Malaysia’s Chief of Army Welcomes Regional Leaders at Indo-Pacific Defence Conference
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 (VoM): Malaysia’s Chief of Army, General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Muhammad Hafizuddin bin Jantan, today welcomed defense leaders and delegates from across the Indo-Pacific at the official opening of the 14th Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC), the 49th Indo-Pacific Armies Management Seminar (IPAMS), and the 11th Senior Enlisted Leaders Forum (SELF).
The ceremony, held at the InterContinental Hotel Kuala Lumpur, was officiated by Deputy Defence Minister Tuan Haji Adly bin Zahari, representing Malaysia’s Defence Minister. Also present was General Ronald Clark, Commanding General of the United States Army Pacific Command and co-host of the conference, as well as senior military representatives from 25 nations.
In his welcoming address, General Hafizuddin described the gathering as “a symbol of commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and safeguarding the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific.” He noted that the chosen theme, “Forging Synergy: Transforming Multinational Land Power Networks Through Open Contact,” reflected both the urgency and the opportunities of today’s security environment.
“Strength is not built in isolation but through the deliberate act of coming together, sharing, and learning from one another,” he said. “Through open contact, trust becomes the foundation of cooperation, and dialogue the bridge to action.”
The Malaysian Army Chief highlighted the Indo-Pacific as a vast and dynamic region with immense promise but also rising challenges from traditional military threats to emerging issues such as cybersecurity, climate change, and humanitarian crises. He stressed that no nation, however strong, could face these challenges alone.
The conference, he said, offers an opportunity to transform dialogue into understanding, understanding into cooperation, and cooperation into meaningful action.
General Hafizuddin also expressed appreciation to the United States for co-hosting the event and underscored Malaysia’s steadfast commitment to regional security and multilateral cooperation.
“Geography makes us neighbours, but choice makes us partners,” he remarked. “The choice we make today to engage openly, to trust, and to synergise will define the stability and security of the Indo-Pacific for generations to come.”
The four-day event brings together army chiefs, senior officers, and enlisted leaders to share best practices, strengthen interoperability, and address pressing security concerns. Delegates will also witness field demonstrations, engage in workshops, and participate in discussions aimed at building resilience and reinforcing partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.
General Hafizuddin concluded his address with a message of optimism: “May this conference be fruitful, may our bonds grow stronger, and may our vision for peace and stability shine brighter.”