Unity in Diversity: Fostering ASEAN Identity

Issue Highlights

22 April 2024

Culture and Arts, Demography, Information and Media, Youth

The concept of ASEAN identity transcends mere geography. It is a shared sense of belonging, a vibrant tapestry woven from the rich cultural traditions of its Member States. While each nation boasts of its own unique heritage, initiatives at both the national and regional level are fostering a spirit of regional unity and strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation within the region.

ASEAN identity is a process of social construct defined by balanced combination of “Constructed Values” and “Inherited Values” that will strengthen the ASEAN Community.

The Narrative of ASEAN Identity

Regional initiatives

A cornerstone document emerged in 2020: the Narrative of ASEAN Identity (NAI). Adopted during Viet Nam’s chairpersonship and during the COVID-19 pandemic, this document serves as a guiding light, outlining the importance of shared values and a sense of community among ASEAN Member States. Recognising the crucial role of future generations, ASEAN actively engages young people in shaping the region’s identity. Initiatives like the 2020 Logo Competition for the NAI, and the Symposium and Youth Forum on ASEAN Identity in 2022 both held in Jakarta, Indonesia provided platforms for youth participation.

What is ASEAN identity

Constructed Values

Constructed values are defined as values that of a group of people or nations who associate themselves with, as a product of active and deliberate intentions in order to develop an allegiance with certain mindsets to achieve a specific objective of a community.

Inherited Values

Inherited Values are defined as values that the people of Southeast Asia region ascribe to, which have been passed on for generations, through the natural process of human interaction that develops into various type of communities with much similarities.

ASEAN (2020). The Narrative of ASEAN Identity. https://asean.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/9-The-Narrative-of-ASEAN-Identity_Adopted-37th-ASEAN-Summit_12Nov2020.pdf

Regional bodies like the ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information (ASEAN-COCI) play a crucial role in promoting cultural exchange and collaboration among member states. Programs under their auspices, alongside cooperation with dialogue partners such as the ASEAN-Korea, ASEAN-Japan and ASEAN-China cooperation mechanisms on culture and arts, and other projects such as the ASEAN Cultural Heritage Digital Archive (ACHDA), and the ASEAN Quiz, create opportunities for mutual understanding and a shared sense of heritage within the region.

Sports also play a vital role in fostering a sense of regional identity. People-to-people exchanges through participation in regional sporting events like the SEA Games further solidify this spirit of camaraderie. The annual commemoration of the ASEAN Sports Day at the national level adds another thread to the tapestry, fuelling a sense of unity among athletes and sports enthusiasts across Southeast Asia.

Towards a sense of belonging

By weaving together regional initiatives with national efforts, ASEAN member states are fostering a sense of shared purpose and belonging among their citizens. This tapestry of shared experiences, encompassing culture, sports, and a commitment to regional cooperation, lays the foundation for a more unified and vibrant ASEAN in the years to come.