The Korea National Diplomatic Academy (KNDA) hosted the 7th ASEAN–ROK Think Tank Strategic Dialogue on 17 October 2025 under the theme “ROK’s New Government and ASEAN: Navigating the Age of Uncertainty Together.”
In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Choe Hyoung-chan, Chancellor of KNDA, underscored the importance of forging a stronger and more resilient partnership between the Republic of Korea (ROK) and ASEAN. He reaffirmed the ROK Government’s commitment to further advancing the New Southern Policy (NSP) as a key framework for deepening engagement with ASEAN and enhancing regional cooperation. The Embassy of Malaysia was represented by its Deputy Chief of Mission at the Dialogue.
During the subsequent panel discussion, 11 speakers representing all ASEAN Member States and the ROK exchanged perspectives on how the new Korean Government could work hand-in-hand with ASEAN to safeguard stability and promote shared prosperity amid an increasingly complex and unpredictable international environment.
Malaysia was represented by Ms. Angeline Tan, Analyst at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia, who provided a candid and insightful intervention. She observed that while the elevation of ASEAN – ROK relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024 marked a significant milestone, the timing of such advancement might not yet be fully ripe, particularly in the absence of mutual strategic trust. She further opined that the lack of a clear strategic underpinning continues to pose challenges to the deepening of ASEAN – ROK relations.
