ASEAN Member Research Articles

Visualization and Bibliometric Analysis of Vocational Education Articles in ASEAN Member States on the Scopus Databases

Introduction: This study aimed to analyze the bibliometric characteristics and trends of Vocational Education articles in ASEAN Member States on the Scopus Databases, including co-ocurrence by keywords, citation, co-citation, and bibliographic coupling.Methods: Data were obtained from the Scopus databases in January 2021. The articles were searched using the keyword “Vocational Education” with limited affiliations from ASEAN member states on the Scopus database. The search was limited in the last decade (2011 - 2020) with the article type. Descriptive statistics used in this study were visualization and bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer version 1.6.14.Results: 642 articles on Vocational Education published in 160 journals, with the Journal of Technical and Education and Training as the most popular. Several keywords often appeared and used in the articles were vocational education, human, male, female, education, learning, student, and teaching. Bibliometric analysis showed that 21 documents had the largest citation, 24 journals had the largest co-citation network, and 185 documents had the largest bibliographic coupling. Conclusions: Research in the Vocational Education field by Southeast Asia authors has increased significantly over the last decade. Researchers are increasingly active and productive in producing scientific work and a stronger collaborative network. The Vocational Education topic is increasingly interesting and relevant to current issues so that it is still very open and has an opportunity for future research according to research trends in the Vocational Education field.

Assessing the Impact of ICT on Export Performance: A Comparative Analysis of ASEAN‐5 and Partner Countries

ABSTRACTThe study examines the effects of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on foreign trade in goods and services between ASEAN‐5 (Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia) and their trading partners. This research employs the System‐GMM estimation method to investigate the impacts of the ICT. The analysis is conducted using a panel dataset comprising of 5 exporting countries and 20 trading partner countries over the period of 2010–2023. ICT plays a crucial role in influencing the export performance of ASEAN‐5 countries overall, goods and services. First, various ICT variables have an impact on export. The fixed broadband subscriptions of ASEAN‐5 countries had a stronger positive effect on goods export compared to total export and services export. Moreover, the internet secure servers of importing countries only had a significantly influence on services export. Similarly, mobile cellular subscriptions of ASEAN‐5 countries showed a positive relationship with services export. Furthermore, mobile cellular subscriptions of trading partners had a more positive effect on total export and goods export than services export. Second, mobile cellular subscriptions and fixed broadband subscriptions had a stronger influence on export than internet secure servers. Finally, the individual regression estimation for each ASEAN‐5 member revealed that three ICT factors contributed to the increase in export volume in total, goods, and services between ASEAN‐5 countries and their trading partners. While ICT indicators had a stronger influence on export in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, they also had a significant and positive impact on export in Thailand and Vietnam. The research objective is to assess the impact of ICT application on ASEAN‐5 trade by measuring the influence of the ICT index on trade flows in goods and services. First, it analyses the differential impacts of ICT on total export, goods exports, and services exports of ASEAN‐5 to their trading partner countries. Second, it compares the differences in effects of total export, goods exports, and services exports between five ASEAN member countries. Finally, the study has important implications for the governments of Southeast Asian countries in proposing ICT development policies, contributing to international trade development and economic growth.

The politics of environmental policy: haze pollution, ASEAN, and the way forward

One of the lingering environmental issues faced in Southeast Asia is transboundary haze due to peatland fires. The issue is primarily evident in the Southern sub-region of ASEAN but affects the entirety of the Southeast Asian region. Recent spikes in haze since 2023 and ASEAN’s inability to adopt enforcing pronouncements and mediate the political ‘blame game’ between ASEAN member states lays the foundation for alternative approaches to curtail the environmental crisis. This empirical explanatory study utilizes primary and secondary data between 2014 and 2024 relevant to the political dynamics of haze pollution regulation in Southeast Asia. It is recommended that an ASEAN code of conduct be introduced to elevate the importance of transboundary haze regulations in Southeast Asia. A moderate level of its implementation grants ASEAN member states the freedom to determine the time period and form of domestic regulations to be practiced. In ensuring greater stakeholder accountability and participation, it is also recommended that ASEAN member states provide incentives for private entities adopting sustainable management practices of peatlands and sanction stakeholders who display non-compliance.

ASEAN SOCIAL COHESION DEVELOPMENT: TOWARD STRENGTHENING REGIONAL SECURITY

This paper analyzes the principle of social cohesion for ASEAN countries. In the context of social cohesion model, ASEAN members should strive to preserve their strong relations in spite of their diverse backgrounds. Only by understanding and accepting individual differences can ASEAN move forward with the pursuit of its development agenda without being seen as one with only the soft power by its peers. As such, this paper argues that social cohesion has the potential to be made as the foundation for ASEAN development and expansion in the future. Looking at the uncertainties of global economy and politics, ASEAN should be well-equipped and well-prepared to embrace the world’s many unpredictability of sort. With ASEAN continuing to go strong and steadfast with its neutrality principle, ASEAN is more than able to further consolidate its unity as a whole, which is paramount to secure the regional security. The member countries’ heterogeneous and varied backgrounds notwithstanding, not only a strong and cogent ASEAN will be more understanding of each other, it will only help buttress and bolster the sovereignty of its member countries. As such, this qualitative paper deliberates on and provides the framework of the social cohesion for a strong ASEAN country so important to face the challenges of global politics.

Philippine-Middle East Relations

The countries in the Persian Gulf highly intertwined with the global economy. Given its strategic location and abundance of resources, the Persian Gulf countries (GCC) is expected to play a critical role in the future economic direction and stability of the Middle East and Asian region. Liberal reforms instituted by GCC such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other non-traditional partners wield significant influence. This development calls for a re-evaluation of policies by regional actors and domineering global powers with a stake in the region such as the United States (US). These GCC reforms open a new round of opportunities for countries in the Global South, particularly ASEAN member like Philippines. This paper seeks to evaluate the ongoing economic and geopolitical transformation in the Persian Gulf amid growing Chinese presence and GCC regimes’ economic reforms. Furthermore, this paper poses question, how the Philippines can use an independent foreign policy and take advantage of the changing political-economy landscape in the Middle East. This further suggest that the time is ripe for the Philippines to rethink its strategic policy toward the GCC and the Middle East to maximize gains outside of the US alliance system.

Complexity of the Government and Governance in ASEAN Members: Issues and Challenges

To analyzes Southeast Asia's governance systems and makes policy recommendations to enhance practices in the domain of governance The paper discusses the governance and growth nexus in Southeast Asia; describes the operating governance systems in Southeast Asia; examines economic governance, specifically in the areas of economic management and growth, revenue generation, social spending, access to services, cost of doing business, and corporate governance; and examines political governance, with a focus on the rule of law and judicial systems. To maintain the pace for broad-based prosperity, Southeast Asian nations must build and improve transparency and accountability systems in both the public and private sectors, regardless of degree of development. They must also increase the budgetary sovereignty of their subnational divisions and provide greater opportunity for civil society engagement. Strong law enforcement procedures, as well as more responsive and streamlined regulatory frameworks, are required. For data collection methods use descriptive analysis, which is based on literature studies. This literature study itself is sourced from several journals and books related to the government system of ASEAN countries. To analyzes Southeast Asia's governance systems and makes policy recommendations to enhance practices in the domain of governance The paper discusses the governance and growth nexus in Southeast Asia; describes the operating governance systems in Southeast Asia; examines economic governance, specifically in the areas of economic management and growth, revenue generation, social spending, access to services, cost of doing business, and corporate governance; and examines political governance, with a focus on the rule of law and judicial systems. To maintain the pace for broad-based prosperity, Southeast Asian nations must build and improve transparency and accountability systems in both the public and private sectors, regardless of degree of development. They must also increase the budgetary sovereignty of their subnational divisions and provide greater opportunity for civil society engagement. Strong law enforcement procedures, as well as more responsive and streamlined regulatory frameworks, are required. For data collection methods use descriptive analysis, which is based on literature studies. This literature study itself is sourced from several journals and books related to the government system of ASEAN countries.

The influence of agricultural trade liberalization on agricultural total factor productivity growth: Empirical evidence from ASEAN countries

Agriculture is a way of life in the ASEAN region due to the fact that eight out of ASEAN member states rely on agriculture for food and income. Therefore, the present study empirically explores the impact of agricultural trade liberalization on agricultural total factor productivity (ATFP) growth in ASEAN countries using panel data from 2002–2021. By deploying the data envelopment analysis-Malmquist productivity index (DEA-Malmquist) approach in the first stage and the pooled mean group (PMG) panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model in the second stage, the findings reveal that ATFP in the ASEAN countries demonstrated moderate growth over the study period, with an average mean value of 1.028. This signifies that the average growth in ATFP in the region was 2.8% across the countries and over a period of time. This suggests that the ASEAN countries have become increasingly dependent on technological innovation in their agricultural sectors in recent years. Agricultural trade liberalization positively contributed to ATFP growth in the short term, whereas the impact was not statistically significant in the long term. These consequences are highly significant and should not be disregarded since trade liberalization plays a crucial role in determining agricultural competitiveness.

Determinants of Transportation Sector Growth: A Comparative Analysis among Selected ASEAN Member States

Determinants of Transportation Sector Growth: A Comparative Analysis among Selected ASEAN Member States

Analisis Pengaruh Ekspor, Impor, Dan Kurs Terhadap Pertumbuhan Ekonomi Negara Anggota Asean (Periode Tahun 2012-2021)

The aim of this research is to analyze the influence of exports, imports and exchange rates on the economic growth of ASEAN member countries. This research uses a panel data regression analysis method (10 year time series data (2012-2021) multiplied by cross section data from 10 ASEAN member countries), so the number of samples is 100. The results of the research show that simultaneously there is a positive and significant influence on exports, imports and exchange rate on the economic growth of ASEAN member countries, while partially there is a positive and significant influence of exports on the economic growth of ASEAN member countries, partially there is a negative and insignificant influence of imports on the economic growth of ASEAN member countries, but partially there is a negative and significant influence of the exchange rate on economic growth of ASEAN member countries. From the research above, the main factor influencing economic growth is exports at 73.81%, meaning that exports are an important factor that ASEAN member countries are trying to increase. The results of the coefficient of determination test (R²) show that exports, imports and exchange rates influence economic growth by 49%, while the remaining 51% is influenced by other factors not discussed in this research. In supporting economic growth, the governments of ASEAN member countries are trying to maintain a balance of exports, imports and exchange rate stability by increasing production of the best products, then inviting the public to buy and use local products from each ASEAN member country.

FDI dan Emisi CO₂: Apakah Ada Hubungan Kausal di ASEAN? Studi Kasus Indonesia, Malaysia, dan Singapura

Economic growth is the main indicator for a country's economic health, where Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) plays an important role in boosting economic growth. ASEAN member countries, including Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia, have introduced various policies to facilitate FDI to encourage economic growth. This study aims to analyze the causal relationship between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and CO2 emissions in ASEAN, and vice versa, namely the relationship between CO2 emissions and FDI. The study was conducted in three ASEAN countries (Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia) with an analysis period from 1990 to 2022. The method used in this study is Vector Autoregression (VAR) followed by the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). The results show that based on the Granger Causality Test, no causal relationship between FDI and CO2 emissions was found in the three countries studied. However, based on VECM analysis, it was found that the CO2 variable has an influence on FDI in Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia.

Closing the digital divide in education: an innovative review of demand and supply side policies in four ASEAN member states

Closing the digital divide in education: an innovative review of demand and supply side policies in four ASEAN member states

Rules of Origin Within ASEAN and RCEP: Has It Been Resolved?

As a well-established trading bloc, rules of origin (ROO) for ASEAN are expected to benefit member states’ businesses by providing preferential tariff treatment which is the fundamental purpose of trade liberalization. However, these rules are prevented from being applied thoroughly due to the lack of government trust in certain member states in business actors and targets of duty collection for customs authorities. The self-certification by business actors has proven to be a solution to the problem but ASEAN A-X Formula may be counterproductive to ROO, eliminating the foundation of regionalization and potentially causing trade deflection. The First Protocol of ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) amendment simplifies the procedure of operational certification for ROO. Furthermore, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) as a significant trading pact including ASEAN members and five major trading partners has adopted proof of origin allowing self-certification applied earlier in the European Union and NAFTA. Alternative solutions should also be explored since distrust and national financial interests have not been resolved. Recently, blockchain embedded with smart contracts has been applied in various business sectors which should be further applied in free trade area (FTA) applications. Blockchain’s characteristics as an immutable ledger originating from the hashing process and cryptography would address the problem of ASEAN ROO application. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of ROO within ASEAN and RCEP. A literature review and doctrinal study methodology were applied in this analysis.

Kesepakatan ASEAN dalam Menangani Kebakaran Hutan dan Lahan Indonesia, 1990-2015

Indonesia is a country that experiences many cases of forest and land fires, so this has triggered ASEAN to take the initiative to resolve the problem through two agreements, namely the 1997 Regional Haze Action Plan (RHAP) and the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP) which was ratified by all ASEAN members. 2014. Therefore, this research focuses on Malaysia's and Singapore's responses to Indonesia in handling Indonesia's forest and land fire cases through the RHAP and AATHP from 1990 to 2015, as well as the impact of these two ASEAN policies on Indonesia in addressing forest and land fires. This research method is a historical research method using laws, written regulations, newspapers, articles, and books as research sources. The research results indicate that Malaysia's and Singapore's responses to Indonesia within the RHAP framework were effective because each country had its own focused tasks. Indonesia experienced positive impacts from the RHAP policy because the three countries took direct actions in addressing forest and land fires in Indonesia. Conversely, Malaysia's and Singapore's responses to Indonesia within the AATHP framework were less effective due to their persistent pressure on Indonesia to ratify the AATHP quickly. Indonesia experienced more negative impacts from the AATHP policy because it received a negative image from Malaysia and Singapore due to the prolonged AATHP ratification process.

Identifying the Unidentified Race: A Study of Normative Features of Commonsense Knowledge of Racism in Asian Members’ Online Interaction

This article adopts an interactionist approach to examine the normative features and the everyday reproduction of commonsense knowledge regarding race and racism in social interaction among Asian members. Specifically, applying conversation analysis and membership categorization analysis to forum interactions in online Asian American communities, I focus on the interactional phenomenon where recipients of a racism report, in responding to the report, make relevant the perpetrator(s)’ race that is not identified in the report. I identify three sets of practices adopted by members: (1) directly assuming the perpetrator(s)’ race, (2) asking about the perpetrator(s)’ race, and (3) implicating the perpetrator(s)’ race through telling second stories. I show that members’ patterned practices point to their orientations toward a normative expectation that “Whites” are the perpetrators of anti-Asian racism and a common assumption that perpetrator(s)’ race matters when making sense of anti-Asian racism. However, such proposed racial common sense can be contested by coparticipants. I demonstrate that commonsense knowledge regarding race and racism is normatively and morally organized so that disagreements and contestations over the use of such knowledge are often treated by participants as arising from normative/moral breaches. Implications on studies on racism and relative positioning of racial groups in the contemporary U.S. context are also discussed.

The impacts of Timor-Leste’s membership in the WTO:

The paper presents information about the significant impacts of Timor-Leste's membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO) on institutional reforms, trade policy challenges, and the prospects for ASEAN membership. The paper explores the comprehensive institutional reforms required by WTO membership, emphasizing the harmonization of over 300 economic legislations with WTO standards. The paper also acknowledges that Timor-Leste encounters challenges, including opportunities for strengthening the capacity of human resource and further development of a comprehensive trade policy framework. Additionally, trade negotiations with ten WTO member states on market access for goods and services, including the Information Technology Agreement (ITA), were carefully considered as part of Timor-Leste's WTO commitments, with the expectation of smooth implementation upon the country's membership of the WTO. The study also discusses the use of tariff protectionism as a strategy to safeguard sensitive domestic industries in Timor-Leste, while remaining in compliance with WTO rules in the future.

The Effect of ASEAN's Digital Economy Growth on China's Export Trade

Currently, the digital economy is emerging as a powerful catalyst for nations globally to enhance the caliber of their economies and to foster international trade. As one of China’s key trading partners, ASEAN holds immense potential in the growth of its digital economy, which is contributing positively to the trade interactions between China and ASEAN. Utilizing an expanded gravity model, this study investigates the influence of the digital economic progress in ASEAN countries on China’s export trade, drawing on panel data from China’s export activities with ASEAN member states between 2010 and 2022. The study shows that the degree of digital economic advancement among ASEAN member countries is diverse, with a general tendency towards improvement. The growth of the digital economy in these countries has a considerable impact on increasing the volume of China’s export trade to ASEAN. And the GDP, population, and trade and transport infrastructure of ASEAN member countries significantly contribute to the enhancement of China’s export trade.

ASEAN Regionalism in the Implementation of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Management

Objective: This article analyzes how ASEAN countries utilize regional mechanisms in implementing humanitarian assistance and disaster management. Method: Using the qualitative method, this article shows that ASEAN regionalism in disaster management is quite effective. Secondary data is obtained through library research, utilizing various publications such as books, journals, documents, and the Internet. Results and conclusion: The research results show that ASEAN has made protecting society from natural disasters one of its goals since its formation. But the unequal capacities of ASEAN countries have driven different domestic levels of responses. ASEAN regional cooperation maximizes ASEAN’s capacity by unifying each country’s capabilities in ASEAN’s relations with the extra-regional powers. Even though it has the principle of non-intervention, the existence of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre on Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Center) has removed the obstacles for parties who wish to send out aid to disaster areas in ASEAN member states. Originality/value: ASEAN has produced various mechanisms for handling victims of natural disasters. In its development, the efforts to protect against natural disasters have become very important because they have become an aspect of non-traditional security. Therefore, what ASEAN faces is not only the natural disaster itself but also how to save its citizens from non-traditional security threats.

ASEAN, and Indonesia’s Rising Influence In The Region

When one looks at the world map, Indonesia is not really visible in a very obvious manner, due to it being an archipelago, scattered over thousands of islands in South East Asia. However, when one reads into it, they realize that it is actually the fourth most populous country on earth, and holds quite a bit of diplomatic power as well. Indonesia is one of the founding members of ASEAN, the Association of South-East Asian Nations. ASEAN houses major natural resources, a huge chunk of Earth’s population, and together, the 10 ASEAN member states form one of the busiest trade routes in the world. To keep it simple, ASEAN is a really important organisation, and Indonesia, being one of the founding members, as well as the largest country in it, acts as the de-facto leader. Unfortunately, Indonesia is prone to many natural disasters due to its unfortunate geographic location, smack in the Pacific Ring of Fire. Recent major disasters have weakened Indonesia’s position, and many countries now do not consider Indonesia as the de-facto leader of ASEAN. This research focuses on Indonesia’s rise and fall as the undisputed leader of ASEAN, and what the future holds in store for Indonesia. To conduct this research, numerous research papers have been referred to and cited, as well as fresh information has been collected on a primary data basis. The primary data is collected by interviewing 15 Indonesian citizens, as well as senior officials at the Consulate General of Indonesia, Mumbai. Thus, the research presents the observations derived from interviewing two sides, the perspective of the Indonesian citizens, as well as the perspective of the Indonesian government. The research aims to answer some questions such as if Indonesia is prepared to tackle the current and future issues arising in ASEAN, being the leader. The research goes a step further to figure out if the Pacific Ring of Fire affects the geopolitics of Indonesia, and finally, the research looks at if the Indonesian government, and their people, the citizens look eye to eye? All of the interviews of the Indonesian citizens have been conducted virtually via Google Forms, and a meeting at the Consulate was set up in Mumbai to get the government’s perspective.

Whose democratization matters? Understanding the effects of regime change on normative changes in ASEAN

AbstractThis article aims to elucidate the varying effects of democratization in ASEAN members on the normative changes in the core principles of the “ASEAN Way.” Utilizing a regional-centric approach that emphasizes ASEAN members’ agency, the article posits that two critical variables shape the changing trajectory of ASEAN norms: ASEAN members' democratic performances and their regional status. While an ASEAN member’s democratic performance influences its willingness to advocate for normative changes, its regional status is also crucial in determining its capability to implement changes by navigating the divergent interests among ASEAN members. Only the ASEAN member with a high-quality democratic performance at home and recognized regional leadership can effectively bring about normative changes to ASEAN norms. Otherwise, either the domestic democratic deficit or a lack of leadership status will hinder the ASEAN members’ efforts to promote normative changes. Using the process-tracing method, the article empirically focuses on the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia for comparative case studies. The findings reveal that the Philippines’ poor democratic performance since the democratic restoration in 1986 has hindered its motivation to push for normative changes in ASEAN, rendering the Philippines a reluctant promoter. Although Thailand has made notable achievements in democratic consolidation since the downfall of junta rule in 1992, its lack of regional leadership has greatly limited its capability to reconcile the divergent interests among ASEAN members, resulting in the failure of its “flexible engagement” initiative. Conversely, Indonesia, with a high-quality democratic performance at home and bolstered by its regional leadership status, successfully brought significant changes to ASEAN norms by facilitating the ASEAN Charter signed in 2007.

INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC BANKS’ POPULARITY AMIDST THE ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY: INSIGHTS FROM INDONESIA AND MALAYSIA

The establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) aimed to achieve regional integration among all ASEAN member states, with particular emphasis on financial integration. Islamic banking is in line with the broader goals of the AEC, as an alternative financial system, helping to build a more resilient and inclusive financial system in the region. Because of this resiliency and inclusiveness, Islamic banks have been encouraged to develop into international banks in the ASEAN region through increasing their assets and earnings. This paper aims to examine the position of International Islamic banks (IIb) in the AEC under its conventional banking services: OCBC Bank from Singapore, Maybank and CIMB Bank from Malaysia. Through the analysis of banking trends, this qualitative study compares the level of popularity of those banks in Indonesia and Malaysia, the two Muslim-majority countries in ASEAN, after the initial establishment of the AEC period in 2016 to 2024. The findings indicated that the most popular Islamic financial services in Malaysia are provided by Maybank, while the most well-known Islamic financial services under IIb in Indonesia are provided by CIMB Bank. This paper provides an overview of the globalisation of IIb in ASEAN and fills a research gap on the development of IIb, particularly within the AEC.