At a time when unacceptable acts of religious and cultural intolerance appear to be sowing the seeds of fear and claiming all the headlines, it is important to remember that the region is perhaps unique in the world in terms of its diversity.

How can the efforts of the majority to celebrate diversity rather than create divisions succeed? Should the divergence of cultures be avoided? What roles must the governments and communities in the region play in recognizing the need for social and cultural assimilation if the economic benefits are to be fully realized? What are the current problems that hinder anyone from celebrating diversity? Are there any? Do we really need (and want) social and cultural assimilation and is it the only way towards economic prosperity? More generally, where does ASEAN currently fail, where are problems to be expected, and are there already suggestions to how failure can be prevented?

Is Philippine Real Estate Ready for ASEAN Integration

Philippine Daily Inquirer March 21st, 2015

Can the Philippines compete with its next-door neighbors in the Asean?

Property analysts are one in saying yes, but they also admitted of the presence of some major hurdles on the way. (more…)

It had just occured to me that this is the last time in 2014 that it would be still be the same year even after midnight. I would like to lie and say that I’m up thinking about my crush, but no. I’m thinking about the 2015 ASEAN Integration.

2015 is a matter of hours away.. and ASEAN Integration is just around the corner.

I can’t help but relate this to Dentistry– ASEAN Integration means that…

ASEAN Economic Community 2015: a Backgrounder

By DR.GEORGE MANZANO

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN)has been one of the fast-growing economic regions in recent years and is expected to accelerate with the formation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015. The prospects of a highly competitive region through the free flow of goods, services, labor, capital and investments prove promising for businessmen and foreign…

Is ASEAN Useless, Useful, Meaningful?

By N Mark Castro

47 years ago today, 5 Southeast Asian countries banded together to form the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or what is now called ASEAN. It has since expanded to include other member states such as Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), and Vietnam.

When it was formed everyone in the Western world either thought they would go left or they would go right … no one ever…