Asean: Due credit and formidable challenges

FIRST, let us give credit where it is due: 50 years of continued existence in half a century of challenge and change is a feat of achievement. Asean can consider that the cup is half full.

The problem with Asean is that not enough is known about it. And what is known is usually about where it has failed, like its failure to take a common stand or to propose creative cooperation in the South China Sea disputes.