KUALA LUMPUR: The Philippines is expected to build on the momentum of previous Asean chairmanships by focussing on the bloc’s three core pillars - peace and security, prosperity and people empowerment - as well as strengthening its socio-cultural agenda when it assumes the chairmanship for 2026.
The expectations came as the Philippines officially became Asean Chair on Thursday (Jan 1), with some analysts highlighting the importance of continuity, unity and effective external engagement amid growing geopolitical and economic uncertainties.
