FACULTY OF ADMINISTRATIVE SCIENCE AND POLICY STUDIES

PAD381: SOUTHEAST ASIA STUDIES

TITLE: THREE PILLARS OF ASEAN COMMUNITY VISION 2025

SEMESTER: OCTOBER 2022 – FEBRUARY 2023

CLASS: AM1104C

NO. NAME STUDENT GROUP

ID
1. NABIL ALI BIN MOHAMAD 2021612762 AM110
4C
2. MOHAMAD FAKHRULDIN IMAN BIN 2021814716 AM110
HASAH@ISHAK 4C
3. FATNIN HAZIQAH SABTUYAH 2021612622 AM110
4C

DATE OF SUBMISSION:
28 JUNE 2023

PREPARED FOR:
DR NUR AIDA BINTI KIPLI
 TABLE OF CONTENT

CONTENT PAGES
1.0 INTRODUCTION 2-4

2.0 ASEAN COMMUNITY VISION 4-6

3.0 THREE PILLARS OF ASIAN COMMUNITY 6

3.1 ASEAN POLITICAL-SECURITY COMMUNITY (APSC) 6-7
3.1.1 CHARACTER AND ELEMENT (APSC) 7-8
3.2 ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY (AEC) 8-10
3.3 THE ASEAN SOCIO-CULTURAL COMMUNITY (ASCC) 10-11
4.0 CONCLUSION 12
5.0 REFERENCE 13

1.0 INTRODUCTION

ASEAN, or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, was founded in Bangkok,

Thailand on August 8th, 1967. Association of Southeast Asian Nations abbreviated as

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ASEAN. The ASEAN Declaration, also known as the Bangkok Declaration, was signed by

the founding fathers of ASEAN to commemorate this momentous occasion. The name

"Bangkok Declaration" is another name for this document. Singapore is located in a region

that also includes Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. During a

conference held in the main hall of the Department of Foreign Affairs building in Bangkok,

Thailand, five different heads of state gathered together and affixed their signatures to a

sheet of paper. The nation of Brunei Darussalam was officially welcomed as a member on

January 7, 1984. Between July 28, 1995, and July 23, 1997, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and

Cambodia were all approved as members of a particular organization. Vietnam joined the

organization on July 28, 1995. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

membership has increased to 10 nations.

By providing ASEAN with a legal standing and an institutional structure, the ASEAN

Charter serves as a solid basis for the growth of the ASEAN Community and serves as a

foundation for the ASEAN Charter. The article lays out the procedure for codifying ASEAN

norms, laws, and principles. It also discusses the process of establishing clear and defined

goals for the organization. In addition, the article looks into the issues of duty and

compliance in relation to ASEAN. At a ceremony held at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta

on December 15, 2008, in the presence of ASEAN Foreign Ministers, the ASEAN Charter

was ratified and officially came into force. In 2008, ASEAN Foreign Ministers also formed the

ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC). In 2008, the government formed this council. Every two

years, those interested meet together to arrange the ASEAN Summit. The ASEAN

Coordinating Committee (ACC) is responsible for coordinating the execution of the ASEAN

Leaders' mandate and any measures that cut across several ASEAN pillars. The Association

of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is directed by a Secretary General, who is supported

by Deputy Secretaries and a number of additional entities. These Deputy Secretaries are

tasked with ensuring the efficient execution of ASEAN projects. The term of office for the

Secretary-General of ASEAN is set at five years and is not renewable under Article 11 of the

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ASEAN Charter. However, the selection procedure is based on alphabetical order among

nationals of ASEAN Member States, with proper consideration given to their honesty, ability,

professional experience, and gender equality. In addition, the gender equality requirement is

considered. The first person to hold the position of Secretary General, appointed in 1976,

was from Indonesia. It has been determined that the person in issue is a man named

Hartono Rekso Dharsono. Dharsono was the Secretary General of the organisation;

nevertheless, he was unable to continue serving in that capacity owing to reasons that were

personal in nature. Dato Lim Jock Hoi, who is now serving as Secretary General and is from

Brunei Darussalam, has been in his position since 2018, and the end of his tenure is

scheduled to take place in 2022.

FIGURE 1.0 ASEAN SECRETARIAT ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

At the very first ASEAN summit, which took place in Bali and is now more popularly

known as the Bali Concord of 1976, the idea of an ASEAN community was presented for the

very first time. Later, at the 9th ASEAN Summit, which took place in Bali, Indonesia, in

October of 2003, it was formally constituted. The ASEAN Community was founded with the

intention of fostering permanent peace and stability throughout the region, in addition to

fostering mutual prosperity for its members. This has been accomplished via the successful

execution of three essential pillars, namely cooperation on political and security matters,

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economic matters, and socio-cultural matters. These are inextricably linked to one another

and reinforce one another in turn.

2.0 ASEAN COMMUNITY VISION

At the first ASEAN summit, which is now more popularly known as the Bali Concord

of 1976, the ASEAN community essence was presented for the first time. This event took

place in Bali. After that, it was decided upon at the 9th ASEAN Summit, which took place in

Bali, Indonesia, in October of 2003. The ASEAN Community is built on the foundation of

three pillars: political and security cooperation, economic and socio-cultural collaboration,

and socio-cultural collaboration. These pillars were established with the intention of fostering

sustainable peace, shared prosperity, and stability across the region. These two ideas are

inextricably linked to one another and have a symbiotic connection with one another. In the

beginning, the ASEAN Security Community (ASC), The ASEAN Security Community aspires

to expand ASEAN's political and security cooperation in order to establish a fair, democratic,

and peaceful environment.

This would ensure peaceful coexistence among countries in the region as well as

with the global community. The ASEAN Security Community has made it a requirement for

its members to resolve any issues that arise within the area without resorting to the use of

violent means. The members of this community are aware that their safety is inextricably

linked to that of their neighbors due to the closeness of their locations, the shared goals that

they share, and several other factors that are pertinent. The goal of the ASEAN Security

Community is to strengthen political and security cooperation within ASEAN in order to

create a more just, democratic, and peaceful environment. The ASEAN Economic

Community (AEC) was founded with the goal of translating the variety of the area into

potential for economic complementarity. This was the motivation behind the establishment of

the AEC. It was hoped that by undergoing this change, ASEAN would become more

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dynamic and resilient as a component of the global supply chain, and that it would also be

able to operate as a single market and industrial center. The integration process, which

comprised one of ASEAN's essential pillars, was one of the primary means by which the

organization sought to accomplish one of its primary goals, which was to boost the region's

economic competitiveness. In order to realize the ASEAN Economic Community, ASEAN

has put in place a number of processes and policies targeted at increasing the organization's

ability to carry out its economic efforts. These were done in order to realize the ASEAN

Economic Community. These projects consist of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), the

ASEAN Framework Services Agreement (AFAS), and the ASEAN Investment Area (AIA).

Finally, the ASEAN Socio Cultural Community (ASCC). As per the action plan delineated in

the 1976 ASEAN Concord Declaration, the ASEAN Community endeavors to foster

cooperation in social development with the objective of enhancing the quality of life for

marginalized communities and denizens residing in rural areas. It is imperative that the

initiative proactively endeavors to engage all sectors of society, with a particular emphasis

on the inclusion of women, youth, and local communities.

The provision of increased financial resources towards fundamental and advanced

education, vocational training, scientific and technological advancements, employment

generation, and social welfare measures will equip the labor force to effectively participate in

and reap the benefits of economic integration. The ASEAN 2025 "Forging Ahead Together"

was introduced in 2015 as a Post-2015 Vision, The ASEAN Community vision for 2025

highlights the organization's dedication to advancing, sustaining, and strengthening the

ASEAN Community. The endeavor to improve the ASEAN Community is a persistent and

future-oriented undertaking that involves collaborative efforts across the political-security,

economic, and socio-cultural domains. The term also denotes advancement made towards

accomplishing significant benchmarks from the prior Roadmap that remain unexecuted

within a designated period. Additionally, it involves leveraging the knowledge and proficiency

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acquired over the past decade to address novel obstacles, exploit emerging technologies,

and guarantee equal prospects for all.

3.0 THREE PILLARS OF ASIAN COMMUNITY

The ASEAN Community 2015 comprises three fundamental pillars, namely the

ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC), the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), and

the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC). These pillars represent the community of

opportunities. These three domains necessitate careful consideration, modifications, and

strategic preparation. In order to enhance its growth prospects, the Association of Southeast

Asian Nations (ASEAN) has formulated Blueprints for three key pillars. These Blueprints

comprise well-defined and specific strategic goals and measures. Nonetheless, it is worth

noting that certain human rights issues may not be explicitly covered by the three pillars of

the ASEAN Community. The ASEAN has endeavored to engage a broad range of individuals

in supporting human welfare, as demonstrated by the establishment of the ASEAN

Political-Security Community and the ASEAN Socio-cultural Community.

3.1 ASEAN POLITICAL-SECURITY COMMUNITY (APSC)

ASEAN's political and security collaboration was strengthened through the

implementation of the ASEAN Political Security Community (APSC) Blueprint 2025. The

purpose of this is to establish guidelines, aspirations, and targeted goals for a specific period

of time. The initial APSC Blueprint was formulated by the ASEAN Leaders during the 14th

ASEAN Summit held on March 1, 2009, in Hua Hin, Thailand. The document underwent

subsequent revisions and was subsequently re-adopted with a specific focus on its theme

and target audience within a particular time frame. The most recent adoption of the ASEAN

Political-Security Community (APSC) occurred in September of 2016, at the ASEAN summit

held in Laos.

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3.1.1 CHARACTER AND ELEMENT (APSC).

The latest blueprint outlines four fundamental characteristics and elements of ASPC.

However, for the purposes of this discussion, we will focus solely on two of the primary

elements. Initially, the approach is characterized by a set of rules and regulations that

prioritize the needs and interests of individuals. It is centered around the human element and

places emphasis on the well-being of people. Individuals derive pleasure from the

entitlements of human rights, essential liberties, and equitable treatment in society, which

are governed by fundamental principles, commonly held values, and established norms. In

addition, they adhere to the principles of tolerance and moderation and exhibit a strong

sense of interconnectedness, as well as a shared sense of identity and fate. The second

part deals with the building of a peaceful, secure, and stable area. There are four main parts

to the aforementioned entity.

The primary ability relates to the effective management of non-conventional security

threats, which incorporates a wide variety of interconnected issues like border control,

immigration and consular affairs, cybercrime, human trafficking, and the illicit drug trade.

Rather than resorting to or threatening to use violence, it is suggested that people turn to

peaceful techniques of settling disputes and disagreements. Disagreements and conflicts

must be resolved amicably in accordance with the ASEAN Charter and international law.

Efforts to foster trust, practice preventive diplomacy, and resolve conflicts must be stepped

up. The ASEAN's peaceful talks to resolve the problem and highlight the country's breach of

the agreed upon ASEAN charter are evidence of the organization's engagement in

addressing the internal issue of Myanmar, notably the Rohingya ethnic cleansing. The leader

of Myanmar will be barred from attending the ASEAN summit in 2021 as a sign of protest

against the country's breach of the ASEAN charter, which runs counter to the principle of

non-interference. Maintaining Southeast Asia's status as an area free of nuclear weapons

and other weapons of mass destruction is the third goal. In tandem with this goal is the

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promotion of international measures for nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and

peaceful use. The Southeast Asia nuclear weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Commission is in

charge of overseeing the treaty's implementation and enforcing compliance with its

provisions. The non-proliferation and disarmament, nuclear security, safety, and safeguards

responsibilities of the Commission are considerable. In addition, it plans to take action to

raise awareness of the Treaty inside the UN.

3.2 ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY (AEC)

Economic integrations are reflected in the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint. It

has provided a clear plan based on the principles of an open, outward-looking,

comprehensive, and market-driven economy to achieve an economic goal outlined in the

year 2025. The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) is a regional initiative established by

the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to create a single market and

production base, foster economic integration, and enhance regional competitiveness. The

AEC aims to transform Southeast Asia into a seamless and dynamic economic zone,

facilitating the free flow of goods, services, investments, and skilled labor. The foundation of

the AEC can be traced back to the signing of the ASEAN Vision 2020 in 1997, which set the

goal of establishing an integrated ASEAN community by the year 2020. With the

establishment of the AEC, ASEAN member states strive to promote regional economic

growth, attract foreign direct investment, and improve the living standards of their citizens.

The AEC is built upon four pillars: the free flow of goods, services, investments, and skilled

labour. These pillars are underpinned by various agreements, protocols, and frameworks

that aim to reduce trade barriers, harmonize standards, and promote mutual recognition

arrangements. The elimination of tariffs and non-tariff barriers among ASEAN member states

has facilitated increased intra-regional trade and investment flows. One of the significant

achievements of the AEC is the reduction of tariff barriers through the implementation of the

ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA). Under AFTA, the member states have made significant

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progress in eliminating tariffs on a wide range of goods, enhancing trade facilitation

measures, and promoting customs cooperation. This has led to increased trade volumes

within the region, benefiting both consumers and businesses. The AEC also aims to promote

the free flow of services by removing restrictions and enhancing cooperation in key sectors

such as telecommunications, finance, tourism, and professional services. This enables

service providers from ASEAN countries to access a larger regional market, fostering

innovation, and increasing competitiveness.

To attract foreign direct investment (FDI), the AEC has implemented measures to

create a more attractive and conducive investment climate. This includes the simplification of

investment procedures, the protection of investors' rights, and the promotion of transparency

and good governance. As a result, ASEAN has become an attractive destination for

multinational corporations seeking to tap into the region's growing consumer base and

benefit from its skilled labor force. The AEC also recognizes the importance of human capital

development and has implemented initiatives to facilitate the free flow of skilled labor within

the region. This includes the mutual recognition of qualifications and professional

certifications, enabling professionals to work across borders without undergoing extensive

retraining or certification processes. This enhances labor mobility and helps address skill

shortages in certain sectors. While the AEC has made significant progress, challenges

remain. Implementation gaps, differing regulatory frameworks, and varying levels of

economic development among ASEAN member states can hinder the full realization of the

AEC's objectives. Furthermore, geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainties can

also pose challenges to regional economic integration.

AEC is a transformative initiative that aims to create a single market and production

base in Southeast Asia. Through the free flow of goods, services, investments, and skilled

labor, the AEC seeks to enhance regional competitiveness and promote economic growth.

While challenges exist, the AEC has made considerable strides in promoting regional

integration, attracting investment, and improving the lives of people in ASEAN member

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states. With continued commitment and cooperation, the AEC has the potential to unlock the

full economic potential of Southeast Asia and contribute to the region's long-term prosperity.

3.3 THE ASEAN SOCIO-CULTURAL COMMUNITY (ASCC)

The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) is an integral part of the Association

of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), alongside the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)

and the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC). Established in 2009, the ASCC

strives to foster social progress, cultural development, and regional cooperation among its

member states. The ASCC aims to build a people-centered and socially responsible ASEAN

community. It focuses on promoting social progress, cultural development, and regional

cooperation in various socio-cultural domains. The ASCC seeks to enhance human

development, education, skills training, healthcare, social welfare, and protection. It

emphasizes the promotion of social justice, human rights, and equality, as well as

environmental sustainability.

Additionally, the ASCC celebrates and preserves ASEAN's cultural heritage,

traditions, and artistic expressions, fostering cultural exchange and understanding among

member states. The ASCC focuses on enhancing collaboration in various domains of

socio-cultural development, with the ultimate goal of achieving sustainable and inclusive

growth throughout the ASEAN region. Human development is a key area of concentration

within the ASCC, with member states working collectively to improve human capital

development, education, skills training, and healthcare. This involves initiatives aimed at

enhancing access to quality education, promoting lifelong learning, and bolstering social

welfare and protection. The ASCC also seeks to improve the well-being of ASEAN citizens

by prioritizing social welfare and protection measures. Efforts are dedicated to reducing

poverty, addressing social inequalities, establishing social safety nets, and ensuring

equitable access to essential services such as healthcare and housing. Furthermore, the

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ASCC is committed to upholding social justice, human rights, and equality. ASEAN member

states strive to protect and promote the rights of marginalized groups, including women,

children, and persons with disabilities. Initiatives to combat all forms of discrimination and to

foster inclusivity are actively pursued. Environmental sustainability is a significant aspect of

the ASCC's agenda. Recognizing the importance of environmental preservation, member

states collaborate to address shared challenges.

This involves promoting sustainable development practices, conserving natural

resources, mitigating, and adapting to climate change, and strengthening disaster

management strategies. In addition to these areas, the ASCC acknowledges and celebrates

the rich cultural heritage and diversity within ASEAN member states. Cultural exchange

programs, artistic expressions, and the preservation of traditions are prioritized to foster

greater understanding and appreciation among the ASEAN community. To achieve its

objectives, the ASCC facilitates dialogue, cooperation, and collaboration among ASEAN

member states through various mechanisms, including meetings, workshops, and cultural

exchanges. The ASCC also works closely with other ASEAN sectoral bodies, civil society

organizations, and relevant stakeholders to implement its programs and initiatives effectively.

In conclusion, the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) plays a pivotal role in driving

social progress, cultural development, and regional cooperation within ASEAN. By focusing

on human development, social welfare and protection, social justice and rights,

environmental sustainability, and cultural heritage, the ASCC aims to build a cohesive and

resilient ASEAN community that fosters sustainable and inclusive growth for all its citizens.

Through dialogue, collaboration, and engagement with various stakeholders, the ASCC

continues to make significant contributions towards creating a prosperous and harmonious

ASEAN region.

4.0 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 is guided by three main pillars: the

ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC), the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), and

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the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC). These pillars represent the areas of political,

economic, and socio-cultural cooperation that ASEAN member states strive to strengthen

and integrate. The APSC aims to establish a politically stable, secure, and harmonious

region through enhanced political dialogue, conflict resolution mechanisms, and cooperation

in addressing non-traditional security challenges. It emphasizes democratic principles, good

governance, human rights, and the rule of law. The AEC envisions a highly integrated and

competitive economic region, characterized by the free flow of goods, services, investment,

skilled labor, and capital. It focuses on eliminating trade barriers, enhancing connectivity and

infrastructure, fostering a favorable business environment, and promoting inclusive

economic growth and development. The ASCC seeks to build a people-centered and

socially responsible ASEAN community. It aims to enhance human development, education,

skills training, healthcare, social welfare, and protection. The ASCC promotes social justice,

human rights, equality, environmental sustainability, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Together, these three pillars form a comprehensive framework for ASEAN's long-term vision.

They represent the collective commitment of ASEAN member states to foster regional

integration, peace, stability, economic prosperity, and social progress. By working in synergy,

these pillars contribute to building a united, resilient, and prosperous ASEAN community that

benefits its member states and promotes the well-being of its people.

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5.0 REFERENCES

ASEAN (2015, November 24). ASEAN 2025 at A Glance. The ASEAN Secretariat.

Retrieved June 11, 2022, from https://asean.org/asean-2025-at-a-glance/

ASEAN, K. (2023). Three Pillars of ASEAN Community. ASEAN Indonesia 2023.

https://asean2023.id/en/news/three-pillars-of-asean-community

Keng, C. H. (2010). The three pillars of the ASEAN community: Commitment to the human

... The Three Pillars of the ASEAN COMMUNITY: Commitment to the Human Rights

Process. http://www.suhakam.org.my/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/the-three-pillar.pdf

What Is ASEAN? (2022, November 4). What Is ASEAN? | Council on Foreign Relations.

https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/what-asean

ADVANTAGES OR DISADVANTAGES OF ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY? (n.d.).

prezi.com.

https://prezi.com/okjsilbnd2ue/advantages-or-disadvantages-of-asean-economic-community/

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