Malaysia 68th National Day highlighted the country’s leadership role in ASEAN

Makati , Philippines –  The unwavering friendship with the Philippines as the Embassy of Malaysia in the Philippines celebrated the nation’s 68th National Day with a reception at the Makati Shangri-La on September 9, 2025. The event was spearheaded by H.E. Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines, and attended by government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders,  Friends of Malaysia, media practitioners and distinguished guests.

The event was graced by the Guest of Honour, Honorable Leo M. Herrera-Lim, Undersecretary for Migration Affairs, Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, along with His Grace Archbishop Charles John Brown, Apostolic Nuncio and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Among the attendees were  Michael Balaguer (Abdul Malik Bin Ismail) of Diaryong Tagalog, Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, Makati City  Congresswoman Monique Lagdameo, Makati City Councilor  Alcine Yabut, Former Makati International Affairs Officer Ichi Yabut, Senator Rodante Marcoleta, Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, former Senator Richard Gordon, AirAsia Philippines President &CEO Suresh Kumar Bangah, MAVP Travel &Tours President Melody Palomares, PNP Police Colonel Artemio Ricabo,PNP Maritime a group Police Colonel Gonzalo Villamor Jr, Maybank  Head Corporate Affairs Edelyn Castro and National Commission for Muslim Filipinos Secretary Shayk Sabuddin Abdurahim.

The diplomatic community was represented by Indonesia Ambassador Agus Widjojo, Palestine Ambassador Mounir Anastas, Brunei Ambassador Megawati Manan,Ambassador of Türkiye Niyazi Evren Akyol,and his lovely spouse, Mme. Indri Puspitasari Akyol,  Egyptian Ambassador Nader Zaki his adorable spouse Mme. Nancy,  Qatar Ambassador Ahmed Al- Homidi, Saudi Arabia Deputy Head of Mission

Abdullah Alshahri, Japan Ambassador Endo Kazuya,  USA Ambassador Mary Kay Loss Carlson and spouse, South Africa Ambassador Bartinah Ntombizodwa Radebe-Netshitenzhe, Chinese Ambassador Huang Xillian, Indian Ambassador Shri Harsh Kumar Jain, Slovania Ambassador Dr Smiljana Knez, Angola Ambassador Daniel Antonio Rosa, Timor Leste Ambassador Marciano Da Silva, South Korea Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa,

Russian Embassy Third Secretary Roman Zverev,  USA Political Officer Alex Murphy, Export Development Canada Associate Regional Manager Mary Grace Ang, Deddy Faisal Bin Ahmad Salleh Malaysian Consul General, Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and Industries (MCCI) Chairman Edward Ling, MCCI Vice President Azhar Mahmood,  Singapore Chamber of Commerce Industries Andrew Koh, among others.,

Eng Sovannchita Cambodia Trade Attache; Lao Ambassador H.E. Sonexay Vannaxay and spouse Ms Bouavone Madam Lao; Vietnam Ambassador H.E. Dr. Lai Thai Binh

Some of the Malaysian Home staff Norjufri Nizar Edrus, Deputy Head of Mission, Nur Farah Liza Putri Naaim Yazid,Counsellor/ Head of Chancery, Shahrul Anwar Anwar Abdul Latif, Counsellor and spouse, Col. Ahmad Jafri Ahmad Zulyadai Defence Attaché and spouse, SSgt. Mohd. Nashreeq Mak Fon

Defense Assistant Staff, Supt. AL- Malik Bin Kasoh Police Attaché,  Adhwa Azmil

OIC Trade Attaché,  Mr Mohd. Faizal Sharip Tourism Attaché,  Rohana Dahalan Assistant Tourism Attaché

Reflected on Malaysia’s journey since independence, noting that this year’s celebration under the theme “Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni” (People Cared For) is both a tribute to the sacrifices of past generations and a call to safeguard unity, peace, and prosperity for the future. Ambassador Malik highlighted Malaysia’s role as ASEAN Chair in 2025, where under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, Malaysia has spearheaded key initiatives:  The Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, setting a long-term vision for a more resilient ASEAN.  The ASEAN Economic Community Strategic Plan 2026–2030, guiding regional economic cooperation.  Progress on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement – the world’s first binding regional digital economy pact – and the launch of the ASEAN Artificial Intelligence Safety Network.  Expanded cooperation on sustainability and climate action, including renewable energy, the ASEAN Power Grid, and stronger partnerships with Japan and the EU.  Deepened public health preparedness through the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies.  The historic advancement of Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN. These accomplishments are based on the guiding principle that progress should be inclusive and that no ASEAN citizen should be left behind. He further noted that the Philippines will assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026, and assured that Malaysia will extend its utmost support to the Government of the Philippines in ensuring the continued success of ASEAN’s shared vision. Underscoring the strong bilateral ties, Ambassador Malik noted that Malaysia and the Philippines share history, culture, and aspirations, with cooperation spanning trade, investment, Islamic banking, education, halal industry, tourism, and people to-people exchanges. Over 800 Malaysian companies are currently operating in the Philippines, showcasing the ongoing growth in bilateral trade. He highlighted that the essence of their partnership lies in the warmth, trust, and mutual respect.

Also showcase of Malaysian cuisine prepared by Chef Edwin and Chef Ammar.Ceremonial presentation of 1,000 box of Farm Fresh milk by CEO Shawn Pu to be donated at Department of Education.