The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre is all set to host the 47th Asean Summit as it welcomes world leaders, including US President Donald Trump. But how much do you really know about Asean – beyond the periodic road closures, rallies, and heightened security?
Twentytwo13 takes a look at some interesting facts about Asean.
What is Asean?
Asean stands for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It is an intergovernmental organisation that seeks to promote economic stability and cooperation among Southeast Asian countries.
When was Asean formed?
On Aug 8, 1967. The founding foreign ministers – Adam Malik of Indonesia, Narciso R. Ramos of the Philippines, Tun Abdul Razak of Malaysia, S. Rajaratnam of Singapore, and Thanat Khoman of Thailand – gathered in Bangkok to sign the Asean Declaration.
What is the declaration about?
The Asean Declaration outlines the organisation’s aims and purposes in promoting cooperation in the economic, social, cultural, technical, and educational fields, as well as in fostering regional peace and stability through respect for justice, the rule of law, and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter.
Who designed the Asean emblem?
Mohammad Radzi Hanif, a student from the then Mara Institute of Technology, won a design competition held in 1977-1978 when he was 22. The logo features a sheaf of padi, symbolising unity, as rice is a staple food in the region. In a 2020 interview posted on Asean’s Facebook account, Radzi explained: “Padi is a good choice that unifies everyone. When people reap padi, they bind it – a sheaf becomes a unifying element of the economy shared by the initial five countries of Southeast Asia. Yellow ochre reminds us of matured padi, representing a group of Asians matured enough to look after themselves and understand that by standing alone, they cannot last. So, they have to unite.”
How has Asean grown since?
There are now 10 member states – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam – representing a young, digital-savvy population of about 700 million. Timor Leste is set to become Asean’s 11th member state.
Asean has developed economic ties with several major nations through various free trade agreements and is set to finalise the Digital Economy Framework Agreement, which aims to promote digital trade among member states and build an inclusive, equitable digital economy. There are also numerous collaborations in agriculture, technology, education, and youth-related initiatives.
But is Asean influential?
Associate Professor Dr Azeem Fazwan Ahmad Farouk of the Centre for Policy Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, believes Asean can become more relevant by focusing inward and exploring how member countries can better support one another. He cited the Asean Trade in Goods Agreement (Atiga), which still has restrictions – unlike the European Union (EU) that allows the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital.
While the Thailand-Cambodia border clash was quickly resolved, Asean continues to struggle with the crisis in Myanmar following the 2021 coup d’état. As Asean Chair this year, Malaysia has engaged with Myanmar stakeholders twice – in February and May. According to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, the Asean Troika mechanism meeting on Myanmar is expected to convene today in Kuala Lumpur.
Will there be a total lockdown in Kuala Lumpur? What about the protests?
No, there will not be a total lockdown in Kuala Lumpur. There will, however, be periodic road closures due to the movements of world leaders.
Several anti-Trump protests have been planned starting today. Security in and around the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre has been heightened. In addition to physical measures such as scanners at the venue’s entrances, police will also monitor cybersecurity, airspace control, and high-risk areas throughout the 47th Summit.
