Kota Kinabalu: THE newly-appointed Assean President 2026 JCI Senator Patricia Poh has pledged to strengthen regional fellowship and advance the association’s role across Asean, as she officially assumed leadership tonight.
She said she was deeply honoured and humbled to serve as a president, expressing gratitude to members for their trust and confidence.
“I accept this responsibility with a strong sense of purpose,” she said in her inaugural speech, while reaffirming her commitment to building on the association’s founding vision.
Poh traced Assean’s roots to the early 1990s, when its founders — primarily from Malaysia and the Philippines — began forging ties through BIMP-EAGA business conferences and gatherings.
What started as professional connections eventually evolved into lasting friendships and broader collaboration across the Asean region, leading to the formation of the association a decade later.
“Their vision was clear — to create not just a network, but a community grounded in trust, friendship, fellowship, collaboration, and shared growth,” she said.
Highlighting her theme for the term, “Strengthening Fellowship, Advancing Assean,” Poh said it reflects the dual responsibility of preserving the organisation’s legacy while driving it forward.
She said strengthening fellowship involves deepening relationships across borders, cultures and generations, as well as creating meaningful opportunities for engagement and collaboration among members.
“It is about building genuine connections where members not only network, but truly support one another through service, volunteerism and participation in our programmes,” Poh said.
On advancing Assean, she emphasised the need for the organisation to remain relevant and forward-looking by enhancing its programmes and expanding its impact, particularly in strengthening business linkages within the region and beyond.
Poh also acknowledged the significance of her appointment as the first woman to assume the presidency in many years, describing it as both a challenge and an opportunity.
“I am stepping into a role where expectations are high and traditions are well established, but also one where I can help pave the way for others,” she said.
She added that leadership should not be defined by gender, but by commitment, capability and integrity.
“Leadership is about service. With unity and commitment, we can build an association that is stronger, more impactful and future-ready,” she said.
Poh also urged members to honour the association’s founders by continuing their vision with passion and purpose, while working collectively to build a lasting legacy for future generations.
“The journey begins tonight, and it begins with all of us,” she said.
