This title was first published in 2002. By examining the development and achievement of various social, economic and political aspects in the region and discussing the challenges and potential of the region in the twenty-first century, this text is of considerable reference value and benefits all those who seek an overview and critical understanding of the issues of social development in Southeast Asia.

Raymond M.H. Ngan, published numerous articles in social security and social policy, currently the Associate Head of Department of Applied Social Studies, City University of Hong Kong

Contents: Society and Politics: Integrating ASEAN and fragmenting ARF in a subregional and regional context, Kwan Kwok Leung; Civil society in Southeast Asia: cases of Singapore and Malaysia, Ming Sing; Constructing the 'China Circle' in China and Southeast Asia: state policy, the presence of Chinese overseas and globalization, Pak Nung Wong; Gender and development in post-crisis Southeast Asia, Vivienne Wee: Economy and Labour: Emergence of a global economy in Southeast Asia: 1990s and beyond, Moha Asri Abdullah and Raymond K.H. Chan; Labour standards in the Southeast Asian region: retreats and advances, Duncan Campbell and Dorothea Schmidt; : Social Policy: The welfare system in Southeast Asia: development and challenges, Raymond K.H. Chan; Social security and safety net development in Southeast Asia amongst the Asian financial crisis, Raymond M.H. Ngan; Educational developments in Southeast Asia under the global impact of marketization, David K.K. Chan; Full equality and inclusion for people with a disability: strategies for the new Millennium in Southeast Asian countries, Joseph K.F. Kwok; Review and Prospect: Globalization, Inequality and Governance, Kevin Hewison. Index.