Philippine Embassy in Malaysia

EMBASSY PARTICIPATES IN BERSAMA SHIELD 2026 ENHANCED ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITY

KUALA LUMPUR– Consul General Roussel Reyes, accompanied by Defense Attaché Col. Michael Lugtu, represented the Embassy in BERSAMA Shield 2026 Enhanced Engagement Activity held on 27-28 April 2026 in Penang.

The activity, organized by the Headquarters Integrated Area Defense System (HQIADS), provided a platform to strengthen awareness and understanding of the Five Power Defense Arrangements (FPDA) and facilitate dialogue on how the FPDA contributes to regional stability and security.

The program started with a briefing delivered by Air Vice-Marshal Nathan Christie, 21st Commander of the Integrated Area Defence System, and Col. Edwin Koh Boon Yit, Chief of Staff, followed by a series of exercise demonstrations.

In his keynote address on 28 April, Malaysian Joint Forces Commander LtGen Tengku Muhammad Fauzi acknowledged the cooperation among the members of FPDA for more than five decades and noted that the partnership has been a quiet yet steady contributor to regional stability, built on trust, professionalism and shared commitment. He underscored that order in international society is sustained not only by power, but by shared rules, norms and institutions.

Bersama Shield 2026, held from 14 April to 1 May 2026, is an annual training exercise conducted by nations of the Five Power Defense Arrangements (FPDA) - Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom. The exercise is designed to enhance interoperability and strengthen the professional relationships of FPDA nations through the conduct of combined joint maritime, land and air operations in a multi-threat environment.

The Embassy’s participation reflects its commitment to supporting initiatives to strengthen and promote regional security and stability. END

EMBASSY WELCOMES PHILIPPINE DELEGATION TO THE COUNCIL OF ASEAN CHIEF JUSTICES WORKING WEEK 2026

KUALA LUMPUR – The Philippine Embassy was pleased to welcome the Philippine delegation to the Council of ASEAN Chief Justices (CACJ) Working Week 2026 and engage in discussions on judicial initiatives, reforms and priorities of the Supreme Court.

Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen, Associate Justice Jose Midas Marquez, Associate Justice Amy C. Lazaro-Javier and Associate Justice Jhosep Y. Lopez led the Supreme Court delegation, while the Embassy was represented by Ambassador Maria Angela Abrera Ponce, Consul General Roussel Reyes, Commercial Counsellor Norjamin Delos Reyes, Labor Attaché Jocelyn Ortega, Welfare Officer Rosana Siray and Vice Consul Kirstoff Ocampo.

The engagements served as a platform for candid discussions on regional judicial cooperation, the Philippines’ contributions to ASEAN legal initiatives, and other matters of shared interest.

Ambassador Ponce expressed her appreciation to the distinguished members of the Philippine judiciary for their dedicated service and valuable representation of the Philippines in this important regional platform. She also reaffirmed the Embassy’s support for initiatives that strengthen ASEAN cooperation, institutional partnerships, and the Philippines’ broader diplomatic objectives.

Ambassador Ponce thanked the Philippine delegation for its active role in the CACJ Working Week, and recognized their contributions to strengthening regional judicial cooperation, promoting the rule of law, and advancing ASEAN legal initiatives. END.



Supreme Court PH

MAY IS PHILIPPINE NATIONAL HERITAGE MONTH

The Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur joins the nation in commemorating National Heritage Month (NHM) this May 2026 with the theme, “Roots and Horizons: Our Shared Heritage, Our Collective Future.”

This year’s theme invites Filipinos to look back with pride at the roots of our history and culture, while looking forward with hope and responsibility toward the future we are building together. It emphasizes that heritage is not only about the past—it is a living legacy that continues to guide our values, strengthen our identity, and inspire unity across generations and communities.

As we celebrate NHM 2026, we encourage everyone to actively engage in preserving and promoting our cultural heritage, whether by visiting heritage sites, learning traditional crafts, listening to the stories of elders, supporting local artists, or participating in community celebrations.

Together, let us continue to honor, protect, and pass on our shared heritage for future generations. END

NATIONAL PRESS CLUB OF THE PHILIPPINES PARTICIPATES IN 21ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF CONFEDERATION OF ASEAN JOURNALISTS

KUALA LUMPUR – Mr. Benedict Abaygar Jr., Correspondent of The Manila Times and Director of the National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC), attended the 21st General Assembly of the Confederation of ASEAN Journalists (CAJ) held at Concorde Hotel, Kuala Lumpur on 27 April 2026.

Hosted by the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM), the Assembly brought together journalists, media leaders, and observers from across the region to strengthen cooperation among ASEAN media organizations. During the event, Indonesia formally turned over the CAJ Presidency to Malaysia for 2026–2028 under NUJM President Low Boom Yat, while the Philippines was announced as host of the next CAJ Assembly in 2028.

Established in 1975, CAJ is one of the oldest and most active regional media organizations in Southeast Asia. The Philippines, through the National Press Club of the Philippines, serves as one of its founding members.

Public Diplomacy Attaché Aina Camille R. Abrencillo represented the Embassy at the Assembly’s opening session. END


National Press Club of the Philippines Inc.

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY MEETS WITH STEELASIA AND INDUSTRY STAKEHOLDERS ON STEEL SECTOR DEVELOPMENTS

KUALA LUMPUR, 05 May 2026 - The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Kuala Lumpur welcomed SteelAsia Manufacturing Corporation, the country’s largest steel producer, and the Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PISI) on 23 April 2026, to discuss key developments and strategic priorities for the Philippine steel sector.

The SteelAsia delegation was headed by Chair and Chief Executive Officer Benjamin O. Yao, and he was joined by President and Co-Chief Operating Officer Rafael C. Hidalgo, Senior Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Officer Pek Hoong Chong, and PISI Vice President Ronald C. Magsajo.

Ambassador Maria Angela A. Ponce, alongside Consul General Roussel R. Reyes, Commercial Counsellor Norjamin Delos Reyes, Attaché Clarissa Marie Villamor, and Trade Assistant Olivia Su received the SteelAsia delegation.

SteelAsia outlined its expansion programme to increase domestic steel production, reduce import dependence, and support the Philippines’ infrastructure and manufacturing needs. Investments in new mills across key regions in the Philippines are expected to strengthen supply security and the country’s industrial base.

The company also highlighted its leadership in sustainable steel production, as SteelAsia was recognized by Moody’s in 2026 for its green steel strategy which is considered among the best globally. A 2025 industry report noted that one of its plants operates with a carbon footprint nearly 90% lower than traditional steelmaking, at approximately 0.28 tons of CO₂ per ton of steel, compared to the global average of 2.32 tons. Its Candelaria and Lemery, Batangas projects have likewise received “green lane” certification from the Board of Investments, enabling expedited approvals for strategic investments.

SteelAsia continues to advance low-carbon production through the use of electric arc furnace technology, the increased use of recycled steel, and the integration of renewable energy, aligning with global sustainability standards.

Ambassador Ponce expressed support for the industry’s position on the importance of a policy environment to support sustained growth, including measures to enhance energy cost competitiveness, facilitate long-term investments, and ensure a stable and predictable business climate. She underscored that sustained coordination between government and industry stakeholders remains critical to advancing the sector’s development.

Human capital development was likewise discussed, with SteelAsia’s workforce training and skills development initiatives recognized as contributing to the strengthening of local industrial capabilities and inclusive growth.

Views on regional industry trends, including opportunities for intra-ASEAN trade, investment collaboration, and knowledge sharing to support the continued development of the steel sector were also exchanged during the meeting. END.


DTI Kuala Lumpur
SteelAsia

MS. NOVELYN GANERON OF FRUITTIGIES HELPING HANDS IN MALAYSIA CROWNED MISS UNIFIL 2026

KUALA LUMPUR – Ms. Novelyn A. Ganeron of Fruittigies Helping Hands in Malaysia was crowned Miss UNIFIL 2026 on 26 April 2026 at Saloma Kuala Lumpur.

Ms. Ganeron, 48, has been working in Malaysia for 14 years and her winning response in the Q&A segment emphasized the importance of faith and perseverance in overcoming the challenges of living and working abroad. She also received the Ms. Charity title in recognition of her dedication to community service and her active role in initiatives that support Filipinos in Malaysia.

Her court was completed by 1st Runner-Up Ms. Alondrajoy Neblasca of BTV International, 2nd Runner-Up Mary Joy Nicolas of Filipinos Residing in Malaysia, 3rd Runner-Up Ma. Niña Fernandez of Yakap ng Magulang and 4th Runner-Up Ailene V. Sienes of Unity Group.

Ambassador Maria Angela Ponce congratulated Ms. Ganeron and all the winners and candidates, as well as United Filipino Workers in Malaysia Inc. (UNIFIL), led by President Julius G. Elisan, for the successful charity event. She expressed her appreciation to the Filipino community organizations under the umbrella of UNIFIL for organizing a meaningful charity initiative that demonstrated solidarity and cooperation among Filipinos in Malaysia. She noted that the pageant emphasized women empowerment with the candidates leading the community and creating opportunities not only for themselves, but for others as well.

She also thanked the distinguished board of judges, led by Dato' Tiffanee Marie Lim and composed of Mr. Jaymark Fernan, Ms. Anna Karina Jardin, Ms. Azita Adny, and Ms. Pilar Sangaran.

Established in 2021, UNIFIL continues to promote unity and extend assistance to Filipinos in Malaysia. This year’s pageant marked its second charity initiative, following the success of its inaugural pageant in 2024, in which Ms. Jovy Ann T. Bongsalo of BIBAK Malaysia (Benguet, Ifugao, Bontoc, Apayao, Kalinga) was crowned as the first Miss UNIFIL. Ms. Bongsalo, who is now based in London, United Kingdom, especially flew back to Kuala Lumpur for her farewell walk at this year’s pageant.

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Welfare Officer Rossana G. Siray, Social Welfare Officer Annabel Oidem, Attachés Jesher Micha Carolino and Hannah De Castro also attended the pageant. END


Unifil-My