Asean’s next 20 years: What to expect from the ACV2045 vision 

We are only halfway through Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship, but the hot seat continues to face unrelenting challenges. Amid the global tension over new tariffs, renewed US-China rivalry and the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, Asean now finds itself in a complex environment as it strives to stay the course. Nevertheless, the increasingly complex geopolitical environment presents 

Asean with an opportunity to reaffirm its relevance, especially through broader dialogues extending beyond traditional dialogue partners, such as in engagements with countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

As Asean presents itself as a reliable alternative within a multipolar global order, it must equally acknowledge the diverse challenges faced by its nearly 700 million people. This region is strategically located, flanked by East and West trade flows, rich in mineral resources and imbued with the energy of a population that is one-third youth. It is only fitting that such potential is galvanised to future-proof Asean’s vision, with peace and prosperity at its heart.

While the Asean Vision 2025 remains relevant, member state leaders increasingly recognise the necessity of revisiting it. Beyond geopolitical concerns, there is a broader discussion on how Asean should adapt to rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, digitalisation, connectivity, trade and supply chain resilience, climate risks as well as the need to better protect fundamental human rights and freedom.

These conversations have culminated in the form of the Asean Community Vision 2045 (ACV2045), a forward-looking aspiration for the next two decades. Bringing it across the finish line is a monumental task as it represents the bloc’s commitment to stay united and focused in realising its single-market ambition.

The adoption of ACV2045 at the 46th Asean Summit (on May 26-27) is therefore expected to be one of the hallmarks of Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship. Consistent with Asean pillars, ACV2045 will serve as a road map addressing the bloc’s developmental agenda across the political-security, economy, social-cultural and institutional strengthening dimensions. It is envisioned that ACV2045 will paint a clearer picture on where Asean stands against existing and future megatrends.

This initiative is not the first time Malaysia is spearheading region-wide visions, having previously shaped both Asean Vision 2020 and Vision 2025. However, ACV2045 uniquely represents a collective and inclusive approach. Throughout this effort, Malaysia has played a central role as the “Permanent Shepherd” and current Asean chair — which is lauded not only for its capacity to deliver, but also its ability to remain neutral, which is key to building trust in multilateral negotiations.

Observers might question the necessity of ACV2045, given its proximity to earlier visions. However, it is important to understand that ACV2045 is primarily an extension of Vision 2025, building upon its successes and addressing existing shortcomings. Since as early as 2022, extensive consultations have occurred, incorporating perspectives from each member state, various ministries, industry stakeholders, non-governmental organisations and civil society groups. Beyond introducing new policy guidelines, there is now greater emphasis on enhancing the monitoring and evaluation capabilities of the Asean Secretariat and its member states, along with promoting better cross-sectoral coordination.

True to a whole-of-Asean approach, ACV2045 also reflects a commitment both in process and substance with the co-chairing oversight of Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. The collective leadership that has been demonstrated has been nothing short of productive, as reflected in key documents such as the Ha Noi Declaration on the Asean Community’s Post-2025 Vision, the Asean Leaders’ Statement on the Asean Connectivity Post-2025 Agenda (2022) and on the Asean Community’s Post-2025 Vision (2023), as well as the Asean Leaders’ Declaration on the development of the strategic plans to implement ACV2045 (2024).