ASEAN Research Articles

The Challenge of Cultural Diversity in Regional Integration: A Comparative Analysis of the EU and ASEAN

With the trend towards globalisation and increasing economic, political and cultural interconnectedness, the need for regional integration has become more pressing. However, cultural differences between member states, including differences in ethnicity, background and values, often pose an obstacle to regional integration. The European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are two very important regional organisations, although they both aim to promote regional integration and thereby develop regional economies and provide the region with international competitiveness. However, the different historical backgrounds, economic structures and political formations between the two regions have led to different models and objectives for regional integration, and thus the challenges of cultural diversity are similar as well as different in many ways. With the trend towards globalisation and the prominence of cultural diversity issues in the region, comparing the challenges and opportunities of cultural diversity in the regional integration process between the EU and ASEAN, both regions, helps to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the different models of regional integration and why policies related to cultural diversity need to be tailored, rather than copied, to the local context.

Economic growth and the matters of inflation and unemployment: Evidence from ASEAN-5

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between economic growth, inflation, and unemployment. One notable feature of empirical research is the rarity of studies that examine the effects of unemployment and inflation on economic growth in different economic environments, despite the large number of studies that look into these two variables. The study also incorporates interest rates and exchange rates as control variables. This study employs time series data spanning from 1994 to 2020 for selected 5 countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines, under diverse economic conditions. The analysis utilises the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) method to examine the relationships between economic growth and its determinants. The empirical results of the study reveal: (1) Economic growth benefits from reducing inflation, interest rates, and exchange rates, underscoring their positive impact on development; and (2) Elevated unemployment rates hinder economic growth. These findings provide policy implications for policymakers in managing inflation, unemployment, interest rates, and exchange rates to foster sustained economic development.

Eksistensi ASEAN sebagai Organisasi Regional pada Aspek Sosial Budaya Melalui Program Student Mobility

The study of international relations originated in Great Britain precisely in the early 20th century in Wales, when a group of experts in philosophy and international law in Great Britain agreed on the need to study relations between nations. At first, international relations focused more on the study of war and peace in nation-state relations. However, beginning in the 1970s and 1980s the study of international relations expanded to a wider range of studies. International relations develop on non-political issues, such as economics, security, law, culture, technology, and so on. Any perspective in an approach that views international relations as not only state-oriented would say that other entities such as International Organizations also have an important role. One of the International Organizations at the Regional Level is The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). ASEAN has 3 pillars, namely Political-Security, Economic and Socio-Cultural.2 International Relations are inseparable from globalization. Globalization encourages countries indirectly to cooperate with each other in order to meet their national interests and respond to the phenomena that exist along with globalization. One form of cooperation is international cooperation. International organizations have several forms, one of which is in the Regional scope. ASEAN as one of the Regional Organizations collaborates in the field of Socio-Culture through the Student Mobility program.

Trade openness and income inequality: The moderating role of institutional quality

This study examines the effects of trade openness on income inequality and the moderating role of institutional quality in this dynamic within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. We find the inverted U-shaped relationship between trade openness and income inequality. At a low level of trade openness, an increase in trade openness leads to higher income inequality. Beyond a certain threshold, however, trade openness starts to decrease income inequality. Institutional quality plays a moderating role, proving essential in reducing inequality. As policies and regulations improve and mature, they support private sector growth, contributing to a decrease in inequality. We highlight the importance of institutional quality as a moderator, not only to promote economic growth but also to ensure an equitable distribution of its benefits, particularly those derived from trade openness, across society.

Sport, diplomacy, and regionalism in Southeast Asia: the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and ASEAN

The biennial Southeast Asian or SEA Games, a regional sport mega-event modeled on the Olympic and Asian Games, were established by Thailand in 1959, and since then have been conducted 32 times across 10 of the region’s 11 countries. This article examines how this understudied event has operated as a forum for diplomatic representation, negotiation and communication in Southeast Asia. We make three key arguments: (1) the SEA Games have provided member countries with a means to signal national progress and membership of the regional community, as well as to define and delineate this region; (2) the SEA Games have evolved parallel to the region’s political grouping, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), but with important differences as well as similarities; and (3) the regional perspective of the SEA Games offers insights that blur the distinction in recent scholarship between traditional ‘sports diplomacy’ (foregrounding the state) and ‘international-sport-as-diplomacy’ (foregrounding non-state actors).

A Brief Analysis of the Influence of Foreign Culture on the Development of Thai Culture

Thailand is a member and founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, as well as a member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the Asia-Europe Meeting and the World Trade Organization. As one of the ancient countries in Southeast Asia with a history of more than 700 years, the development of its culture runs through the development of Thailand from ancient times to the present, and has a far-reaching impact on the development of Thai society that cannot be ignored. As for the development process of Thai culture, especially the formation and roots of culture, it is inevitable to involve the penetration and influence of foreign culture, and the so-called foreign culture can be divided into Eastern culture and Western culture. Western culture is generally synonymous with European and American culture; Oriental culture is more representative of traditional Chinese culture and ancient Indian culture. Geographically, Thailand is located in Southeast Asia, that is, in the middle of China and India. At the same time, from the perspective of cultural regional distribution, Thai culture is also located between the two eastern cultural regions of Chinese culture and Indian culture. To sum up, the influence of foreign cultures on the development of Thai culture cannot be underestimated or ignored. That's what we're talking about today: the influence of foreign cultures on the development of Thai culture.

MANIFESTATION OF COLLECTIVE SECURITY IN ASEAN AS A REGIONAL ORGANIZATION DURING PANDEMIC COVID-19

This research is entitled Manifestation of Collective Security in ASEAN as a Regional Organisation During the COVID-19 Pandemic. This research aims to identify ASEAN policies and efforts to realise collective security during the COVID-19 pandemic period. This research examines the manifestation of collective security in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a regional organisation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research method is to use a qualitative approach, combining desk research and data analysis. The results highlight ASEAN's important role in enhancing regional security through cooperation, particularly in the economic and diplomatic sectors, ASEAN utilises digital platforms for information exchange and coordination. The ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Health Development and the ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting facilitate open communication, allowing countries to share best practices and resources. For example, Thailand received early notification of COVID-19 through the ASEAN Emergency Operations Centre Network, enabling swift preparedness actions. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated ASEAN's capacity to uphold its mission of regional stability and security. Through coordinated efforts, resource sharing, and international partnerships, ASEAN has effectively addressed the challenges posed by the pandemic. This experience underscores the importance of collective security and regional cooperation, reaffirming ASEAN's role as an important actor in maintaining stability and fostering resilience in Southeast Asia. This study concludes that ASEAN as a regional organisation plays an important role in ensuring the collective security of its members

The impact of female chief executive officers, ownership, and globalization on ASEAN manufacturers' technical efficiency performance

The premature deindustrialization of Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN) economies has impeded their development by restricting all prospects for growth, including economies of scale, human capital development, and worker productivity. In male-dominated industries, sexism and discrimination may prevent women from attaining leadership positions, especially in manufacturing. This is especially apparent where women are viewed as less technical in ASEAN manufacturing. Therefore, this study employs the beta regression model to examine the impact of female CEOs and those with ownership on the technical efficiency and performance of ASEAN manufacturers. The impact of economic globalization via foreign direct investment (FDI) and exports on technical efficiency is also examined in this study. FDIs are found to enhance ASEAN manufacturers’ technical efficiency. This study also found that firms operated by female CEOs are more technically efficient, implying that they prefer stewardship-driven management strategies over agency-driven approaches. Female CEOs with ownership are likely to decrease technical efficiency, confirming the entrenchment hypothesis that their interests are not aligned with shareholders’ interests. In addition, skilled labor, ISO certification, IT use, and firm size boost their technical efficiency.

ASEAN versus ECOWAS: Sovereignty Construction and Its Impact on Governance and Institutional Structures

ABSTRACT The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are prominent regional organisations in the global South. However, their divergence becomes evident when considering variations in governance and institutional structures. This article attributes these differences to distinct approaches to national sovereignty by their members. Factors including historical colonial legacies, member states’ experiences, and shared norms shape the construction of sovereignty in ASEAN and ECOWAS. ASEAN prioritises individual sovereignty and self-determination. In contrast, ECOWAS adopts a more flexible approach, emphasising collective action to address common challenges, even if it involves compromising some aspects of sovereignty. These trajectories continue with ASEAN Charter and ECOWAS Revised Treaty that transformed the organisation into a parliamentary structure with Court of Justice. By examining these dynamics, this paper sheds light on the nuanced relationship between sovereignty and regional integration, providing insights into governance and decision-making processes in ASEAN and ECOWAS.

Triumphs, trials and tomorrow in food security: an ASEAN outlook

SummaryThe article explores the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) food security landscape amid challenges intensified by the COVID‐19 pandemic. It underscores the imperative of providing sufficient, affordable, and nutritious sustenance for the growing ASEAN population, advocating for an integrated and comprehensive approach. This approach addresses climate change impacts, prioritises investments in rural infrastructure and agricultural innovation, and champions sustainable, inclusive farming practices. The research emphasises the significance of collaborative efforts with international partners and other regional stakeholders to fortify ASEAN's food security initiatives. This collaborative model serves as an exemplar for other developing regions with significant agricultural sectors and rural populations. The pandemic has prompted governments and the private sector to collaborate and address multifaceted food security issues, revealing the need for collective regional action. ASEAN can leverage partnerships, knowledge exchange, and resource‐sharing to navigate and overcome food security challenges, catalysing regional and global solutions.

Bond market spillover networks of ASEAN-4 markets: Is the global pandemic different?

This study explores the interconnectedness of bond markets in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN-4: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand) with significant regional and global markets, focusing on transmitting global shocks to these markets. The analysis is based on the forecast error variance decomposition (FEVD) of a vector autoregression (VAR) model and wavelet-based longer horizon approaches, enabling us to identify the net transmitter and receiver of return and volatility shocks among the underlying markets at various investment horizons. In addition, we evaluate the primary drivers of ASEAN-4 bond markets, employing global and ASEAN-4 macroeconomic indicators and uncertainty measures to explain variations in the spillover dynamics. Empirical findings reveal strong inter-country connectedness among bond markets, with the U.S. market having the most significant links for 7- and 10-year bond maturities. However, there is limited connectedness within ASEAN-4 and other developing countries, indicating strong diversification potential. Furthermore, our findings indicate increased interconnectedness during COVID-19 and that macroeconomic fundamentals significantly influence the ASEAN-4 markets, rationalizing the heterogeneous cross-border transmission of uncertainty shocks. The findings contribute to the literature on bond market spillovers, offering valuable insights for policymakers, regulators, and investors seeking portfolio diversification, risk management, and sustainable growth in the ASEAN-4 markets.

ASEAN Economic Integration: Addressing Challenges and Embracing Opportunities

This paper examines the macroeconomic and development policies to spur economic integration and growth in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It reviews how economic transformation and integration have fueled growth and job creation in the region. ASEAN's increased participation in global and regional value chains, with the People's Republic of China (PRC) as a regional hub, laid the solid foundation of regional production networks. However, with the changing role of the PRC in global value chains, the region needs to renew policy initiatives to address the development challenges and seize new growth opportunities with its single market goals. The analysis suggests the region requires strategic plans for infrastructure development, digitalization, and greater integration reinforced by the removal of trade barriers, increased labor mobility, and foreign direct investment mobilization. The region's successful future also depends on cooperative policy efforts around developing e‐government and digital value chains, strengthening micro‐, small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises and startups, and building smart cities.

Identifying Priorities for the Development of Waste Management Systems in ASEAN Cities

One of the largest issues facing countries, particularly emerging nations with high population, production, and consumption growth, is an inadequate waste management system (WMS). This paper analyzes the development of the waste management systems of nine capital cities in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region by using a recently developed approach, the Waste Management System–Development Stage Concept. This concept comprises five development stages and various components, including Collection and Transport, Waste Disposal, Energy Recovery, Waste Recycling, and Waste Prevention and Reuse. The findings indicate that in terms of waste collection, waste disposal, and energy recovery, Singapore is at a higher development stage (Stage 5) and is more advanced than other ASEAN cities. For most of the components, Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and Manila fall into stages 2 to 4, whereas the early development stages 1 to 3 are present in Bandar Seri Begawan, Hanoi, Phnom Penh, and Vientiane. The results will be used to determine the next steps in developing the WMSs, including the introduction of separate collection for recycling or the installation of a waste-to-energy plant. The environmental impact of each measure will be later assessed using the LCA approach, and the most effective measures shall be identified in future studies.

The Impact of Vaccination, Infection and Fatality Rate on ASEAN Air Transport Industry in the Pandemic Period

This study aims to determine the impact of COVID-19 on air connectivity in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, specifically focusing on infection, vaccination and fatality rates. To examine the impact of COVID-19 on the ASEAN air transport industry, a panel data series was created. The panel covered data from 57 airlines with different business models in the 10 ASEAN member states from January 2019 to July 2022 (31 months). The results of the study have shown that there is a significant inverse linear relationship between full-service and low-cost international flight movements, passenger demand and vaccination rate, infection rate and fatality rate. At the country level, Brunei experienced the lowest drop in air passenger demand, followed by the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Cambodia. Other countries (Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Singapore and Vietnam) were not significant predictors of passenger demand. The study’s results have indicated that an increase in infection rate has a greater impact on the international air travel market compared to the domestic market. The reduction rate of the domestic market is only half that of the international market, while the fatality rate demonstrated no differences. This study represents a valuable contribution to the existing knowledge of the pandemic’s impact on the air transport industry, focusing on Southeast Asian countries. It provides evidence to help stakeholders in the aviation industry prepare for future related crises. The study concludes that fostering greater cooperation and coordination among ASEAN member states in managing health crises and facilitating the aviation industry can promote economic growth, enhance resilience and strengthen regional integration in the long run. JEL Classification: F02, I30

ASEAN cooperation to combat transnational crime: progress, perils, and prospects

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has grappled with the persistent threat of transnational crime (TC) in Southeast Asia since its establishment in 1967. The rising tide of globalization and technological advancement has only exacerbated the problem, leading to the evolution and organization of various criminal activities. As ASEAN faces a multitude of non-traditional security challenges that transcend national borders, including climate change, infectious diseases, and resource scarcity, TC remains a critical concern that could jeopardize regional stability and security. This article undertakes an extensive analysis of ASEAN's endeavors to combat TC. It delves into key documents outlining ASEAN's commitment, highlights the significant achievements, and identifies the challenges facing the region. The qualitative study evaluates the effectiveness of ASEAN's response to TC within its cooperative framework and core principles. Through content analysis, it draws insights from ASEAN's official documents, as well as reports from Interpol and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, to understand the regional efforts in countering TC. The research reveals a range of collaborative efforts initiated by ASEAN to tackle TC. By focusing on examples of successful operations, such as Operation Maharlika III against human trafficking and Operation HAECHI-I targeting cybercrime, the study underscores the vital role of cross-border cooperation. However, the analysis highlights the challenges posed by the complex nature of TC and the varying capabilities of ASEAN member states. It underscores the importance of regional cooperation and external partnerships to address the evolving threats of TC effectively. In essence, ASEAN's commitment to combating TC is evident through the adoption of strategic documents, joint operations, and capacity-building initiatives. Nevertheless, the evolving nature of TC and its diverse manifestations pose ongoing challenges. A balanced approach in addressing TC is needed that encompasses not only securitization but also a criminal justice response.

Indonesia's Geostrategic Position in Global and Regional Politics: Government Preparation

The People's Republic of China (PRC) and the United States (US) continue to compete for power and influence in various places, particularly in Asia. Southeast Asia is also unifying ASEAN countries under the ASEAN Community Accord. It is vital to recognize the impact of pressure on Indonesia's geostrategic development. Failure to anticipate this can have harmful implications and risk the nation's interests in accomplishing its goals and ideals. However, development strategy research has yet to be adequately reviewed, considered, and integrated within Indonesia's geostrategic setting. This is particularly essential considering the dynamic character of developments within the current strategic environment. Thus, the government must vigorously defend Indonesia's geostrategic position in global and regional politics. These efforts should be a significant input and consideration in national and state issues, ensuring Indonesia's national interests are safeguarded. Therefore, the government can effectively pursue its national goals and aspirations. The preservation and seamless continuance of Indonesia's national ideals can be maintained. A comprehensive literature assessment was undertaken in the past decade utilizing the hazing publish or perish (PoP) application, which involved the utilization of various databases, including "PupMed," "ABIInform," "EBSO Host," "Emerald," "Google Scholar," "Science Direct," "ProQuest," "Web of Science," and "ERIC." This study incorporates the employment of concepts such as "global politics," "ASEAN Community," "political developments," "political dynamics," and "geostrategic conditions." Insufficient infrastructure and limited accessibility. This study provides a complete survey of the extant literature on global and regional political development processes. A comprehensive examination of long-term effects and comparing distribution tactics and research methods are needed. This research explores the requirement of predicting distinct vulnerabilities within each National Resilience Gatra in light of global and regional political development dynamics. In light of the input and optimistic outlook surrounding endeavours to execute primary national responsibilities, safeguard national interests, and actualize national objectives in pursuit of Indonesia's national aspirations, further investigation is warranted into global and regional political development dynamics. Additional work is necessary to address this gap.

Indonesia and ASEAN Chairmanship in 2023: Leading the Region in Strengthening Relations with China

Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia, plays a crucial role in the region and contributes significantly to the regional bloc's stability, economic growth, and diplomatic initiatives. The archipelago serves as a pivotal anchor within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), stipulating political leadership and strategic direction over the years. Indonesia fosters trade and investment within the region, as seen from Indonesia's role in completing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiation, the largest free trade agreement in the world involving ASEAN and several trading partners such as China, Japan and South Korea (The ASEAN Secretariat, 2023). Indonesia promotes dialogue and cooperation to address regional challenges such as trans-boundary issues, security concerns, and environmental sustainability. Indonesia is also currently one of China’s most important partners in Southeast Asia. China is now Indonesia's largest trading partner and export market, with China's official data showing that in 2022 the bilateral trade reached $149.1 billion, up 19.8 percent year-on-year. In the same year, China was the second-largest source of investment in Indonesia in 2022, with $8.2 billion (Duqiang, 2023). In addition, China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has played a major role in supporting infrastructure development in Indonesia. Both nations continue to engage in high-level diplomatic dialogue and seek common ground on various regional and global issues. This article attempts to show the role that Indonesia plays as it continues to show the way for other ASEAN countries to navigate economic challenges and, at the same time, forge stronger ties with China. This article also examines the bilateral relationship between Indonesia and China and how it affects Indonesia’s capability to lead other ASEAN countries, especially after Indonesia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2023.

The Role of Indonesia in Strengthening the Concept of “We Feeling” and ASEAN Identity in the 2023 ASEAN Chairmanship

This research explores Indonesia's role as the Chair of ASEAN in 2023 in promoting the concept of "We Feeling" and revitalizing the collective identity of ASEAN. Through a comprehensive analysis of Indonesia's diplomatic efforts, the policy framework it has implemented, and its active engagement at the regional level during its tenure as ASEAN Chair, this study reveals Indonesia's key role in strengthening the sense of unity, common goals, and solidarity among ASEAN member states. The research also investigates the strategies employed by Indonesia to facilitate open dialogue, enhance intra-regional cooperation, and address common challenges with the ultimate goal of reinforcing the spirit of the united ASEAN community, known as the ASEAN Community. Furthermore, this abstract explains the significance of the concept of ASEAN Centrality and Indonesia's crucial role in upholding it during its ASEAN Chairmanship. This study provides a profound understanding of Indonesia's role in guiding ASEAN toward a more cohesive, united, and relevant future. The concept of "We Feeling" serves as the foundation for these efforts, fostering closer relationships among member states and reflecting upon ASEAN's collective identity in the context of increasingly close regional cooperation.

Impact of green investments, green economic growth and renewable energy consumption on environmental, social, and governance practices to achieve the sustainable development goals: A sectoral analysis in the ASEAN economies

The study inspects the seven sectors of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) economies to explore the impact of consumption of clean energy, green bonds, and green economic advancement on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices to attain sustainable development goals (SDGs). The ESG aspects are individually explored from 2011 to 2020. It is observed that the key determinants of ESG practices are green economic advancement, clean energy, and green financing. Moreover, these determinants positively and significantly track the ASEAN economies toward attaining SDGs. The determinants play a vital role in sustainable advancement even when explored individually using different regression models. The linkages between the explanatory and outcome variables remain consistent after controlling other variables like climate regulatory quality, foreign direct investment, and gross domestic product. The study provides solid implications for stakeholders, environmental activists, and governments of ASEAN economies. The findings also infer sustainable business practices via creating an association between ESG practices, green economy, clean energy, and green financing.

The Status Quo, Dilemma, and Transformation Path of the Carbon Neutrality-Related Policy of the ASEAN

After joining the globalization initiative, countries from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have experienced an exponential growth in carbon emissions. The high carbon lock-in of the energy consumption structure and lagged energy infrastructure construction have led to high carbon emissions, which has put great pressure on ASEAN countries to reduce their carbon emissions. To achieve the goal of carbon neutrality by the middle of this century, ASEAN countries have successively formulated strategic guidelines for energy transformation and green development, focusing on the structural transformation of energy development and utilization, a coal decommissioning plan, grid interconnection, the electrification of urban transportation patterns, energy conservation, consumption reduction, and international technological cooperation. ASEAN countries still face many challenges in achieving their carbon neutrality targets, including unstable policies, poor environmental awareness among residents, poor guarantee for energy transformation, disconnection between technology and capital, and difficulties in regional coordination. These are reflected in the obvious carbon lock-in effect and the strong dependence on carbon in traditional industries. ASEAN countries are seeking a balance of interests in the Sino–US infrastructure game. In this context, China, as an advocate of South–South cooperation, is committed to expanding the cooperation with ASEAN countries on carbon neutrality in the following aspects: the development and utilization of renewable energy resources, formulation of a progressive grid interconnection plan, establishment of the green financial system, and research and development of green technologies. The purpose is to help ASEAN countries achieve their goals of carbon neutrality.