Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, on 23 October 2026, had a media interview with Nikkei in Tokyo, Japan. During the media interview, Dr. Kao addressed a way range of issues on ASEAN-Japan Dialogue Relations, as well as regional and global challenges and opportunities facing the two sides.

The 20th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) and Its Related Meetings were convened in Makati City, the Philippines, and via videoconference, on 19-21 October 2026. The Meetings brought together AMMTC Leaders and their representatives from all ASEAN Member States, alongside their counterparts from China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK). The Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Political-Security Community, H.E. Dato’ Astanah Abdul Aziz, represented the ASEAN Secretariat at the Meetings.   Among the key outcomes of the 20th AMMTC were the adoption of the First ASEAN Regional Trafficking in Persons Report, marking ASEAN's first regional, ASEAN-led and consensus-based reporting mechanism on TIP, as well as the approval to establish the ASEAN Immigration Training Centre (AITC) and the ASEAN Heads of Consular Affairs Division Forum as a new subsidiary under the ASEAN Directors-General of Immigration Departments and Heads of Consular Affairs Divisions of Ministries of Foreign Affairs Meeting (DGICM).   The 20th AMMTC exchanged views on recent and emerging transnational crime trends and reviewed progress in regional law enforcement cooperation. The Meeting noted the outcomes of the 26th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) and the 29th DGICM, as well as their related meetings.   The related Consultations with China, Japan, the ROK and ASEAN Plus Three focused on common challenges and ways to strengthen practical cooperation against transnational crime in the region.   Preparatory SOMTC for each for the respective Ministerial Meeting and Consultations were held on 19 October. The Meetings concluded with a symbolic handover of the AMMTC Chairmanship to Singapore, which will assume the role in 2027.   All Ministerial Meeting and Consultations issued Joint Statements reflecting the key outcomes of their discussions. Photo credit: Department of the Interior and Local Government of the Philippines

Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Political-Security Community, H.E. Dato’ Astanah Abdul Aziz, delivered remarks at the 2026 Harpswell ASEAN Women’s Leadership Program and Summit held on 21 October 2026. Speaking at a session on “ASEAN Politics and Regional Dynamic”, DSG Dato’ Astanah highlighted ASEAN’s efforts to address regional challenges and underscored the importance of women’s meaningful participation in regional affairs as ASEAN implements ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future. Photo credit: Harpswell

Every 23 October, Thailand commemorates King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day, marking the anniversary of the passing of His Late Majesty King Chulalongkorn the Great (King Rama V) in 1910. His reign brought significant reforms that laid the foundations for modern Thailand. These included abolishing slavery and reforming public administration, education, finance, and infrastructure, contributing to Siam's modernisation.

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, on 22 October 2026, met with H.E. Sasagawa Hiroyoshi, Minister of the Environment of Japan, in Tokyo, during his visit to Japan. During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the implementation of the ASEAN-Japan Strategic Programme for ASEAN on Climate and Environment (SPACE), discussed the shared environmental and climate priorities, and explored opportunities to further strengthen ASEAN–Japan cooperation.

In Myanmar, tea is not only enjoyed as a drink but also as a distinctive traditional salad! Laphet Thoke is made with fermented tea leaves, which develop a slightly tangy and bitter flavour. The leaves are mixed with crunchy peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, fried garlic, crispy fried beans, and fresh ingredients such as tomatoes and cabbage, creating a combination of flavours and textures in every bite. Often enjoyed as a snack or shared during social gatherings, Laphet Thoke is also associated with hospitality and friendship in Myanmar culture. #TableforEleven

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, on 22 October 2026, met with the ASEAN Committee in Tokyo (ACT) during his visit to Japan. Dr. Kao thanked the Committee for its role and contribution towards raising the profile of ASEAN in Japan and enhancing ASEAN-Japan Dialogue Relations. He shared thoughts on ways to further strengthen ASEAN-Japan cooperation to further advance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in support of the realisation of ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future and encouraged the Committee to continue playing an active role towards this end.

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, on 22 October 2026, met with H.E. Tatsunori Ibayashi, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan, in Tokyo, Japan. During their meeting, both sides emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation in sustainable tourism development, advancing the tourism sector through improving the quality and standards of tourism facilities and services, enhancing the capacity and capability of tourism workforce including through digital transformation, as well as advancing smart and sustainable urban development. Dr. Kao also highlighted that strengthening public private sector partnership and actively engaging various stakeholders are key to ensuring tourism resiliency.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.