Trump at the East Asia Summit: A rare opportunity for ASEAN and Malaysia

There is talk that Trump hopes to witness further progress toward a peace deal between Thailand and Cambodia — following a ceasefire quietly facilitated under Malaysia’s chairmanship. If it happens, it will show that ASEAN is not only talking about peace, but steadily working to make it happen.

Under Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2015, the country welcomed the first U.S. president to attend the East Asia Summit in Malaysia, Barack Obama — reinforcing ASEAN’s global relevance and showing that Southeast Asia could bring together the world’s major powers as equals.

Now, ten years later, Malaysia has another opportunity to host a U.S. president. Trump’s attendance should not be seen as routine. Such moments are rare. As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia can use this opportunity to shape the regional agenda and show that ASEAN still plays a central role in Asia’s future.

Having a U.S. leader at the table gives weight to ASEAN’s platform. It allows member countries to raise issues directly with Washington — from trade and investment to regional security — while also giving the region a chance to speak with one voice on major global issues.

The summit offers ASEAN an important stage to demonstrate unity at a time of global uncertainty. The bloc can reiterate its support for a Two-State solution in the Middle East, defend open trade, and reaffirm its commitment to cooperation over confrontation.

If ASEAN succeeds in projecting a clear and united message, it will show that the region is not just reacting to global events but helping to shape them. Malaysia’s task as chair is to make sure that this unity is not only symbolic, but meaningful.

As host, Malaysia carries the responsibility of ensuring that the East Asia Summit is well-organised, safe, and meaningful. Success will highlight Malaysia’s strengths — calm leadership, effective coordination, and the ability to bring together even rival powers.

Beyond prestige, there are practical interests at stake. The United States is one of Malaysia’s top trading partners, and recent tariff measures have affected key sectors such as electronics and manufacturing. Trump’s presence in Kuala Lumpur opens the door for Malaysia and ASEAN to advocate for fairer trade and to explore cooperation in new areas.

A well-run summit will also reinforce Malaysia’s reputation among investors as a stable, capable, and trusted regional hub. In this context, the government has a duty to ensure that proceedings are conducted smoothly and efficiently. Security measures and temporary road closures in Kuala Lumpur are therefore unavoidable when world leaders gather. These steps are necessary to ensure the safe and orderly movement of delegations. Most official work — and much of daily business — can continue digitally, so any inconvenience to the public should be limited.

Some groups have announced plans to protest Trump’s visit, mainly over U.S. policies in the Middle East. Yet large-scale demonstrations appear unlikely. With Kuala Lumpur hosting many world leaders for the ASEAN Summit under Malaysia’s chairmanship, strict security measures will make public gatherings difficult and their impact minimal.

Some may wonder what such high-level meetings mean for everyday people. In reality, diplomacy shapes the environment in which businesses operate.

When countries maintain stable trade relationships and predictable rules, exporters can sell more easily, small businesses can plan ahead, and investors gain confidence. If this summit strengthens regional cooperation, Malaysians could see more job opportunities, stronger markets, and a more resilient economy.

Simply put, good diplomacy creates the conditions for prosperity.

This has been ASEAN’s own story — a region that turned rivalry into cooperation by engaging all major powers and keeping Southeast Asia peaceful. It was this quiet but consistent diplomacy that helped transform ASEAN into the world’s fourth-largest economy today.

As Malaysia hosts the East Asia Summit, it has another chance to reaffirm that legacy — to show that diplomacy and cooperation remain the true engines of peace and prosperity in our region.

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Dr Ilango Karuppannan is Adjunct Professor at University of Malaya (UM) and Taylor's University, Senior Adjunct Fellow at S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies RSIS, NTU Singapore