SEMIFINAL-WEEK4.1 THE ASEAN INTEGRATION.pptx

THIS IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.

1. The ASEAN Integration When discussing about Asian regionalism, one cannot veer away from discussing the evolution and dynamics of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In the early 1960s, there was already an emerging organization among Philippines, Thailand, and the Republic of Malaya in what was called the Association of Southeast Asia (ASA). It was established in July 31, 1961 by Thanat Khoman (Thailand), Felixberto Serrano (Philippines), and Tunku Abdul Raman (Malaya). While the articulated goal of this regionalism process was cultural and economic cooperation, there were also political goals gleaned. by JOEY JIMENEZ

2. Challenges Faced "The fragmented economies of Southeast Asia," he said, "(with) each country pursuing its own limited objectives and dissipating its meager resources in the overlapping or even conflicting endeavors of sister states carry the seeds of weakness in their incapacity for growth and their self-perpetuating dependence on the advanced, industrial nations. ASEAN, therefore. could marshal the still untapped potentials of this rich region through more substantial united action." -Narciso Ramon, previous Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs and one of the five founding fathers of ASEAN

3. ASEAN's Articulated Goals 1 First Goal: Cultural and Economic Cooperation The articulated goal of the regionalism process was cultural and economic cooperation, with political goals also being considered. 2 Second Goal: Political Goals While the primary goal was cultural and economic cooperation, there were also political goals gleaned from the process. 3 Challenges Encountered Some challenges were encountered from its inception such as lack of confidence from other Southeast Asian nations, presumed political goals, and the dissent from other states because of their alignment with the Western Bloc.

4. ASEAN's Principles 1 Geopolitical and Economic Affairs Existence of shared problems and interests, need for unity and cooperation, shared aspirations and ideals ("peace, progress, and prosperity"), shared responsibility for "economic and social responsibility", presence of foreign bases as temporary and with "concurrence from countries concerned". 2 Declarations Establishment of ASEAN, an articulation of the aims and purpose of ASEAN, a list of strategies and mechanisms to enable the achievement of the goals, a statement of openness for membership, an articulation of ASEAN as a collective representation of member states.

5. ASEAN +3 Cooperation Summit in Malaysia A summit was held in Malaysia among member states of the ASEAN and three other countries--China, Japan, and South Korea--as a necessary dialogue due to the financial turmoil at that time. Formalized Cooperation This led to a formalized cooperation--ASEAN +3--through a joint statement issues in 1999 during the 3rd ASEAN +3 summit held in Manila. Focus of Cooperation The commitments this cooperation focus on issues on energy, transport, and technology.

6. ASEAN Integration Definition of Integration In simpler terms, we can look at integration as a pathway toward unification in various spheres-political, economic, and social. Historical Context In the case of the ASEAN, we can arguably trace back integration to its establishment in the 1960s although more formally in the conceptualization of the ASEAN Vision 2020 in 1997. Milestone in Integration Milestone in the journey toward ASEAN integration was the development and adoption of the ASEAN Economic Blueprint (ASEAN Secretariat, 2008) to advance the vision of an ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).

7. ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Single Market and Production Free flow of goods, services, investment, capital, and skilled labor; prioritizing food, agriculture, and forestry as integration sectors. Competitive Economic Region Introduction of fair competition policy, consumer protection, intellectual property rights, infrastructure. Equitable Economic Outcomes Developing small and medium enterprises, Initiative for ASEAN integration.

8. Opinions on AEC Labor Market Competition Some thought that this will result to higher competition within the labor market and will pose some challenge in ensuring the labor force is ready for this competition. Quality Products Others believe there is a need to ensure that local products are of high quality as these will compete not only with local counterparts but also counterparts from nearby SEA nations.

9. ASEAN's Unique Strength ASEAN Little Dragons Collective strength of over 300 million people Lone wolves hunting separately Cohesiveness with far greater resources Lack collective strength or awareness

10. Conclusion ASEAN's Role ASEAN integration has become a buzzword in recent years, propelling conversations among experts in various disciplines, and perhaps, eliciting questions among the general public. Integration and Unification Integration is a pathway toward unification in various spheres-political, economic, and social.