ASEAN Sec-Gen Urges Continued Regional Integration And Adaptability

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, Aug 8 (Bernama) -- ASEAN secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn called for ongoing regional integration and adaptability to ensure the grouping remains responsive to future opportunities and disruptions amid current challenges, including geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties.

He noted that the organisation is facing heightened geopolitical tensions and increased economic uncertainties due to shifts in global power, rising anti-globalisation sentiments, and a growing emphasis on economic security.

“We must ensure that ASEAN remains resilient, adaptive, proactive, and responsive to any opportunities, challenges, or disruptions that may arise,” he said at the 57th ASEAN Day celebration at the ASEAN Headquarters on Thursday.

“Our prevalent approach is not to retreat behind our borders but to continue driving regional integration, cooperation, and connectivity. This commitment is highlighted by the theme of Laos’ 2024 ASEAN Chairmanship, ‘ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience’,” he added.

Moving forward, Kao said ASEAN should focus on open regionalism and market openness to stay central and resilient while developing new growth strategies and investing in human capital through education, skills training, and social protection.

He expressed pride in ASEAN’s evolution from a region marked by conflict to a leading global entity from its inception in 1967, noting its transformation into a regional powerhouse that champions regionalism and open multilateralism.

He emphasised ASEAN’s commitment to state sovereignty, the rule of law, and cooperation for regional peace and stability, as well as efforts to enhance living standards through job creation, economic development, and investment.

During the ceremony, Kao together with Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto witnessed the launch of a ‘Collaborative Batik’, which aims to celebrate ASEAN’s rich cultural heritage and features unique batik designs inspired by the insignia flowers of each ASEAN member states.

ASEAN Day is celebrated annually on August 8 to commemorate the founding of ASEAN. The current member states are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam. Timor Leste has been granted official observer status and is set to be the 11th member of ASEAN.

-- BERNAMA