On 5 November 2026, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered a keynote address titled “Can this be the ASEAN Moment?” at the 41st ASEAN Roundtable, held under the theme “Navigating Polycrisis: Can ASEAN Deliver When It Matters?” and organised by the ASEAN Studies Centre of the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. The Roundtable brought together over 200 policymakers, diplomats, scholars and regional experts.

The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted that ASEAN could turn the current period of multiple and interconnected crises into an “ASEAN Moment” by transforming its mindset and strengthening its ways of working together to help shape the future of the region. He outlined three key priorities: Regionalism, Resilience and Relevance. These include deepening regional economic integration by strengthening intra-ASEAN trade and preparing for the energy and digital transitions; allowing Member States that are ready to move forward to take the lead, while creating opportunities for others to join; and strengthening the role of the ASEAN Chair in convening urgent consultations and addressing emerging crises.

The Deputy Prime Minister also underscored the importance of ensuring continuity in advancing ASEAN's priorities beyond the annual chairmanship cycle. In this regard, Singapore and Thailand, which will chair ASEAN in 2027 and 2028 respectively, will work closely together to coordinate their Chairmanships, identify priorities for joint action and build a multi-year agenda to maintain momentum and deliver tangible results.