Malaysia anticipates a stronger intraregional trade and investment linkages in 2026 as the Philippines takes the helm as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Malaysia is set to turn over the ASEAN chairship to the Philippines at the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur in October.

“The Philippines, if you look at the current administration, it focuses on a lot on sustainability and inclusivity — I’m sure they’ll be part of the agenda (of ASEAN next year),” Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino said during the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) Ambassadors’ Lecture Series on Friday.

“Number two, of course, is the further (strengthening) of trade, investment linkages, especially since trade and investment are among of the key focuses of President BBM (Bongbong Marcos) and various secretaries of the government,” he added.

Malaysia earlier said it hoped to finalize a unified ASEAN semiconductor supply chain framework, one of its top economic priorities, before turning over the chairship.

Castelino said a number of ASEAN declarations on various subjects are also up for adoption at the end of the Malaysian hosting.

“I recall back when Philippine was chair in 2017, they (the Philippines) have done a remarkable job as the leader of ASEAN. With the Philippines being one of the founding members of ASEAN, I’m sure they are working very hard to ensure that its legacy continues,” he said.

State-owned news agency Bernama earlier quoted Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, confirming the attendance of United States President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the October summit. (PNA)