PBBM ARRIVES IN MALAYSIA FOR ASEAN SUMMIT

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. arrived in Malaysia on Sunday for the 46th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, where he will join regional leaders to discuss key developments and shared goals for the region.

The aircraft carrying the President and members of the Philippine delegation touched down at 5:41 p.m. (local time) at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Joining the President are Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Communications Secretary Jay Ruiz, and Mindanao Development Authority chief Secretary Leo Tereso Magno.

During the summit, President Marcos will engage ASEAN leaders to tackle regional and global challenges, including developments in the South China Sea, the Myanmar situation, maritime security, climate change, economic volatility, and digital disruption.

At the same time, the President will also focus on promoting an ethical and responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) regional framework.

The Chief Executive emphasized the importance of building “a future-ready ASEAN that is not only competitive but also people-centered and sustainable.”

President Marcos will also attend the 16th Brunei, Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit, which the President will chair; the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit; and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit.

The President will also hold several bilateral meetings and participate in various leaders’ engagements.

This year’s ASEAN Summit has the theme, “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” highlighting the region’s shared commitment to progress and resilience.