Penang: The ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting, ADMM Retreat, has reached a consensus on the Joint Statement by the ASEAN Defence Ministers on Cooperation in the Field of Artificial Intelligence in the Defence Sector. With the theme "ASEAN Unity for Security and Prosperity," the ADMM was hosted recently in Penang, Malaysia.
According to Radio Television Brunei, Brunei Darussalam's delegation was led by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Retired Major General Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister of Defence. The meeting was chaired by Yang Berhormat Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, Minister of Defence Malaysia, serving as the Chairman of ADMM for 2025.
This year's Retreat saw participation from ASEAN Defence Ministers and representatives, including the Defence Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste as an observer of ADMM, and the ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General. Discussions were focused on enhancing ASEAN unity and regional cooperation.
The Brunei delegation also included Retired Brigadier General Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Alirupendi bin Haji Perudin, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, as the leader of ASEAN Defence Senior Officials' Meeting (ADSOM) Brunei Darussalam, and His Excellency Retired Brigadier General Dato Paduka Haji Mahmud bin Haji Saidin, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to Malaysia. On the sidelines of the ADMM Retreat, a bilateral defence discussion took place between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia. Malaysia is set to chair the 19th ADMM and 12th ADMM-Plus, scheduled for 17th to 21st November 2025 in Kuala Lumpur.