Singapore's PM Wong urges ASEAN to deepen integration as city-state takes over chairmanship Tuesday

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong told the plenary session of the 49th ASEAN Summit in Manila on Sunday (November 15) that ASEAN can expect more turbulence ahead, but that as long as the grouping stays cohesive and united it can navigate its way forward. He set out three priorities: deepening digital integration, strengthening energy security and broadening external partnerships.

Digital economy pact signed Saturday

ASEAN economic ministers signed the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) on Saturday (November 14), with Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong signing for Singapore. It is the world's first legally binding region-wide digital economy agreement, covering cross-border digital trade, data flows and electronic payments, and is expected to enter into force in early 2027. It is projected to double the region's digital economy from US$1 trillion to US$2 trillion by 2030. Wong cited the pact at the plenary as an example of ASEAN acting decisively on issues that matter to the region's people.

Handover Tuesday; chairmanship begins January 1

Singapore takes over the rotating ASEAN chairmanship from the Philippines at the summit's closing ceremony on Tuesday (November 17), when Wong will unveil Singapore's chairmanship theme for 2027. The chairmanship itself begins on January 1, 2027. Wong said Singapore will build on the initiatives advanced under the Philippines' chairmanship and work with Thailand, the next chair after Singapore, to keep the agenda continuous. The summit, held under the theme "Navigating Our Future, Together", runs through November 17.