KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 — Like every regional gathering, the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits highlighted renewed regional cooperation, signalling a shared commitment to strengthening ties amid a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape.
The summit also witnessed the signing of the landmark Cambodia–Thailand Peace Deal (KL Peace Accord), paving the way for the de-escalation of border tensions and ensuring the safety of thousands of civilians living on both sides of the frontier.
More historically, the summit saw Timor-Leste formally accepted as a full member of Asean, becoming its 11th member and marking the regional bloc’s first expansion in more than 25 years.
Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão said the country has endured a long and difficult journey in its efforts to rebuild and strengthen itself since gaining independence. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa
Still, the opening day didn’t just stop there — there were plenty of other highlights too, in case you missed them.
Skip stops
Morning commuters were caught off-guard when several Rapid KL LRT stations were temporarily closed for safety reasons in connection with the summit taking place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
RapidKL’s same-day announcement of the closure from 7am to noon sparked initial confusion and caught many commuters unprepared.
A total of six stations were closed to passengers — two on the Kelana Jaya Line, three on the MRT Putrajaya Line, and one on the MRT Kajang Line.
The closure was later enforced from 4pm to 6pm after which all but one station reopened.
Almost fully BMWs
All but three official dignitaries arrived in a BMW i7 — a full-size fully electric sedan.
The three exceptions were heads of government of the United States of America, Brunei and Indonesia.
His Majesty Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei and Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia arrived in Mercedes-Maybach sedans, while US President Donald Trump arrived in his presidential limousine nicknamed “The Beast”.
A huge fumble
Indonesia’s president Prabowo Subianto. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa
During a livestream of the summit’s opening ceremony, a Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) commentator incorrectly introduced Indonesia’s president as Joko Widodo instead of Prabowo Subianto as the heads of state arrived.
A similar blunder took place shortly after, when the commentator introduced Singapore’s prime minister as Lee Hsien Loong instead of Lawrence Wong, and Thailand’s prime minister as Srettha Thavisin instead of Anutin Charnvirakul.
Later, the Department of Broadcasting Malaysia issued an apology statement over the misidentification.
The Trump Dance
US President Donald Trump joins the performers in a dance during a welcoming ceremony after arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, to attend the 47th Association of South-east Asian Nations (Asean) Summit, in Kuala Lumpur October 26, 2025. — Reuters pic
At the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, US President Donald Trump greeted performers with his signature campaign-style dance — complete with slow, rhythmic air punches and hip sways on the red carpet — to the tune of Hawaii Five-O after Air Force One touched down.
Trump previously performed the characteristic rally gesture while dancing to his campaign song Y.M.C.A. by the Village People.
Trump’s visit also saw the return of Cadillac One, the presidential limousine known as “The Beast”, making its first appearance in Kuala Lumpur since former US president Barack Obama’s 2015 trip.
Trump’s visit also saw the return of Cadillac One, the presidential limousine known as ‘The Beast’. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa
