(AseanAll) — The ASEAN Pavilion at World Expo Osaka 2025 buzzed with excitement on April 13, 2025 as it officially opened its doors. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, delivered insightful opening remarks, highlighting the region’s dynamic spirit and collective vision for a sustainable future.
Dr. Kao Kim Hourn underscored the importance of having an ASEAN Pavilion in the Expo, stating that ‘’ASEAN is committed to leveraging on the next six months to highlight the region’s tremendous potential, including in trade, investment, business, tourism, and connectivity.’’
‘’As the Secretary-General of ASEAN, I see the participation in the World Expo 2025 as instrumental to advance ASEAN’s outreach priorities and to raise public awareness on ASEAN’s Community Vision,’’ he added.
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, Dato Hairil Yahri Yaacob, Secretary-General of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry of Malaysia, offered warm congratulatory remarks, emphasising the strong economic and collaborative ties within ASEAN.
In his remarks, Dato Hairil highlighted Malaysia’s commitment as ASEAN Chair 2025 to advancing a shared vision of inclusivity, sustainability and regional integration – He outlined the importance of these principles in laying the groundwork for ASEAN’s future, particularly in alignment with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and the upcoming ASEAN Economic Strategic Plan 2026 – 2030.
A highlight of the opening ceremony was the unveiling of the ASEAN Pavilion’s character, developed through an open design competition among ASEAN nationals. The character design, met with enthusiastic applause, embodies the unity and diversity of the ASEAN Member States, and will serve as a friendly representative for the pavilion throughout the Expo. “Tenaya” designed by Aziez Nugroho from Indonesia, was selected as the winning character design.
The event also marked the launch of the engaging “ASEAN Trail Challenge,” a one-of-a-kind unique stamp rally experience in collaboration with AirAsia, inviting Expo visitors to explore the ASEAN Member States’ pavilions exhibits, and learn more about the diverse cultures, innovations, and opportunities within the ASEAN region. Participants in the challenge will have the chance to win exclusive ASEAN-themed prizes.
‘’AirAsia has always been a true ASEAN brand that champions the region – and we’re glad to be able to partner with ASEAN through the ASEAN Trail Challenge at the World Expo 2025 Osaka. We want to amplify the message that there’s much to discover in ASEAN and the passport challenge provides Expo visitors a glimpse of how diverse the ASEAN region is through its diverse culture, heritage, vibrant arts, and amazing cuisines,’’ said Rudy Khaw, CEO of AirAsia brand co.
Other programmes present at the pavilion include the ASEAN Artist Residency Programme, supported by ThaiBev and the Bangkok Art Biennale Foundation. A young ASEAN artist will take up residency in Osaka to create artwork that will be displayed at the pavilion.
The ASEAN Day, 8 August, will mark ASEAN’s 58th anniversary, commemorated in Jakarta and simultaneously at the heart of the Expo in Osaka. The ASEAN Pavilion will host ASEAN’s Special Day and take over the Expo with a vibrant celebration of the region’s culture and creativity, with a day filled with lively parades, dances, music and performances. For further information on the latest programme, check out https://asean.org/expo-2025-osaka/. ASEAN Secretariat’s participation at the World Expo 2025 Osaka is supported through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).
