S'pore, as Asean chair, to launch initiatives to boost region's resilience and dynamism

SINGAPORE — As this year's chairman of the Association of South-east Asian Nations (Asean), the Republic will launch new projects to strengthen the region's economic dynamism while beefing up the 10 countries' collective resilience against common threats like terrorism, cyber crime and climate change, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Friday (Jan 12).

Speaking at an event to launch Singapore's chairmanship of the regional grouping, Mr Lee added: "We have chosen two ideas as themes for our chairmanship: 'resilience' and 'innovation'....We aim to make ASEAN a better home for our future generations."

The event, held at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, featured food stalls highlighting the region's cuisine, amusement rides, as well as performances by local and regional acts. Veteran singer-composer Dick Lee also performed the Asean theme song, Rise.

Singapore, which last chaired Asean in 2007, took over the rotating chairmanship of the grouping from the Philippines. The Republic will host top leaders from the region and beyond, as they gather here for a wide range of meetings and events later this year.

However, Mr Lee pointed out that Asean was not just a forum for diplomats and officials. Rather, it is a community and security anchor that has benefited all South-east Asians, including Singaporeans.

He added: "Looking back, if the leaders of the five founding Asean members had not taken a leap of faith and established (the grouping), the region could still be troubled by conflicts. Singapore, a small and vulnerable country, newly independent, might not have survived in such a difficult neighbourhood, let alone won a place in the world."

Asean has also enhanced South-east Asia's international influence, giving member countries a stronger collective voice on the world stage, and in engaging major powers like the United States, China, Japan and India.

And when natural or man-made disasters struck, Asean countries could count on each other's support during difficult times, such as during the health crisis sparked by the outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome in 2003, said Mr Lee.

Meanwhile, the region's economic dynamism and potential have helped create jobs and business opportunities for many companies, including those from Singapore.

The freer flow of goods and services has also been a boon for ordinary consumers, giving them access to a wide array of the region's best products, as well as direct flights to the region's tourist hotspots and key cities.

"As the Asean chair, Singapore will do its best to take the group forward," said Mr Lee. "We will work with the other member states, and with Asean’s dialogue partners, to make 2018 a meaningful year for Asean."