Page 42 - EU_ASEN Relations: Perspectives From Malaysia

an organisation was a natural progression of its historical lineage and

ecological similarities. The crises in the region during the Cold War period,
especially between 1979–91, provided ASEAN with a renewed sense of unity.

ASEAN today has emerged stronger and is coming even closer with the
establishment of the Community in 2015.

The EU has been a strong supporter of ASEAN socio-cultural initiatives and
has significantly contributed in making Southeast Asia a more peaceful and

prosperous region. However, in order to make ASEAN a more “people-

centred” or “people-oriented” community, the future direction has to take into
consideration the new challenges that the region is facing. A person in ASEAN

today is expected to live 15 years longer than in 1967. Conversely, the
population has grown 3.4 times in these 56 years. All these pose new

challenges to the national governments in meeting the needs and aspirations of

their people. The challenges are enormous, ranging from combating the threat
of emerging infectious diseases and transboundary haze to more effective

disaster management to policies to reduce and ultimately eradicate poverty
amongst its people. As just one of the steps, for people to be more productive,

more investment in education, TVET, and lifelong learning are required.

Several such measures need to be meticulously executed so that the benefits
directly reach its people. With the drafting of the ASEAN–EU Plan for Action

2018–22, opportunities for deeper cooperation remain bright.

Interaction amongst people through sports, tourism, cultural events, academic

exchanges, educational credit transfer, and effective use of online and offline
media needs to be enhanced in order to promote ASEAN awareness. Such an

effort would also bring an increased sense of a common identity percolating
down to the masses.

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