PRESS RELEASE | PR-287-2025
SINGAPORE, 11 November 2025 – The Embassies and High Commissions of the ASEAN Member States in Singapore gathered at the ASEAN Gala Night 2025 held at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel on 10 November 2025. Organized by the ASEAN Missions in Singapore, led by the High Commission of Malaysia as ASEAN Chair for 2025, this year’s celebration marked a milestone year for the region as Timor-Leste participated in the Gala for the first time as ASEAN’s 11th Member State.
The event was graced by Permanent Secretary Albert Chua of Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside ASEAN Heads of Mission, representatives from ASEAN Dialogue, Sectoral and Development Partner countries, and distinguished guests from Singapore’s diplomatic and business communities.
A symbolic handover ceremony of the ASEAN Chairmanship from Malaysia to the Philippines served as one of the evening’s highlights, with Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo G. Macaraig accepting the Chairmanship for ASEAN 2026 on behalf of the Philippine Government.
Malaysia High Commissioner Dato Azfar Mohamad Mustafar hands over the baton of ASEAN Chairship to Philippine Ambassador Medardo G. Macaraig, as incoming Chair of ASEAN in 2026.
In keeping with the Gala’s longstanding tradition, each ASEAN Mission took the stage with performances that beautifully reflected the artistry, heritage, and cultural pride of their respective nations. Representing the Philippines, Mr. Emmanuel Lipio, Jr, an engineer by profession, captivated the audience with heartfelt performances across two segments of the program. For his first number, he rendered “MaPa” by SB19, the iconic Filipino song now translated in Indonesian, a song which symbolizes unity through music and shared values. In his second set, Mr. Lipio performed “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love for You”, inviting the audience to join him in a lively karaoke sing-along that filled the ballroom with warmth and camaraderie.
Guests were also treated to the rich flavors of Filipino cuisine at the Philippine booth, which featured both halal and non-halal selections. Highlights included lechon by Ritch’s Lechon; chicken sisig and a live halo-halo station, both by Nanay’s Kitchen; and San Miguel Beer – perennial favorites at ASEAN gatherings.
As part of the evening’s festivities, lucky guests won prizes contributed by each ASEAN Mission. The Philippine Embassy’s raffle prizes included a Singapore–Manila business class return ticket courtesy of Philippine Airlines and a premium hamper set featuring Filipino food products. Adding to the fun, three members of the Philippine Embassy team also won raffle prizes courtesy of the Brunei High Commission and the Royal Thai Embassy.
Since its inception in 2010, the ASEAN Gala Night has stood as an annual tradition celebrating ASEAN unity, cultural exchange, and regional cooperation. Beyond being a night of festivities, it symbolizes the collective spirit and solidarity of the ASEAN family as it continues to advance its vision for peace, prosperity, and inclusivity in the region.
This year’s celebration concluded with Malaysia’s rousing closing performance, a fitting finale to a night that celebrated the unity, creativity, and lasting camaraderie among ASEAN Missions in Singapore. /END
Guests enjoyed Filipino favorites such as lechon, chicken sisig, and halo-halo at the Philippine booth, while Embassy personnel and guests celebrated another year of ASEAN friendship and solidarity.
