ERIA Think-Tank President: ASEAN Now Carries More Global Influence

From Vijian Paramasivam

PHNOM PENH, May 24 (Bernama) -- Amid a shifting global order and growing fatigue among traditional powers, a rising and more mature ASEAN is strategically repositioning itself — asserting a unified voice to reshape the global narrative and emerge as a stabilising force in international affairs, according to an international think tank.

Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) president Prof Tetsuya Watanabe said ASEAN has long been modest in its approach, but its influence has grown significantly over the past two decades, propelled by steady political leadership and a strong model of collective diplomacy.

“Policy narrative is always coming from Washington, from Europe and maybe some other parts. But now (with) a global power shift, an economic power shift is happening to ASEAN and other emerging economies. 

“ASEAN plays a critical role in formulating public policy discussion, how to provide prosperity and peace, not only for ASEAN but for the wider region of the Indo-Pacific (region) and also to the global landscape,” Watanabe told Bernama from Jakarta.

ASEAN’s strength lies in its diversity and its synergistic approach to articulate a powerful narrative that resonates with the global audience. These are undoubtedly vital to further strengthen its resilience as a region and as a common market. 

Since its establishment in 1967, ASEAN has carefully nurtured its soft diplomacy and non-interference policy, convening power and driving ASEAN centrality — to be a leader in promoting stability and prosperity. 

Today, Southeast Asia’s once-fishing villages gradually transformed into vibrant financial and economic hubs, often envied by foreign investors. 

“ASEAN is an economically very strong powerhouse to drive global economic growth and politically provide stability to the uncertain global environment. So ASEAN is not like 20 years ago. ASEAN is stronger, bigger and more important. 

“Prime Minister (Datuk Seri) Anwar (Ibrahim)’s leadership and also his close relationship with President Prabowo (Subianto) of Indonesia showcasing collective leadership for ASEAN,” he said.

Watanabe said Malaysia is chairing ASEAN at a critical juncture but is confident that the grouping has mastered the art of steering away from geopolitical complexities. 

“ASEAN's strength is to navigate a complicated environment collectively. So not just one country and one leadership but collectively responding (to) a global environment very flexibly and neutrally and also agilely.

“I think ASEAN and Malaysia are ready to respond. For example, if we talk about the supply chain, Malaysia focuses on strengthening the semiconductor supply chain by mapping the complementary strengths of each ASEAN member state and improving by establishing integrated supply chains on semiconductors. 

“This kind of forward-thinking leadership will be critical for ASEAN and the chairmanship of Malaysia because the future of the ASEAN economy will be built on the backbone of technology, innovation and digital infrastructure,” he said. 

The soft-spoken Watanabe said while the grouping is in the right direction, teething internal issues need to be tackled to make the region more attractive, especially to investors. 

“ASEAN is much more mature than the normal marketplace for global investors and businesses coming to the region, and operating in this region seamlessly. So to address that, ASEAN needs to address regulatory inconsistencies and improve transparency and reduce the red tape.

“And address gaps of adaptation in terms of adoption of technology and AI (artificial intelligence) and digital (transformation). Human resource development, reskilling and upskilling people in ASEAN for the new technology, for the new investment, like semiconductor and AI,” he said.

In this aspect, the launching of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 in Kuala Lumpur will be a crucial step in shaping the region's future. 

Malaysia is hosting the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits from May 26 to 27.

-- BERNAMA