GEORGE TOWN – Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin is set to chair the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Retreat in Batu Ferringhi today, bringing together defence ministers and senior officials from all 10 ASEAN members and Timor-Leste.

Malaysia will present key proposals, including enhancing AI and cyber security in defence, strengthening maritime security, and establishing a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief task force within ASEAN. Additionally, Malaysia will propose boosting regional defence industry cooperation to advance the local defence supply chain and address threats from non-state actors and biosecurity issues.

These proposals will be further discussed at the ADMM in November for member states’ agreement.

Mohamed Khaled is also scheduled for a press conference and bilateral meetings with ASEAN counterparts, following the retreat. The event is part of Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairman role in 2025, which will see the country hosting over 300 ASEAN-related meetings and summits.