The gavel has passed. As of late 2025, the Philippines has officially assumed the ASEAN Chairmanship from Malaysia, marking a distinct shift in the region’s focus for 2026.
Nordic Business Perspective
For Nordic businesses, this transition signals a move from the “mechanics of trade” to the “mechanics of resilience.”
🇲🇾 Malaysia Legacy: Integration & Stability
Under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Kuala Lumpur delivered a year of critical wins. While the Myanmar dossier remains a complex challenge for the region, Anwar’s administration proved ASEAN’s capacity for decisive conflict resolution by brokering the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord between Thailand and Cambodia. This success, alongside the finalisation of ACFTA 3.0 and Timor-Leste’s admission, preserved the stability upon which investors rely.
🇵🇭 The Philippines Agenda: Resilience & Law
Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the 2026 agenda faces headwinds, but “Navigating Our Future, Together” is more than a slogan; it is a procurement strategy. The focus is shifting to:
Maritime Security & International Law: Expect a firmer stance on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea.
Digital Hardening: Integrating AI and securing digital supply chains.
Disaster Resilience: Infrastructure that withstands global shocks and climate risks.
Key Dates
The Philippines will host two major summits this year, critical for diplomatic and business networking:
May 8–9 (Cebu): 48th ASEAN Summit
- Nov 10–12 (Manila): 49th ASEAN Summit
🇫🇮 The Nordic Opportunity
This shift plays directly to Finland’s and the Nordic region’s strengths. As Southeast Asia seeks to “harden” its infrastructure, whether through trusted 6G/5G networks, AI-driven smart city solutions, or sustainable energy, the premium on Nordic trust has never been greater.
The demand signal is clear: the region seeks partners that offer not only technology but also security.
Written by Antti Rahikainen | Cover video created by AI
