting in New York on 22 September 2026. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and provided an opportunity for representatives of both regional groupings to exchange views and discuss areas of continued cooperation.

The meeting was co-chaired by Vijavat Isarabhakdi, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of ������, and Roberto Velasco Álvarez, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico. Their participation reflected the respective roles of ������ and Mexico in the ASEAN-Pacific Alliance engagement.

During the meeting, participants exchanged views on developments in the ASEAN and Pacific Alliance regions. Discussions also focused on the future direction of ASEAN-Pacific Alliance cooperation, providing an opportunity to consider how engagement between the two regional groupings could continue.

The ministerial meeting took place in conjunction with the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where representatives from countries and regional organisations convened for discussions on international and regional matters. Holding the ASEAN-Pacific Alliance meeting on the margins of the UNGA session provided a setting for the two regional groupings to maintain dialogue and review their cooperation.

The 9th ASEAN-Pacific Alliance Ministerial Meeting continued the established ministerial-level engagement between ASEAN and the Pacific Alliance. The discussions centred on developments in both regions and the future direction of cooperation, reflecting the participants’ continued commitment to maintaining dialogue between the two regional groupings.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for the co-chairs, Vice Minister Vijavat Isarabhakdi and Secretary Roberto Velasco Álvarez, to lead discussions on matters of mutual interest and the ongoing relationship between ASEAN and the Pacific Alliance.

Source: ASEAN

ASEAN and GCC foreign ministers discussed cooperation and preparations for upcoming regional summit.

The ASEAN–Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held on 23 September 2026 in New York, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Week. The meeting was co-chaired by Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, and Bahrain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, to discuss the future direction of ASEAN–GCC relations and regional and international developments.

Foreign Ministers and representatives from ASEAN and GCC Member States participated in the meeting. Discussions included preparations for the Third ASEAN-GCC Summit, alongside an exchange of views on developments affecting the two regions.

The meeting reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between ASEAN and the GCC and highlighted the importance of maintaining regional peace, stability and prosperity. Participants underscored the role of dialogue and diplomacy, as well as respect for international law, in supporting these objectives.

The ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to practical cooperation in several areas of mutual interest. These included trade and investment, energy security, digital transformation, supply chain resilience and connectivity.

Other areas identified for continued cooperation included tourism, education, sustainability, disaster management and humanitarian assistance. The discussions reflected the breadth of the ASEAN–GCC partnership and the range of sectors in which both sides are seeking to advance practical engagement.

The meeting took place as ASEAN and GCC Member States participated in the UNGA High-Level Week in New York, providing an opportunity for senior representatives from both regional groupings to exchange views on shared priorities and preparations for the next stage of ASEAN–GCC engagement.

Source: ASEAN

Conference addressed online scams as a pressing transnational crime challenge requiring international cooperation.

ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn attended the Opening Ceremony of the International Conference on Combating Online Scams on 23 September 2026 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The conference addressed online scams as a pressing transnational crime challenge and provided a platform for governments, international organisations and relevant stakeholders to discuss efforts to combat the issue.

The Opening Ceremony was presided over by Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, who delivered the Keynote Address.

The International Conference on Combating Online Scams focused on the growing challenge of online scams and their transnational nature. The event featured the participation of high-level government officials, representatives from international organisations and other relevant stakeholders.

Dr. Kao Kim Hourn’s attendance represented the participation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the conference, alongside government and international representatives addressing online scams as a cross-border criminal challenge.

The conference provided an international setting for participating governments, organisations and stakeholders to engage on the issue of online scams. Their participation reflected international attention to addressing online scams, which involve criminal activities that can affect individuals and communities beyond national borders.

The Opening Ceremony in Phnom Penh was presided over by Prime Minister Hun Manet, who delivered the keynote address to officially open the conference. The participation of senior government officials and representatives from international organisations underscored the broad range of stakeholders involved in efforts to address online scams.

The conference took place in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on 23 September 2026, with ASEAN represented by its Secretary-General. The event formed part of international efforts to address online scams as a transnational crime challenge through engagement among governments, international organisations and relevant stakeholders.

Source: ASEAN

ASEAN ministers reviewed trade agreements and facilitation measures to support regional competitiveness.

ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn attended the Joint Meeting of the 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) and 40th ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) Council Meeting in Manila, the Philippines, on 21 September 2026. The meeting reviewed the implementation of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) and preparations for the early entry into force of the Second Protocol to Amend the ATIGA, known as the Upgraded ATIGA.

The meeting brought together ASEAN Economic Ministers to discuss trade and economic measures supporting ASEAN’s role as a single market and production base. Discussions focused on the implementation of existing regional trade arrangements and measures intended to facilitate the movement of goods within ASEAN.

The ministers discussed the current implementation of ATIGA, as well as preparatory work for the early entry into force of the Upgraded ATIGA. The Second Protocol to Amend the ATIGA is intended to provide the updated framework for ASEAN trade in goods as the region continues to develop its economic integration arrangements.

Trade facilitation was also among the key areas discussed during the meeting. Ministers considered the expansion of the ASEAN Authorised Economic Operator Mutual Recognition Arrangement (AAMRA), which supports cooperation in customs procedures among participating ASEAN member states.

The meeting also discussed the enhanced ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS), another trade facilitation mechanism aimed at supporting the movement of goods within the region.

The discussions addressed measures to reinforce ASEAN as a single market and production base while maintaining the region’s competitiveness and resilience in the global economy.

Dr. Kao’s participation in the Joint AEM and AFTA Council Meeting reflected the role of the ASEAN Secretariat in supporting the implementation of regional economic agreements and facilitating coordination among ASEAN Member States on trade and economic integration matters.

The meeting in Manila was held as ASEAN continued work on trade facilitation, the implementation of ATIGA and preparations for the entry into force of the Upgraded ATIGA.

Source: ASEAN

Dr. Kao Kim Hourn highlighted ASEAN’s role in dialogue and strategic stability.

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, delivered remarks at the First Plenary Session of the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, China, on 16 September 2026. Speaking on “International Order and Strategic Stability”, Dr. Kao outlined the conditions he considered necessary for strategic stability and highlighted ASEAN’s role in dialogue, confidence-building and reducing the risk of miscalculation.

The session focused on international order and strategic stability, with Dr. Kao addressing the topic from the perspective of ASEAN and its regional mechanisms. His remarks highlighted the need for approaches to strategic stability that extend beyond military considerations and incorporate communication, responsible competition, international law and cooperation.

Dr. Kao underscored that strategic stability required not only military balance but also strategic reassurance. He highlighted open communication as an important element in managing relations and emphasised the responsible management of competition to help reduce risks arising from strategic tensions.

He also stressed the importance of respect for international law and inclusive cooperation in supporting a stable international environment. These elements, he noted, complemented efforts to maintain military balance by providing channels for communication and engagement among countries.

In his remarks, Dr. Kao highlighted ASEAN’s role in fostering dialogue and building confidence through its ASEAN-led mechanisms. He pointed to these mechanisms as avenues for engagement that could help reduce the risk of miscalculation among countries in the region.

The Secretary-General’s participation at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum provided an opportunity to present ASEAN’s approach to international order and strategic stability in the context of the forum’s discussions. His remarks placed emphasis on dialogue, communication, responsible management of competition, respect for international law and inclusive cooperation as elements supporting strategic stability.

The 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum was held in Beijing, China, with the First Plenary Session addressing “International Order and Strategic Stability”. Dr. Kao’s participation highlighted ASEAN’s institutional role in regional dialogue and confidence-building through its established ASEAN-led mechanisms.

Source: ASEAN

ASEAN think tanks discussed policy contributions as the region prepares for 2045.

ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn officiated the 3rd ASEAN Think Tanks Summit (ATTS) at the ASEAN Headquarters and ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta. The summit provided a platform to highlight the role of think tanks and academia in regional policymaking as ASEAN prepares for its 60th anniversary and advances the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

In his keynote remarks, Dr. Kao emphasised the contribution of the region’s think tank community to ASEAN’s policymaking process. He highlighted the role of research institutions and academia in helping ASEAN anticipate change, strengthen resilience and navigate its future.

Dr. Kao also addressed the broader outlook for ASEAN as the organisation moves towards its 60th anniversary and implements the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. He underscored the importance of informed research and academic contributions in supporting the region’s policy development and future direction.

The 3rd ASEAN Think Tanks Summit was organised by the Singapore Institute for International Affairs (SIIA) on behalf of the ASEAN-ISIS Network, an entity associated with ASEAN. The summit was held at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, providing a setting for members of the regional think tank and academic community to engage on issues relevant to ASEAN’s policymaking process.

At the conclusion of his remarks, Dr. Kao applauded the Singapore Institute for International Affairs for spearheading the organisation of the summit on behalf of the ASEAN-ISIS Network.

The event highlighted the role of think tanks and academia as ASEAN continues preparations for its 60th anniversary and works towards the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. Their contribution was presented as relevant to anticipating regional and global changes, supporting resilience and informing ASEAN’s future policy direction.

Source: ASEAN