Kuala Lumpur: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is at a critical juncture, navigating the complex interplay between regionalism and regionalisation as Malaysia prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025. This pivotal moment calls for a deep understanding of these concepts to determine the future course of the organisation.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, regionalism involves state-led efforts to enhance cooperation and integration within a particular geographic region. It includes formal agreements, institutions, and policies aimed at achieving collective goals among member states. ASEAN, established in 1967, exemplifies regionalism through its initiatives to promote regional stability and economic growth.
On the other hand, regionalisation emerges as a bottom-up process fueled by non-state actors, including businesses and civil society organisations. This process involves natural economic, social, and cultural interactions across borders, often independent of government frameworks. The rise in cross-border trade and investment among ASEAN nations serves as an example of regionalisation.
Malaysia’s upcoming tenure as ASEAN Chair in 2025, themed ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’, aims to balance regionalism and regionalisation for comprehensive development. The official launch of the logo and theme on 22 October 2024 signaled Malaysia’s commitment to these principles.
ASEAN has developed several institutional mechanisms to promote regionalism, such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) for security dialogue, the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) for defense cooperation, and the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreats for candid discussions on regional issues. The ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta provides administrative support to these initiatives.
In addition to formal mechanisms, ASEAN values Track II diplomacy, which involves informal dialogues with non-governmental actors. Initiatives like the ASEAN Institutes of Strategic and International Studies (ASEAN-ISIS) and the ASEAN People’s Assembly (APA) foster dialogue and people-centered integration.
ASEAN’s engagement with external partners through platforms like ASEAN Plus Three (APT) and the East Asia Summit (EAS) further highlights the balance between regionalism and regionalisation. These initiatives focus on finance, trade, food security, and broader strategic issues.
As Malaysia leads ASEAN in 2025, it faces challenges such as the Myanmar crisis and South China Sea disputes. Appointing Tan Sri Othman Hashim as the ASEAN special envoy to Myanmar and advancing negotiations on a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea are crucial steps toward regional stability. Strengthening economic ties through agreements like the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement 3.0 can enhance regional resilience.
Ultimately, harmonising formal institutional frameworks with organic, people-driven processes is key to ASEAN’s continued relevance and effectiveness. Malaysia’s chairmanship offers a strategic opportunity to navigate current challenges and foster a more integrated and resilient regional community.