SINGAPORE – In a meeting underscoring the importance of digital security and regional unity, the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, convened with Singapore’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, on Tuesday.
The high-level discussion took place on the sidelines of the 10th ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Cybersecurity (AMCC) in Singapore, with a significant focus on the preparations for the forthcoming 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur.
The dialogue between the two senior figures reaffirmed the collective dedication to advancing the bloc’s core objectives and the ambitious ASEAN Vision 2045: Our Shared Future.
The AMCC, a premier platform for regional digital policy, provided a fitting backdrop for talks that intertwined cybersecurity with broader geopolitical stability.
Officials familiar with the meeting noted that the exchange of views covered pivotal regional issues, though specific details were not fully disclosed to the public.
Dr. Kao Kim Hourn expressed his appreciation for Singapore’s ongoing support and active role in ASEAN matters.
While no direct quotes were released from the Secretary-General, official communications highlighted that both leaders emphasised the critical need for a cohesive and coordinated ASEAN approach to emerging challenges, particularly in the digital domain.
Singapore’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, echoed the sentiment of collaboration. “Singapore remains a steadfast partner in the ASEAN community, and we are committed to working closely with the Secretariat to ensure the success of our upcoming summits and the realisation of our long-term vision,” he stated.
This alignment is seen as crucial for navigating complex issues such as cross-border cyber threats and economic integration.
The timing of this consultation is particularly strategic, occurring just days before ASEAN leaders gather in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for the 47th Summit.
The event is anticipated to address a packed agenda, including regional economic recovery, the situation in Myanmar, and maritime security in the South China Sea.
The outcomes of the cybersecurity conference, and bilateral meetings such as this one, are expected to directly inform the summit’s deliberations.
The reaffirmation of ASEAN Vision 2045 during this talk signals a continued push towards a more integrated, resilient, and people-oriented community.
This vision document charts a course for the bloc’s evolution over the next two decades, emphasising inclusive and sustainable development.
The partnership between the ASEAN Secretariat, led by Dr. Kao, and member states like Singapore is fundamental to translating these aspirations into concrete action.
This meeting exemplifies the ongoing diplomatic machinery that ensures the ten-member association remains cohesive and forward-looking, especially as it prepares for one of its most significant annual gatherings.
Sources: ASEAN Secretariat, Bernama
