AP Photo

The second U.S.-ASEAN Summit, set to be held this Friday in New York, is a rare opportunity for the Obama administration to engage an often overlooked and potential partner, especially in the context of global nuclear security: Malaysia.

Back in April, when Obama hosted the historic 47-nation Nuclear Security Summit, Malaysia was the unexpected dark horse - passing the Strategic Trade Act to curb illicit trafficking of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction, vowing to stand with the United States in deterring Iran's nuclear ambitions and even promising to send aid to Afghanistan. However, besides a largely inconsequential bilateral meeting and some well-pixilated photos with Obama, Malaysia's effort was met with tepid media attention and limited official follow-up.