KUALA LUMPUR, 06 November 2025 (TATOLI) – ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn stated that Timor-Leste has the option to postpone its turn to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship, although the country is expected to take on the role around 2029, based on the alphabetical rotation outlined in the ASEAN Charter.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the ASEAN Media Forum in Kuala Lumpur, Kao Kim explained that chairing ASEAN requires substantial preparation, resources, and administrative capacity.
“Every ASEAN Chair hosts, on average, about 500 meetings per year, from working groups all the way to the Summit. Facilities, security, resources, and capacity; all of this would be required,” he said.
He added that discussions regarding Timor-Leste’s readiness will take place in the coming months.
“I don’t want to put the cart before the horse, but this question should be addressed to the Timor-Leste State rather than me,” he added.
Kao emphasized that Timor-Leste has the option to postpone its chairmanship, as several member states have done in the past.
“Of course, the Timor-Leste State has the option of skipping one round, which has been done before by other member states,” he noted, referring to precedents set by countries that delayed their turns due to readiness concerns.
Under Article 31 of the ASEAN Charter, the Chairmanship rotates annually based on the alphabetical order of the English names of member states. Following Malaysia’s chairmanship in 2025, the Philippines and Singapore are expected to lead in 2026 and 2027, respectively. If the rotation continues smoothly, Timor-Leste could assume the Chairmanship after Thailand, which is expected to lead in 2029.
Timor-Leste officially became the 11th member of ASEAN on October 26, 2025. Once integrated into the full rotation, the country will chair the ASEAN Summit, the ASEAN Coordinating Council, the three ASEAN Community Councils, and the Committee of Permanent Representatives – marking another milestone in its regional integration.
Journalist: Cidalia Fátima
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
