ASEAN at a Crossroads: Experts Urge Institutional Reform for Global Relevance

ASEAN's Future: Experts Call for Change and Institutional Reform Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – In a rapidly changing global landscape, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) faces the challenge of maintaining its relevance on the international stage. A recent discussion on Astro AWANI's "Dialog ASEAN25" program highlighted the need for significant changes within the organization. Experts from the ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute, Joanne Lin Weiling and Faisal Karim, provided insightful perspectives on the necessary steps for ASEAN's continued success. Weiling emphasized the critical need for institutional reform, stating, "It's not only about community building, but about transformative change. A stronger focus on institutional reform is essential." Karim added that ASEAN's efforts toward regional financial integration have shown progress, but further steps are needed to adapt to the shifting geopolitical dynamics. The discussion also touched upon the Kuala Lumpur Declaration, which outlines a comprehensive strategy for ASEAN's future. The declaration includes 33 strategic goals and 531 concrete steps across various pillars, including political security, economics, socio-culture, and connectivity. This comprehensive plan demonstrates ASEAN's commitment to adapting and thriving in the years to come. The "Dialog ASEAN25" program underscores the importance of ongoing dialogue and adaptation for ASEAN to navigate the complexities of the global stage and remain a powerful force in international affairs.