ASEAN

Throughout #TableforEleven, we explored one dish from each of the 11 ASEAN Member States, from familiar favourites to flavours some may be discovering for the first time. These 11 dishes are just a small taste of Southeast Asia’s rich and diverse culinary traditions. Across the region, there are countless other local specialities, flavours, and food stories waiting to be discovered. What dish from across ASEAN would you recommend to someone who loves trying something new?

Economic cooperation between ASEAN and the EU continues to deepen through trade, investment, digitalisation, and engagement in emerging areas of the regional economy. Through regular economic consultations and the ASEAN–EU Trade and Investment Work Programme, both sides continue to strengthen a resilient, sustainable, and mutually beneficial economic partnership. #ASEANDialoguePartnersCooperation

How can business support organisations help companies tap into global opportunities through digital trade? 🌐 Join our upcoming Digital Trade Good Practices for BSOs: ICEX Spain Case Study masterclass to hear from Marta Dalmau Benedito, Head of Digital Commerce at ICEX Spain, who will share how ICEX supports the internationalisation of Spanish companies through digital trade and e-commerce. The 90-minute session will explore key findings from ICEX’s White Book on E-commerce for internationalisation, its digital commerce strategy and support services, and practical examples of partnerships with marketplaces and digital platforms, including Amazon and Alibaba. 📅 Wednesday, 4 November 2026 🕐 13:00–14:30 (UTC+7) 💻 Online via Microsoft Teams 🔗 Register by 3 November 2026 by scanning the QR code or via the link: bit.ly/ICEX-Web 🏅 A certificate is available upon completion of the pre- and post-event surveys. The session offers practical lessons and opportunities for exchange for ASEAN business support organisations looking to strengthen their digital trade promotion services and partnerships. This masterclass is organised under the EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package – Trade (SCOPE Trade), funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC), in collaboration with the ASEAN Secretariat. #EUinASEAN #ASEAN #SCOPETrade #BusinessSupportOrganisations #MSMEs #PrivateSector #Trade

We have explored phở, one of Viet Nam’s most beloved noodle dishes, in our #TableforEleven series. But did you know there is now a museum dedicated entirely to its story? Opened in January 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City, the Phở Museum takes visitors through more than a century of Vietnamese culinary history, tracing the journey of phở from roadside stalls to a dish enjoyed around the world. Through historical artefacts, exhibitions, interactive displays, and culinary experiences, visitors can discover how phở has developed over generations while remaining deeply connected to Vietnamese culture and everyday life. Would you visit a museum dedicated entirely to the story of phở? Plan your visit: phomuseum.com/en/museum-pedi…

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, delivered pre-recorded opening remarks at the 2026 ASEAN-China (Henan) Cooperation and Development Conference on Food and Agriculture. In his remarks, SG Dr. Kao called for deeper ASEAN-China cooperation to harness digital innovation, advance climate-resilient, regenerative and resilient agriculture systems, strengthen trade and investment linkages, as well as equip farmers and young people for the future. He also encouraged participants to turn dialogue into practical partnerships and scalable solutions that deliver tangible benefits to farmers, consumers and communities across the region. Watch the full remarks: youtu.be/3i60x5vowXo

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, addressed the opening of DRIVEN (Developing Resilient, Innovative, Vibrant, and Efficient Smart Local Government Nationwide) x ASUS (ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Strategy) National Event 2026, on 5 October 2026, through pre-recorded video message. In his remarks, SG Dr. Kao congratulated the Philippines on its leadership in advancing smart cities and sustainable urbanisation. He underscored the significant roles of local governments, national governments, and ASEAN stakeholders in their collective efforts towards realising a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable region. Watch the full remarks: youtu.be/MQvq33AXOzc

Political-security cooperation between ASEAN and the EU is advanced through regular dialogue, ASEAN-led mechanisms, and engagement on regional and international issues. Cooperation in areas including transnational crime, maritime security, and human rights contributes to mutual understanding, regional stability, and the continued strengthening of the ASEAN–EU Strategic Partnership. #ASEANDialoguePartnersCooperation

As Country Coordinator for the ASEAN–EU Dialogue Partnership, Brunei Darussalam plays an important role in facilitating dialogue, strengthening cooperation, and advancing partnership priorities between ASEAN and the European Union during 2024-2027. Through close coordination with ASEAN Member States, the EU, and the ASEAN Secretariat, the Country Coordinator supports engagement across the political-security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars. #ASEANDialoguePartnersCooperation

Following the successful convening of the 20th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and the 13th ADMM-Plus and related meetings, in Cebu, the Philippines, Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today received copies of the 20th ADMM Joint Declaration and the 13th ADMM-Plus Joint Statement, marking the conclusion of the Philippines’ Chairship of the defence sector in 2026, and its transition to the Republic of Singapore for 2027.

On the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM-Plus), in Cebu, the Philippines, Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today held a pull-aside meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of Australia, the Hon. Richard Marles MP. Both sides discussed opportunities to further strengthen ASEAN-Australia defence cooperation.

On the sidelines of the 13th ADMM-Plus, in Cebu, the Philippines, Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today held a pull-aside meeting with Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Korea, H.E. Kang Shin-chul. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation between ASEAN and the Republic of Korea, particularly in the defence sector.

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today participated in the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus), in Cebu, the Philippines. The Meeting exchanged views on regional and international security issues.

Warmest wishes to His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath NORODOM SIHAMONI, King of the Kingdom of Cambodia, on His Majesty’s Coronation Day. On this significant occasion, we join the people of Cambodia in commemorating His Majesty’s accession to the throne and extend our sincere wishes for His Majesty’s continued good health and happiness. May the Kingdom of Cambodia continue to enjoy enduring peace, progress, and prosperity under His Majesty’s reign. Long live the King!

Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs, H.E. Mr. Nararya S. Soeprapto, attended the 2026 ASEAN Women’s Circle (AWC) Installation Ceremony at the ASEAN Secretariat.   The ASEAN Women’s Circle (AWC) plays an important role in fostering ASEAN solidarity and friendship, strengthening people-to-people ties, promoting cultural exchange and ASEAN awareness, and supporting charitable and community initiatives. Through its activities, including charity bazaars and community outreach, AWC continues to complement the ASEAN Secretariat’s community-building efforts and promote ASEAN’s spirit of unity in diversity.   DSG Nararya expressed appreciation to outgoing AWC President Ibu Sinta Heru Subolo for her leadership and contributions, particularly AWC’s continued support for the ASEAN Secretariat in promoting ASEAN solidarity, cultural exchange, community engagement and charitable initiatives. DSG Nararya also warmly congratulated incoming President Ibu Nansy Darmosumarto and looked forward to strengthening the longstanding partnership in bringing ASEAN closer to its peoples.

On the sidelines of the ASEAN-Japan Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting in Cebu, the Philippines, Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today held a pull-aside meeting with the Minister of Defense of Japan, H.E. Koizumi Shinjirō. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation between ASEAN and Japan.

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today participated in the ASEAN-Japan Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting, in Cebu, the Philippines. The Meeting discussed the current security environment and progress in defence cooperation between ASEAN and Japan through ASEAN-led mechanisms.

In Viet Nam, phở is a familiar part of everyday life, often enjoyed from early morning at neighbourhood shops and street-side stalls. A bowl begins with flat rice noodles and a fragrant broth slowly simmered with beef or chicken bones and aromatic ingredients such as star anise, cinnamon, and ginger. Slices of beef or pieces of chicken are then added, together with fresh herbs and other accompaniments that vary across the country. #TableforEleven

Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, H.E. San Lwin, delivered remarks at the launch of the 2nd edition of the ASEAN Employment Outlook: “Advancing Long-Term Care Work for Ageing Societies: Labour Protection, Labour Mobility and Labour Migration of ASEAN Care Workers”. The Outlook estimates that ASEAN will require around 5.2 million long-term care workers by 2050, more than twice the current demand of approximately 2.3 million. More than three-quarters of the region’s care workers are women. The Outlook also underscores the important role of labour mobility in addressing emerging care workforce gaps within and outside the region. Collective efforts to build a long-term care workforce that is professional, protected and sustainable are recommended. Developed with the support of the European Union through the E-READI and EASPDF projects, the Outlook was endorsed by the labour sector in February 2026 as a resource for ASEAN Member States in improving the quality of long-term care work.

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today held a pull-aside meeting with the Secretary of War of the United States, The Honorable Peter Brian Hegseth, on the sidelines of the ASEAN-US Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting, in Cebu, the Philippines. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss ASEAN-US defence relations and ways to advance practical defence cooperation between both sides.