Articles
Fun Facts about ASEAN
Topic
Defence and security
Foreign policy
Subtopic
International organisations
National security
Trade
21 January 2025
This article has been migrated from an earlier version of the site and may display formatting inconsistencies.
In case you are ever asked to name the countries of ASEAN, here are some facts that #YouShouldKnow:
(1) The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, is a regional organisation made up of 10 member countries.
(2) Established on 8 August 1967, ASEAN aims to promote economic and security. Its motto, “One Vision, One Identity, One Community,” reflects unity in diversity.
(3) Singapore was one of the founding members of ASEAN, along with Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand.
(4) The Chairmanship of ASEAN rotates annually between the member countries. This year, Malaysia is chairing ASEAN, with Singapore assuming chairmanship in 2027.
(5) ASEAN has a combined GDP exceeding $3 trillion, making it one of the largest and fastest-growing economic blocs globally.
(6) ASEAN is home to 1,000+ ethnic groups and languages and religious diversity, including over 240 million Muslims, 140 million Buddhists, 130 million Christians, and 7 million Hindus.
Today, ASEAN continues to work through challenges in security, humanitarian aid and disaster relief, counter-terrorism and free trade.
Platforms such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus provide crucial opportunities for dialogue and collaboration.
In an increasingly uncertain world, ASEAN proves that unity can flourish amidst diversity, offering a model of cooperation for the globe.