BANGKOK — 8 June 2026, As ASEAN approaches its 60th anniversary in 2027, regional leaders, diplomats and business executives gathered at the C asean Forum 2026 (CaF 2026), held on 5 June in Bangkok, to discuss how the bloc can navigate growing geopolitical uncertainty, technological disruption and economic transformation while maintaining resilience and competitiveness.
Organised by C asean under the theme “Navigating ASEAN’s Future: Gearing Towards the 60th Anniversary”, the forum was supported by Thai Beverage Plc as principal sponsor, together with the Thailand Supply Chain Network (TSCN).
Opening the forum, Mr. Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi highlighted the growing complexity facing ASEAN, from geopolitical tensions and rapid technological change to climate challenges and evolving patterns of trade and investment.
“As ASEAN approaches its 60th anniversary in 2027, it is a great occasion for us to reflect on how far we have journeyed together and to renew our shared resolve to shape a future that is more peaceful, resilient and inclusive,” he said.
Thapana also reaffirmed C asean’s role as a regional platform connecting people, ideas and organisations across borders, a vision inspired by the late Dr. Surin Pitsuwan when the organisation was established in 2015.
Seven major disruptions
Former Deputy Prime Minister, former Foreign Minister and Chairman of the Asian Peace and Reconciliation Council Prof. Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai delivered the keynote address on “ASEAN Milestones and Future Directions”, warning that the region is confronting seven major and interconnected disruptions: artificial intelligence and technological change, demographic shifts, climate challenges, global financial volatility, education transformation, pandemic risks and energy transition.
On AI, Surakiart said ASEAN should focus not only on producing AI innovators but also on expanding the number of people capable of using the technology effectively across business, government and society. He also pointed to ageing populations across the region, a widening gap between lifespan and healthspan, and growing climate risks that the United Nations now describes as a “climate catastrophe”.
Surakiart also proposed a new principle of “ASEAN Affairs Come First”, arguing that member states should respond more rapidly and collectively to regional challenges.
“We have to change before we are forced to change,” he said.
He urged ASEAN to leverage its convening power to help shape a new regional energy and financial architecture while rebuilding the close personal relationships among leaders that have historically underpinned regional cooperation.
Ambassadors stress ASEAN centrality
A high-level ambassadorial dialogue, moderated by C asean Vice Chairman Pisanu Suvanajata, brought together representatives from Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Timor-Leste to discuss ASEAN’s future resilience ahead of its 60th anniversary.
Despite representing countries at different stages of ASEAN’s development, the ambassadors agreed that the bloc’s greatest achievement over nearly six decades has been preserving peace and stability across one of the world’s most diverse regions. They also noted that ASEAN is on track to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2030.
Singapore’s ambassador identified maintaining ASEAN’s relevance amid intensifying competition between major powers as one of the organisation’s most pressing challenges, stressing that ASEAN should remain focused on its own interests rather than align with any particular geopolitical camp.
Malaysia’s ambassador called for a stronger articulation of shared ASEAN values to reinforce the bloc’s centrality, while the Philippine ambassador highlighted progress on initiatives including the ASEAN Semiconductor Roadmap, the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement and an ASEAN AI Summit scheduled for September 2026.
Singapore’s ambassador also said advancing the ASEAN Power Grid, aimed at connecting regional electricity systems and accelerating renewable energy adoption, would be a flagship priority during Singapore’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2027.
All four ambassadors agreed that strengthening ASEAN identity among younger generations remains a priority, with education, cultural exchange and intra-regional travel seen as key tools for fostering a greater sense of belonging. They also highlighted the role of the private sector and organisations such as C asean in helping build a stronger regional identity.
Business leaders focus on competitiveness
The final session, “Advancing Regional Competitiveness Towards ASEAN at 60”, featured business leaders discussing digital trade, innovation and shifting consumer behaviour. Ms. Helene Sara Kwek Hong Sin, president of the ASEAN CXO Association, shared lessons from ASEAN’s digital trade ecosystem, while Ms. Jidanant Tanpithaksidh, Beauty & Wellbeing Marketing Demand Creation Lead at Unilever Thailand, outlined how fast-moving consumer goods companies are adapting to changing consumer demands.
The discussions underscored a common view that ASEAN’s future competitiveness will depend on deeper regional integration, technological adaptation and investment in human capital as the bloc prepares to mark its 60th anniversary in 2027.
Writing and reporting by Tanawan Jitsopa
