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Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, on 22 October 2026, delivered a Special Lecture at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) in Tokyo, Japan, reflecting on the next chapter of ASEAN–Japan cooperation.

Looking beyond more than five decades of friendship and partnership, the lecture explored how ASEAN and Japan can deepen their engagement amidst a rapidly evolving geopolitical and geoeconomic landscape, shifting global supply chains, rapid technological change, the energy transition, and other emerging challenges.

Dr. Kao underscored the importance of moving from cooperation towards co-creation, whilst upholding ASEAN Centrality and advancing an open, inclusive, resilient and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

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ASEAN–China socio-cultural cooperation contributes to a healthier and more resilient ASEAN Community through collaboration in public health and disaster management.

Through established ASEAN mechanisms and practical initiatives, both sides continue to strengthen regional capacity, preparedness, and emergency response.

#ASEANDialoguePartnersCooperation

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Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today met with the Minister for Digital Transformation of Japan, H.E. Toshiharu Furukawa, in Tokyo, Japan. During their meeting, the two sides exchanged views on strengthening practical cooperation, particularly through efforts to transform the digital economy, including Government Al cooperation and Data Free Flow with Trust (DFFT), which could contribute meaningfully to the shared efforts in advancing ASEAN-Japan digital cooperation.

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At the invitation of H.E. Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, will lead the ASEAN Secretariat’s delegation to participate in the 9th World Investment Forum (WIF), to be held in Doha, Qatar, on 25 October 2026.

At the 9th WIF, Dr. Kao will participate in the Investment Ministerial Roundtable, where he will share ASEAN’s perspectives on investment policies that support the realisation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. He will also deliver a keynote address and serve as a panelist at a dedicated ASEAN session entitled “ASEAN Dialogue: Regional Integration and Investment Nexus.”

At the sidelines of the Forum, Dr. Kao will have several bilateral meetings with ministers, senior officials of participating countries, and heads of international organisations to exchange views on matters of mutual interest and explore opportunities to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN.

On the sidelines of the 9th WIF, Dr. Kao is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar. Dr. Kao will also attend a working dinner with the ASEAN Committee in Doha (ACD), during which he will brief the Committee on recent developments in ASEAN and exchange views on the newly established ASEAN–Qatar Sectoral Dialogue Partnership.

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Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Economic Community, H.E. Satvinder Singh, met with Prof. Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee, President of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on 21 October 2026.

The two sides discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation in higher education, research, and science, technology and innovation (STI), including the role of science diplomacy in building innovative and resilient economies, for the mutual benefit of the eleven ASEAN Member States and Germany.

DSG Singh appreciated DAAD’s long-standing contribution to human capital development in Southeast Asia, and reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to advancing the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation (APASTI) 2026–2035 and practical cooperation with Germany, toward an inclusive, resilient, and innovation-driven ASEAN.

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Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today met with the Minister of Justice of Japan, H.E. Yamashita Takashi, in Tokyo, Japan. Both sides exchange views on strengthening ASEAN-Japan cooperation in the field of law and justice, including through the implementation of the ASEAN-Japan Work Plan on Law and Justice, and on supporting for the implementation of the ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future.

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In Malaysia, Nasi Lemak is a beloved dish that can be enjoyed at almost any time of the day. Traditionally a breakfast favourite, it has become a familiar choice for lunch and dinner as well.

At its heart is fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves, giving it a rich aroma and creamy flavour. It is typically served with spicy sambal, crunchy peanuts, fried anchovies, cucumber slices, and egg. For a heartier meal, fried chicken, rendang, or other side dishes may be added.

What makes Nasi Lemak especially loved is how these flavours and textures come together. The rich coconut rice balances the heat of the sambal, while the peanuts and anchovies add crunch and saltiness to every bite.

#TableforEleven

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Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, on 21 October 2026, met with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, H.E. Motegi Toshimitsu, in Tokyo, Japan. Both sides exchanged views on ASEAN-Japan relations, and ways to further strengthen the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that is substantive, meaningful and mutually beneficial.

They agreed to work closely together to further substantiate the ASEAN-Japan cooperation, in line with the Vision Statement on ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation Trusted Partners and its Implementation Plan, in support of the realisation of ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future.

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Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, on 21 October 2026, met with Mr. Masakazu Tokura, Honorary Chairman of Keidanren (Japan Business Federation), in Tokyo, Japan, to exchange views on strengthening ASEAN–Japan economic cooperation.

The discussion focused on potential modernisation of the ASEAN–Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP), mobilising Japanese investment and expertise to support ASEAN's green and energy transition, as well as deepening cooperation in the digital economy.

Both sides underscored the importance of translating the ASEAN–Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision into concrete business partnerships that strengthen regional competitiveness, resilience and sustainable growth.

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Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, on 21 October 2026, had a working lunch with Secretary-General of the ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC), H.E. Hirabayashi Kunihiko, in Tokyo, Japan. Both sides exchanged views on the role of the AJC in promoting ASEAN-Japan cooperation.

SG Dr. Kao congratulated the AJC for the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the Centre. He also encouraged the AJC to initiate more activities and programmes to enhance trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchanges, as well as connectivity between ASEAN and Japan, in order to contribute to advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, in support of the realisation of ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future.

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Economic cooperation between ASEAN and China continues to deepen through trade, investment, regional economic integration, and digital transformation.

Through the ASEAN–China Free Trade Area and expanding digital economy initiatives, both sides are working towards a more connected, resilient, and mutually beneficial economic partnership.

#ASEANDialoguePartnersCooperation

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On 20 October 2026, Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, along with Prosecutors General and Attorney Generals of ASEAN Member States, attended the welcoming reception hosted by the Honourable Datin Seri Paduka Dayang Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Muhammed Taib, Attorney General of Brunei Darussalam, following the convening of the inaugural ASEAN Prosecutors/Attorneys General Meeting (APAGM) in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam.

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The ASEAN Green Jobs Forum convened on 19–20 October 2026 in Manila.

Hosted by the Department of Labor and Employment, with the support of the ASEAN Secretariat and the Australia for ASEAN Futures Initiative, the Forum held under the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship.

#AGJF2026

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Each year, COP brings countries and stakeholders together to advance global discussions and cooperation on climate change.

At COP31, ASEAN will contribute to delivering the ASEAN Joint Statement on Climate Change (AJSCC) and, through the ASEAN Pavilion, provide a dedicated regional space for ASEAN Member States, partners and stakeholders to exchange views and highlight ongoing climate and environmental initiatives.

Taking place in Antalya, Türkiye, this November, COP31 will mark another opportunity to bring ASEAN’s regional cooperation into the broader global climate conversation.

The ASEAN Pavilion at the UNFCCC is one of the main contribution of ASEAN-EU-Germany partnership cooperation with the leadership of ASEAN Member States and the technical support of GIZ.

#COP31 #ASEANPavilion #ClimateAction #ASEANGermany #TeamEurope #GlobalGateway

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Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs, H.E. Nararya S. Soeprapto, met with H.E. Ambassador Beata Stoczyńska, Executive Director of the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on 20 October 2026.

The two sides exchanged views on strengthening cooperation between ASEAN and ASEF, including in youth, education, and science and technology diplomacy, as well as possible areas of collaboration ahead of key milestones for Asia–Europe relations in 2027.

DSG Nararya welcomed ASEF’s continued efforts to promote people-to-people exchanges between Asia and Europe, and reaffirmed the ASEAN Secretariat’s commitment to working closely with ASEF in support of ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future and a strong, forward-looking Asia–Europe partnership.

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Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs, Nararya S. Soeprapto, attended the opening of the 44th Conference of the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organisations (CAFEO 44) on 20 October 2026 in Bandung, Indonesia.

The opening featured remarks by ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, as well as representatives of the World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO) and the Institution of Engineers Indonesia (PII), and highlighted AFEO’s important role in advancing regional cooperation and strengthening the engineering profession across ASEAN.

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In Lao culture, Larp has long been associated with good fortune and prosperity, making it a meaningful dish to share during celebrations and special gatherings.

Larp Ngoua, a beef variation of this traditional Lao dish, combines finely minced beef with lime juice, chilli, fresh herbs, and khao khoua—toasted and ground sticky rice that adds a distinctive nutty aroma and texture.

With its fresh, spicy, and tangy flavours, Larp Ngoua is traditionally enjoyed with sticky rice and fresh vegetables. Often shared among family and friends, the dish brings together the flavours of Lao cuisine and the tradition of celebrating good fortune through food.

#TableforEleven

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Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, delivered pre-recorded remarks at the opening of the Conference of the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organisations (CAFEO-44) in Bandung, Indonesia.

In his remarks, he highlighted the important role of AFEO in advancing regional cooperation and the engineering profession across ASEAN. SG Dr. Kao underscored the contribution of engineering to ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future through resilient infrastructure, technological innovation, stronger connectivity, and sustainable development. SG Dr. Kao further called for stronger regional cooperation among engineering communities to address shared challenges and support a more connected, resilient and prosperous ASEAN Community.

Watch the full remarks: https://t.co/xozAXbBWqJ

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Businesses across ASEAN’s partners are looking to grow in the region. At the 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting, business communities shared positive outlooks on trade, investment and expansion in ASEAN.

Recent surveys reinforce this positive outlook: 78% of European respondents expect trade and investment in ASEAN to increase, 83% of Canadian respondents plan to increase trade and investment, 89% of New Zealand respondents intend to enter new ASEAN markets, 76% of Australian businesses reported positive growth prospects in ASEAN, and 52% of Japanese respondents are expanding or considering investment in the region.

These findings demonstrate sustained business interest in increasing trade and investment, entering new markets and expanding operations across ASEAN.

This positive outlook comes as ASEAN continues to deepen regional economic integration, creating an environment where businesses can pursue opportunities across the region.

Together, strong business confidence and continued regional integration are fostering greater momentum for trade, investment, and business expansion throughout ASEAN.