At the 10th ASEAN Entities Forum, SIIA Chairman Mr Simon Tay reflected on how ASEAN can work together despite differences among Member States, especially amid today’s geopolitical pressures and crises, during a panel discussion on “How Should ASEAN Navigate the Current Geopolitical, Geoeconomic, and Geostrategic Landscape?” on 12 May 2026 at the ASEAN Secretariat.
Mr Tay noted that ASEAN countries have different national priorities, partnerships, and strategic outlooks. However, these differences need not be brought to the ASEAN table in ways that divide the region. Instead, ASEAN should find language and approaches that all can accept, while continuing practical cooperation.
He highlighted the role of the ASEAN Think Tank Summit (ATTS) and ASEAN-ISIS (ASEAN Institutes of Strategic and International Studies) in bringing together diverse ideas and perspectives, and stressed that ASEAN must combine international law with active diplomacy to manage disputes and sustain cooperation in areas such as energy connectivity and the ASEAN Power Grid.
(Photo: SIIA)
(Photo: SIIA)
(Photo: ASEAN Secretariat)
(Photo: ASEAN Secretariat)
