Breaking ASEAN Stereotypes
Southeast Asians often rank, compare, and stereotype one another, despite the region's emphasis on unity.
“Singaporeans are too strict”, “Malaysians are too soft”, “Filipinos are too noisy” and "Thais are too easygoing”
These stereotypes persist in everyday conversations, classrooms, and online, revealing deeper divides than the region's "one community" slogan suggests.
As ASEAN leaders gather for the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, the question remains: how well do Southeast Asians truly understand each other?
Luo Chen Jun, a former Singaporean civil servant, notes that people often view his country first when participating in regional exchanges.
Author's summary: ASEAN unity is tested by lingering stereotypes.