Australian Ambassador to ASEAN Tiffany McDonald gives an interview to a VOV reporter in Jakarta about the ASEAN Future Forum 2025. (photo: VOV – Jakarta)

International experts said that the forum is a timely event to discuss how ASEAN and its partners work together to address challenges and maintain peace.

Australian Ambassador to ASEAN Tiffany McDonald said: “The geopolitical tensions and shifts that we're seeing in our region and globally make Asia’s relevance more important than ever. There's also a strong synergy I think between the theme of this year's forum and Malaysia's 2025 chair year theme inclusivity and sustainability. A united and resilient ASEAN is at the forefront of maintaining peace, stability, and security in our region. Australia works very closely with Vietnam in the region, and more broadly with ASEAN.”

The Ambassador underlined that Australia supports for the Future Forum is example of how Australia is very happy to support and work very closely with Vietnam. She was excited that this year the Asian Community Vision 2045 will be adopted.”

Collins Chong Yew Keat, a foreign affairs and security expert at the Malaya University, said Vietnam’s hosting the AFF for the second time underscores its growing prestige and leadership in regional matters. He also noted that this reflects unity within ASEAN and highlights Vietnam's proactive role in addressing shared challenges, rather than relying solely on the ASEAN Chairmanship.

AFF is seen as a symbolic move, reflecting Vietnam's "bamboo diplomacy" and its desire to strengthen friendly relations and cooperation with all countries, including major powers, according to Collins Chong Yew Keat. He said this event highlights Vietnam’s soft and hard power, helping to enhance the country’s role and influence on the global stage.