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‘Strong ASEAN identity’ should complement economic integration

SINGAPORE – Greater economic integration in the Association of South-east Asian Nations (ASEAN) must be complemented by efforts to build a stronger regional identity among the people, said Foreign Minister K Shanmugam yesterday.

Singaporean Minister K Shanmugam at the ASEAN Day reception 2015 yesterday, where he called for a stronger regional identity. Photo: Jason Quah

Singaporean Minister K Shanmugam at the ASEAN Day reception 2015 yesterday, where he called for a stronger regional identity. Photo: Jason Quah

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SINGAPORE – Greater economic integration in the Association of South-east Asian Nations (ASEAN) must be complemented by efforts to build a stronger regional identity among the people, said Foreign Minister K Shanmugam yesterday.

“We are on the right track when our youths see themselves as part of the ASEAN community and feel a shared sense of responsibility for ASEAN’s future,” Mr Shanmugam said in a speech at the ASEAN Day Reception 2015 to mark the 48th anniversary of the establishment of the bloc.

“So long as we persevere, we will get closer to our goal — a vibrant, fully integrated ASEAN community.”

Growing consciousness among ASEAN youths about a common identity is already evident. According to a recent survey conducted by ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute, most youths have positive attitudes towards ASEAN, and over 80 per cent consider themselves “citizens” of ASEAN.

The survey, which was carried out in the last year, studied ASEAN undergraduates’ perception towards the regional grouping.

The findings were released in conjunction with yesterday’s reception, which was attended by diplomats, officials and members of the public.

Mr Shanmugam highlighted how the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) — to be established by Dec 31 this year — will bring tremendous and exciting economic opportunities for those within the region and beyond. But, he said the “AEC is not the be all and end all of the ASEAN community.”

“A big piece of the ASEAN story is about forging a stronger sense of ASEAN identity, especially among our youths,” he added.

In this regard, each ASEAN member state will be conferring an ASEAN People’s Award to deserving citizens and organisations to recognise their contributions in ASEAN’s community-building efforts.

When asked by reporters to comment on the findings of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute survey on how some Singaporeans have displayed ambivalence towards ASEAN,Mr Shanmugam acknowledged that the process of building a common regional identity would take time.

He said that even for the ASEAN countries with longer histories, the concept of nationhood within their current boundaries is still fairly recent. “Building a national identity, itself, is still work in progress (even if they have a long history), much less building a supra-national identity.” But, this does not mean that we should not try, he added.

Mr Shanmugam said forging a stronger regional identity requires a multi-stakeholder approach.

“The government (of Singapore) is just one player (in forging a stronger regional identity). The people, other governments, organisations, everyone has a task,” he said.

Government agencies have been organising events such as the ASEAN Day Reception to create awareness about ASEAN and bring the concept of ASEAN to the schools. In the meantime, other initiatives such as the ASEAN People’s Award, the formation of the AEC and greater people-to-people exchanges on the ground will “create greater awareness, understanding, empathy and identity” in the region, Mr Shanmugam noted.

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