ASEAN 2025: Of Trade Deals And Diplomacy – A Once-in-a-blue-moon Experience

By Jsai Dhanyaa Laaxmi

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- The 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits hosted by Malaysia ended last Tuesday. But the memory of being part of such a grand event will last a lifetime.

To play a small part as a television broadcast journalist in covering an event with a global stature was something beyond my dreams. It wasn’t just an assignment; it was an experience of a lifetime.

The gathering of leaders including United States President Donald Trump – the leader of the world’s most powerful nation – was mind-boggling.

Certainly, a memorable event and one that I will cherish.

The summit, related meetings, agreement signings and gala dinners lasted for a week.

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Thousands of officials, journalists and security personnel converged at the sprawling Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre next to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.

Although security was understandably tight, there was a hive of activity as the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits brought together world leaders, ministers and delegates from all over.

Besides the 11 ASEAN members, other participants included China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, India, Russia, the European Union, Brazil and South Africa.

A wide range of topics were discussed, from regional stability to economic cooperation, digital connectivity, and climate resilience.

These are crucial themes as ASEAN navigates a fast-changing world.

But beyond the official statements and policy papers, what I saw behind the scenes was something far more human.

It was the tireless efforts and astute diplomacy shown by leaders and ministers who were determined to hold this region together amid disruptive global dynamics.

People often say “people change.” And they really do.

For me, who once had little interest in global politics, to be right at the heart of it all felt surreal.

It’s easy to sit back and complain that “the government is doing this or doing that or isn’t doing enough.” I used to be that person too.

But being on the frontlines, watching diplomatic relations unfold in real time, changed my perspective completely.

There’s a certain kind of “miracle” in seeing how much goes on behind the scenes – the long hours, the careful wording of every statement, the quiet negotiations – all this usually never make it to the headlines.

For instance, watching Malaysian officials balance national interests in discussions and negotiations while still being the gracious host despite differences in policies with certain countries, which was no easy task.

It’s certainly true for Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who only knows too well the important role he had to play as Prime Minister and ASEAN Chairman.

As far as I am concerned, he scores very high marks for both roles.

Because as a leader, your personal opinions don’t matter as much as what benefits your country.

And then there are regional and global imperatives to contend with.

But Anwar was a gracious host – that’s undeniable.

And then, of course, there was that unforgettable moment, when Trump landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) during his maiden trip to Malaysia for the ASEAN Summit.

Obviously, there was deep concern as his presence anywhere always evokes a range of emotions from friend and foe.

Social media was abuzz with diverse opinions.

But what a pleasant surprise when all and sundry were taken by his sporting spirit when he broke into a light-hearted dance upon stepping out onto the KLIA tarmac.

Many were just mesmerised by his mere presence in KL.

But beyond all that noise, many may have missed the bigger picture.

His attendance marked a renewed global spotlight on Malaysia and the region.

Credit must go to Anwar for bringing him and other leaders, such as from South Africa and Brazil, to Malaysia.

During the signing ceremony, there was evidently a warm handshake between Anwar and Trump.

This spoke volumes about diplomacy, respect and the spirit of cooperation even among leaders with vastly different worldviews.

This was undeniably a far cry from certain occasions when Trump was known to have uttered curse words even in the presence of other leaders.

The American leader was obviously captivated by Anwar, praising him for helping to broker the ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia in July.

Even last Thursday, when speaking at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, he spoke highly of Malaysia’s role as mediator and Anwar’s hospitality as ASEAN Chair.

With all that took place here and as the summit drew to a close, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride, not just in the work I did, but in being Malaysian.

Yes, there will always be areas for improvement and yes, scrutiny is necessary.

In the final analysis, Malaysia has proven to be a world-class organiser and able to combine this trait well with a heavy dose of hospitality.

Standing there amid the countries’ flags, the speeches and the countless unseen hands that made everything possible, the “Jalur Gemilang” stood out.

I held my head high as I saw a Malaysia that is capable, respected on the world stage and always ready to lead.

-- BERNAMA