ASEAN Research Articles

Chinese vs. US Stock Market Transmission to Australasia, Hong Kong, and the ASEAN Group

This study seeks to quantify the rising financial linkages between mainland China, Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and the six largest Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN group). Stock market co-movements would be consistent with growing trade ties. Our sample runs from 2010 through 2022, including the coronavirus pandemic. Markov switching analysis allows for changing effects as we move from periods of low market volatility to periods of high volatility. The results offer support for the premise that growing trade and investment ties between China, Australasia, Hong Kong, and the ASEAN region have been accompanied by significant financial market integration, as reflected in stock market co-movement. US effects are also significant and tend to be stronger during high-volatility episodes. Under low-volatility conditions, Shanghai effects become more important and are significant for all six ASEAN group countries.

Development of a Southeast Asian version of the "Sniffin Sticks" odor identification test.

The odor identification test is an efficient and rapid way to assess and screen a patient's sense of smell. The original Sniffin' Sticks odor identification test (SST) consisted of 16 smells developed for a European population. However, this identification test can be influenced by cultural differences, such as variations in food culture, ethnicity and language. We propose developing a test that uses odors more familiar and specific to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) population. The study involved four stages: (1) A familiarity questionnaire to select odors, (2) Testing of selected odors on healthy participants from different regions, (3) Application of the developed test on healthy subjects and those with smell disorders, and (4) Test-retest reliability assessment. A total of 466 participants aged 16 to 87 years were involved across all stages. The final ASEAN Sniffin' Sticks odor identification test (ASST) was conducted on 106 healthy subjects (HS) and 68 subjects with smell disorders, including 29 with Parkinson's disease (PD) and 39 with sinonasal diseases (Ear, Nose, and Throat [ENT]). Mean scores of 15.75 ± 0.62 were found in the HS group, 9.07 ± 3.67 in the PD group, and 10.90 ± 4.87 in the ENT group, out of a total possible score of 16. The 10th percentile value (score of 15) in HS aged 17-35 was used as cutoff between normal olfaction from those with a smell disorder. There were significant differences between the HS group and both the PD and ENT groups (p < 0.001), but no significant difference was found between the PD and ENT groups (p = 0.068). The ASST demonstrated high test-retest reliability, with a correlation (r) = 0.92 (p < 0.001). The ASST provides a reliable tool for evaluating olfactory function and detecting olfactory loss associated with various conditions in the ASEAN region.

A comparative study of Islamic conformity, profitability, and green performance in Southeast Asian Islamic banks

Southeast Asian countries, as members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), hold the second-largest Sharia financial assets globally. This study aims to assess the comparative performance of Islamic banks across ASEAN, examine the relationship between Islamic conformity, profitability, and green banking practices, and compare performance indicators between Malaysian and Indonesian Islamic banks. The sample includes Islamic banks from Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Thailand, and the Philippines. The findings reveal consistent adherence to Sharia principles across all banks, demonstrating strong Islamic conformity. However, financial performance indicators such as Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE), and Net Profit Margin (NPM) show significant variability, reflecting differences in operational efficiency and profitability. Green banking practices positively correlate with profitability, particularly ROA and NPM, emphasizing the role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives in enhancing operational efficiency and customer loyalty. The comparative analysis highlights that while both Malaysian and Indonesian Islamic banks exhibit consistent Islamic conformity, Malaysian banks outperform their Indonesian counterparts in green banking practices and profitability. This advantage is attributed to Malaysia’s advanced regulatory environment, which promotes sustainable finance, whereas Indonesian banks face greater profitability variability, necessitating improved governance and operational strategies. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders, showcasing how Islamic financial principles can integrate with sustainability practices to achieve profitability and environmental responsibility in Islamic banking. Acknowledgment(s)The authors extend their gratitude to the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia for funding this research and to the Research and Community Service Centre of Universitas Mercu Buana for their valuable support.

Strategic Alliances and Contested Seas

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) consists of ten states located close to the regional hegemon and at the center of the Indo-Pacific region. ASEAN has a balanced relationship with China, the dominant power, as it is the primary trading partner for most member states. ASEAN and China have a strategic alliance until 2030 and have reaffirmed their relations with the union and the member states through joint military exercises for counterterrorism and maritime security, and agreements for sustainable agriculture cooperation. However, states like Philippines and Vietnam and western commentators such as the European Union (EEAS, 2024) have questioned China’s strategies in the region. They have alleged the employment of coercive practices such as the militarization of the South China Sea, disregard for international law, use of disinformation campaigns in ASEAN societies, and disruptions of supply chains. Therefore, this study aims to examine the relationship of ASEAN and its member states with China and, subsequently, analyze China’s exertion of influence within the association. This research focuses on the complex dynamics of how ASEAN member states manage their cooperative relationship with China in the face of significant challenges arising from territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Moreover, a section is dedicated to examining the influence of Western presence (US and Europe) in the region. This analysis will situate the issues faced by the China-ASEAN partnership in a wider perspective. Within the complex geopolitical landscape of Southeast Asia, the study aims to unravel the nuanced strategies employed by these nations to strike a delicate balance between fostering economic integration and addressing the geopolitical complexities arising from contested maritime territories. This paper utilizes public information, data from reliable sources, and expert interviews to substantiate its arguments.

Pharmaceutical waste management legislations: Where do ASEAN countries stand in harmonization? A review of regulatory documents.

Pharmaceutical waste management legislations: Where do ASEAN countries stand in harmonization? A review of regulatory documents.

Education Research: Training of Neurologists in South East Asian Countries: A Cross-Sectional Survey on the Current Neurology Curriculum.

This study aims to describe the variations in neurology training pathways in all Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. A cross-sectional survey using questionnaires was conducted among the representatives of ASEAN countries from October 2023 to March 2024. Neurology training programs are available in 9 of the 11 ASEAN countries except Timor Leste and Cambodia. Despite the growing number of neurologists, with a doubling of the neurologist-to-patient ratio in most countries in the past 2 decades, the neurologist density per 100,000 population remained low. Thailand, Singapore, and Brunei Darussalam have more than 1 neurologist per 100,000 population compared with 2007 when only Singapore and Brunei Darussalam had more than this ratio. In Cambodia, Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR), Myanmar, and Timur Leste, although the number of neurologists has increased substantially, the ratio of neurologists remains low, with less than 1 in a million population in Myanmar, 1:625,000 population in Lao PDR, 1:526,000 population in Cambodia, and 1:430,000 in Timur Leste. The total duration of training from undergraduate to certified neurologist varies greatly because of compulsory internal medicine (IM) training and postinternship services. To enroll in neurology training, candidates in 4 countries (Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, and Myanmar) must have completed IM as a prerequisite. Candidates from Thailand and Indonesia must fulfill their 2-year compulsory government or general practice service requirement before they are eligible for neurology training. After fulfilling the eligibility criteria to enter neurology training, the overall training duration ranges from 3 to 13 years. Malaysia and Myanmar are countries where candidates spend more than 10 years becoming certified neurologists. The number of neurologists and the neurologist-to-patient ratio have improved since 2007 in ASEAN countries. Diverse neurology curricula and the variable duration to complete neurology training and subspecialty practice are the main challenges in improving neurology training in ASEAN countries.

Navigating global standards in local contexts: A systematic review of CEFR-aligned English language curriculum in the ASEAN region

Background and Purpose: The rise of ASEAN as a regional economic bloc necessitates increased language proficiency among its diverse population. Many countries in the region as elsewhere in the world have borrowed the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in meeting these national English language proficiency goals for their citizens. This systematic review investigates the barriers and facilitators to CEFR implementation in the ASEAN context, particularly focusing on their impact on educational outcomes. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted to identify and synthesise peer-reviewed articles published in English between 2017 and 2023. The search, performed in January 2024, utilised Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, and ERIC databases. Articles were screened based on relevance to CEFR-aligned curricula in ESL/EFL contexts, curriculum content, instructional approaches, textbook CEFR-aligned curricula in ESL/EFL contexts, curriculum content, instructional approaches, textbook adaptations, assessments and teacher and student readiness following the PRISMA guidelines. A total of 40 eligible studies were analysed to identify trends, methodological strengths, and challenges associated with CEFR-aligned curriculum research in ASEAN. Findings: The review revealed that insufficient teacher training on the CEFR hinders its successful implementation, potentially limiting student opportunities for improved communication skills within the ASEAN community, while comprehensive course alignment with CEFR standards emerges as a crucial facilitator. Additionally, the review examines methodological approaches used in the existing research to identify these factors, with interviews and surveys being the most prevalent. Contributions: The study’s findings inform stakeholders of crucial areas for capacity building to ensure the CEFR's effectiveness in fostering ASEAN's educational development in a globalised world. Keywords: CEFR, implementation, barriers and facilitators, ASEAN, systematic review.

Network governance in ASEAN: fostering regional cooperation and integration

This article examines network governance (NG) within the context of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its sectoral communities, specifically the ASEAN Economic Community, the ASEAN Political-Security Community, and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. The goal is to explore NG’s importance in fostering cooperation among ASEAN member states and addressing regional challenges. The study begins by providing an overview of ASEAN and its objectives, highlighting the crucial role of NG in promoting collaboration and policymaking through ASEAN processes. It then offers a comprehensive literature review that evaluates the conceptual framework of NG and previous research related to its significance for ASEAN. The article further explores theories and scholarly works discussing NG within ASEAN, offering insights into key themes and discussions in the literature. Specific examples from the three sectoral communities are included based on an analysis of ASEAN NG mechanisms and structures. The evaluation of NG effectiveness in tackling regional challenges considers the contributions of state actors, such as government representatives and non-state actors (NSAs), including civil society organizations and private sector entities. This analysis reveals the inherent challenges and opportunities in implementing NG within ASEAN frameworks. It also underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between state actors and NSAs and the need for supportive institutional frameworks and mechanisms to enhance NG effectiveness in ASEAN. Overall, this article aims to deepen the understanding of NG within ASEAN, illuminating its role in promoting regional integration, addressing challenges, and advancing development across ASEAN’s three sectoral communities.

A Volatile American-Driven Relationship: The Republic of Vietnam and the Philippines During the Vietnam War (1964–1973)

This article examines the diplomatic relations between the Republic of Vietnam and the Philippines throughout the Vietnam War, which took place from 1965 to 1973. It uses untapped source materials from the Vietnam National Archives Centre 2, in conjunction with secondary sources, to chronologically narrate and analyse the events of this relationship. The article posits that Saigon attempted to secure the assistance of friends, such as the Philippines, but Manila was unsuccessful in adequately establishing and sustaining its relationship with South Vietnam. There are two significant historical phases of this connection, organized in chronological order. During the first period, from 1964 to 1968, the Republic of Vietnam actively utilized Manila's support through Philippine Civic Action Group and Southeast Asia Treaty Organization. This involved accepting non-combatant Filipino personnel in South Vietnam. During the second phase (1969–1973), Saigon viewed Manila's response with suspicion as Marcos established ties with communist-led states and withdrew itself from the Vietnam conflict. Saigon attempted to strengthen the relationship by acknowledging the military withdrawal of the Filipino armed forces and requesting Manila's recognition of the legitimacy of the Republic of Vietnam. Saigon also sought Manila's support in attaining full membership in Association of Southeast Asian Nation. However, Manila's excessive reliance on US foreign policy led to a lack of policy stability, which significantly impacted Manila's foreign policy and worsened the Saigon–Manila relationship throughout the Vietnamization era.

Estimates of Suicide Trends Among Males in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) From Year 2000 to 2019 Using WHO GHE Data.

This study aimed to analyze the estimated suicide trends among males in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries from year 2000 to 2019 and their relationship with unemployment rates. Age-standardized suicide rate and unemployment data of 10 ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) were analyzed using Joinpoint regression. Results showed that ASEAN countries (except the Philippines and Myanmar) recorded an increase or a plateau in the decline of age-standardized suicide rates in males during the second half of the 2010s. This was in contrast with global trends for males, which has been steadily decreasing. Unemployment was significantly associated with suicide rates. Our study found generally increasing or plateauing suicide trends in ASEAN countries between years 2013 and 2017. However, limitations in data quality highlight the importance of improved suicide surveillance to effectively support prevention efforts.

General Secretary Nguyen Van Linh of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Process of Adjusting Vietnam's Foreign Policy Towards Asean During The Period 1986-1991

From the 1980s, Vietnam gradually fell into an increasingly severe economic and social crisis. The urgent requirement for Vietnam at this time was to find a way to quickly overcome the crisis, stabilize the economic, political, and social situation, break the blockade and embargo imposed by the United States and Western countries, and open a period of integration and cooperation for development with the world. At the 6th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam in December 1986, Nguyen Van Linh was elected as General Secretary of the Party Central Committee, directly leading the country in implementing a comprehensive reform policy, including innovations in diplomatic activities. Within the scope of this article, the group of authors focuses on clarifying the process of adjusting Vietnam's foreign policy towards the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during Nguyen Van Linh's term as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam from 1986 to 1991.

Health risks assessment from heavy metals in care products materials for newborns in Iraq

ABSTRACT Care product materials may have heavy metals. Newborns are quickly affected by heavy metals. Therefore, harmful heavy metals in these materials are a matter of concern. So, 36 samples of care product materials (baby powder, shampoo with soap, and cream) were collected from local Iraqi markets and Pharmacies to measure the concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, and Cr). Also, health risk parameters (non-carcinogens and carcinogens) such as chronic Daily Intake (CDI), Hazard Quotient (HQ), Hazard Index (HI), Cancer Risk (CR), and Total Cancer Risk (TCR) were calculated. Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, and Cr) were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry. The average concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Cr in units of ppm were found in the baby powder samples at 4.41 ± 1.01 ppm, 0.71 ± 0.05 ppm, and 1.42 ± 0.14 ppm, respectively. Shampoo with soap samples were 2.21 ± 0.86 ppm, 0.50 ± 0.05 ppm, and 0.89 ± 0.03 ppm, respectively. For cream samples, they were 16.45 ± 14.33 ppm, 0.45 ± 0.10 ppm, and 1.42 ± 0.09 ppm, respectively. The average values of HI and TCRx10−6 were found in the baby powder samples at 0.038 ± 0.004 and 40.11 ± 2.48, respectively. Shampoo with soap samples were 0.048 ± 0.008 and 59.34 ± 5.94, respectively. For cream samples, they were 0.051 ± 0.036 and 16.81 ± 3.41, respectively. The non-carcinogens and carcinogens of health risk indexes due to Pb, Cd, and Cr from care product materials samples used for newborns in Iraq were within the safe limits according to organisations Association of South East Asian Nations(ASEAN), Health Canada, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Therefore, it can be concluded that there is a low risk of heavy metals in care products materials for Newborns in Iraq.

A Current Review and Global Benchmark on the Challenges and Prospect of Air Pollution Mitigation in Malaysia

The paper delves into the global air pollution issue, with a particular focus on Malaysia as a member of the ASEAN community. It underscores that air pollution is not merely a statistical concern but a daily reality impacting public health and the environment. Over time, there has been a significant increase in mortality and hospitalization rates attributed to air pollution. Human activities, including industry, transportation, and waste management, are identified as major contributors to air pollution. The paper discusses Malaysia's governmental efforts to address air pollution, encompassing air quality monitoring and control systems, environmental protection acts, promotion of alternative green energy sources, and carbon emission control measures. Despite the potential of renewable energy sources such as wind and hydropower, their limitations in fully replacing traditional energy sources are highlighted. Furthermore, the paper identifies methods to control urban air pollution by reviewing successful strategies implemented in other developed countries, such as advanced public transport systems and vehicle registration and age limitations. In conclusion, this paper provides valuable insights into the air pollution issue in Malaysia and offers suggestions for controlling and mitigating its impact, thus, contributing towards cleaner air and healthier environments.

A Study of Non-State Actors in ASEAN Community Building Post-ASEAN Charter

The article examines the role of non-state actors (NSAs) within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), spanning the period from 2009 to 2022, following the implementation of the ASEAN Charter in December 2008. The study discerns a pattern wherein NSAs have garnered influence within the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC). Nevertheless, their integration into the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) remains circumscribed. This phenomenon is primarily attributed to the entrenched state-centric approach that underpins ASEAN’s operational modality, creating inherent complexities for effective NSA engagement. NSAs predominantly occupy advisory and technical roles, with limited agency in developing and implementing ASEAN decisions, policies, and initiatives. However, expanding their purview is imperative to augmenting the substantive contribution of NSAs to the broader ASEAN community-building endeavour. This imperative aligns seamlessly with the people-centric ethos championed by the ASEAN Charter. By capitalising on the specialised knowledge and resources of NSAs, even the norm-centric APSC can be invigorated, ultimately amplifying the effectiveness of community-building initiatives. Establishing enduring and mutually enriching partnerships necessitates a paradigm shift in the perception of the state-NSA dynamic. Member states ought to show a heightened willingness to incorporate NSAs into policymaking. At the same time, NSAs, reciprocally, should endeavour to grasp the intricate workings of ASEAN’s processes and procedures. Drawing upon a synthesis of extant literature, case studies, and empirical evidence, this research evaluates the extent of NSA participation, illuminating the attendant challenges within the three sectoral communities of ASEAN.

The evolution of ASEAN's language policies: A diachronic analysis of official documents and website.

Language policy plays a pivotal role in sustaining language behaviors and transforming language ideologies into practices. While the analysis of language policies in international organizations has received increasing attention, the evolution of language policies in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been understudied. Existing research on ASEAN's language policies has concentrated on its official language, often overlooking the language practices and ideologies embedded within these policies. This study seeks to investigate the evolution of ASEAN's language policy by examining its official documents and website. We employed the Wayback Machine to trace the development of the ASEAN official website and adopted a corpus-based approach, utilizing tools such as AntConc and Sketch Engine, to analyze the Chairman's Statements of the ASEAN Summit (CSAS). The study reveals three key insights: 1) The evolution of the ASEAN official website can be categorized into three distinct stages. 2) A consistent use of the collective pronoun "we" in the statements highlights the emphasis on cooperation and progress across economic and political-security domains. 3) The ASEAN community has persistently upheld its values, fostering an ASEAN identity and a genuine ASEAN community throughout its development. This diachronic analysis clarifies the characteristics of ASEAN's language policy, deepening our understanding of the intricate relationship between language practices and ideology, and their implications for regional cooperation and integration.

Analisis Tingkat Kemiskinan dan Perekonomian di Myanmar

Poverty is a major issue faced by developing countries, including Myanmar. This article analyzes the level of poverty and economic factors affecting these conditions in Myanmar. Using a qualitative approach with literature review methods, this study collects secondary data from various literatures, reports, and previous research. The findings indicate that poverty in Myanmar is exacerbated by factors such as political instability, ineffective economic policies, and prolonged internal conflicts. The military coup and the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly reduced economic growth, increased poverty rates, and worsened living conditions. Additionally, international sanctions and the decline in bilateral aid have contributed to the ongoing economic crisis. The role of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in addressing poverty in Myanmar is a crucial focus of this study. The study concludes that collective efforts from various parties are necessary to address poverty in Myanmar through economic policy reforms, political stability improvements, and sustained international aid.

Determinants of foreign direct invesment in eight ASEAN countries

This research aims to analyze the influence of economic growth, labor, regulatory quality, political stability, and carbon emissions on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in eight member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). With strong economic growth, a qualified workforce, good regulations, stable politics, and low environmental degradation, ASEAN member countries have great potential for investment, which generates long-term returns. This makes the ASEAN region interesting to analyze the factors that influence FDI in the region. Using the Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) method and secondary data from the World Bank, this study combines cross-sectional and time-series data to provide a comprehensive overview. The research findings indicate that variables such as labor, regulatory quality, political stability, and carbon emissions have a significant impact on foreign direct investment in ASEAN countries. These findings underscore the importance of these factors in determining the direction and volume of foreign investment. This study contributes significantly to understanding the dynamics of foreign investment in the ASEAN region and highlights the importance of efforts to improve political stability, regulatory quality, and manage carbon emissions to drive economic growth through foreign capital inflows. The implications of these findings can serve as a policy foundation for governments and stakeholders in ASEAN to enhance the attractiveness of foreign investment.

Tracing the ties that bind: navigating the static and dynamic connectedness between NFTs and equity markets in ASEAN based on QVAR-approach

Based on market integration theory, we investigate the static and dynamic connectedness between nonfungible tokens (NFTs) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) equity markets using the Quantile Vector Auto Regressive model. We also compute optimal weights and hedge ratios for our variable of interest to establish their diversification and hedging potential. Our analysis infers a moderate level of return transmission at the median quantile, where equity markets evolved as the net recipients of return spillover from the system, while NFTs emerge as key transmitters. In extreme market conditions, transmission between variables is amplified, but the increase is symmetrical across extreme quantiles, suggesting a similar impact. However, the interlinkage among assets is symmetric across conditional quantiles. The dynamic analysis demonstrates that the system integration amplifies during uncertain times (e.g., COVID-19 and the Russia–Ukraine conflict). Our portfolio analysis shows that NFTs provide diversification and hedging in all market conditions. However, the period of turmoil dampened the diversification potential, and hedging became expensive. Our study offers detailed and insightful information about the transmission mechanism and enables the participants of financial markets to diversify and hedge their portfolio.

A view on SAARC: Complexities,Challenges and Prospects

SARRC is a Regional Cooperation that aims to bring regional integration among its members despite the political differences and the administrative hurdles. The region is strategically important that connects with other Regional Integrations like Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). History has proved this region as sub-continent with common entity with many specific issues among the countries in the region. Historically the region has brought laurels known for great rivers and great ancient civilization. The region was a common entity under one umbrella rule under the British. Post 1947 created space of possibility for foreign interference in which India did not favour.

Missing targets: reforming disaster policy in Southeast Asia

ABSTRACT Over the last 20 years, Southeast Asia has seen laudable advancement in disaster management. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has played a positive role in this progress. However, there is emerging disaster policy inertia that potentially delays ASEAN member states meeting the Sendai Framework on disaster risk reduction targets and ultimately the Sustainable Development Goals. A recent United Nations report shows that across nearly all indicators the region is regressing in terms of its 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. It is not showing incremental progress or standing still, it is moving away from them. This article highlights the areas in which ASEAN member states are not on course to achieve the targets and goals in disaster management and uses Indonesia as a case study to illustrate why these goals are in retreat and are reflective of regional challenges. Through this investigation, this article argues that there are pathways to achieve the targets and goals by 2030 but regional efforts need to recognize and engage the significant systemic and structural issues within ASEAN member states to put the region back on track.