Publication Type
News Article
Version
publishedVersion
Publication Date
10-2024
Abstract
In a commentary, SMU President Professor Lily Kong explores the question posed by political scientist Donald Emmerson in 1995 - is Southeast Asia more like a vibrant rose or an elusive unicorn? Against the backdrop of the 44th ASEAN Summit, with the theme "Connectivity and Resilience", Prof Kong highlights ASEAN's efforts in fostering regional connectivity and resilience through economic growth, cultural exchanges, and digital advancements. Despite substantial economic integration and digital connectivity, she points out that ASEAN faces challenges in creating a cohesive regional identity. The piece argues for deeper cultural engagement and a focus on shared values to build a true sense of community. Ultimately, ASEAN can be viewed as a work in progress, with its future hinging on the active participation of leaders and citizens.
Keywords
ASEAN, foreign relations, resilience, regional identity
Discipline
Asian Studies | Human Geography | International Relations
Research Areas
Humanities
Publication
Straits Times
First Page
B2
Last Page
B2
ISSN
1692-9344
Publisher
Singapore Press holdings
Citation
KONG, Lily, "A rose or a unicorn? Asean’s mission under the spotlight" (2024). Research Collection School of Social Sciences. Paper 4281.
https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/soss_research/4281
Available at: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/soss_research/4281
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Additional URL
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/a-rose-or-a-unicorn-asean-s-mission-under-the-spotlight