Tournament Format: Two Divisions and Group Draws

Division 1 is split into Group A (Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Singapore) and Group B (Vietnam, Pakistan, Thailand, Philippines). Division 2 comprises two groups: Group C (Hong Kong, China, Laos, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia) and Group D (Myanmar, Timor‑Leste). Group matches end on 1–2 October, with finals on 5 October (Division 1) and 3 October (Division 2).