THE ASEAN DEFENCE MINISTERS’ MEETING RETREAT 2025 (ADMM RETREAT 2025)

1. PULAU PINANG, 26 February 2025 – The ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Retreat 2025 (ADMM Retreat 2025) was officially presided over by the Minister of Defence Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin at Shangri-La Hotel, Pulau Pinang.

2. ADMM Retreat is an informal meet-up in the framework of ADMM involving Ministers of Defence from the 10 ASEAN Member States and was also joined by Timor-Leste. It serves as a platform for in-depth discussions on regional security issues, strengthening relations and formulating approaches for future cooperation in the areas of regional defence security.

3. The ASEAN Defence Senior Officers Meeting Working Group (ADSOM WG) also convened, with the participation of defence representatives from the 10 ASEAN Member States, including Timor-Leste. The ADSOM WG is a working group that supports ADSOM and ADMM by facilitating ASEAN’s defence relations initiatives, enhancing cooperation through interactions and dialogues with member countries, and preparing a framework for ADMM-Plus.

4. The Ministry of Defence Malaysia successfully organized the retreat and working group meeting, with close cooperation from ASEAN Member States in efforts to implement the ADSOM 2025, which is scheduled to take place in September and ADMM 2025 in November this year.

5. ADMM 2025 and ADSOM 2025 aims on five focuses, which include:

a. Exploring cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) in the defence sector.

b. Strengthening coordination and civilian-military cooperation in managing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief – HADR).

c. Enhancing the capacity and capability of ASEAN Member Countries in facing the ever-growing threat of cyber security.

d. Bolstering defence industry cooperation among ASEAN Member Countries to drive technological innovation and regional capacity growth.

e. Supporting ASEAN’s togetherness and enhancing ASEAN’s Centrality in handling regional defence challenges, such as maritime security, which will lead to a region that is safer, more stable and free of conflict.

6. MINDEF aspires for the ADMM Retreat 2025 and ADSOM 2025 to act as a catalyst for the increase of investment in the local defence sector, by offering more opportunities for the collaboration of technology and innovation which will strengthen the competitiveness of Malaysia’s defence industry. Additionally, ASEAN’s solidarity in facing new threats, such as cyber security and natural disasters will need to be enhanced through this platform to ensure continued regional peace and stability.

7. MINDEF strives to empower Malaysia as a leader in global diplomacy by highlighting the State’s ability and readiness to act as the fulcrum between ASEAN and the global superpowers. Main aim is to witness ASEAN thriving as a block that is not only safe and secure but also prosperous and sustainable in ensuring peace and stability for the upcoming generation.

8. Both ADSOM and ADMM function as key security components within ASEAN 2025, under the pillar of ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC). It is expected that ADSOM and ADMM will contribute to ASEAN's goals of creating a peaceful and stable community, which is in line with the theme of ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’ to ensure the regional defence and security collectively.

“MALAYSIA MADANI”

“BERKHIDMAT UNTUK NEGARA”

“PERTAHANAN NEGARA, TANGGUNGJAWAB BERSAMA”

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Ministry of Defence

26 February 2025

Press Releases

THE ASEAN DEFENCE MINISTERS’ MEETING RETREAT 2025 (ADMM RETREAT 2025)

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