Know Your ASEAN sets down, in clear and simple language, the basic facts about the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It does so in the form of 40 questions and their answers. It is among the contributions of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies to the observance of the 40th anniversary of ASEAN¿s founding on 8 August 1967.
The booklet provides facts on ASEAN¿s establishment, membership, financing and decision-making. It recalls the association¿s contributions to regional security. It explains what ASEAN is doing to integrate the regional economy and promote regional cooperation on the environment, infectious diseases, counter-terrorism, poverty reduction, and natural disasters. It clarifies such issues as non-interference and human rights. It touches on ASEAN¿s relations with other countries and international institutions.
Through this booklet and its other work, ISEAS hopes to contribute to the expansion of public understanding about ASEAN, recognizing the fact that regional solidarity, integration and cooperation will be possible only with sufficient public support.
The publication¿s design and the cartoons in it are by Miel, Senior Executive Artist and cartoonist of the Straits Times.