Minister Chan Chun Sing will lead ASEAN defence cooperation towards regional security and resilience in 2027.
Singapore will assume the 2027 Chairmanship of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus, with Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing set to work with ASEAN Member States and dialogue partners towards a future-ready, adaptive and resilient regional defence framework.
The handover took place on 29 October 2026 during the ADMM Chairmanship Handover Ceremony, following the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus). Minister Chan received the ADMM Chairmanship symbol from Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., formally transferring the chairmanship to Singapore.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Chan highlighted the progress achieved by the ADMM and ADMM-Plus over the years and emphasised the importance of continued cooperation in addressing evolving regional and international security challenges.
He said, “it is our responsibility and our hope that we will be able to work closely with everyone in this hall and beyond.” He added that this would ensure the platforms “maintains our relevance to the challenges of the times – not just the current challenges but also the emerging challenges.”
Earlier, Minister Chan participated in the 13th ADMM-Plus, where defence ministers exchanged views on the current geopolitical situation and its implications for regional peace and security.
In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of the ADMM-Plus as an open and inclusive platform for strategic and constructive dialogue. He also underscored its role in facilitating practical cooperation among participating countries to address shared security challenges.
“There is a diversity of aspirations, a diversity of capabilities around the world, and we will need a mechanism that allows us to build an overlapping network of bilateral and plurilateral ties in order to advance our shared interests,” he said.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Minister Chan held bilateral discussions with his counterparts from Japan, the Republic of Korea, Vietnam and Australia. The meetings provided opportunities to reaffirm existing bilateral relationships and discuss continued areas of collaboration.
Singapore’s 2027 chairmanship will involve working with ASEAN Member States and ADMM-Plus participating countries to maintain the relevance of regional defence dialogue and cooperation amid evolving security developments.
Source: Ministry of Defence
