September 16, 2025
PHNOM PENH – The ASEAN community gathered in Phnom Penh on 13 September 2025 to celebrate Southeast Asia’s vibrant cultures, traditions and unity at the ASEAN Bazaar 2025.
The event, marking its second iteration, was an exploration of the region’s shared identity and its diverse offerings.
“The bazaar provided a platform for visitors to experience the culinary delights, traditional crafts, and cultural expressions from all 10 ASEAN Member States, along with Timor-Leste, as part of the region’s growing inclusivity,” according to a press statement.
The event was organised by the ASEAN embassies in Phnom Penh, with Malaysia leading the coordination efforts as ASEAN chair for 2025.
Participants had the opportunity to explore food stalls featuring a variety of traditional dishes from across Southeast Asia. Highlights included Bruneian pais daging, Vietnamese bánh xèo, Laotian sin hang, and Thai pad thai, along with artisanal goods such as Myanmar jade and Filipino South Sea pearls.
It featured food displays and cultural performances from around the region. PHOTO: SUPPLIED/THE PHNOM PENH POST
Prominent organizations, including Singapore Airlines and Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also showcased their offerings.
The opening ceremony, attended by over 700 guests, was graced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn, who praised the event as a living representation of ASEAN’s unity.
In his speech, he emphasised the significance of culture in transcending language and politics, highlighting how such shared experiences foster lasting memories and strengthen people-to-people ties.
“The bazaar strengthens people-to-people ties and deepens understanding. That is the very foundation of the ASEAN community, which stands together as one family bound by friendship, solidarity, and a shared dream of peace and prosperity,” he said.
Malaysian Ambassador Shaharuddin Onn also delivered an address, noting the relevance of the event’s theme, “Sustainability and Inclusivity”.
It was organised by the ASEAN embassies in Phnom Penh, with 2025 ASEAN chair Malaysia taking the lead. PHOTO: SUPPLIED/THE PHNOM PENH POST
The ambassador highlighted 2025 as an important year for ASEAN, marking both the inclusion of Timor-Leste as the 11th Member State and the 10th anniversary of the ASEAN community’s formal establishment.
Cultural performances, including traditional dance and live music from across the ASEAN region, added to the lively atmosphere of the event.
A karaoke competition and live raffle also helped create a festive environment for guests, further emphasising the sense of community. Raksa, a performer from the Indonesian Embassy who participated in the Tari Piring (plate dance), expressed her excitement for the opportunity to represent her country.
“It was novel and exciting to perform on such a big stage. I feel proud to represent Indonesia at this ASEAN event and watch the performances of the other ASEAN countries,” she said.
Foreign minister Prak Sokhonn (centre-left) delivered an address to the more than 700 attendees. PHOTO: SUPPLIED/THE PHNOM PENH POST
The ASEAN Bazaar 2025 was not just a celebration of culture, but a testament to the enduring solidarity and cooperation that underpins the ASEAN community, reflecting a region united by its commitment to peace, prosperity, and mutual respect.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established on 8 August 1967. Its 10 current member states are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.