Manila, Sept. 19 -- Malaysia anticipates a stronger intraregional trade and investment linkages in 2026 as the Philippines takes the helm as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Malaysia is set to turn over the ASEAN chairship to the Philippines at the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur in October.

"The Philippines, if you look at the current administration, it focuses on a lot on sustainability and inclusivity -- I'm sure they'll be part of the agenda (of ASEAN next year)," Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato' Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino said during the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) Ambassadors' Lecture Series in Pasay City on Friday.

"Number two, of course, is the further (strengthening) of trade, invest...