ASEAN Summit to Discuss Digital Economy and Regional Security

The 49th ASEAN Summit and related meetings are scheduled for November 15–17 in Manila, Philippines. As ASEAN chair for 2026, the Philippines is working to complete its priority economic initiatives. Leaders are expected to review recommendations on economic cooperation and discuss regional strategic issues at the summit.

The Philippines prepares for the ASEAN Summit.（VietVance）

Philippine Trade and Industry Secretary Maria Cristina Roque said the 28th ASEAN Economic Community Council meeting, scheduled for November 14, would review progress on economic priorities, identify outstanding work and finalize recommendations for the leaders. The Philippines is focusing on advancing the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement to promote cooperation in digital trade, e-commerce, electronic payments and cybersecurity. It also stressed the need to implement the ASEAN Economic Community Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 so that businesses, workers and the public see concrete benefits.

Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry said on November 14 that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim would lead the country’s delegation to the summit and related meetings. Malaysia plans to discuss ASEAN Community building, regional resilience, energy security and supply chain security. The talks will also cover the situation in Myanmar, transboundary haze pollution, the South China Sea and the crisis in West Asia.

Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry said its participation reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening ASEAN unity, resilience and centrality. It also stressed the need for greater cooperation among member states and partners to maintain regional peace, stability and prosperity. During the summit, the Philippines plans to hand over the ASEAN chairmanship to Singapore, which will chair the bloc in 2027.

Source: VietVance