The ASEAN Future Forum 2026 carries special significance. Its theme not only reflects the core values that define ASEAN, but also points to the direction our Association should take in the years ahead.
Singapore and Vietnam remain committed to supporting a rules-based international order, strengthening ASEAN integration, and enhancing the bloc’s resilience. The two countries upgraded their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) last year, marking Singapore’s first CSP with an ASEAN member state.
Party General Secretary and State President To Lam delivered a keynote address titled “Proactively Shaping Peace, Stability and Development in a world of turbulence” at the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue, as part of his state visit to Singapore from May 29 to 31.
Prof. Huang Rihan of Huaqiao University in China’s Fujian province said the Vietnamese leader’s address highlighted three major crises currently facing the world - the crisis of the international order, the crisis of development models, and the crisis of strategic trust.
Vietnam’s presence at the 23rd Shangri-la Dialogue met the international community’s expectations for balanced, constructive and bridge-building contributions from a country that consistently pursues a non-aligned foreign policy.
The Straits Times noted that a significant portion of his address focused on the crisis of the international order, highlighting the need to strengthen respect for international law and exercise restraint.
Associate Professor Dr. Neak Chandarith said General Secretary and President To Lam demonstrated a clear understanding of global challenges and presented a balanced voice that advocates sovereignty, equality and fairness for small and middle-sized nations amid an increasingly uncertain international environment.
One of the highlights grabbing observers’ special attention was the first-time participation and keynote address by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President of Vietnam To Lam.
Referring to Vietnam’s presence at this year’s Shangri-La Dialogue, the scholar said the country has stepped onto the regional stage with a renewed posture, positioning itself as a constructive diplomatic player committed to promoting peace and stability.
Against the backdrop of an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, the top Vietnamese leader's messages of ASEAN unity, strategic autonomy, and trust-building have been widely regarded as timely and practical. They also underscore Vietnam’s increasingly active role in regional and international affairs.
Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency following General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and State President To Lam’s keynote address at the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue, Prof. Vu Minh Khuong of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy said the Vietnamese leader’s remarks resonated strongly because they addressed pressing global challenges with candour, responsibility and a forward-looking vision.
General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam To Lam attended and delivered a keynote address at the opening of the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 29.
On May 29 evening, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam delivered the keynote address at the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue – a leading and prestigious forum on defense and security in Asia and the world. This was the first time the top Vietnamese leader attended and delivered an important speech at a multilateral event on regional security.
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam will pay a state visit to Singapore from May 29-31, and he will attend and deliver a keynote address at this year's IISS Shangri-La Dialogue.
