Did you know? ASEAN

Short for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN is a 10-nation grouping located in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim. Established in 1967 with just five member states — Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand — ASEAN’s purpose was to pacify the region and contain the spread of communism.

By the mid-1980s, Brunei had joined the team of peacemakers. And by the late-1990s the olive branch had been extended to communist and quasi-communist neighbours: Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Myanmar joined the club in 1997.

Together, this neat collection of countries collaborate to promote ‘socio-cultural, economic and political advancement in the region’. And have proudly secured it as a nuclear-free zone.

Recognised as a significant region and regional player, ASEAN has become ASEAN Plus Three and includes Japan, South Korea and China as part of an initiative to promote a host of common goals.