ASEAN is a regional grouping that promotes economic, political, and security cooperation among its ten members: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. ASEAN is a well - connected region. History ASEAN was established on 8th of August 1967 in Bangkok by the five original member countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Brunei Darussalam joined on 8th January 1984. Vietnam joined on 28th July 1995. Laos and Myanmar on 23rd July 1997. Cambodia on 30th April 1999. Objectives A. To accelerate the economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region through joint endeavors in the spirit of equality and partnership in order to strengthen the foundation for a prosperous and peaceful community of Southeast Asian nations. B. To promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law in the relationship among countries in the region and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter. In 1995, the ASEAN Heads of State and Government re-affirmed that “Cooperative peace and shared prosperity shall be the fundamental goals of ASEAN.” 3 Pillars of ASEAN Community ASEAN Political Security Community • Ensures that the people and Member States of ASEAN live in peace with one another and with the world at large in a just, democratic and harmonious environment. ASEAN Economic Community • Transforms ASEAN into a stable, prosperous, and highly competitive region with equitable economic development, and reduced poverty and socio-economic disparities. ASEAN Socio – cultural Community • Contributes to realizing an ASEAN Community that is people-oriented and socially responsible with a view to achieving enduring solidarity and unity among the people and Member States of ASEAN. Improved job opportunities and general well-being. Products or goods not previously available in the country will be easier to access. Ex: availability of items like chocolates, clothes and fruit products not native to the local country Service providers like air transport and healthcare are encouraged to setup foreign offices which means for us easier access to travel or healthcare. Removing limitations and applying proven international business operations to the whole region. The more options the more choices citizens have to improve their quality of life. Better job opportunities and education abroad. The exchange of free information and skills is essential to the development of the ASEAN charter. Nationals can work abroad increasing productivity thus more job opportunities for the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Facilitation of visas and employment passes for skilled labor will ensure protection for the workers. ASEAN universities are allowing more foreign students to study in their campus thus increasing mobility for them in the region. It will give the opportunity for the young people to open up to new cultures and expand their horizons. Less hassle in traveling. ASEAN integration has made it possible to travel to other countries and in the process tourism has grown exponentially. It has given more opportunities for the tourism industry to promote the local scenery and earn more revenue. Lower cost of living. The open flow of goods and services means that our money will go much further as products become cheaper. Advantages The Elimination of Tariffs between member states, which has reduced product prices due to increased competition within the market and possible opportunities in the market or simply what we call the Free Trade. Promotion of country’s identity and raising public awareness while preserving the countries traditional cultural values, fostered people-topeople exchanges and emphasizes unity in diversity. Promotes peace and stability in region. Members of ASEAN have sign a treaty pledging to not have nuclear weapons and most have agreed to a counter terrorism pact which includes sharing intelligence and easing the extradition process of terror suspects, this advantages promotes that all things can do without war. To maintain close and beneficial cooperation with existing international and regional organizations with similar aims and purposes, and explore all avenues for even closer cooperation among themselves. ASEAN enables positive change in political security, economic, and social-cultural. Recipient economies can benefit from improving their investment climate and upgrading the skill of its labor force.