KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 -- Malaysia is again hosting the pivotal Asean Summit this year, leading as chairman amid global volatility fuelled by populist trade policies and the reemergence of protectionism.

The 46th edition of the summit will be held in the capital city from today to Wednesday, where hundreds of top dignitaries from the nine South-east Asian member states, gulf nations and China are expected to attend in what could be the platform's most important meeting to date.

What is the Asean Summit about?

The Asean Summit is the highest policy-making body within the Association of South-east Asian Nations.

A biannual meeting, the summit is where leaders of member countries gather to discuss key issues related to the region's economi...