Inside ASEAN: Breaking the region’s stereotypes
Many Southeast Asians still rank, compare and stereotype one another, with common phrases including:
“Singaporeans are too strict”, “Malaysians are too soft”, “Filipinos are too noisy” and “Thais are too easygoing.”
Despite the talk of ASEAN unity, the divides often run deeper than the slogans suggest. As ASEAN leaders gather in Kuala Lumpur for the 47th ASEAN Summit, the question of how well Southeast Asians truly understand one another remains.
For example, Luo Chen Jun, a former civil servant from Singapore, often notices how people see his country first when he joins regional exchanges.
Author's summary: ASEAN unity is challenged by regional stereotypes.