ASEAN facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Association of Southeast Asian Nations Burmese: အရှေ့တောင်အာရှနိုင်ငံများအသင်း aashaetaungaarsh ninenganmyarr aahpwal Filipino: Samahán ng mga Bansâ sa Timog Silangang Asya Indonesian: Perhimpunan Bangsa-Bangsa Asia Tenggara Khmer: សមាគមប្រជាជាតិអាស៊ីអាគ្នេយ៍ Samāgam Prajājāti ʿʹāsʹī ʿʹāgney ̊ Lao: ສະມາຄົມປະຊາຊາດແຫ່ງອາຊີຕະເວັນອອກສຽງໃຕ້ Samakhom pasasat haeng asi tawen-ok siang tai Malay: Persatuan Negara-negara Asia Tenggara Mandarin: 亞細安組織 東南亞國家聯盟 東南亞國家協會 Yàxì'ān zǔzhī Dōngnányà guójiā liánméng Dōngnányà guójiā xiéhuì Tamil: தென்கிழக்காசிய நாடுகளின் கூட்டமைப்பு Teṉkiḻakkāciya nāṭukaḷiṉ kūṭṭamaippu Thai: สมาคมประชาชาติแห่งเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้ Samakhom prachachat haeng echia tawan ok chiang tai Vietnamese: Hiệp hội các quốc gia Đông Nam Á
Flag Emblem
Motto: "One Vision, One Identity, One Community"
Anthem: "The ASEAN Way"
Member states shown in dark green
Headquarters	Jakarta, Indonesia 6°14′20″S 106°47′57″E / 6.23889°S 106.79917°E / -6.23889; 106.79917
Largest city	Jakarta, Indonesia
Working language	English
Official languages of contracting states	Burmese Chinese English Filipino Indonesian Khmer Lao Malay Tamil Thai Vietnamese
Type	Regional organization
Membership	10 member states  Brunei  Cambodia  Indonesia  Laos  Malaysia  Myanmar  Philippines  Singapore  Thailand  Vietnam 2 observer states  Papua New Guinea  Timor-Leste 11 dialogue partners  Australia  Canada  China  European Union  United Kingdom  India  Japan  New Zealand  Russia  South Korea  United States 8 sectoral dialogue partners  Brazil  Morocco  Norway  Pakistan  South Africa  Switzerland  Turkiye  United Arab Emirates 6 development partners  Chile  France  Germany  Italy  Netherlands  Peru
Leaders
• Secretary-General	Kao Kim Hourn
• Chairmanship of ASEAN	Malaysia
Legislature	The ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly
Establishment
• Bangkok Declaration	8 August 1967 (57 years ago) (8 August 1967)
• Charter	16 December 2008 (16 years ago) (16 December 2008)
Area
• Total	4,522,518 km2 (1,746,154 sq mi)
Population
• 2023 estimate	683,290,000
• Density	144/km2 (373.0/sq mi)
GDP (PPP)	2025 estimate
• Total	$13.022 trillion
GDP (nominal)	2025 estimate
• Total	$4.249 trillion
• Per capita	$6,209
HDI (2023)	0.745 high
Time zone	UTC+06:30 to +09:00
Preceded by Association of Southeast Asia

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, often called ASEAN, is a group of 10 countries in Southeast Asia. This group works to make its members stronger together. They focus on helping each other with their economies and keeping the region safe.

ASEAN's member countries have over 600 million people. Their total land area is more than 4.5 million square kilometers. In 2022, their combined economy was worth about $10.2 trillion. This makes up about 6.5% of the world's total economy. Many ASEAN countries have fast-growing economies. The group is very important for cooperation in East Asia.

The main goals of ASEAN are to speed up economic growth and improve social and cultural development in the region. They also want to promote peace and stability. They do this by respecting justice and the rule of law. They follow the rules of the Charter of the United Nations. Recently, ASEAN has also started working on other goals beyond just money and society.

ASEAN works with many other groups around the world. It is a big partner of the United Nations. It also works with groups like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. ASEAN has offices in many countries. It is seen as a key place for countries in the region to work together. Its success has helped create large trade groups. These include Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

History of ASEAN

How ASEAN Started

Southeast Asian nations are close geographically. They are also a mix of cultures from East Asia and South Asia. This region is important for trade routes. These routes include the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean. Because of this, the region was influenced by many cultures.

Long ago, around 100 BCE, Southeast Asia was a center for trade. This helped their economies grow and new ideas spread. Many European countries later took control of most of these nations. Only Thailand (then called Siam) was not a colony. European rule brought new religions and technologies. It also introduced the Latin alphabet.

Later, during World War II, Japan tried to unite Asia against Western control. But Japan's alliance with other powerful countries changed things. After the war, many Southeast Asian countries became independent. These are the ASEAN states we see today.

Founding the Group

Before ASEAN, there was a group called the Association of Southeast Asia (ASA). It started in 1961. It included Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaya. ASEAN itself began on August 8, 1967. Five foreign ministers signed the ASEAN Declaration in Bangkok. These countries were Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.

The Declaration stated ASEAN's goals. These included speeding up economic, social, and cultural growth. They also wanted to promote peace in the region. They aimed to work together on common interests. They also wanted to cooperate with other international groups.

ASEAN was first formed to help stop the spread of communism. After World War II, communist governments appeared in some Asian countries. This led to a desire for regional stability.

ASEAN held its first big meeting in Bali, Indonesia, in 1976. They agreed on some industrial projects. They also signed a Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. When the Cold War ended, ASEAN countries gained more independence. In the 1990s, ASEAN became a strong voice for trade and security in the region.

In 1995, the Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty was signed. This made Southeast Asia a zone free of nuclear weapons. It became fully active in 2001.

Growing the Group

On January 7, 1984, Brunei became ASEAN's sixth member. On July 28, 1995, Vietnam joined as the seventh member. Laos and Myanmar joined two years later in 1997. Cambodia joined on April 30, 1999. Its entry was delayed by internal issues.

In 2006, ASEAN was given a special status at the United Nations General Assembly. This allowed them to observe UN meetings. In return, ASEAN made the UN a "dialogue partner."

The ASEAN Charter

On December 15, 2008, ASEAN members met in Jakarta. They launched a new charter. This charter was signed in November 2007. It aimed to make ASEAN more like the European Union. The charter officially made ASEAN a legal group. It aimed to create a single trade area for 500 million people.

The charter helped ASEAN become stronger. It also aimed for ASEAN to play a bigger role in Asian and global matters. The 2008 financial crisis was a challenge to these goals. A human rights group was also created in 2009. It is called the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR).

In 2012, the commission adopted the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration. However, some international groups have criticized this declaration. They say it does not fully match global human rights standards.

The leadership of ASEAN changes among its member states. Malaysia is the chair for 2025.

ASEAN Chairs

Year	Country
2008	Thailand
2009
2010	Vietnam
2011	Indonesia
2012	Cambodia
2013	Brunei
2014	Myanmar
2015	Malaysia
2016	Laos
2017	Philippines
2018	Singapore
2019	Thailand
2020	Vietnam
2021	Brunei
2022	Cambodia
2023	Indonesia
2024	Laos
2025	Malaysia

Public Health Efforts

ASEAN works with other countries to handle health crises. This includes working with ASEAN+3 countries (China, Japan, South Korea).

Responding to SARS

During the SARS outbreak, ASEAN and ASEAN+3 worked together. They shared ways to fight the disease. They also improved cooperation between health groups. They made travel rules safer with health checks. China also gave money to an ASEAN SARS fund.

Handling H1N1

ASEAN held a special meeting in May 2009. This was to respond to the H1N1 pandemic. They agreed to set up hotlines for health officials. They also formed joint response teams. They decided to support ongoing research.

Challenges in Myanmar

Since 2017, events in Myanmar have created challenges for ASEAN. These events have tested the group's unity.

The 2021 Myanmar Coup

On February 1, 2021, Myanmar's military took control of the government. This was a coup d'etat. They declared a national emergency. Elected leaders were arrested. Protests and resistance began. Many countries around the world urged ASEAN to act. ASEAN has worked to address the situation.

Member States

List of Member States

State	Accession
Brunei	January 7, 1984
Cambodia	April 30, 1999
Indonesia	August 8, 1967
Laos	July 23, 1997
Malaysia	August 8, 1967
Myanmar	July 23, 1997
Philippines	August 8, 1967
Singapore	August 8, 1967
Thailand	August 8, 1967
Vietnam	July 28, 1995

Observer States

Two countries are currently working to join ASEAN: Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste.

• Papua New Guinea has been an observer since 1976.
• Timor-Leste has been an observer since 2002. It is expected to be invited to join in 2025.

Demographics of ASEAN

As of July 1, 2019, ASEAN had about 655 million people. This was 8.5% of the world's population. About 8.4% of the population were children aged 0–4. About 7.1% were older than 65. The region's population grows by 1.1% each year. Thailand has the lowest growth at 0.2%. Cambodia has the highest at 1.9%. There are slightly more females than males in ASEAN.

Major Cities

Many large cities are found in ASEAN countries. Here are some of the biggest metropolitan areas:

Metropolitan area	Core city	Population	Area (km2)	Country	Census year
Greater Jakarta	Jakarta	31,673,824	7,076.3	Indonesia	2020
Greater Manila Area	Manila	28,250,517	7,967.98	Philippines	2020
Ho Chi Minh City Metropolitan Area	Ho Chi Minh City	21,281,639	30,595.0	Vietnam	2019
Hanoi Capital Region	Hanoi	19,980,000	24,314.7	Vietnam	2019
Bangkok Metropolitan Region	Bangkok	10,696,258	7,700.0	Thailand	2020
Greater Surabaya	Surabaya	9,924,509	6,310.0	Indonesia	2020
Greater Bandung	Bandung	8,790,308	3,500.3	Indonesia	2020
Klang Valley	Kuala Lumpur	8,455,029	8,347.0	Malaysia	2020
Yangon Region	Yangon	7,360,703	10,276.7	Myanmar	2014
Greater Semarang	Semarang	6,009,982	4,795.9	Indonesia	2020
Singapore	Singapore	5,685,807	734.3	Singapore	2020
Da Nang Metropolitan Area	Da Nang	5,622,814	26,640.3	Vietnam	2019
Greater Medan	Medan	4,756,863	3,189.2	Indonesia	2020
Metro Davao	Davao	3,339,284	6,492.8	Philippines	2020
Metro Cebu	Cebu	3,165,799	1,062.8	Philippines	2020
George Town Conurbation	George Town	2,843,344	3,764.3	Malaysia	2020
Greater Makassar	Makassar	2,725,951	2,666.6	Indonesia	2020
Greater Palembang	Palembang	2,634,501	9,886.6	Indonesia	2020
Phnom Penh Metro Area	Phnom Penh	2,506,123	679.0	Cambodia	2019
Greater Yogyakarta	Yogyakarta	2,485,163	1,118.2	Indonesia	2020

The ASEAN Way

The "ASEAN Way" is how the group solves problems. It respects the cultures of Southeast Asia. It means that leaders talk things over in an informal way. They try to find solutions that everyone agrees on. They avoid public arguments to prevent more conflict.

Some people think this way of working could help solve problems globally. Others believe it only works for Asian countries. Critics say that focusing on agreement can make it hard to move forward quickly. Different members might also have different ideas about what the "ASEAN Way" means.

How ASEAN is Organized

In 1997, ASEAN leaders created the ASEAN Vision 2020. This vision aimed for a single ASEAN community. It included goals for peace, stability, and economic growth. It also focused on human development and protecting the environment. The vision aimed for ASEAN to play a big role globally.

This vision was made clearer in 2003 with the Bali Concord II. Three main parts of the ASEAN community were set up:

• Political-Security Community (APSC)
• Economic Community (AEC)
• Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC)

The goal was to have these communities fully working by December 31, 2015. This was decided at a meeting in Cebu in 2007.

Political-Security Community (APSC)

The APSC aims to create a strong and safe environment in ASEAN. It has plans to make the region more secure. It wants members to feel responsible for overall safety. It also aims for ASEAN to be active in a connected world.

The ASEAN Defense Industry Collaboration (ADIC) was proposed in 2010. Its goal is to reduce how much defense equipment ASEAN buys from outside countries. It also wants to grow the defense industry within the region. This helps ASEAN countries rely more on their own abilities for security. ASEANAPOL also helps police forces work together to fight crime.

Economic Community (AEC)

The AEC aims to create a single market for all member states. This means making it easier to trade goods and services. The plan for this community was adopted in 2007. It aims for a single market and production base. It also wants a competitive economic region. The AEC seeks fair economic development for all members. It also wants the region to be fully connected to the global economy.

Areas of cooperation include developing human skills. They also recognize professional qualifications across borders. They work on better transport and communication links. The goal is to allow skilled workers, goods, services, and investments to move freely. This helps ASEAN become more competitive globally.

Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC)

The ASCC aims for a community that cares about its people. It wants to build strong unity among ASEAN countries and their people. It focuses on human development and social welfare. It also promotes social justice and environmental protection. Building an ASEAN identity and reducing differences between countries are also key goals.

To check how well the AEC is doing, they use an AEC Scorecard. This tool helps measure how much the region is integrating. It shows what needs to be done to reach the AEC goals.

Energy Cooperation

Part of the AEC's work is to connect the energy systems of ASEAN countries. The ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) guides this. The ASEAN Center for Energy manages this plan.

Financial Integration

ASEAN is also working to connect its financial systems. This helps support the AEC. A common currency might be a future step. This would make cross-border business cheaper. It would also help keep prices stable. However, countries need to have similar economic conditions first.

Food Security

Member states know how important food security is. It helps keep the region stable and wealthy. As ASEAN grows, food security is a key part of building the community. This is even more important with climate change affecting farming and fishing.

ASEAN aims to achieve food security by trading rice and corn. Making trade easier helps reduce costs. While countries specialize in different products, trade within ASEAN is still small. Integration aims to change this.

Economy of ASEAN

The ASEAN group aims for economic integration. They created the AEC to form a single market. From 1989 to 2009, member states grew economically by 3.8% to 7% each year. This was faster than many other regions.

The ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) started in 1992. It helps goods move freely between members. Newer members have more time to meet all the rules. The next steps are to create a single market and production base. They also want a competitive economic region. They aim for fair economic development. Finally, they want to be fully connected to the global economy. Since 2007, ASEAN countries have slowly lowered import taxes for members. The goal was zero import taxes by 2016.

Many economic zones exist in ASEAN countries. In 2018, eight ASEAN members were among the world's best-performing economies. ASEAN's main office predicts the region will be the world's fourth-largest economy by 2030.

Internal Market

ASEAN planned to create a single market by the end of 2015. This market would allow free movement of goods, services, skilled workers, and money. The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) was formed in 2015. However, some parts of the plan were delayed until 2025.

Trade within ASEAN was low until 2010. Most trade was with countries outside the region. Foreign investment in ASEAN grew a lot. In 2010, it doubled to $75.8 billion.

ASEAN has agreements to make trade in services easier. They have also agreed to recognize professional qualifications. This means doctors, nurses, engineers, and others can work in any ASEAN state.

Six member states are working to connect their stock exchanges. This helps them compete with larger international exchanges.

The ASEAN Single Aviation Market (ASEAN-SAM) aims for a single aviation market. This allows ASEAN airlines to fly more freely between member states. It helps tourism, trade, and investment.

Free Trade Agreements

In 1992, the Common Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT) plan was adopted. This plan aimed to remove tariffs. It helps increase the region's ability to produce goods for the world market. This plan became the basis for the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA).

ASEAN's free trade efforts are led by the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA). This agreement helps achieve the goals of the AEC.

In 2007, ASEAN aimed to complete free trade agreements (FTAs) with China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand by 2013. This was in line with the start of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015. In November 2007, ASEAN states signed the ASEAN Charter. This charter is like a constitution for the group.

An FTA with Australia and New Zealand was signed in 2009. This agreement was expected to boost the combined economies of the 12 countries. The agreement with China created the ASEAN–China Free Trade Area (ACFTA). It fully started on January 1, 2010. ASEAN also discussed an FTA with the European Union.

ASEAN and its six main trading partners (Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea) began talks in 2013. They discussed creating the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). This group covers 45% of the world's population. It also covers about a third of the world's total economy.

Electricity Trade

Cross-border electricity trade in ASEAN has been limited. This is despite efforts since 1997 to create an ASEAN Power Grid. Electricity trade is only about 5% of total power generation.

Tourism in ASEAN

Travel between ASEAN countries has grown a lot. This is because visa-free travel is now common. In 2010, almost half of all tourists in ASEAN were from other ASEAN countries. Cooperation in tourism officially started in 1976.

Tourism is a key growth area for ASEAN. It has stayed strong even during global economic problems. In 2015, 109 million tourists visited ASEAN. This was a big increase from 2011. In 2012, tourism made up 4.6% of ASEAN's economy. It also created many jobs.

The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) was created in 1981. It is a yearly meeting to promote ASEAN countries as one tourist destination. It involves all parts of the tourism industry from the 10 member states.

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  ASEAN Tourism Forum 2019 - Traditional Vietnam woman cloth parade

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  ASEAN Tourism Awards 2019 - Gzhel costumes Vietnam style

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  Nguyễn Ngọc Thiện, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam at the ASEAN Tourism Awards 2019 in Ha Long Bay

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  Children from Thai Hai Reserve Area of Ecological Houses-on-stilts Ethnic Village at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2019 in Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam; organized by TTG Events

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  Closing Ceremony of Visit Vietnam Year 2018 & Gala Celebrating the Success of ATF 2019

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  Southeast Asian carrier AirAsia, featuring the "Truly ASEAN" tagline to promote regional tourism.

Cooperation Funds

The China-ASEAN Investment Cooperation Fund started in 2010. It was announced by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. This fund helps invest in Southeast Asia. The Export-Import Bank of China was a main supporter.

In 2011, the China-ASEAN Maritime Cooperation fund was created. China provided the money for this fund.

Foreign Relations

ASEAN has many alliances and partners around the world. It is involved in many international matters. The group tries to stay neutral in politics. It holds ASEAN Summits. At these summits, leaders from member states meet. They discuss regional issues and work with countries outside the group. The first summit was in Bali in 1976. Since 2008, the ASEAN Summit is held twice a year.

ASEAN is a big partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. They work together on security, economy, and culture. ASEAN is also closely linked with China. They cooperate in many areas like trade, education, and health. It is also very important for the foreign policy of Australia and New Zealand.

ASEAN also takes part in the East Asia Summit (EAS). This is a forum held every year by leaders from eighteen countries in East Asia. ASEAN leads this forum. The EAS discusses trade, energy, and security. It also helps build a regional community.

Other meetings include the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting. These focus on specific topics like defense or the environment. The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) started in 1994. It helps with talks and builds trust in the region. It includes all ASEAN members and many other countries.

ASEAN also meets with European countries during the Asia–Europe Meeting (ASEM). This meeting strengthens cooperation between Europe and Asia. ASEAN also has yearly meetings with India, Russia, and the United States.

After the 2022 visit by Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan, ASEAN and its members supported the One China policy. In November 2022, Ukraine's Foreign Minister asked ASEAN countries to condemn Russia's actions.

Territorial Disputes

South China Sea

There have been many disagreements in the South China Sea. Countries like China and Taiwan have made claims. Other countries like Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia also have claims. Many Southeast Asian countries see China's claims as a problem.

In 2016, China told ASEAN it would not build new land on the Scarborough Shoal. ASEAN and China agreed to follow rules for behavior in the South China Sea. They urged countries not to settle on currently empty islands.

Within ASEAN, Cambodia often supports China's views on the South China Sea.

Disputes Between Members

There have been disagreements between ASEAN member states. These include border disputes between Cambodia and Thailand. There are also disputes between Cambodia and Vietnam. The North Borneo dispute is between the Philippines and Malaysia.

When Vietnam invaded Cambodia in 1978, ASEAN did not accept it. They saw it as breaking rules for regional unity. ASEAN worked with the US and Australia to oppose Vietnam's action. ASEAN played a big role in the peace process. This led to the 1991 Paris Agreement.

Relations with Other Groups

ASEAN Plus Three

In 1990, Malaysia suggested creating an East Asia Economic Caucus. This group would include ASEAN, China, Japan, and South Korea. It aimed to balance the growing influence of the US. This idea did not happen due to strong opposition. However, work for more integration continued. The ASEAN Plus Three group was created in 1997. It includes ASEAN, China, Japan, and South Korea.

ASEAN Plus Three helps coordinate cooperation. Leaders, ministers, and officials from these 13 countries discuss many issues. The group became more important after the 1997 Asian financial crisis. ASEAN worked closely with China, South Korea, and Japan to respond to the crisis. They created the Chiang Mai Initiative. This helped bring financial stability to Asia.

ASEAN Plus Three also focuses on other topics. These include food and energy security. They also work on trade, disaster management, and reducing poverty. They aim to strengthen cooperation among the nations.

ASEAN Plus Six

ASEAN Plus Three was the first step towards more integration. This was followed by the even larger East Asia Summit (EAS). The EAS includes ASEAN Plus Three, plus India, Australia, and New Zealand. This group is very important for the economy and security of the Asia-Pacific region.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a free-trade agreement. It involves 15 countries from ASEAN Plus Six (not including India). RCEP allows members to protect some local industries. It also gives them more time to meet goals.

India is not currently part of RCEP to protect its own market. However, Japan, China, and ASEAN welcome India's future participation.

Environment

Around 2000, ASEAN started discussing environmental agreements. They signed the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution in 2002. This was to control haze pollution in Southeast Asia. However, haze outbreaks still happened in later years.

As of 2015, the haze problem had not changed for half of the ASEAN members. It remained a crisis every two years.

Other environmental issues include trash dumping from other countries. Deforestation is also a problem. Indonesia lost more forest than other members combined between 2001 and 2013. Plastic waste dumping is also a big concern. Five ASEAN members were among the top 10 worst polluters in 2010. Many animal and plant species are also threatened in the region.

ASEAN's economy is growing very fast. But this growth comes with a cost. It releases about 1.5 billion tonnes of CO₂ into the air each year. This is more than Japan or Germany. ASEAN is the only region where coal use is expected to increase. The International Energy Agency (IEA) says ASEAN's energy demand has grown by over 80% since 2000. Most of this growth has been met by using more fossil fuels. ASEAN has been criticized for not doing enough to fight climate change. It is one of the most vulnerable regions to climate impacts.

ASEAN has many chances for renewable energy. With solar and wind power, ASEAN could get most of its electricity from these sources. This would be at a good cost. Vietnam's experience with solar and wind power shows what is possible. The proposed ASEAN Power Grid could help transmit renewable energy. This would allow large producers like Vietnam to share power with others.

Energy Transition

ASEAN has started to switch to cleaner energy. This change is challenging but possible. The region's energy demand is expected to triple by 2050. To reach its goal of 23% renewable energy by 2025, Southeast Asia needs to invest a lot. However, this goal can be met with the right plans.

Vietnam is a good example of quickly adopting solar and wind energy. By 2022, solar and wind made up 13% of its electricity. This was a big jump from almost zero in 2017. The region needs international help to reach its net-zero emission goals. Phasing out coal is hard. But countries like Indonesia and Vietnam have promised to do so by the 2040s. Leaders believe the ASEAN Power Grid is key to unlocking green energy in Southeast Asia.

Education

To improve education, ASEAN education ministers agreed on four main goals. These include making ASEAN citizens, especially young people, more aware of the group. They also want to strengthen ASEAN identity through education. Building human resources in education and strengthening the ASEAN University Network are also priorities.

The annual ASEAN Education Ministers Meeting oversees education cooperation. The ASEAN Senior Officials on Education (SOM-ED) manages programs. SOM-ED also handles cooperation in higher education through the ASEAN University Network (AUN). The AUN is a group of universities in Southeast Asia. It was founded in 1995. Its goals are to promote cooperation among scholars. It also aims to develop skilled people. It helps share information and build a sense of "ASEAN-ness" among members.

In 2011, ten vocational schools were set up in China. These schools help develop skilled workers for ASEAN countries.

Singapore offers a scholarship program to students from other ASEAN countries. It covers secondary school, junior college, and university education. The scholarships cover living costs, medical care, and school fees. Students who do well can apply for undergraduate scholarships in Singapore and other ASEAN countries.

The Australian Government also offers 'Australia for ASEAN' scholarships. These are for future leaders from ASEAN member states. Students can earn a Master's degree. This helps them gain skills and build connections with Australia. They also join a program to develop leadership for the Indo-Pacific region. Each ASEAN member state can receive ten of these scholarships.

Culture

ASEAN hosts cultural activities to bring the region closer. These include sports, educational events, and awards for writing. Examples are the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity and ASEAN Heritage Parks. The ASEAN Outstanding Scientist and Technologist Award also promotes excellence. The ASEAN region is known for its diverse cultures, religions, and languages.

Media

Member states work together on information sharing. This helps build an ASEAN identity. The ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information (COCI) is a main group for this. It was set up in 1978. Its goal is to promote cooperation in information and culture. It does this through projects and activities. Representatives from government ministries and media groups meet yearly. They plan projects to achieve their goals.

In 2014, foreign ministers launched the ASEAN Communication Master Plan (ACPM). This plan helps explain ASEAN to people in the region and worldwide.

ASEAN Media Cooperation (AMC) sets standards for digital television. This prepares broadcasters to switch from old to new TV systems. This cooperation started in 2012. It recognized that media helps connect people and bridge cultural gaps. Key projects include:

• The ASEAN Media Portal, launched in 2007. It is a website with documentaries, games, and music videos. These show the culture and arts of ASEAN countries.
• The ASEAN NewsMaker Project, started in 2009. It teaches students and teachers to make videos about their countries. This project helps young people learn about ASEAN. It deepens their understanding of different cultures.
• The ASEAN Digital Broadcasting Meeting. This yearly meeting sets digital TV standards. It discusses progress in switching to digital TV by 2020.

The ASEAN Post was launched on August 8, 2017. This was to celebrate ASEAN's 50th Anniversary. It is a digital media company based in Malaysia.

National Public Media in ASEAN

•  Brunei: Radio Television Brunei
•  Cambodia: Bayon Television and National Television of Cambodia
•  Indonesia: Televisi Republik Indonesia and Radio Republik Indonesia
•  Laos: Lao National Radio and Lao National Television
•  Malaysia: Radio Televisyen Malaysia
•  Myanmar: Myanmar International, Myanmar National Television and Myanmar Radio and Television
•  Philippines: People's Television Network, Radio Philippines Network, Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation and Presidential Broadcast Service
•  Singapore: Mediacorp
•  Thailand: MCOT, National Broadcasting Services of Thailand, Radio Thailand, Royal Thai Army Radio and Television Station and Thai Public Broadcasting Service
•  Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City Television, Vietnam Television and Voice of Vietnam

Music

Music is important in ASEAN. New music was composed for the 34th ASEAN Summit in 2019. Many songs have been written for the group:

• "The ASEAN Way" is the official song of ASEAN.
• "ASEAN Song of Unity" or "ASEAN Hymn".
• "Let Us Move Ahead", another ASEAN song.
• "ASEAN Rise", for ASEAN's 40th anniversary.
• "ASEAN Spirit", for ASEAN's 50th anniversary.

Sports

The main sports event in ASEAN is the Southeast Asian Games. This event happens every two years. Athletes from the ten member states compete. Timor-Leste, a non-member, also takes part.

Games Events

• SEA Games
• ASEAN University Games
• ASEAN School Games
• ASEAN Para Games

Championship Events

• Southeast Asian Football Championship (ASEAN Championship) – Since 1996
• Southeast Asian Basketball Championship (SEABA Championship) – Since 1994
• Southeast Asian Shooting Championship – Since 1967
• Southeast Asian Cricket Championship
• Southeast Asian Handball Championship
• Southeast Asian Floorball Championships
• Southeast Asian Hockey Championship
• Southeast Asian Baseball Championship
• Southeast Asian Volleyball Championship (SEA V.League) – Since 2019
• Southeast Asian Sepaktakraw Championship
• Southeast Asian Footvolley Championship
• Southeast Asian Youth Athletics Championships
• Southeast Asian Swimming Championships
• Southeast Asian Gymnastics Championship
• Southeast Asian Cycling Championship
• Southeast Asian Shooting Championship
• Southeast Asian Archery Championship
• Southeast Asian Sailing Championship
• Southeast Asian Rowing Championship
• Southeast Asian Canoeing Championship
• Southeast Asian Boxing Championship
• Southeast Asian Fencing Championship
• Southeast Asian Kurash Championship
• Southeast Asian Wrestling Championship
• Southeast Asian Weightlifting Championship
• Southeast Asian Powerlifting Championship
• Southeast Asian Bodybuilding Championship
• Southeast Asian Judo Championship
• Southeast Asian Jujitsu Championship
• Southeast Asian Muaythai Championship
• Southeast Asian Sambo Championship
• Southeast Asian Vovinam Championship
• Southeast Asian Karate Championship
• Southeast Asian Taekwondo Championship
• Southeast Asian Wushu Championship
• Southeast Asian Pencak Silat Championship
• Southeast Asian Badminton Championship
• Southeast Asian Tennis Championship
• Southeast Asian Table Tennis Championships
• Southeast Asian Squash Championship
• Southeast Asian Chess Championship
• Southeast Asian Triathlon Championship
• Southeast Asian Golf Championship (ASEAN PGA Tour) – Since 2007
• Southeast Asian Esports Championship
• Southeast Asian Bowling Championship
• Southeast Asian Cue Sports Championship
• Southeast Asian Arnis Championship
• Southeast Asian Chinlone Championship
• Southeast Asian Contract Bridge Championship
• Southeast Asian Bowls Championship
• Southeast Asian Go Championship
• Southeast Asian Dragon Boat Championship
• Southeast Asian Obstacle Racing Championship
• Southeast Asian Polo Championship
• Southeast Asian Waterskiing Championship
• Southeast Asian Woodball Championship
• Southeast Asian Finswimming Championship
• Southeast Asian Kun Khmer Championship

Security

ASEAN is a key place to discuss security issues. Its main goal is to create understanding and cooperation among members. This helps them deal with threats and challenges. ASEAN uses a cooperative security approach. This means they build trust and share information. This helps reduce tension and conflict. The ASEAN Political-Security Community works to achieve this. It aims for a peaceful and stable Southeast Asia.

Piracy Challenges

Piracy in the Strait of Malacca and other seas is a big security threat. It makes it hard for members to work together to stop it. Reports show that incidents increased in 2020. This raised concerns that the COVID-19 pandemic might make piracy worse. ASEAN ministers agreed to strengthen efforts against crime during the pandemic.

ASEAN has a plan to secure the seas. This is important because the region is a key link for trade. It connects economies from the Middle East and India to China, Japan, and Australia. The plan has three main goals:

• Sharing information and best practices.
• Building trust based on international rules and cooperation.
• Improving the ability of law enforcement to work together.

Criminal groups in Southeast Asia make it hard for ASEAN to coordinate. Even with plans, solving the problem needs deep cooperation. This can be difficult due to different interests among members. Especially for joint operations between navies. Unresolved border disputes also make cooperation harder.

To solve piracy, members have pushed for more cooperation. Some members suggest promoting relationships with other big countries. They also suggest changing how ASEAN makes decisions. This would help them work together better for economic and security goals.

Future Security Goals

ASEAN faces other important issues. These include challenges related to human rights. The group aims to promote peace and stability. It also works to ensure justice and the rule of law.

See also

In Spanish: Asociación de Naciones de Asia Sudoriental para niños