ASEAN defence ministers pledge to boost cooperation as region faces rapidly evolving threats

ASEAN defence ministers have pledged to enhance cooperation as the region faces rapidly evolving security threats. This includes ensuring ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence, identifying cybersecurity gaps among member states, enhancing humanitarian assistance capacity and stepping up defence industry cooperation for a regional supply chain. During discussions at their retreat in Malaysia, the leaders also agreed to prioritise safeguarding the vast network of undersea cables in the South China Sea. Melissa Goh reports from Batu Ferringhi, Penang.