Kuala Lumpur: Asean has stepped confidently into the global spotlight under Malaysia’s chairmanship, with its central role in the Indo-Pacific now recognised by partners across the world, says its secretary-general Kao Kim Hourn.
Reflecting on a year marked by strategic diplomacy and complex geopolitics, Kao credited Malaysia’s leadership for elevating Asean from a regional bloc to a global convenor.
“I’m very proud of the fact that today, Asean is in the spotlight,” he told FMT.
“We have many countries that are now more willing to work with Asean. And the reason is because they believe that working with Asean is in their interest — of course, also our interest.”Kao pointed to Malaysia’s ability to draw world leaders to the region and frame the agenda around both regional and global concerns.
“The fact is that Asean has been able to have this convening power, bringing leaders from around the world to be here and to discuss issues important to this region. Of course, these are important priorities for the world as well,” he added.
“I would say that Asean is really on the right track.”Kao also acknowledged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s role in keeping Asean cohesive amid mounting challenges.
“Asean continues to hold together very well with unity and solidarity. You can see that Prime Minister Anwar is really making sure that Asean becomes a central force — a force that brings everyone together.
“That is why Asean now is at the heart of the Indo-Pacific. We attract so much interest, so much attention, priorities, and the hope that we will continue to keep peace, stability and unity.”Kao also cautioned that this inclusive posture brought its own complexities. This included balancing a quicker response to emerging risks or challenges with cohesion to deliver on the Asean Community Vision 2045 so that “we never lose sight of the interests of our people”.
“There’s a saying that if you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go very far, you go together.
“Speed is important but, at the same time, I think we have to bring everyone on board. We don’t want to leave anyone behind,” he added.
Hard-won gainsKao described 2025 as a difficult year not just for Asean, but for the world — one in which Malaysia nevertheless steered the bloc towards meaningful breakthroughs.
