Kuala lumpur: Amid weighty discussions on the future of Southeast Asia, Malaysia’s signature hospitality made a welcome appearance at the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) plenary session here Wednesday – with a light-hearted offer of teh tarik. ‘Dear delegates, please enjoy our Malaysian teh tarik,’ quipped Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, drawing smiles and soft chuckles from his ASEAN counterparts.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Malaysian Foreign Minister turned to his Singapore counterpart Dr Vivian Balakrishnan with a grin, asking, ‘Vivian, do you want teh tarik?’ He added, ‘This is the speciality of Malaysia – teh tarik, you know. You come to Malaysia and you didn’t taste teh tarik, that means you missed something.’ The off-the-cuff remark briefly cut through the formality of the session, offering a human touch to a meeting otherwise filled with talk of strategy, vision, and geopolitics.

Teh tarik was officially recognised by UNESCO in 2024 as part of Malaysia’s intangible cultural heritage, under the country’s rich and multi-ethnic breakfast culture. This recognition highlights the significance of this traditional beverage in Malaysia’s cultural identity and its role in bringing people together in a casual and friendly atmosphere.

The 58th AMM and related meetings, held under Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship themed ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability,’ feature 24 ministerial-level meetings, including engagements with ASEAN Dialogue Partners and Sectoral Dialogue Partners. These high-level meetings, taking place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from July 8 to 11, are bringing together around 1,500 delegates, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation and dialogue in addressing common challenges and building a sustainable future for Southeast Asia.