Asean comes of age

Auspicious start: A signing ceremony at the very first Asean meeting in Bangkok in August, 1967, attended by Malaysia’s then deputy prime minister Tun Abdul Razak (second from right). Since then, Asean’s promise has necessitated due respect for each member’s national sovereignty. — Thailand Foreign Affairs Ministry/AFP

AFTER half a century, the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean) had determined the region’s strategic architecture. By 2025, Asean has also shaped the region’s landscape and furniture.

This development is a natural consequence of Asean’s growth. However, complacency, indifference and ignorance about Asean and its invaluable contributions to regional peace, security and prosperity remain the downsides.