Article By Canada’s Ambassador to ASEAN Vicky Singmin and Canada’s

High Commissioner to Malaysia Jodi Robinson

This week, Canada’s newly-named Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand, made her first-ever trip to Asia in her new role. Where did she go? Malaysia. Why? ASEAN.

This has nothing to do with coincidence, and everything to do with sending
a message. A message of support. A message of commitment. A message of
partnership. In Southeast Asia, showing up matters. And for Canada, ASEAN
matters.

As Canada’s engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN) continues to deepen, we reflect with pride and optimism on our
relationship with ASEAN. For 48 years, our bond has matured from a Dialogue
Partnership into a robust Strategic Partnership, built on mutual trust and
shared interests. This journey showcases the immense power of
multilateralism in a world grappling with uncertainty.

As a consistent voice for multilateralism on the global stage, Canada values
ASEAN’s central role in fostering regional stability and prosperity. This year, as Malaysia – a founding member and a longstanding friend of Canada –
assumes the ASEAN chairship, we welcome the opportunity to deepen our
collaboration, both with Malaysia and ASEAN. Malaysia’s leadership, with its
focus on inclusivity and sustainability, aligns closely with Canada’s values
and ambitions for the Indo-Pacific region.

Under Malaysia’s leadership, ASEAN recently marked a significant milestone
with the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which reaffirms
ASEAN centrality and advances a united and inclusive Indo-Pacific through a
people-centered regional agenda. Canada’s strategic partnership with
ASEAN, which is reinforced through international assistance, reflects the
mutual respect and the spirit of sustainability. Key initiatives—such as the
SEED Canada-ASEAN Scholarships, the ASEAN-Canada Trust Fund,
collaboration with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian
Assistance, the Women, Peace and Security project, and the Mitigation of
Biological Threats programme—demonstrate Canada’s commitment to
ASEAN priorities. Looking ahead, Canada will continue to work closely with
ASEAN and other partners to help narrow development gaps and support a
peaceful, resilient, and prosperous region.

As we expand our engagement, economic diversification and resilience
remain central to our shared agenda. Negotiations for the ASEAN-Canada
Free Trade Agreements are progressing steadily, with the potential to unlock
significant rules-based opportunities for businesses and consumers across
both regions once finalized.

Yet our ambitions extend well beyond traditional trade. We’re keen to
increase our sectoral engagement, to work more closely with ASEAN on
important issues such as digital transformation, energy and food security.
Particularly, Canada is seeking to engage through the ASEAN Digital Senior
Officials’ Meeting, which underscores our commitment to strengthening
digital cooperation. These initiatives aren’t just about trade figures; they’re
about empowering businesses, diversifying supply chains, and delivering
tangible benefits directly to people and communities.

Canada’s role in the Indo Pacific is multifaceted. We are actively collaborating
on critical capacity building and security initiatives. The BlackBerry
Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence in Malaysia, for instance, is a great
example of collaboration between a successful Canadian company and the
Government of Malaysia, with additional support from the Government of
Canada, to increase digital safety. testament to our joint efforts in enhancing
digital security. Similarly, our CBSA Border Management Symposiums have
supported regional efforts to strengthen border integrity and facilitate
legitimate travel and trade. These initiatives demonstrate our commitment
to practical, tangible support that enhances safety and stability.

We are approaching the 50th anniversary of the ASEAN-Canada relationship
in 2027, a significant milestone that coincides with ASEAN’s own 60th
founding anniversary. This long-standing engagement, built upon even
deeper roots such as our 68 years of diplomatic relations with Malaysia, has
been further elevated through Canada’s comprehensive Indo-Pacific
Strategy. This strategy provides a clear framework for deepening our
presence and partnerships, ensuring that our collaboration with ASEAN
continues to drive innovation, foster inclusivity, and build a more secure and
prosperous future for both our regions.

As both countries champion inclusive dialogue and rules-based cooperation
in the Indo-Pacific, continued collaboration within the ASEAN framework will
help foster peace, resilience, and prosperity for all our people. We look
forward to supporting the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and a closer, more
meaningful partnership of Canada with ASEAN and in the region.