If you thought 2025 was “just another year,” think again. It was a year of big headlines, bold moves, emotional moments, and history-making events both at home in Malaysia and across the world. As we pause between “what just happened?” and “did that really happen this year?”, this recap brings together the moments that defined 2025, reminding us how connected the world truly is, even in its most unexpected turns.
Blink, and suddenly, 2025 is already a memory. This year reminded us that the world never stands still, and neither do the headlines. Whether you followed every update or missed a few along the way, consider this your ultimate rewind button. Let’s unpack the moments that shaped 2025 and revisit the defining chapters of a year that challenged, inspired, and connected us all.
#1 Malaysia hosted the 47th ASEAN Summit — the largest gathering since 1976
Malaysia hosted the 47th ASEAN Summit and related summits in Kuala Lumpur from 26–28 October 2025, under its ASEAN Chairmanship theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability.” This event was described as one of the biggest in ASEAN’s history, bringing together leaders from all 10 ASEAN member states plus key dialogue partners and global powers.
Record-breaking attendance of world leaders
More than 30 heads of state and government, including representatives from major global powers such as the United States, China, Japan, India, Australia, and others, converged on Kuala Lumpur for high-level talks on regional cooperation, security, trade and global issues.
Trump’s Attendance at ASEAN Summit
U.S. President Donald J. Trump officially travelled to Malaysia to participate in the ASEAN Summit and related meetings, marking his first visit to the region since taking office in January 2025.
Landmark expansion of ASEAN
At this summit, Timor-Leste officially became ASEAN’s 11th member state, marking the bloc’s first expansion in decades, a significant milestone for regional unity.
In short: Malaysia hosted a historic, high-profile summit that became one of the largest diplomatic gatherings in the bloc’s history and helped shape the region’s future direction.
#2 Putra Heights Gas-Pipeline Explosion
On 1 April 2025 at around 8:08 am, a Petronas‑owned natural gas pipeline in Putra Heights (Subang Jaya, Selangor) experienced a major leak and explosion, triggering a huge blaze and a fireball that shot into the sky. Flames were reportedly visible from kilometres away, burning for nearly eight hours before being fully extinguished.
Scale of Impact
- No reported deaths, but the blast and ensuing fire caused significant injuries; authorities reported about 150 people hurt (many from burns and smoke inhalation).
- Hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed, dozens of houses and shop lots suffered structural harm, and a nearly 10‑metre deep crater formed at the explosion site.
- Vehicles were also damaged, and hundreds of cars were affected by the explosion and subsequent fires.
- Residents displaced hundreds of residents had to be evacuated and relocated temporarily due to safety concerns.
Investigations by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) and police revealed that the pipeline met all technical standards and there was no evidence of deliberate negligence. However, ground/soil instability was identified as the key factor, with experts saying the soft and shifting soil beneath the pipe caused stress and fatigue on the pipeline structure, eventually leading to a gas leak that ignited. The pipe was found to have shifted about 15.9 cm due to soil subsidence, contributing to the failure.
In short: This was not just a local accident; it became one of the most serious and widely reported industrial disasters in Malaysia in 2025.
#3 TotalEnergies signs 21-year solar power deal with Google in Malaysia
France’s energy giant TotalEnergies signed a 21‑year renewable energy agreement with Google to supply clean electricity to power its data centre operations in Malaysia. Under this Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), TotalEnergies will deliver a total of 1 terawatt‑hour (TWh) of certified renewable energy, equivalent to about 20 MW of solar power a year, from a planned solar facility. This is aimed at powering Google’s Malaysian data centres. 1 terawatt hour is a huge amount of clean electricity, enough to power tens of thousands of homes annually.
The renewable electricity will come primarily from the Citra Energies solar plant, which is set to begin construction in early 2026 in the Malaysian state of Kedah. Construction of the solar plant is scheduled to start soon, with energy supply expected to begin in early 2027.
Part of a Bigger Renewable Movement
- Malaysia’s Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (CRESS) encourages companies to directly contract for green power (e.g., a 21‑year deal for 500 MW of renewable energy between Tenaga Nasional Berhad and DayOne Data Centres.
- Large solar, battery, and renewable projects, like a 1.5 GW solar‑battery initiative for data centres, are underway, showing full‑scale commitments to clean energy infrastructure.
These policies and deals aim to help Malaysia reach its renewable energy and net‑zero goals by increasing the share of clean electricity and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The TotalEnergies–Google deal in Malaysia mirrors international trends where tech giants are signing long‑term renewable energy contracts to decarbonise operations and support sustainability targets. Google has also signed similar renewable deals in the USA and other regions, confirming that this model of corporate clean energy procurement is becoming standard practice.
In short: The TotalEnergies – Google 21‑year solar energy agreement anchors a long‑term clean power supply for major tech infrastructure in Malaysia and strengthens Malaysia’s position in renewable investment and sustainable corporate energy use.
#4 China’s President Xi Jinping’s State Visit to Malaysia
Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Malaysia from 15 to 17 April 2025 at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia. This was his first official trip to Malaysia in 12 years, marking one of the most important state visits between the two countries in recent times.
Bilateral Talks & Cooperation
During the visit, Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held talks to strengthen cooperation on trade, investment, technology, infrastructure and regional strategic issues. They also signed memoranda of understanding and agreements to deepen economic and political ties.
Both sides agreed to build a “high‑level strategic China‑Malaysia community with a shared future”, reaffirming long‑term partnership goals and regional cooperation.
Economic & Strategic Context
China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for over a decade, with bilateral trade valued at hundreds of billions of ringgit. The visit was significant for economic ties, regional stability, and collaboration at a time of shifting global dynamics.
Why It Matters
- Deepening Malaysia‑China relations at the highest level.
- Renewed economic and diplomatic commitments, especially in trade, investment, and strategic cooperation.
- Regional geopolitical relevance, given China’s wider engagement in ASEAN amid global power shifts.
In short: Xi’s state visit to Malaysia was one of the year’s most impactful diplomatic events, reflecting strong bilateral trust and strategic partnership.
#5 Gerik Bus Crash (Deadly Road Accident)
On 9 June 2025 at about 1:10 am, a bus carrying students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) crashed on the East‑West Highway (Jalan Raya Timur‑Barat) near KM 53 in Gerik, Perak. The chartered coach was returning to campus in Tanjung Malim after the Eid al‑Adha holiday break when it collided with a Perodua Alza MPV, overturned and rolled violently. According to official reports, 15 students were killed, and 33 others were injured in the crash.
Casualties & Injuries
- 5 students died — 13 at the scene and 2 later in the hospital.
- 33 people were injured, including UPSI students, the bus driver, his assistant, and occupants of the MPV.
The 39‑year‑old bus driver, Mohd Amirul Fadhil Zulkifle, later apologised from his hospital bed, saying the brakes suddenly stopped working due to loss of air pressure and he tried to avoid other vehicles before the crash. He claimed he attempted to control the bus and shouted warnings to passengers.
In short: This crash was Malaysia’s deadliest road traffic accident in over a decade and remains one of the biggest public safety incidents in Malaysia for 2025.
Honourable Mentions
These are also major stories worth noting:
- Catastrophic Weather & Disasters: Deadly flooding and monsoon impacts across several Asian countries — including Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand and parts of Malaysia — killing many and displacing millions.
- MH370 Search Resumes: Malaysia confirmed the deep-sea search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 will restart at the end of December, a major development in one of aviation’s longest mysteries.
- Rise in Cybercrime: Malaysia reported over 5,700 cyber incidents in 2025, a major rise from previous years, with losses exceeding RM700 million from online fraud, data breaches and telecommunications scams.
- FIFA Voids Malaysia Football Results in Major Scandal: FIFA overturned the results of three Malaysia matches, after discovering the use of ineligible naturalised players with fraudulent paperwork. Malaysia’s Football Association was fined and players suspended, triggering national outrage and scrutiny of sports governance.
- “Oust Anwar” Rally — Mass Political Protest: On 26 July 2025, thousands joined the “Himpunan Turun Anwar” (Oust Anwar Rally) in Kuala Lumpur, protesting rising costs of living, subsidy changes and demanding the Prime Minister’s resignation. One of the largest political demonstrations of the year.
Conclusion: Goodbye 2025
So, that was 2025 in a nutshell, and it’s clear that this year was a mix of challenges, triumphs, surprises, and unforgettable memories. Every event, big or small, shaped the world we share, reminding us that even in change and chaos, there’s connection, hope, and plenty to celebrate. Looking back, we can’t help but smile at the memories that made headlines and the smaller, quieter moments that touched our hearts.
As we step into 2026, let’s carry forward the hope, energy, and curiosity that this year inspired, ready to embrace whatever the new year has in store. Because if 2025 has taught us anything, it’s that no matter what happens around the world, or right here at home in Malaysia, there’s always something to learn, something to celebrate, and something to look forward to.
