ASEAN Integration: The Big Picture

“For peace our goal from the very start and prosperity to last” This line, found in the official anthem of the Association of South East Asian Nations, captures what ASEAN aspires to achieve. ASEAN is an organization of 10 countries that are similar, not only in their geographical location, but also in their history, culture, and mutual interests. ASEAN had 5 founding members: Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines. It was soon joined by 5 other countries, namely Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia. 

A big question that is asked even by cetizens of ASEAN countries: “What is ASEAN? And what does it mean to be a part of ASEAN?” 

Even if at the beginning, there was much doubt about how long ASEAN would last, and if it could even achieve its goal of peace and prosperity for all its members, ASEAN has, nonetheless, proved itself. It should be noted that NO WAR has erupted in the ASEAN region since its founding, and although there are disputes between its members, each ASEAN country is determined to solve them peacefully. 

ASEAN is composed of 3 closely linked pillars to ensure a stable community: Political–Security, Economic, and Socio-cultural.

The Political-Security Pillar focuses on maintaining a peaceful and democratic environment in the ASEAN region based on shared values of the member-states. Summits and forums are conducted regularly to allow members to communicate with each other and to ensure that peace and understanding is maintained. 

The Economic Pillar is the “end-goal” of the ASEAN economic integration. Its aim is to transform the region “into a single market and production base, a highly competitive region, a region of equitable economic development, and a region fully integrated into the global economy”.

Admittedly, it would be difficult to integrate this economic reform in all ASEAN members-states, especially since there is still a development gap among the member-states and because of the poor state of infrastructure in most countries. But in the long run, the economic integration would reduce the cost of doing business and trade, thus resulting in a more competitive and efficient ASEAN.

The third and final pillar is Socio-Cultural. This Pillar is committed to creating a “caring and sharing society.” The pillar focuses on forming a people-oriented and socially responsible ASEAN. As part of its integration, members-states are expected to invest in education, training, science and technology development, job generation and social protection.

A familiar example of the Socio-Cultural integration is the recent implementation of the K to 12 basic education program in the Philippines. This program, although off to a slow start with very limited resources, will improve the quality of education, training, and job generation of students. This is actually true even if some students are unable to proceed to college.

“We dare to dream, we care to share, together for ASEAN,” says a line from the ASEAN anthem. Indeed, despite the challenges and drawbacks that the integration of ASEAN pillars are experiencing, there is no doubt that the ASEAN community will continue to work together to create a better, more efficient, and more globally competitive ASEAN.