23 June 2025 – The Embassy of Malaysia in Japan, in its capacity as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Tokyo (ACT), hosted the ACT Handing Over Ceremony at the Sky Room, The Peninsula Tokyo. The event marked the conclusion of Malaysia’s six-month ACT Chairmanship and the formal transfer of the Chairmanship to the Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in Japan.
In his remarks, H.E. Dato’ Shahril Effendi Abd Ghany, Ambassador of Malaysia to Japan, reflected on the key initiatives and programmes carried out under Malaysia’s leadership. Highlights included the Official Luncheon hosted by H.E. Takeshi Iwaya, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, which was notably the first official engagement between the ACT and the Foreign Minister since his appointment in October 2024. Dato’ Shahril expressed his heartfelt appreciation to all ASEAN Embassies in Tokyo for their unwavering support and active participation throughout Malaysia’s tenure.
H.E. Soe Han, Ambassador of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to Japan, extended his congratulations to the Embassy of Malaysia for its successful and impactful Chairmanship. He also thanked Malaysia for its dedication in promoting ASEAN unity and visibility in Tokyo, and pledged Myanmar’s commitment to continue the positive momentum as the incoming Chair.
The ceremony concluded with the symbolic handover of the ACT Chairmanship gavel, followed by a commemorative group photo and networking session. The event provided an opportunity for ASEAN diplomats to reaffirm their shared commitment to regional cooperation and strengthened diplomatic engagement with Japan under the ACT framework.