00:01ASEAN has played a key role in maintaining peace, stability and prosperity in Southeast Asia
00:07by effectively managing the competing interests of global powers and promoting regional cooperation,
00:13said former Secretary-General Ong Kang-yong.
00:17He said while major powers pursue their own agendas,
00:20smaller and middle powers find strength in unity to tackle complex challenges.
00:25Ong, the Executive Deputy Chairman at Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies,
00:32said ASEAN's strength lies in its ability to appreciate the interests of big powers and multiple stakeholders
00:38and then forge a relevant arrangement to balance their respective interests.
00:43He dismissed the notion that ASEAN meetings were endless talk shops,
00:47emphasizing their role in maintaining long-term cooperation, keeping the region stable and economically appealing.
00:55Ong said maintaining ASEAN centrality, making the Bloc the primary driving force in shaping regional cooperation and external engagement,
01:02is especially challenging amid growing geopolitical jostling.
01:07He said ASEAN centrality reflected the dexterity of its leaders and vision to work with the region's strengths and limitations in order to survive and prosper.
01:17With the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 concluding this year,
01:21member states are already gearing up for the launch of the Bloc's ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
01:27The 46th ASEAN Summit, set for May 26-27 in Kuala Lumpur, will focus on the theme Sustainability and Inclusivity.
01:35At the shop used FMG.
01:37At the shop used FMG.
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