The 22nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit opened here Wednesday evening under the theme "Our People, Our Future Together".

The summit is expected to focus on community building efforts towards regional integration and to strive to forge a common stance on important regional economic and security issues.

With the exception of Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who opted out of the summit, all other nine leaders of the ASEAN nations will be present at the conference hosted by Brunei.

Malaysia's President of Senate Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang, filled in as Najib's special representative.

Earlier in the day, leaders of Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam were welcomed at the airport before being whisked away in stately parades.

They will attend a working dinner presided over by Brunei Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah at the brand new Prime Minister's Office Building in the capital.

A retreat for the leaders will be held at the same location on Thursday before the leaders go ahead with discussions on crucial trade deals and ASEAN integration.

Following the summit, the leaders are expected to adopt the Chairman's Statement of the 22nd ASEAN Summit.