Malaysia: 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.

According to Philippines News Agency, Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato' Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino expressed optimism about the Philippines' leadership during the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) Ambassadors' Lecture Series in Pasay City. He highlighted the current Philippine administration's focus on sustainability and inclusivity, suggesting these themes will likely feature prominently in ASEAN's agenda under Philippine chairship. Castelino also emphasized the importance of enhancing trade and investment linkages, aligning with the priorities of President Bongbong Marcos and various government secretaries.

Malaysia has indicated its intention to finalize a unified ASEAN semiconductor supply chain framework before handing over the chairship. Castelino also mentioned that several ASEAN declarations on different subjects are expected to be adopted by the conclusion of Malaysia's hosting period. Reflecting on the Philippines' previous tenure as ASEAN chair in 2017, Castelino praised their leadership and expressed confidence in their continued commitment to ASEAN's legacy.

State-owned news agency Bernama reported Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirming the attendance of several global leaders, including 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.