Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, delivered a keynote address on “50 Years of ASEAN-Australia Relations: Now and Into the Future” at the ANU Southeast Asia Institute Student Research Symposium, supported by the ASEAN-Australia Centre, which was convened on 26 November 2024. Dr. Kao underscored how ASEAN has maintained peace and stability in the region, which has enabled economic prosperity in ASEAN.  He also stressed on the need for ASEAN to remain proactive and resilient in moving forward, especially with the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its four Strategic Plans next year. Dr. Kao went on to highlight the important role of external partners, including Australia, in supporting ASEAN Community building efforts.

Download the full remarks here.