Questions on Asean's relevance at 40

Questions on Asean's relevance at 40
By Sonia K.

Borneo Bulletin, 4 May 2007

Professor Amitav Acharya of Nanyang Technological University. - Sonia K

Asia Inc Forum yesterday hosted a luncheon talk on 'Asean at 40: Is it Still Relevant?"

Professor Amitav Acharya of Nanyang Technological University, presented the successes of Asean over the past 40 years such as survival dispute doubts, avoiding war among members, engaging outside powers as well as providing a platform for further institution-building in Asia Pacific.

He talked about the Asean's limitations such as unused mechanism for conflict resolution, inability to deal with internal problems of members with regional implications, mixed performance over trans-national challenges as well as limited institutionalisation and legalisation and lack of engagement with civil society.

"Understanding what is going on in the region is an important part of that process. Brunei joined Asean on January 7, 1984 a week after gaining full independence," he said.

The address provided interesting views on the future of Asean and poised challenging questions as to its relevance and future direction.

The luncheon was part of the efforts of Asia Inc Forum, with its partners Total, Brunei LNG, ING, Alcoa and Bag Networks, to discuss and share thoughts and views on areas that help to develop Brunei.

Allen Lai, CEO of Asia Inc Forum said "knowing and understanding what is happening in Asean now and in the future is very important for Brunei's business and economy as Brunei's regional trade is affected."

At the luncheon were ministers, deputy ministers and senior ministers, and public and private sector representatives.