29 July 2025
Multilateral Matters – July 2025
What’s Next for ASEAN?
As the conclusion of the current ASEAN Blueprint 2025 approached, many have been wondering what’s next for ASEAN. That question was answered this past May 2025 with the launch of the new ASEAN Community Vision 2045. While the document sharpens strategic priorities in regional security and economic resilience, the region will inevitably need to contend with geopolitical headwinds which complicate the implementation of this new set of goals.
Featured Commentary
ASEAN 2045: Setting Ambitious Goals Amid Uncertain Times by Jose Miguelito Enriquez
In this issue’s featured commentary, CMS Associate Research Fellow Jose Miguelito Enriquez analyses the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, the third iteration of ASEAN’s community-building blueprints, which was launched at the 46th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. ASEAN sets ambitious targets across its three community pillars, which Mr Enriquez argues are not “simple rehashes” of previous ASEAN community blueprints, to solidify the region’s relevance and resilience. ASEAN’s success in implementing this new vision will hinge on sustained commitment, coordination, and engagement amid growing global uncertainty.
CMS Events and Outreach
- CMS Head Dr Joel Ng travelled to Europe in May 2025 to speak and engage with several think tanks and universities, namely the EU Institute for Security Studies in Brussels, Leiden University, the University of Oxford, and Chatham House in London. Dr Ng’s discussions revolved around how “multilateralism was evolving” amid changes in the rules-based order and US foreign policy.
- On 30 May 2025, CMS hosted a webinar entitled “Malaysia in the Hot Seat: Chairing ASEAN through an Interregnum” to parse through the events of the 46th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in Kuala Lumpur. This webinar featured Mr Shahriman Lockman of the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (Malaysia), Ms Joanne Lin of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, Dr Joel Ng, Head of CMS, and Dr Sarah Teo of RSIS.
- CMS Senior Fellow Dr Alan Chong held a launch seminar for his latest book, The International Politics of Communication: Representing Community in a Globalizing World, at RSIS on 12 June 2025. This seminar also featured discussants Asst Prof Dr Patrick Quinton-Brown of the Singapore Management University and Senior Associate Fellow Dr Gulizar Haciyakupoglu of RSIS’ Centre of Excellence for National Security.
What’s Next for ASEAN?
As the conclusion of the current ASEAN Blueprint 2025 approached, many have been wondering what’s next for ASEAN. That question was answered this past May 2025 with the launch of the new ASEAN Community Vision 2045. While the document sharpens strategic priorities in regional security and economic resilience, the region will inevitably need to contend with geopolitical headwinds which complicate the implementation of this new set of goals.
Featured Commentary
ASEAN 2045: Setting Ambitious Goals Amid Uncertain Times by Jose Miguelito Enriquez
In this issue’s featured commentary, CMS Associate Research Fellow Jose Miguelito Enriquez analyses the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, the third iteration of ASEAN’s community-building blueprints, which was launched at the 46th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. ASEAN sets ambitious targets across its three community pillars, which Mr Enriquez argues are not “simple rehashes” of previous ASEAN community blueprints, to solidify the region’s relevance and resilience. ASEAN’s success in implementing this new vision will hinge on sustained commitment, coordination, and engagement amid growing global uncertainty.
CMS Events and Outreach
- CMS Head Dr Joel Ng travelled to Europe in May 2025 to speak and engage with several think tanks and universities, namely the EU Institute for Security Studies in Brussels, Leiden University, the University of Oxford, and Chatham House in London. Dr Ng’s discussions revolved around how “multilateralism was evolving” amid changes in the rules-based order and US foreign policy.
- On 30 May 2025, CMS hosted a webinar entitled “Malaysia in the Hot Seat: Chairing ASEAN through an Interregnum” to parse through the events of the 46th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in Kuala Lumpur. This webinar featured Mr Shahriman Lockman of the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (Malaysia), Ms Joanne Lin of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, Dr Joel Ng, Head of CMS, and Dr Sarah Teo of RSIS.
- CMS Senior Fellow Dr Alan Chong held a launch seminar for his latest book, The International Politics of Communication: Representing Community in a Globalizing World, at RSIS on 12 June 2025. This seminar also featured discussants Asst Prof Dr Patrick Quinton-Brown of the Singapore Management University and Senior Associate Fellow Dr Gulizar Haciyakupoglu of RSIS’ Centre of Excellence for National Security.
