The ASEAN on its Golden Year

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) — an organization that aims to promote cultural, educational, military, political, and economic development among Southeast Asian countries —celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The organization was officially formed in August 8, 1967, and now that it is on its 50th year, many believe that the ASEAN has stuck to its main principles which include having mutual respect for the independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and national identity of all nations; accelerating economic growth, social progress and sociocultural evolution among its members; and promoting regional stability and security.

In line with the 50th anniversary of the ASEAN, a series of activities were set to celebrate this milestone. The Philippines played a special role in the celebration of the golden anniversary of the ASEAN as it coincides with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s ASEAN chairmanship. Several events were held in the Philippine capital city, Manila, and several provinces in the archipelago.

On August 4, the founding fathers of the ASEAN were honored in a special event held at the CCP Hall in Pasay City, Philippines. President Duterte awarded plaques of recognition to the descendants of the five ASEAN founding fathers namely Deputy Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak of Malaysia, former Foreign Ministers Adam Malik of Indonesia, Narciso Ramos of the Philippines, S. Rajaratnam of Singapore, and Thanat Khoman of Thailand. The countries of origin of these founding fathers (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand) were the original members of the ASEAN. Later on, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam joined the organization.

On August 8, the actual day of the ASEAN’s golden anniversary, there was a parade in which the ASEAN member country leaders and other very important people participated. On the same day, the Landmark Lighting ceremony was simultaneously held in the Philippines and other ASEAN member states. This Landmark Lighting signifies the light that guides the ASEAN member countries as they work together to achieve regional peace, prosperity, and development. It is also a symbolic gesture that expresses the theme of ASEAN’s 50th year which is “Under one Light, we are one ASEAN.”

Many believe that the 50th anniversary celebration was a success. A lot are optimistic that the ASEAN will continue bringing Southeast Asian nations together and that the organization will have more major milestones like this in the future.