Philippines Assumes Chairmanship of ASEAN-Korea Centre Council

Seoul, 11 February 2026 – H.E. Bernadette Therese Fernandez, Ambassador of the Philippines to the Republic of Korea, as Council Director of the Philippines, formally assumed the chairmanship of the ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC) Council during the 18th Annual AKC Council Meeting held at the Westin Josun Seoul on 11 February 2026. Following the handover, Ambassador Fernandez, as the new Chair, presided over the proceedings, which reviewed the AKC's 2025 accomplishments—including 38 programs—and approved the 2026 Annual Work Program and Budget. Outgoing Chair, Council Director of Malaysia Fairuz Adli Mohd Rozali commended the AKC's role in deepening ASEAN-ROK ties, while H.E. Kim Jae-shin, AKC Secretary-General, highlighted key 2026 projects such as the ASEAN Hall in Jeonju and the launch of the ASEAN Officials Trade Academy.