Page 7 - ASEAN-EU Dialogue 2018: Regional and Inter-Regional Economic Cooperation: Identifying Priorities for ASEAN and the EU

Chapter One
Introduction
Azirah Hashim

This edited volume comprises papers presented at the ASEAN-EU dialogue 2018, on Regional
and Inter-regional Economic Cooperation: Identifying Priorities for ASEAN and the EU. The
dialogue is one of the key activities undertaken by the Asia-Europe Institute of the University
of Malaya in the context of its recognition by the EU as a Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence
(JMCoE) for the period 2017 to 2020.

AEI was established more than twenty years ago within the provisions of the Asia-Europe
Meeting. With the objective of enhancing Asia-Europe relations, AEI aims to foster
student/scholar exchanges, research and dialogue on Asia and Europe. It seeks to increase
cultural, political, institutional and economic understanding of, and between, these two major
regions. AEI strives to complement government-to-government engagement and hosts
academics, officials, diplomats and others from the two regions for exchanges on areas of
mutual interest.

AEI is the first recipient of the JMCoE in Southeast Asia. As such, it has intensified its efforts
to promote networking, international research collaboration and cross-disciplinary and
comparative research. During its first eighteen months as a JMCoE, AEI has organized a range
of events and activities. These include a major conference to be held annually, an Ambassador
lecture series, seminars and workshops on comparative regionalism, teaching EU studies in
ASEAN and the promotion of Europe Day in schools.

The chapters in this volume explore issues of regional and inter-regional economic integration
and compare and discuss distinct regional experiences. In bringing together scholars, experts
and officials from Asia and Europe, it is hoped to advance dialogue and mutual learning on
regional integration approaches. The studies are addressed to academics, researchers, students,
officials and policy-makers in the areas of ASEAN and EU studies. Regionalism and
regionalization, international relations, economic integration, and globalization are among the
topics covered.

Today, the EU and ASEAN face similar challenges and problems. Economic and financial
difficulties, unemployment risks and market upheavals, and widening social and economic
inequality are widespread. Despite differences in history and context, the regions have much
to learn from one another. Hence, greater EU-ASEAN dialogue and exchanges of experiences
and practices may be key to mitigating shared problems.

I would like to thank the Education, Audiovisual, and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) of
the European Commission for the award of the JMCoE status to AEI. I wish to thank also the
editors and authors whose dedication and insights have made this volume possible.

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