ASEAN OUTLOOK ON THE INDO-PACIFIC (AOIP) FORUM 2025

“TOWARDS AN INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE INDO-PACIFIC”

KUALA LUMPUR

14 – 15 NOVEMBER 2025

 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Institute of Strategic & International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia successfully convened the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) Forum 2025 on 14 to 15 November 2025. Titled “Towards an inclusive and sustainable Indo-Pacific”, the jointly organised forum builds upon the AOIP’s ongoing efforts to bridge geostrategic dialogue with sustainable development. It also considers the multifaceted implications of various Indo-Pacific strategies while adopting a broader strategic vision.

Held over two days, the forum commenced with a welcoming dinner for its delegates on 14 November, where Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and SOM Leader of Malaysia Dato' Sri Amran Mohamed Zin delivered the keynote address. He underscored that “the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) reflects ASEAN’s enduring belief that the region must remain open, inclusive, and anchored in cooperation. It is not about choosing sides, but about building bridges in shaping a future that is peaceful, sustainable, and shared by all”.

He further emphasised that “for Malaysia, the AOIP is not an abstract vision, but a practical expression of the future we seek, one where inclusivity is power, sustainability is strategy, and centrality is our shared responsibility. This is the very spirit that underpins Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025.”

The second day of proceedings on 15 November featured four thematic sessions and brought together over 20 esteemed panellists from the region, comprising practitioners, policymakers, academics and think-tank representatives. The sessions explored:

i.  the intersection of geopolitics and geoeconomics in the Indo-Pacific; 

ii.  linking the AOIP with the ASEAN’s Community Vision (ACV) 2045;

iii. confidence-building measures in the maritime domain; and

iv.  synergies between various Indo-Pacific strategies.

Chairman of ISIS Malaysia Datuk Prof Dr Mohd Faiz Abdullah remarked “the AOIP has been going through significant shifts since its launch in 2019. From its mainstreaming in 2022 to its renewed framing last year as the core of ASEAN’s future-proofing efforts, the AOIP is a statement of intent. It articulates how ASEAN wishes to engage the wider Indo-Pacific on its own terms, anchored in openness, inclusivity and cooperation. A clear and reinvigorated sense of ASEAN Centrality will be the driving force of the AOIP.” 

Formally adopted in June 2019, the AOIP advocates for greater ASEAN agency and unity in the region, in the face of acute geopolitical change. It promotes ASEAN Centrality as the underlying principle for fostering cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, leveraging ASEAN-led mechanisms, such as the East Asia Summit (EAS) as platforms for dialogue and implementation.

 

PUTRAJAYA

15 November 2025 

WORKING VISIT OF THE MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE

REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE TO MALAYSIA

11 NOVEMBER 2025

 

Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan will undertake a working visit to Malaysia on 11 November 2025.

During the visit, Minister Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan will hold a bilateral meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan. Both Foreign Ministers are expected to review the progress of bilateral relations and cooperation, exchange views on issues of mutual interest, and discuss preparations for the forthcoming 12th Malaysia–Singapore Annual Leaders’ Retreat.

The Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat, to be led by the Prime Ministers, is scheduled to take place in December.

As close neighbours and key ASEAN partners, Malaysia and Singapore continue to enjoy strong collaboration across various sectors, as the two countries mark 60 years of diplomatic relations this year. Both countries remain each other’s second-largest trading partners, with bilateral trade amounting to USD61.40 billion (RM266.50 billion) from January to August 2025, accounting for 8.5 per cent of Malaysia’s total trade.

 

PUTRAJAYA

11 November 2025

MALAYSIA SUCCESSFULLY ELECTED TO UNESCO EXECUTIVE BOARD

FOR THE 2025 – 2029 TERM

 

Malaysia was successfully elected to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as an Executive Board Member under Electoral Group IV for the term 2025 – 2029. The election took place on 7 November 2025 during the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Malaysia secured 167 votes, winning one of the six seats allocated to Group IV. This marks Malaysia’s seventh term on the UNESCO Executive Board since becoming a Member State in 1958.

Malaysia’s successful bid to the UNESCO Executive Board underscores the country’s steadfast role and leadership in advancing educational, scientific and cultural cooperation, in line with the aspirations of ASEAN Vision 2045 and UNESCO’s global priorities. This achievement complements Malaysia’s active roles in two key UNESCO subsidiary bodies, namely, the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2022 – 2026) and the Intergovernmental Council of the Hydrological Programme (2023 – 2027).

As a Specialised Agency of the United Nations, UNESCO promotes international cooperation in education, science, culture and communication.

Malaysia looks forward to contributing actively during its term on the Executive Board and reaffirms its commitment to work closely with the international community to strengthen multilateral cooperation, advance knowledge, harness science and innovation for sustainability, and safeguard cultural heritage for the benefit of all.

Malaysia extends its sincere appreciation to all UNESCO Member States for their continued support and cooperation. During the UNESCO proceedings, Malaysia will be represented by the Ministry of Education and its Office of the Permanent Delegation of Malaysia to UNESCO in Paris.

 

PUTRAJAYA

7 November 2025 

 

TROPICAL STORM FUNG-WONG

 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Embassy of Malaysia in Manila, is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Fung-Wong (locally known as Uwan), which is expected to enter the Philippine Areas of Responsibility on Friday, 7 November 2025.

The storm currently carries maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometer per hour (km/h) near the centre and gustiness of up to 90 km/h, while moving northwestward at 10 km/h. The state weather bureau also maintained its forecast that the storm may reach the super typhoon category by Saturday, 8 November 2025 and start closing in on the country, with bad weather expected to fully begin by Sunday, 9 November 2025. Earlier, Typhoon Kamaelgi (locally known as Typhoon Tino) made landfall in the Visayas Region of the Philippines on 4 November 2025, resulting in widespread flooding and numerous casualties, injuries, and displacements of hundreds of families. The Government of the Philippines declared a national state of emergency on 6 November 2025 following the extensive destruction caused by Typhoon Kamaelgi. This measure will enable government agencies to access emergency funds more rapidly and expedite the procurement of relief supplies as the nation prepares for Fung-Wong.

Malaysia extends its deepest condolences and sympathies to the Government and people of the Philippines, especially the victims and families affected by the calamity.

To date, there have been no reports of Malaysians affected by the calamities. Malaysians residing in affected areas are advised to remain vigilant and adhere to the latest guidance issued by local authorities. Those who have not yet registered and updated their whereabouts and personal details are encouraged to do so immediately at https://ekonsular.kln.gov.my.

Malaysians requiring consular assistance may contact the Embassy of Malaysia in Manila at the details provided below.

 

EMBASSY OF MALAYSIA IN MANILA

 

                            Address:                  Salcedo Village, 107 Tordesillas, Makati, 1227 Metro Manila,

                                                            Philippines

                          Phone number:         +63 2 8662 8200 / 0917 864 0761 

                          E-mail :                      mwmanila@kln.gov.my   

 

PUTRAJAYA

7 November 2025 

WORKING VISIT OF THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF RURAL

AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT TO THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

4 – 7 NOVEMBER 2025

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will undertake a working visit to the People’s Republic of China from 4 to 7 November 2025. He will be accompanied by senior officials of the relevant ministries and agencies, as well as representatives from small and medium enterprises in Malaysia.

This marks his first visit to China in 2025 and underscores Malaysia’s continuous commitment to strengthening ties and fostering cooperation in various sectors for the mutual benefit of both countries, since the elevation of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2013.

During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister will officiate MIHAS Shanghai 2025 and meet with key stakeholders in China's halal sector to boost Malaysia’s position as a global halal leader and open doors to new markets worldwide. In 2024, China ranked second as Malaysia's Halal export destination with total exports valued at RM7.04 billion. The delegation is also scheduled to engage in high-level discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation, with particular emphasis on key sectors such as the halal industry and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

As part of his visit, the Deputy Prime Minister is scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the 8 th China International Import Expo (CIIE) and officiate the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) Pavilion. The Deputy Prime Minister will also witness the signing of a number of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between Malaysian and Chinese companies in the field of the halal industry, trade and investment.

Malaysia and China established diplomatic relations on 31 May 1974. For sixteen years, since 2009, China has remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner. Total trade between the two countries is valued at RM484.12 billion in 2024, representing 16.8 per cent of Malaysia’s total global trade (RM2.879 trillion).

 

PUTRAJAYA

4 November 2025