SINGAPORE, 11 April 2026 – Philippine Ambassador to Singapore, H.E. Medardo Antonio G. Macaraig, delivered the inaugural lecture at the Distinguished Speakers Series, an initiative of the National University of Singapore’s Centre for International Law (NUS-CIL) on 09 April 2026.
Held at the NUS Bukit Timah Campus, the event drew a strong and diverse audience composed of members of the diplomatic corps, academe, and leading think tanks, underscoring the high level of interest in the Philippines’ role as ASEAN Chair in 2026 and in the broader regional outlook.
In his lecture, Ambassador Macaraig outlined the Philippines’ vision for its ASEAN Chairship under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” emphasizing that ASEAN’s strength lies in its unity, centrality, and ability to act collectively amid an increasingly complex and uncertain global environment. He conveyed the Philippines’ sense of responsibility and determination to steer ASEAN in a manner that is both pragmatic and forward-looking, anchored on shared values and a commitment to regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
The Ambassador highlighted the three central priorities guiding the Chairship – Peace and Security Anchors, Prosperity Corridors, and People Empowerment – operationalized through the LEAD, SAIL, and RISE ASEAN frameworks. He elaborated on how these pillars aim to reinforce norms-based regional security, deepen economic connectivity and digital transformation, and promote inclusive, people-centered development. Particular emphasis was placed on emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, MSME growth, youth engagement, and social protection, reflecting ASEAN’s ambition to remain adaptive and future-ready.
Ambassador Macaraig also discussed key deliverables of the Philippine Chairship, including the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), the advancement of maritime cooperation initiatives, and efforts to strengthen ASEAN’s engagement with external partners. He underscored ASEAN’s proactive role in shaping regional responses to evolving geopolitical dynamics, as well as the importance of maintaining a rules-based regional order grounded in dialogue, mutual respect, and international law.
The lecture concluded with a forward-looking reflection on ASEAN’s trajectory, with the Ambassador reaffirming the Philippines’ commitment to fostering a more cohesive, resilient, and inclusive regional community. He emphasized that by working together and upholding ASEAN Centrality, the region can effectively navigate shared challenges and seize emerging opportunities, ensuring that ASEAN continues to serve as a stabilizing force and a driver of sustainable growth in the Indo-Pacific.
The Philippine Embassy expresses appreciation to the NUS-CIL, dialogue moderators Chairman of CIL International Advisory Panel and Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Ambassador-at-Large, Professor Tommy Koh, and Director of NUS-CIL, Dr. Nilüfer Oral, and all the participants for attending the lecture. (END)
