Members of the Executive Board (EB) of the ASEAN – Korea Centre (AKC) convened the 59th EB Meeting on 17 December 2025 to review the programmes and activities implemented throughout 2025 and to deliberate on the Centre’s proposed initiatives for 2026. The meeting marked Malaysia’s final EB session in its capacity as the outgoing ASEAN Chair before the chairmanship was handed over to the Philippines who would assume the role as ASEAN Chair in 2026.
Beyond programme planning, the EB devoted attention to institutional and procedural matters, notably the modalities for facilitating Timor-Leste’s active participation in the AKC following its accession as the 11th ASEAN Member State in October 2025. Discussions focused on ensuring a smooth and meaningful integration of Timor-Leste into the Centre’s activities in line with ASEAN’s broader objectives of inclusivity and cohesion.
The meeting also carried a valedictory note, as members took the opportunity to bid farewell to three long-serving and active contributors to the EB, namely the EB members form Brunei Darussalam and Myanmar, as well as the Head of the Trade and Investment Unit of the Centre, whose contributions were acknowledged with appreciation.
