Malaysia Hosts 14th Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference, Stresses Unity and Synergy in Regional Security

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 (VoM): Malaysia today officially opened the 14th Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC), the 49th Indo-Pacific Armies Management Seminar (IPAMS), and the 11th Senior Enlisted Leaders’ Forum (SELF) in Kuala Lumpur, bringing together senior military leaders and representatives from 31 nations across the Indo-Pacific.

The opening ceremony, held at the Hotel InterContinental Kuala Lumpur, was officiated by Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari, representing Defence Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin. Also in attendance were Chief of Defence Forces General Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Mohammad Ab Rahman, Chief of Army General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain bin Jantan, and United States Army Pacific Commanding General Ronald Clark, who co-hosted the event.

In his keynote address, General Hafizuddeain described the Indo-Pacific as the “center of gravity of global affairs, commerce, innovation, and human connectivity,” noting that more than 60 percent of global trade transits through the region’s waters. He underscored the vital role of land forces in safeguarding regional peace and prosperity.

This year’s conference theme, “Forging Synergy: Transforming Multinational Land Power Networks Through Open Fashion Contact,” highlights the need for trust-based cooperation, transparent dialogue, and collective action to address common security challenges.

“Forging synergy is about creating unity in diversity, building strength through collective action, and achieving outcomes that no single nation can accomplish alone,” General Hafizuddeain said. “Open fashion contact highlights the courage to exchange ideas and prevent miscalculations in an increasingly tense environment.”

General Hafizuddeain outlined five strategic priorities shaping the future of land forces in the region: agility in operations to counter hybrid warfare, grey-zone threats, and cyber challenges. Technology adaptation, embracing artificial intelligence, drones, and autonomous platforms while ensuring technology complements, not replaces, soldiers. Logistics resilience, strengthening supply chains and sustainment systems, with lessons drawn from the Ukraine war. People-centric transformation, investing in leadership, training, morale, and welfare across all ranks. Humanitarian and climate security, enhancing the military’s role as first responders during natural disasters.

He reaffirmed Malaysia’s balanced approach of diplomacy and deterrence, readiness and modernization, and national and regional responsibilities, adding that Malaysia continues to contribute to peacekeeping, disaster relief, and multilateral defense cooperation under ASEAN and ADMM-Plus frameworks.

“Our soldiers remain our most vital asset. Their professionalism, discipline, and leadership define our strength,” he said.

The four-day conference (23–26 September) has drawn 162 participants from 27 Indo-Pacific countries. Attendance includes IPACC: 26 delegates from 26 countries, including 13 army chiefs and 13 senior representatives. IPAMS: 86 participants from 20 nations, comprising senior officers from colonel to brigadier general. SELF: 50 senior enlisted leaders from 16 countries.

Participating nations include Malaysia, the United States, Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Fiji, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, the United Kingdom, Vanuatu, and Vietnam.

The agenda features roundtable dialogues, panel discussions, leadership forums, and bilateral meetings, all aimed at strengthening dialogue, interoperability, and strategic military cooperation.

A special highlight is the Counter Insurgency Warfare (CIW) Framework Operation demonstration at Taman Eko Rimba Komanwel in Rawang, showcasing jungle warfare tactics, survival skills, and counter-insurgency maneuvers by the Malaysian Army.

Additionally, a Spouse Program was organized to engage the families of visiting military leaders, underscoring the essential role of families in supporting the resilience and welfare of military communities.

Malaysia previously hosted the Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (PACC) in 2021 and the Pacific Armies Management Seminar (PAMS) in 2016. This year marks the third time Malaysia has hosted a premier Indo-Pacific defense forum, a testament to its growing role as a trusted strategic partner in regional security and stability.

Declaring the conferences officially open, General Hafizuddeain expressed confidence that the gathering would pave the way for deeper cooperation, stronger trust, and collective action in ensuring peace and resilience across the Indo-Pacific.

@Voice of Malaysia news