Malaysia on Tuesday turned over to the Philippines the chairmanship of the ASEAN Summit and Related Summits for 2026. 

Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim personally handed a gavel over to President Ferdinand ”Bongbong” Marcos Jr., which symbolizes the authority and responsibility of the ASEAN chairmanship, a commitment to unity, cooperation, and shared prosperity among all ASEAN member states.

“To my friend, Bongbong, good luck!”, Ibrahim said during the turnover ceremony at Kuala Lumpur. 

“As you assume this responsibility, I have every confidence that under your steady hand, ASEAN will continue to act with clarity, composure, and that warmth and poise for which the Filipino people are known,” he added.

In his remarks, Marcos said the Philippines would continue to fortify the region’s peace and security anchors, strengthen the prosperity corridors, and advance people empowerment. 

He also said the Philippines would continue to champion peace and stability, dialogue, and adherence to international law in the region.

”Our chairship arrives at a defining moment for ASEAN, one marked by both promise and complexity. Although the ties have changed, maybe unpredictable,our compass must remain constant, anchored in cooperation,” Marcos said. 

He also congratulated Malaysia for hosting the 2025 ASEAN Summit, saying that it steered ASEAN with clarity and conviction.