Association Of Southeast Asian Nations Member Countries Research Articles

Study of future power interconnection scheme in ASEAN

The current energy supply trajectory in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region is not sustainable. Factors such as rising standards of living and demographic patterns, including population growth, lead to continuous increase in power demand, which is difficult to meet using limited fossil fuel resources. Thus, a transition toward clean energy sources is needed in the region. While ASEAN member countries are rich in clean energy resources, such resources are located far from demand centers; thus, allocation of clean energy is necessary to increase its utilization. In this study, power demand is forecasted using a combination of prediction methods. A model to evaluate the installed capacity and power exchange potential is proposed to deal with mismatch between the location of the clean energy base and the load center. Furthermore, the concept of cross-regional allocation of clean energy between the ASEAN region, China, and South Asia is presented. A power interconnection scheme among the ASEAN member countries as well as neighboring countries is proposed based on the power exchange potential. The proposed grid interconnection scheme contributes to the utilization of clean energy in the ASEAN region, increasing the proportion of clean energy in the generation mix, which ensures that the region becomes a sustainable and resilient society with a clean and low carbon development route. Furthermore, the proposed power interconnection scheme will generate valuable economic, social, environmental, and resource allocation benefits.

The Rohingyas: ASEAN’s Image and Responsibility

Citizens enjoy protections and different kinds of rights in a country as its nationals. The stateless people,who are denied citizenships to any country, are deprived of such kinds of protections and rights, even thefundamental human rights. Among all the minority groups of the world, the United Nations considers theRohingyas of the Arakan in Myanmar as one of the most persecuted one. They have been deprived ofcitizenship of their country for long. They see a bleak future for them when the people of the Associationof Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are eagerly waiting for a greater regional identity. The Rohingyasare deprived of fundamental human rights and are victims of state persecution policies. This factcontradicts with the regional value creation endeavors of the ASEAN. This paper is based on a review ofthe relevant literature on the issue. It looks into the origin of the so called ‘statelessness’ of theRohingyas, examines the international legal framework for the protection of the stateless people ingeneral, and the commitment of the individual ASEAN member countries to that legal framework as wellas the ASEAN’s role as a regional forum.

Cancer Attributable to Tobacco Smoking in Member Countries of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Year 2018

South East Asia is one of the world’s largest tobacco epidemic regions which tobacco smoking is known increase the risk of various diseases, including cancer. As data from GLOBOCAN 2018 has had released on September 2018, the aim of this study are to calculate the estimated burden of several types of cancer attribu to tobacco smoking in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2018 and compare it with established result data in 2012. So it can be highlight what has been achieved and what it needs to be addressed by member countries of ASEAN to strengthen cancer prevention against tobacco smoking. This study was using descriptive epidemiological incidence and prevalence-based research design to estimate the burden of 14 types of cancer attributable to tobacco smoking in member countries of ASEAN, in term of incidence and mortality. The cancer incidence and mortality data gained from GLOBOCAN 2018. According to the estimation, tobacco smoking was responsible for 121,849 new cancer cases in 2018 (106,858 male and 14,991 female cases) in ASEAN 2018. Our findings are mostly lower than previous study in 2012, both for cancer incidence and mortality in male and female. It seems more ASEAN member states are adopting effective policies in the MPOWER suite of interventions such as raising taxes on tobacco, establishing smoke-free areas and implementing graphic health warnings in decreasing number of tobacco smoking. Therefore, ASEAN member countries are strongly encouraged to strengthen the existing tobacco control measure in order to effectively gain a significant decline of tobacco smoking related cancer in the future.

The volatility model of the ASEAN Stock Indexes

This research study examines the characteristics of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) volatility of stock indexes. The following models are used in this research: Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (GARCH), Exponential Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (EGARCH), Fractionally Integrated Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (FIGARCH), Glosten Jaganathan Runkle Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (GJR-GARCH), and Multifractal Model of Asset Return (MMAR). The research also used the data from the ASEAN country members’ (the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand) stock indexes for the period from January 2002 until 31 January 2016 to determine the suitable model.Meanwhile, the results of the MMAR parameter showed that the returns of the countries have a characteristic called long-term memory. The authors found that the scaling exponents are associated with the characteristics of the specific markets including the ASEAN member countries and can be used to differentiate markets in their stage of development. Finally, the simulated data are compared with the original data by scaling function where most of the stock markets of the selected ASEAN countries have long-term memory with the scaling behavior of information asymmetry. Some of the countries such as the Philippines and Indonesia have their own alternative models using GARCH and EGARCH due to the possibility of leverage. Generally, MMAR is the best model for use in ASEAN market, because this model considered Hurst exponent as a parameter of long-term memory that indicates persistent behavior.

Incidence and Mortality of Cancers Related to Secondhand Smoking in Southeast Asia Countries

Background:Secondhand smoke has been a big problem for human being worldwide as it is well-established risk factors for cancers. ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) bear high burden of cancers since the high prevalence of secondhand smoke. The objective of this study is to estimate the burden of cancer attributable to secondhand smoking in ASEAN.Methods:This research was using descriptive epidemiological incidence and prevalence-based research design, with cancers incidence and mortality data gained from GLOBOCAN 2012. Secondhand smoke attributable fractions (SAFs) of six cancers (lung, bladder, colorectal, stomach, pancreas and larynx) were estimated and burden of cancers caused by secondhand smoking in ASEAN were calculated in term of incidence and mortality.Results:Secondhand smoking estimated for 453,562 cancer cases and 323,284 of total cancer mortality in 2012. The number of incidence and death of lung cancer attributable to secondhand smoking show the highest number compared with other type of cancers. Furthermore, we found that the number of cancer cases and cancer deaths attributable to secondhand smoking varied by each countries due to differences in size of population, various background risk of the cancer, and prevalence of secondhand smoking in each country.Conclusion:Secondhand smoking has been a risk factor for about two-fifth of cancer incidence and mortality in ASEAN. Therefore, ASEAN member countries are strongly encouraged to put in place stronger tobacco control policies and to strengthen the existing tobacco control measure in order to decrease the number of secondhand smokers and more effectively control cancers.

Southeast Asia and Africa – Trade and Investment Relations in the XXIst Century

In the twenty-first century African countries have not only taken a significant step forward in their economic development as a whole, but have also strengthened their positions in the world economy. One manifestation of this is the emergence of new foreign economic partners for African countries. African countries have become more interesting, not only for Asian giants – China and India, but also for Southeast Asia countries, which have just recently started their outward expansion. The main purpose of this study is to create an initial, most general panorama of how trade and investment relations between the Southeast Asian and African countries developed in the new century. As regard for trade, we used a quite complete statistical database under the auspices of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN). Southeast Asia was represented by all 10 of ASEAN member-countries. The African continent was portrayed by 47 countries. A comprehensive analysis of the statistical data showed that the trade operations of Southeast Asian countries with their African partners were profitable for them: in 2010–2016 they had a permanent surplus on these operations. It was found that in 2010–2016. the main partners of African countries were Thailand (with turnover of 69 billion dollars.). Singapore ($64 billion)) and Malaysia ($48 billion).). Companies from Southeast Asian countries expect to expand on the African continent, taking into account, in particular, the following factors: the need to enlarge and diversify their imports of oil and gas. as well as some types of industrial raw materials that are not available in Southeast Asia; constantly growing opportunities to expand exports of their goods, in order to meet growing consumer demand in African countries; Southeast Asian exporters expect a significant expansion of their exports following the entry into force of the African Continental Free Trade Area) in 2022. As for investment links, we were forced to gather by trifles everything concerned about Southeast Asian investments on African continent. Reliable generalizing statistics on this segment of economic relations either do not exist, or it is not available to research community. As a result of monitoring of investment contacts, it was possible to collect the final material giving a short overview of this process.

Hunger and Psychobehavioural Problems Among Adolescents in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Member Countries

Background: The prevalence of undernourishment or hunger is 9.6% in the association of southeast asian nations (ASEAN). Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of hunger and its psychobehavioural correlates among adolescents in ASEAN member countries, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Philippines, and Vietnam. Methods: The analysis was based on a cross sectional survey of 30 197 school-aged children (13 - 15 years) from 7 ASEAN countries participating in the global school-based student health survey (GSHS) during 2007 - 2013. Results: Regarding the overall prevalence of hunger, 56.9% of the subjects experienced hunger over the past month (rarely to always), while 4.2% were hungry most of the time or always (high hunger status). The prevalence of high hunger status ranged from 0.9% in Vietnam to 7.9% in Cambodia. In the adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis, increased frequency of hunger in the past month was associated with psychological distress (loneliness, OR: 2.96, CI: 2.16 - 4.04; suicidal ideation, OR: 1.51, CI: 1.13 - 2.03; anxiety, OR: 3.42, CI: 2.54 - 4.62), substance use (tobacco use, OR: 1.90, CI: 1.34 - 2.41; alcohol use, OR: 1.76, CI: 1.32 - 2.35), behavioural problems (truancy, OR: 2.54, CI: 1.94 - 3.32; bully victimization, OR: 2.31, CI: 1.77 - 3.01; involvement in physical fights, OR: 2.57, CI: 1.97 - 3.35), and serious injury in the past year (OR: 2.61, CI: 2.00 - 3.41). Conclusions: In order to improve psychobehavioural health among adolescents in ASEAN member countries, the possible contribution of hunger or food insecurity should be taken into account.

Code of Conduct in the South China Sea: More Discord than Accord

ABSTRACTIn a departure from its previous stance, China, in August 2017 during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers' meeting, stated that it Beijing was willing to discuss the possibility of re-engaging in a dialogue on the Code of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea. The CoC is not a new idea in the region in terms of finding an amicable solution to the South China Sea dispute, which involves China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, and the Philippines. In 2002, China and the ASEAN member countries officially engaged in formalising the CoC for the first time. However, the CoC finally agreed to was non-binding in nature. While the decision recently taken by the ASEAN countries and China in restarting the negotiations to discuss the CoC again has been seen as a positive move, it is widely believed that, keeping in view China's assertive posture, it is not likely to agree to the CoC anytime soon.This paper discusses the origin and evolution of the CoC in the South China Sea, provides an analysis of China's behaviour with regard to the CoC, and concludes by listing the future prospects for the CoC in the South China Sea.

Designing a Virtual Learning Environment System for Teaching Twenty-First Century Skills to Higher Education Students in ASEAN

The proliferation of digital media now allows for learning to take place anywhere and anytime. The use of mobile devices and 3D virtual classrooms provides an integrated environment for effective learning. This study aims to examine the necessary factors for developing an effective virtual learning environment (VLE) system and to examine the effectiveness of the VLE system developed to enhance the range of twenty-first century skills of higher education students in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) community. As a part of this study, four hundred higher education instructors completed questionnaires which were analyzed statistically using Exploratory Factor Analysis to determine the core factors which were then incorporated into the development of a VLE system. The system was tested on a sample of 90 volunteer undergraduate students from 5 ASEAN member countries. Data analysis using dependent t test indicated that there was a statistical difference between pre and post self-assessment scores of the twenty-first century skills in learning and innovation at the 0.05 level of significance. The finding and result were consistent with and could be supported by the results of behavior and trace observations and project assignments. In this paper, the 7 elements of the VLE system and 7 steps involved in its development are discussed, in addition to proposals for further implementation.

Stock Market Integration as a part of Financial Market in the ASEAN Economic Community

This paper is trying to assess whether the stock market in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries, among others Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Philippine, Malaysia, and Vietnam, are integrated monthly data from January 2000 until August 2014. To support that analysis, a somewhat similar approached is done for the foreign exchange market in the same ASEAN member countries. The empirical results suggest that the ASEAN stock markets are co-integrated (except Philippines). Also, there is a positive relationship between Indonesia's and other ASEAN member countries' foreign exchange market. Those analysis were done in relationship with the new regional condition, faced by the new government just recently elected, that is, the ASEAN common market, which would be implemented in 2015.

Spatial Estimation of the Nexus between the PRCCs Foreign Direct Investment and ASEANNs Growth

Forging closer economic relations between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) over the last 2 decades has contributed to building a stronger ASEAN economy. It is particularly important to know how the PRC’s foreign direct investment responds to ASEAN’s economic performance. This study investigates the causal relationship between the PRC’s foreign direct investment and economic growth among the 10 ASEAN member countries from 1995 to 2013. Panel unit root tests, a spatial panel vector autoregressive model, and spatial Granger causality are employed as empirical techniques for spatial panel estimation. The empirical results reveal that the PRC’s direct investment in ASEAN caused economic growth in ASEAN, and economic growth in ASEAN resulted in the PRC’s direct investment in ASEAN. This finding raises potentially interesting external investment policy implications.

Burden of cancer attributable to tobacco smoking in member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), 2012

BackgroundCancer is an increasing problem in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). Tobacco use is a well-established risk factor for many types of cancers. Evidence on burden of cancer attributable to tobacco is essential to raise public and political awareness of the negative effects of tobacco on cancer and to be used to stimulate political action aims at reducing smoking prevalence in ASEAN member countries. The objective of this study was to estimate burden of cancer attributable to tobacco smoking in ASEAN, 2012. MethodsIn this study, smoking prevalence was combined with Relative Risks (RRs) of cancer to obtain Smoking Attributable Fractions (SAFs). Cancer incidence and mortality data among individuals aged 15 years and older were derived from GLOBOCAN 2012. Fourteen types of cancer were included in the analysis. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine the impact of the use of alternative RRs and the use of alternative prevalence of smoking in some countries. ResultsThe findings showed that tobacco smoking was responsible for 131,502 cancer incidence and 105,830 cancer mortality in ASEAN countries in 2012. In other words, tobacco smoking was accounted for 28.4% (43.3% in male and 8.5% in female) of cancer incidence and 30.5% (44.2% in male and 9.4% in female) of cancer mortality in ASEAN. When looking at the types of cancer, lung cancer showed the strongest association with tobacco smoking. Incidence of cancer and cancer mortality attributable to tobacco smoking varied by countries due to the differences in size of population, background risk of cancer, and prevalence of smoking in each country. According to the sensitivity analyses, RRs of lung cancer, pharynx cancer, and larynx cancer used in the estimates have significant impact on the estimates. ConclusionsAs about one-third of cancer incidence and mortality in ASEAN are attributable to tobacco smoking ASEAN member countries are strongly encouraged to put in place stronger tobacco control policies and to strengthen the existing tobacco control measure in order to effectively control cancer.

International Best Practice for Emissions and Fuel Standards: Implementation Possibilities for ASEAN

This paper assesses the role that both vehicle emissions and fuel standards can play in moderating the projected increase in emission of pollutants from the road transport sector of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries by adopting international best practice as it currently stands. It concludes that much could be done within ASEAN to align with international best practice in terms of vehicle emission regulations in the transport sector. In addition, exploring alternative fuels such as natural gas, ethanol, and biodiesel could also offer substantial benefits in reducing air pollutants and emissions in the short term as member countries develop their refining capabilities to produce ultra-low sulphur fuel. Until then, it is likely that vehicle emission regulations may be held back at the Euro III (3) level. Despite that limitation, improving existing motorcycle emission regulations could provide abatement possibilities, while also improving local ambient conditions. Recognizing that international best practice is limited for motorcycle emission regulations, ASEAN member countries could play a key role in drafting and possibly shaping such emission standards.

Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisition (CBMAs): A Review on Top Six ASEAN Country CBMA Players

Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions (CBMAs) are one of the vehicles for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and remain a popular external growth strategies by firms worldwide. However, World Investment Report 2015 (UNCTAD, 2015) reports a slight decrease of 16% in global FDI for year 2014. Nevertheless, FDI inflow to emerging economies especially the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries increase by 5%. With the intensity of CBMAs in ASEAN member countries, this paper reviews the six ASEAN member countries which actively involved in CBMAs from January 2002 to December 2014. Discussion is also centered on how the main research stream on CBMAs (antecedents, impact of CBMA and determinants of firm performance) relates to CBMA trends by ASEAN member countries. Corporate governance spillover hypothesis is anticipated to explain the CBMA motivations of the ASEAN firms and also the variation in ASEAN firms' performance following CBMAs.

Assessing Energy Security Using Indicator-Based Analysis: The Case of ASEAN Member Countries

Using indicator-based assessment, this study examines the energy security of nine Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries to see how it has evolved over the past 12 years and identifies a country-specific energy security context for each country. The assessment uses 42 energy security indicators, which can be separated into five components: overall energy balance, socio-economic aspect, domestic energy resources, overseas energy demands and resources, and diversification of energy supply. The findings show different energy security situations among ASEAN member nations that are a result of national energy contexts, specifically uneven economic and energy infrastructure developments. The context, at a national level, affects the connotation of energy security and the interpretation of the indicators, which reflects different primary issues of concern regarding energy security. At the international level, due to the diversity, the interconnection of intra-regional energy markets could contribute to energy self-reliance of the region. Adversely, the difference could hinder the prospect of cooperation due to the lack of consensus on shared value.

Universal health coverage in ‘One ASEAN’: are migrants included?

BackgroundAs the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) gears toward full regional integration by 2015, the cross-border mobility of workers and citizens at large is expected to further intensify in the coming years. While ASEAN member countries have already signed the Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers, the health rights of migrants still need to be addressed, especially with ongoing universal health coverage (UHC) reforms in most ASEAN countries. This paper seeks to examine the inclusion of migrants in the UHC systems of five ASEAN countries which exhibit diverse migration profiles and are currently undergoing varying stages of UHC development.DesignA scoping review of current migration trends and policies as well as ongoing UHC developments and migrant inclusion in UHC in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand was conducted.ResultsIn general, all five countries, whether receiving or sending, have schemes that cover migrants to varying extents. Thailand even allows undocumented migrants to opt into its Compulsory Migrant Health Insurance scheme, while Malaysia and Singapore are still yet to consider including migrants in their government-run UHC systems. In terms of predominantly sending countries, the Philippines's social health insurance provides outbound migrants with portable insurance yet with limited benefits, while Indonesia still needs to strengthen the implementation of its compulsory migrant insurance which has a health insurance component. Overall, the five ASEAN countries continue to face implementation challenges, and will need to improve on their UHC design in order to ensure genuine inclusion of migrants, including undocumented migrants. However, such reforms will require strong political decisions from agencies outside the health sector that govern migration and labor policies. Furthermore, countries must engage in multilateral and bilateral dialogue as they redefine UHC beyond the basis of citizenship and reimagine UHC systems that transcend national borders.ConclusionsBy enhancing migrant coverage, ASEAN countries can make UHC systems truly ‘universal’. Migrant inclusion in UHC is a human rights imperative, and it is in ASEAN's best interest to protect the health of migrants as it pursues the path toward collective social progress and regional economic prosperity.

The Impact of Transferring Military Confrontation to Economic Cooperation for Economic Growth - ASEAN Panel Analysis

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is one of the three major economic regions besides the North American Free Trade Area (NAFTA) and the European Union (EU). In addition to regional economic integration, the formation of ASEAN has the special characteristics of transferring force confrontation to economic cooperation. The impacts of defense spending on economic growth of six ASEAN countries are measured through panel data. Results show that reduction of defense spending significantly increases economic growth which means that the change from military opposition to economic cooperation in ASEAN member countries helps the economic development of these six countries.

Third Seminar on Understanding Islam ( 22 April 2014 , Kuala Lumpur )

On 22 April 2014, a group of twenty officers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries participated in a one-day seminar, entitled Understanding Islam, organized jointly by Prime Minister’s Department of Malaysia (JPM) and the International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS) Malaysia at Sekolah Latihan JPM, Jalan Lengkok Bellamy, Kuala Lumpur. This third intensive training programme for ASEAN member countries oriented toward two essential issues in the contemporary discourse on Islam, which are the Islamic principle of waa¹£aa¹­A«yyah and the contemporary Sunni-Shi‘ah tension. The delegates were welcomed by Datuk Hasanah Binti Abd Hamid, Director General of Research Division, Prime Minister’s Department. The subject of waa¹£aa¹­A«yyah or moderation and balance in Islam, and its relevance to contemporary calamities had been conferred by two prominent scholars, Professor Dr. Mohammad Hashim Kamali, CEO of IAIS Malaysia, and Professor Dr. Tan Sri M. Kamal Hassan, International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC).

Exchange Rate Volatility and Intra‐Asia Trade: Evidence by Type of Goods

AbstractThis paper examines the impact of intra‐Asia exchange rate volatility on intra‐Asia trade in primary goods, intermediate goods, equipment goods and consumption goods from 1980 to 2009. For Asia, the evidence shows that as intraregional exchange rate volatility increases, intraregional exports in these goods fall. This adverse impact is even more pronounced in the subregion of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)+5 comprising ASEAN member countries plus the People's Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; Japan; the Republic of Korea; and Taipei, China; and especially among intermediate and equipment exports. Again, the impact magnifies in an even smaller subgroup excluding the smaller ASEAN economies. These results underline the significant impact of exchange rate volatility on the region's production networks. For South Asia, however, exchange rate volatility appears to have a positive impact on exports. Still, caution is warranted given that South Asian economies trade relatively little with each other.

The Effect of China and the Factors Affecting Foreign Direct Investments in Asean Countries

Foreign direct investment (FDI) plays an important role in bolstering economic growth. It acts as a pillar in supporting the industrialization and economic development of countries. The objectives of this study are to: (a) Recognise factors aff ecting FDI in countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region and (b) examine the eff ect of China’s entry into the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on the FDI in ASEAN countries. The Vector Autoregressive method (VAR) was applied to establish the factors that had signifi cant impacts on FDI infl ows over the period 1980–2010 for these countries. Apart from the conventional variables, such as market size, labour cost, interest rates, exchanges rates, corporate tax rates, and degree of openness, this study incorporates another variable, that is, the event of China joining the WTO. This is to determine whether the entry of China into WTO had any impact on FDI in the ASEAN region. The result reveals that, fi rstly, only market size is not a signifi cant factor in determining the FDI infl ows for all the ASEAN countries being studied (i.e. Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and, Thailand). Secondly, most of the ASEAN member countries’ FDI are infl uenced by China’s entry into WTO in 2001. Keywords: China, ASEAN, WTO, VAR, Foreign direct investment.