Prof. Dr K.S. Nathan, Senior Research Fellow at the Asia-Europe Institute (AEI), University of Malaya, delivered a thought-provoking talk on “ASEAN’s Approach to National Defence and Regional Security: Issues, Challenges, and Prospects” at the National Resilience College. The session critically examined ASEAN’s security architecture, highlighting the complexities of regional defence cooperation amid geopolitical tensions, evolving threats, and varying national interests. As ASEAN navigates challenges such as territorial disputes, maritime security, cyber threats, and great power rivalries, the need for a more cohesive and adaptive security framework is paramount. The discussion underscored the importance of balancing national sovereignty with collective security, strengthening multilateral defence collaborations, and enhancing ASEAN’s strategic autonomy in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific region. By addressing these issues, ASEAN can reinforce its role as a stabilizing force and shape a resilient, forward-looking regional security order.