A new forum, the ASEAN Prosecutors/Attorneys General Meeting (APAGM), has been established to bolster cooperation among ASEAN member states in tackling transnational crime. The declaration was signed on 15 September 2025 by Attorney-General Lucien Wong of Singapore and nine other prosecutors and attorneys general from ASEAN countries in Bali, Indonesia.
The APAGM is designed to facilitate coordination on prosecution cases, promote capacity building, and enable professional exchanges among ASEAN prosecution agencies. This initiative comes in response to the increasing challenges posed by advancements in digital technologies and interconnected financial systems, which have led to a rise in transnational criminal activities. Lucien Wong stated, “It is essential for prosecution authorities of ASEAN member states to work together and enhance our mutual capabilities to tackle these challenges.”
The forum will also support the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 by strengthening prosecutorial cooperation and capacity-building efforts. It aims to coordinate with other ASEAN Sectoral Ministerial Bodies to address and counter transnational crimes effectively.
The APAGM will function as an ASEAN Sectoral Ministerial Body, with the establishment of a supporting Senior Officials’ Meeting to implement its strategies and initiatives. This move underscores ASEAN’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and justice across the region. The forum is expected to meet annually, with the chairmanship rotating alphabetically among member states.
