FIRST, let us give credit where it is due: 50 years of continued existence in half a century of challenge and change is a feat of achievement. Asean can consider that the cup is half full.
The problem with Asean is that not enough is known about it. And what is known is usually about where it has failed, like its failure to take a common stand or to propose creative cooperation in the South China Sea disputes.
Or its pusillanimity in removing non-tariff barriers (NTBs) which are seriously hindering Asean economic integration and establishment of a single market and production base.
The fact that so many things – the half-full cup – are happening on the ground, is lost. Taking just the Asean Economic Community (AEC), how many Malaysians, for instance, appreciate there are over 1,000 of our companies all over Asean, taking advantage of regional growth against the frustrations of investment laws and domestic bureaucracies?
How many are aware of huge Thai companies like Charoen Pokphand (one of the largest private conglomerates in the world, employing 500,000 people across the globe) with big plans to make Malaysia its halal food hub?
