ASEAN Unveils Updated 11-Stalk Emblem to Mark Timor-Leste's Full Membership at Manila Summit

JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) officially unveiled an updated emblem during the opening ceremony of the 49th ASEAN Summit in Manila, the Philippines, on Sunday (11/15/2026), formally reflecting Timor-Leste's entry as the regional bloc's 11th full member.

The visual overhaul marks a historic institutional milestone for Southeast Asia, completing the geographic integration of the region into ASEAN's collective diplomatic and economic framework as leaders gather to navigate intensifying global and regional challenges.

According to a live broadcast of the opening ceremony on the Indonesian Presidential Secretariat's YouTube channel, the redesigned emblem increases the number of rice stalks at its center from 10 to 11 to represent Timor-Leste's admission. The stalks symbolize the shared aspiration for unity among Southeast Asian nations in fostering a stable, peaceful, unified, and dynamic region.

Ceremonial Handover and Summit Opening

During the ceremony, the event host formally welcomed Timor-Leste as ASEAN's newest member, prompting Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao to stand and greet delegates from his seat. Leaders and attendees then stood for a rendition of the bloc's anthem, "The ASEAN Way," performed by Filipino soprano Lara Maigue while the updated logo was displayed on the main hall screens.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. subsequently took the stage to symbolically hand over the new ASEAN flag, along with an official certificate documenting the emblem revision, to ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn.

Hosted by the Philippines from November 15 to 17, 2026, the 49th ASEAN Summit serves as a primary forum for member states to deepen regional cooperation.

Global Leaders Convene in Manila

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto attended the opening ceremony in person, arriving at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Manila at 8:45 a.m. local time on Sunday, where he was greeted by President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos.

According to the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, at least 19 world leaders and heads of international institutions are expected to participate in the summit series. U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend a special ASEAN-U.S. Summit on Tuesday, November 17.

Alongside ASEAN heads of state, high-profile attendees in Manila include Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.