Asean History, Roles, Goals, Trends

Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
ISO 9001:2015 CERTIFIED
COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
1st Written Output in GE 3

The Contemporary World
History, Rules, Goals and Trends of The

Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN)
Columbrillo, Arabella Kaye

Estrella, Angela Mae A.
Evangelista, Justine Alexandra A.
Ramos, Hannah Grace J.
BS ARCHITECTURE – 2C
Sir Levie T. Vidad

Instructor
NEUST-AAF-F001
Rev.01 (10.15.2019) Transforming Communities through Science and Technology
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations
ASEAN is an international organization that was

formed to accelerate economic growth, social progress, and
cultural development in Southeast Asia. Aside from that, it
was also established to promote peace and security. The
ASEAN region has a number of 600 million members and
covers a total area of 1.7 million square miles. It has
replaced the Association of South East Asia (ASA) in
Image Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emblem_of_ASEAN
1961, another organization that Philippines, Thailand, and
Former Federation of Malaya. Their projects center on economic cooperation, the promotion
of trade among ASEAN countries and the rest of the world. They also aim for programs that
focus on joint research and technical cooperation among member governments.(Moon, 2024).
It currently has 10 member states: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao

PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam.
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History of ASEAN
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional grouping that
aims to promote economic and security cooperation among its ten members. The ASEAN
was founded on August 8, 1967, emerged from the Association of Southeast Asia (ASA). The
five Foreign Ministers signed the ASEAN declaration also know as the bangkok declaration
– Adam Malik of Indonesia, Narciso R. Ramos of the Philippines, Tun Abdul Razak of
Malaysia, S. Rajaratnam of Singapore, and Thanat Khoman of Thailand. came together with
the shared goal of fostering stability, economic development, and collaboration among the
nations of Southeast Asia, who were emerging from periods of colonial rule and Cold War
tensions.
In its early stages, ASEAN prioritized building trust and camaraderie among its
member states through open dialogue and cooperative efforts. The signing of the Bangkok
Declaration marked the inception of ASEAN and outlined its core principles, emphasizing
the importance of respecting sovereignty, refraining from interfering in internal affairs, and
resolving conflicts through peaceful means.
Over the subsequent decades, ASEAN expanded its membership to include Brunei
Darussalam (1984), Vietnam (1995), Laos (1997), Myanmar (1997), and Cambodia (1999),
demonstrating its commitment to fostering regional unity and cooperation.
In addition to fostering economic collaboration, such as through initiatives like the ASEAN
Free Trade Area (AFTA), ASEAN has also been instrumental in promoting political stability
and security in the region. Mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the
East Asia Summit (EAS) have been established to address security challenges and facilitate
dialogue among regional powers.
Despite encountering various challenges over time, such as internal conflicts,
economic disparities, and transnational threats like terrorism and natural disasters, ASEAN
has continued to evolve and adapt. Today, it plays a central role in shaping the political,
economic, and security landscape of Southeast Asia, remaining steadfast in its commitment to
advancing peace, stability, and prosperity through collaborative efforts and collective action.
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Role of ASEAN
ASEAN aims to promote cooperation and integration among its member states in
including political security, economic growth, social progress, and cultural development.
ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)
1. Creating a single market and production base.
ASEAN seeks to eliminate barrier in trades among the member states creating a smooth flow
of good and services within the region.It is through AFTA or ASEAN Free Trade Agreement
and ACIA or ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement which are trade agreements
that reduces the tarrif and non tarrifbarrier of trade of goods making it easier for the business
to operate across the borders.
2. Enhancing equitable economic development
Refers to the goal of promoting fair and balanced economic growth across all sectors and
regions within the ASEAN member states.
Example is MSME’s or Micro, small and medium enterprises which is the major source of
jobs contributing to the economic growth.Hence, MSME’s are prone to facing challenges of
having limited Access to finance, technology and market. ASEANaddresses this needs by
empowering tgem with the necessary support and resources.
3. Facilitating the integration into the global economy
Across the region, ASEAN not only helps its member countries but also engages in free trade
with other countries worldwide. For example, there’s the RCEP or Regional Comprehensive
Economic Partnership, which is a free trade agreement between ASEAN and its six dialogue
partners such as China, South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and India.
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4. Competitive economic region
Creating a Competitive Economic Region refers to the efforts of ASEAN to foster an

environment where member states can compete effectively in the global economy. This
involves implementing policies and initiatives to enhance productivity, innovation, and the
overall business environment within the region. ASEAN aims to attract investment, promote
entrepreneurship, and develop industries that can compete internationally, thereby
contributing to economic growth and prosperity for its member states.
ASEAN Political Security Community (ASPC)
APSC aims to ensure that countries in the region live at peace with one another, and
with the world in a just, democratic, and harmonious environment. For example, establishing
diplomatic relationships with member states is important so that they can have mutual
agreements and understanding on how they should act and behave towards each other to
avoid disputes and conflicts, especially wars. Additionally, when there's an act of terrorism,
each member state also helps in resolving it.
ASEAN Socio-cultural Community (ASCC)
It Promotes social progress and cultural development through various initiatives

aimed at enhancing education, healthcare, and human resource development in the region. It
also addresses social issues such as poverty alleviation and gender equality and youth
empowerment.
Education is a key focus area for ASEAN, with initiatives such as the ASEAN Work
Plan on Education and the ASEAN Youth Program promoting cooperation in education
policy, curriculum development, and student exchange programs among member states.
Healthcare is another priority for ASEAN, with initiatives such as the ASEAN Declaration on
Strengthening Social Protection promoting cooperation in healthcare financing, delivery, and
access to essential health services in the region.
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Human resource development is essential for promoting economic growth and

prosperity in ASEAN. Through initiatives such as the ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Work
Programme and the ASEAN Framework for Equitable Economic Development, ASEAN
promotes skills development, employment creation, and social protection for workers in the
region.
Environmental Sustainability
Addresses environmental challenges and promotes sustainable development and

focuses on biodiversity protection, climate change mitigation, and renewable energy.
One of ASEAN’s key environmental initiatives is the ASEAN Agreement on

Transboundary Haze Pollution, which aims to address the issue of transboundary haze
pollution caused by forest fires and land-clearing activities in the region. Through this
agreement, ASEAN member states cooperate to prevent and mitigate the impact of haze
pollution on public health, the environment, and the economy.
ASEAN also promotes sustainable resource management practices through initiatives

such as the ASEAN Strategic Plan on Environment, which sets out priorities and actions for
environmental protection and conservation in the region.
Additionally, ASEAN works to promote green growth and renewable energy through
initiatives such as the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation and the ASEAN
Cooperation on Renewable Energy.
Disaster Management and Emergency Response
Strengthens disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and response mechanisms.

It also facilitates joint disaster relief operations and humanitarian assistance.
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Goles of ASEAN
1. To expedite economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the

region
2. while also fostering regional peace, stability, justice, and adherence to the United
Nations Charter
Trends of ASEAN (as of January and February 2024)
January 27, 2024 | ASEAN launches action roadmap for sustainable tourism
development
The ASEAN Tourism Ministers, supported by the Economic Research Institute for
ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), have developed, and endorsed the Action Roadmap for
Sustainable Tourism Development in ASEAN. The Roadmap aims to provide guidance to
ASEAN Member States (AMS) and relevant stakeholders in promoting sustainable tourism
practices, strengthen collaboration, and enhance the region’s competitiveness as a sustainable
tourism destination.
Building upon the ASEAN Framework on Sustainable Tourism Development released
in early 2023, the Roadmap serves as a comprehensive and long-term strategic plan for the
region. It outlines the strategies and actions necessary to achieve sustainability objectives
within the regional tourism industry.
While the Framework aimed at establishing a long-term vision for sustainable tourism
development in ASEAN, defining the overarching operational goal, strategic goals, guiding
principles, and key pillars, the Roadmap takes it a step further. It provides stakeholders with
the necessary strategies, actions, and best practices to achieve the key priorities identified
through consultations and surveys.
As a regional guiding framework, the roadmap enables AMS to align their individual
sustainable tourism strategies with the overarching goals of ASEAN. This approach fosters a
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cohesive and integrated approach to sustainable tourism development in the region,

encompassing both country-level and region-wide activities.
February 2 | ASEAN Digital Ministers calls for Building Inclusive and Trusted Digital
Ecosystem
The 4th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting (ADGMIN) and Related Meetings with
Dialogue Partners, ITU and APT took place on 30 January – 2 February in Singapore.
The four-day event, chaired by Singapore as ADGMIN Chair for 2024, was attended
by ASEAN Deputy Secretary General for Economic Community, Satvinder Singh. The
4th ADGMIN theme “Building an Inclusive and Trusted Digital Ecosystem” was considered
timely in advancing ASEAN’s vision in building a digital community and economic bloc
empowered by secure and transformative digital services, technologies and ecosystem, as
highlighted in the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 (ADM2025).
The meeting recognised that the digital divide remains a formidable challenge to
elevate the region’s economic integration. It further acknowledged that building an
inclusive digital ecosystem is a whole-community movement that would require multiple
stakeholder’s collaboration including policy makers and the private sector.
The meeting approved the ASEAN Digital Senior Officials’ Meeting (ADGSOM) –
ASEAN Telecommunications Regulators’ Council (ATRC) Key Deliverables for 2023,
ADGSOM-ATRC Work Plan and Budget for 2024, the Annual Priority for the 2024 Work
Cycle, and noted or endorsed the projects or activities with dialogue partners namely China,
Japan, ROK, India, U.S., ITU and APT for the 2024 Work Cycle. On 2 February, the
ADGMIN and China welcomed the ASEAN-China Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
on Cooperation in Communications, Digital and Technology for 2024-2029.
The launch of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) in
2023 marked a significant milestone to leapfrog its digital transformation and address the
issue on digital inclusivity and trust, positioning ASEAN as a pioneering region that forge s
a legally binding agreement to foster a unified digital economy.
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According to estimates by the Boston Consulting Group, ASEAN DEFA is

projected to elevate ASEAN’s digital economy from USD 1 trillion to a formidable USD 2
trillion by 2030. With the ADM2025 reaching its halfway mark, the meeting welcomed
recommendations of the ADM2025 mid-term review study, which assessed and offered
insights for the subsequent stages of the Masterplan’s execution. The mid-term review
study also will serve as a baseline for formulating the next ASEAN Digital Masterplan for
2026-2030.
February 6 | Secretary-General of ASEAN ceremonially receives the Philippines’

Contribution to assist Myanmar’s Recovery from Cyclone Mocha
Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Kao Kim Hourn this afternoon participated in the
ceremonial handover of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines’ financial assistance to
help Myanmar in its recovery process in dealing with the aftermath of the post-tropical
Cyclone Mocha that made landfall in Myanmar in May 2023. The ceremony was held at the
ASEAN Secretariat, where both the Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Philippines to
ASEAN Hjayceelyn M. Quintana and Dr. Kao delivered remarks. Dr. Kao has assumed the role of
the Secretary-General of ASEAN as the ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance Coordinator (SG-
AHAC) to support for recovery activities in Cyclone-affected areas in Myanmar. The contribution
of the Government of the Philippines and the roles of SG-AHAC shows that ASEAN stands in
solidarity with the affected communities, and reaffirms ASEAN’s commitment to the
implementation of the “One ASEAN One Response”, particularly in mobilising greater resources in
ensuring ASEAN’s collective response to disasters.
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Feb 16 | ASEAN welcomes two new Deputy Secretaries-General
ASEAN welcomed Dato’ Astanah Abdul Aziz as Deputy Secretary-General (DSG)

for ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) and Mr Nararya S. Soeprapto as DSG of
ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs (CCAD) in a ceremony today.
The two DSGs were sworn in through oath-taking ceremonies, presided by Secretary-
General of ASEAN Dr Kao Kim Hourn. The ceremonies marked the official beginning of
their respective three-year term as DSG, from 2024 to 2027.
Prior to assuming this new position, DSG Astanah served various appointments at the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia. Her most recent appointment was the Ambassador
of Malaysia to the Kingdom of Morocco, with the concurrent accreditation to the Islamic
Republic of Mauritania. She also served at the Permanent Mission of Malaysia to the United
Nations in New York. DSG Astanah holds a bachelor’s degree in laws from the University of
Malaya, and a Diploma in Public Administration from the Malaysian Institute of Public
Administration. In her new role, she will support the Secretary-General of ASEAN in
managing cooperation in political and security relations with Member States, ASEAN
Dialogue Partners, Sectoral Dialogue Partners, Development Partner as well as the
international and regional organisations. She will look after the implementation of the APSC
Blueprint 2025 and will be leading the APSC Department at ASEC.
For DSG Nararya, he brings with him 29 years of experience across various sectors,
including government, inter-governmental, private sector, and civil society. Prior to his
appointment, he served as a Strategic Advisor for one of Southeast Asia’s leading strategic
communications firms. DSG Nararya holds a Master of Arts in International Relations and
Diplomacy from Schiller International University, England, and a bachelor’s degree of Arts
in Management and International Studies, Webster University, Austria. As DSG for CCAD,
he will support the Secretary-General of ASEAN in providing strategic direction and
guidance on corporate, legal, and public affairs as well as overseeing various administrative
functions.
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As stated in the ASEAN Charter, the Secretary General of ASEAN shall be assisted
by four DSGs of different nationalities and shall come from four different ASEAN Member
States. Two DSGs are nominated by the ASEAN Member States on a rotational basis for a
non-renewable term of three years while two other DSGs are openly recruited based on merit
for a three-year term which may be renewed for another three years.
CONCLUSION
ASEAN is a valued organization, not only to Southeast Asian countries, but to also
non-Southeast Asian countries. It regulates and assures the harmony between countries,
preventing conflict to rise. ASEAN also supports its member states, acting as a bridge of
organized communication to highlight concerns and improvements. It can be described as a
stabilizing factor between countries, as it promotes cooperation and dialogue in order to
foster political and economic stability in Southeast Asia.
ASEAN also formed free trade agreements with its dialogue partners, facilitating
trade and investment flows, a testament to the growth of economy, as their aim to create a
single market and production base will make it easier for goods and services to flow.
Finally, ASEAN promotes cultural exchange among its countries, easing the
understanding the diversity within, creating a sense of community and strengthening the
solidarity among its member states.
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References:
About ASEAN. (n.d.). ASEAN. https://asean.org/
ASEAN Secretariat News. (n.d.). ASEAN. https://asean.org/
History. (n.d.). ASEAN. https://asean.org/
Moon, C.-I. (2024, February 13). ASEAN. Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/ASEAN
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Asean History, Roles, Goals, Trends

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Republic of the Philippines

NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1st Written Output in GE 3

History, Rules, Goals and Trends of The

Columbrillo, Arabella Kaye

Sir Levie T. Vidad

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations

ASEAN is an international organization that was

It currently has 10 member states: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao

ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)

1. Creating a single market and production base.

2. Enhancing equitable economic development

3. Facilitating the integration into the global economy

4. Competitive economic region

Creating a Competitive Economic Region refers to the efforts of ASEAN to foster an

ASEAN Political Security Community (ASPC)

ASEAN Socio-cultural Community (ASCC)

It Promotes social progress and cultural development through various initiatives

Human resource development is essential for promoting economic growth and

Addresses environmental challenges and promotes sustainable development and

One of ASEAN’s key environmental initiatives is the ASEAN Agreement on

ASEAN also promotes sustainable resource management practices through initiatives

Disaster Management and Emergency Response

Strengthens disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and response mechanisms.

1. To expedite economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the

Trends of ASEAN (as of January and February 2024)

cohesive and integrated approach to sustainable tourism development in the region,

According to estimates by the Boston Consulting Group, ASEAN DEFA is

February 6 | Secretary-General of ASEAN ceremonially receives the Philippines’

Feb 16 | ASEAN welcomes two new Deputy Secretaries-General

ASEAN welcomed Dato’ Astanah Abdul Aziz as Deputy Secretary-General (DSG)

About ASEAN. (n.d.). ASEAN. https://asean.org/

ASEAN Secretariat News. (n.d.). ASEAN. https://asean.org/

History. (n.d.). ASEAN. https://asean.org/

Moon, C.-I. (2024, February 13). ASEAN. Britannica.

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