Chan Chun Sing: Technology Key to Keeping ASEAN Airspace and Waters Safe, Open and Efficient

Minister for Defence, Mr Chan Chun Sing was in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 20 to 21 April 2026 to attend the 19th Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference and 8th Putrajaya Forum. He attended the opening ceremony, which was officiated by Malaysian Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, as well as the official dinner hosted by Malaysian Minister of Defence Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Deputy Minister of Defence Adly Zahari, and the Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali.

At the first plenary session of the 8th Putrajaya Forum on "Harnessing Emerging Technologies for ASEAN Security", Mr Chan spoke about how emerging technologies can keep international airspace and waters open, safe and efficient. Mr Chan said, "Transparency builds trust, which sustains openness. Safety and efficiency are better managed without unnecessary debate over sovereignty, which is never in doubt, nor the key issue in play."

Mr Chan also emphasised the importance of maintaining stability and economic growth in ASEAN. "In these uncertain times, ASEAN must distinguish ourselves as a region defined by collective action, harmony and respect for international laws. This will allow us to project stability, create opportunities and attract more investments to create better jobs and livelihoods for our people," he said.

Before the commencement of the Putrajaya Forum, Mr Chan received His Royal Highness, Sultan of Perak Darul Ridzuan Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah Al-Maghfur-Lah. Mr Chan also met Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, and Member of Parliament of Putrajaya Datuk Dr. Radzi Jidin on the sidelines of the exhibition. Mr Chan reaffirmed the warm and long-standing relationship between both countries and expressed appreciation for the good progress made in bilateral relations. Both Defence Ministers also reinforced the importance of maintaining strong defence ties. They discussed regional security issues, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation both bilaterally and through multilateral fora such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM), ADMM-Plus and the Five Power Defence Arrangements, which would positively contribute to regional stability.

Both defence establishments interact regularly across a wide range of activities, including bilateral and multilateral exercises, visits, professional exchanges, and the cross-attendance of courses. These interactions have enhanced the mutual understanding and professional ties between the defence establishments of both countries.

More Resources

Speech by Minister for Defence, Mr Chan Chun Sing, at the First Plenary Session on "Harnessing Emerging Technologies for ASEAN Security" at the 8th Putrajaya Forum on 21 April 2026