May 28, 2025

Since its establishment during the 1967 Bangkok Declaration in Thailand, ASEAN has continuously built upon the concept of an ‘ASEAN identity’. The notion of an ‘ASEAN identity’ was relatively nascent at first but has evolved significantly through key agreements, programs, and activities since the 2000s. These efforts have fuelled ASEAN’s progress in fostering socio-cultural collaboration and a shared regional identity among its member nations.  

In ‘An ASEAN identity’ (The Elgar Companion to ASEAN, 2023), Associate Professor Eric C. Thompson (NUS Sociology and Anthropology) and Apichai Sunchindah (Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation), traced the development of an ‘ASEAN identity’ in key documents and practices from 1967 to 2020, examining how ASEAN has sought to develop a shared regional identity while reconciling differences that arise from Southeast Asia’s diversity. 

ASEAN’s commitment to a regional identity was first outlined during the 9th ASEAN Summit in 2003 in Bali, Indonesia. It was then that ASEAN leaders adopted the Bali Concord II, which outlined the Socio-Cultural Community pillar as one of the three key pillars of ASEAN cooperation — political and security cooperation, economic cooperation and socio-cultural cooperation. The newfound Socio-Cultural Community pillar focused on the development of a regional identity through promoting interaction between ASEAN scholars, writers, artists, and fostering a regional identity while cultivating ASEAN’s diverse cultural heritage.  

Following the Bali Concord II, the ASEAN Charter was adopted in Singapore on the 40th anniversary of the Bangkok Declaration. It signified a pivotal shift in ASEAN’s identity and purpose through its emphasis on Southeast Asia as a cohesive region rather than an amalgamation of separate countries. Crucially, it articulated a vision for a politically cohesive, economically integrated, and socially responsible ASEAN, guided by the three pillars delineated in the Bali Concord II.  

The Charter also laid the groundwork for the symbolic representation of ASEAN through its motto (One Vision, One Identity, One Community), flag, emblem, and anthem. These tangible expressions of the ASEAN identity, coupled with the facilitation of visa-free travel within ASEAN, not only fostered a sense of belonging among citizens of ASEAN member nations but also underscored the evolving nature of ASEAN’s identity. 

Despite the development of a seemingly elusive ‘ASEAN identity’ over the years, ASEAN continues to grapple with complexities inherent in Southeast Asia’s diverse landscape. This includes reconciling disparate historical narratives, cultural traditions, and socio-political contexts across its member states, thus making the creation of a single, universally accepted definition of an ‘ASEAN identity’ a nebulous ideal. Some critics debate that an ‘ASEAN identity’ is more symbolic than substantive, while others highlight the role of shared values and regional cooperation in shaping cohesion. Additionally, some argue that addressing political and economic challenges should take precedence over the pursuit of a defined ‘ASEAN identity’. 

Ultimately, ASEAN’s sustained efforts to foster regional cooperation and unity serve as a testament to its commitment to collective prosperity and stability in Southeast Asia. As ASEAN continues to navigate the complexities of identity formation, it remains poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the region’s future trajectory and fostering greater cooperation on the global stage. 

Read the chapter here.