On October 28, the 47th ASEAN Summit officially concluded. One of the highlights of the final day was Malaysia handing over the ASEAN chairmanship to the Philippines for the year 2026.
This year’s summit witnessed many memorable moments, including the introduction of Timor-Leste as the 11th ASEAN member and the signing of a peace deal between Thailand and Cambodia, witnessed by US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
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As ASEAN leaders head home, let’s look back at some of the most talked-about moments from this year’s summit:
1. Anwar Ibrahim posts a photo with only a full stop after the summit
In the early morning of Wednesday (October 29), Anwar posted a single photo of himself on social media with a simple caption: a full stop.
The photo, shared via his Instagram page, showed Anwar seated in the back of his official car, wiping his glasses with a noticeably tired expression.
Image Credit: Instagram
While many Malaysians praised the Prime Minister for his efforts throughout the summit, others urged him to take a day to recuperate.
However, his latest post suggests that the Prime Minister is already back at work.
2. US netizens praise Malaysia’s highways
When US President Donald Trump’s motorcade traveled along the Maju Expressway (MEX) en route to the summit venue, a clip of the journey went viral. Many Americans were impressed by the condition of Malaysia’s roads.
Image Credit: Malay Mail
Posted on X by Trump’s Special Assistant and Communications Advisor, the video drew comments from Americans who were surprised by how clean and well-maintained the highway appeared.
3. Anwar’s prison joke
Anwar Ibrahim shared a lighthearted moment with Donald Trump before the signing of the Thailand-Cambodia joint peace agreement.
Image Credit: CNN
Anwar remarked that he and Trump had much in common, joking:
“One of which is that I was in prison and you almost got there.”
He added that he admired Trump’s tenacity and courage, noting that the world needs leaders who champion peace with conviction.
4. Trump dances at the airport upon arrival
Upon arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Donald Trump appeared in high spirits as he joined Malaysian dancers performing to traditional music.
@bernamaofficial Presiden Amerika Syarikat Donald Trump membuat 'kejutan' dengan menari bersama-sama kumpulan penari tradisional tempatan seusai tiba di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) disambut yang oleh Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Aksi berkenaan mengundang sorakan dan tepukan gemuruh daripada orang ramai yang hadir menyaksikan detik bersejarah itu. 🎥 BERNAMA #BernamaNews #VideoBernama #ASEAN #AseanMalaysia2025 #AseanxBernama ♬ Joget Pahang - Iyeth Bustami
He was greeted by Anwar Ibrahim, and the two later entered The Beast, the president’s super-secured state car.
5. Trump & Anwar admire each other’s signatures
Another lighthearted exchange occurred during the formal signing of the US-Malaysia Reciprocal Trade Agreement.
Image Credit: Borneo Post Online
While signing, Trump commented on Anwar’s signature, calling it “interesting” and “very artistic,” even showing it off to the camera.
Anwar responded:
“Not as interesting as yours.”
In the end, Trump handed his pen to Anwar, who placed it in his suit pocket.
6. Timor-Leste PM steals the spotlight
Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão became one of the summit’s most memorable figures.
Image Credit: Malay Mail
He was seen handing out sweets to media personnel, prompting Anwar to jokingly call him out for only giving them to female staff, until Gusmão pointed to a male journalist.
He also gave high-fives to media members and playfully slapped one crew member’s hand.
@drkmochi Select ek Perdana Menteri Timor-Leste ni 🤣 #timorleste #asean2025 #foryou #fyp #tiktokmalaysia ♬ original sound - naddy🩹
As if that wasn’t enough, he was caught on camera walking like a robot on the red carpet.
7. President Prabowo holds Sultan of Brunei’s hand while descending stairs
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was seen holding Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s hand as they descended the stairs after a group photo session.
Image Credit: TikTok
While it may have been a kind gesture, many speculated it was to prevent the Sultan from falling, referencing a previous incident at a university convocation on October 17.
8. RTM commentator misidentifies three ASEAN leaders
Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) issued an apology after a commentator misidentified the leaders of Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore during a live broadcast of the summit’s opening ceremony.
Image Credit: NST
According to SCMP, the commentator mistook Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong for his predecessor, Lee Hsien Loong.
Similarly, Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was misidentified as Srettha Thavisin, who was removed from office last year.
Earlier in the day, Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto was mistaken for Joko Widodo.
9. Japan PM pays respects at Tugu Negara, faces criticism
Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited the National Monument to pay respects to those who died fighting for independence.
Image Credit: X
While some commended the gesture, her social media post drew sharp criticism from Malaysians who viewed it as tone-deaf, given the brutality of the Japanese occupation during World War II.
10. Two female bodyguards leap into moving SUV
Dubbed Malaysia’s “Charlie’s Angels,” two female bodyguards went viral after a video showed them jumping into a moving SUV while escorting foreign delegates.
The short clip showed the women, dressed in formal suits and hijabs, sprinting after the vehicle, opening the back door, and leaping inside.
Malaysia's Charlie's Angels? 2 female bodyguards have captured public attention with their slick move during the Asean Summit. #AseanSummit #Malaysia #StraitsTimes
Featured Image Credit: X, Anwar Ibrahim | Facebook, Malay Mail
