The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) by the Founding Fathers of ASEAN: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Brunei Darussalam joined ASEAN on 7 January 1984, followed by Viet Nam on 28 July 1995, Lao PDR and Myanmar on 23 July 1997, and Cambodia on 30 April 1999, making up what is today the ten Member States of ASEAN.
ASEAN organs always strive to achieve ASEAN’s goals and objectives, the Secretary-General of ASEAN and the ASEAN Secretariat shall be functioned as coordinating Secretariat to help facilitate effective decision-making withing and amongst ASEAN bodies. In addition, each Member State shall appoint a Permanent Representative to liaise with Secretary-General of ASEAN and the ASEAN Secretariat
ASEAN shall develop friendly relations and mutually beneficial dialogues, cooperation and partnerships with countries and sub-regional, regional and international organisations and institutions. This includes external partners, ASEAN entities, human rights bodies, non-ASEAN Member States Ambassadors to ASEAN, ASEAN committees in third countries and international organisations, as well as international / regional organisations.
The rodmap for an ASEAN Community (2009-2015) was declared by the leaders in 2009. The ASEAN Community, anchored on three community pillars: Political-Security Community, Economic Community, Socio-Cultural Community was launched in 2015. The ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together was introduced in 2015 as a Post-2015 Vision. It comprises the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, the ASEAN Political-Security Community Blueprint 2025, the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2025 and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) by the Founding Fathers of ASEAN: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Brunei Darussalam joined ASEAN on 7 January 1984, followed by Viet Nam on 28 July 1995, Lao PDR and Myanmar on 23 July 1997, and Cambodia on 30 April 1999, making up what is today the ten Member States of ASEAN.
ASEAN organs always strive to achieve ASEAN’s goals and objectives, the Secretary-General of ASEAN and the ASEAN Secretariat shall be functioned as coordinating Secretariat to help facilitate effective decision-making withing and amongst ASEAN bodies. In addition, each Member State shall appoint a Permanent Representative to liaise with Secretary-General of ASEAN and the ASEAN Secretariat
ASEAN shall develop friendly relations and mutually beneficial dialogues, cooperation and partnerships with countries and sub-regional, regional and international organisations and institutions. This includes external partners, ASEAN entities, human rights bodies, non-ASEAN Member States Ambassadors to ASEAN, ASEAN committees in third countries and international organisations, as well as international / regional organisations.
The rodmap for an ASEAN Community (2009-2015) was declared by the leaders in 2009. The ASEAN Community, anchored on three community pillars: Political-Security Community, Economic Community, Socio-Cultural Community was launched in 2015. The ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together was introduced in 2015 as a Post-2015 Vision. It comprises the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, the ASEAN Political-Security Community Blueprint 2025, the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2025 and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025
Episode 1 - The Future We Build Together: Fostering Resilience
Dive into the inaugural episode of ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Viewpoints Ep. 1 – The Future We Build Together: Fostering Resilience. Join our host, Andini Effendi, and H.E. DSG Satvinder Singh as they unpack ASEAN’s economic resilience and the upcoming AEC Strategic Plan 2026–2030.
Featuring insights from distinguished speakers: Raymond Yee (DHL Express), Rifki Weno (ASEAN-BAC), and Helen Wong (AC Ventures), this podcast will explore how businesses are navigating uncertainties and seizing opportunities in the digital and green sectors to build a stronger, more seamless AEC.
Under the theme “ASEAN: A Destination for Every Dream,” the region is shaping a Future-Proof Tourism: a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable Southeast Asia.
Hosted by Andini Effendi and opened by Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Economic Community H.E. Satvinder Singh, the conversation brings together leaders driving the future of ASEAN’s tourism:
H.E. Christina Garcia Frasco (Secretary of Tourism of the Philippines) on ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan (ATSP), community-centred tourism, and making destinations accessible for all;
Damien Pfirsch (Chief Commercial Officer of Agoda) on tech, AI, and how digital platforms unlock new destinations and sustainable choices;
Sandiaga Salahudin Uno (Former Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia) on how people, planet, and participation matter more than perfect photos.
Whether you’re now planning your next ASEAN trip or rethinking how tourism can create lasting impact, this episode is for you!
Get ready for an adventure like never before as we celebrate World Tourism Day on September 27, 2023, and embark on an extraordinary journey that transcends borders and cultures. This year’s celebration takes on a special significance as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) concludes the #ImaginASEAN contest and announce the top 27 finalists!
Since its inception in 1980, World Tourism Day has transcended its origins to become a global celebration of the transformative power of travel. This annual event underscores the profound benefits of cultural exchange, economic prosperity, and the mutual understanding that tourism fosters. It is a day that ignites a shared passion for exploration, urging us to unleash our inner wanderlust. Launched on ASEAN Day, August 8, 2023, #ImaginASEAN, supported by Agoda and AirAsia, emerged as a beacon for intra-ASEAN travel. It beckoned travellers to not simply visit one Southeast Asian nation but to venture forth and discover the diverse wonders that span across this vibrant region. As #ImaginASEAN aligns seamlessly to encourage deeper insights into each Southeast Asian country and kindle a spirit of adventure, unveiling the top 27 contenders on World Tourism Day feels like the perfect timing.
The ten Southeast Asian nations of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam are culturally rich countries teeming with extraordinary experiences for every traveller. Not only is travelling between these nations easily accessible, each country also offers a diverse array of activities for worldwide travellers and locals alike. #ImaginASEAN is designed to ignite the spirit of exploration and curiosity especially for Southeast Asian residents to take a journey through a diverse and enchanting region that is their own backyard. From serene beaches and thrilling surf spots to ancient temples, heritage, mouthwatering cuisine, and exhilarating hikes, Southeast Asia has all of these and more, thus making this region truly “A Destination for Every Dream.
The contest also collaborated with 10 influencers who were all based in one of the ASEAN Member States, in which they offered suggestions for tours and activities they love. Viewers could watch the influencer videos to gain inspiration while getting a personal virtual tour from the local content creators from their perspective.
To promote travel to and within the Southeast Asian region, #ImaginASEAN encouraged users to imagine themselves experiencing the region’s beautiful, diverse attractions. Participants earned entry points to the imaginASEAN contest by engaging in different activities, including answering survey questions and creating captivating Instagram Reels or TikTok-style videos showcasing their dream Southeast Asian experiences.
The contest was met with an overwhelming response, with nearly 2,500 participants from various corners of the globe. Through their creativity and enthusiasm, they painted vivid pictures of the experiences they longed to embrace.
The #ImaginASEAN campaign generate the following results:
While the #imaginASEAN contest may be over, you still have your chance to visit Southeast Asia as well as to explore all the stunning corners in the region. With myriad transportation options at your disposal, travelling between the ten ASEAN nations has never been this easy.
In Southeast Asia, you will encounter dynamic and vibrant cultures that both bind these nations together and set them apart, making it truly unique on the global stage.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to AirAsia and Agoda for their invaluable sponsorship of this exhilarating contest. AirAsia has been a steadfast companion for two decades, offering seamless flights throughout Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, Agoda, founded in 2005, has been a go-to travel booking app in the Asia-Pacific region, providing easy access to flights, accommodations, activities, and more.
Jakarta, 8 August 2023 – Are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime? TheAssociation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN),Agoda, andAirAsia, offer you the chance to win an unforgettable trip to dreamy destinations inSoutheast Asia with the#ImaginASEAN social media contest from 8 August to 23 September 2023.
If you dream of exploring ancient temples, relaxing on pristine beaches, indulging in world-class dining, and experiencing diverse cultures, this is your golden opportunity!
Go tohttp://www.bit.ly/ImaginASEAN to enter or scroll down to see the multiple ways to submit your entries and get the chance to be one of the three winners!
DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF SOUTHEAST ASIA
Southeast Asia is a beautifully diverse region, comprised of ten ASEAN Member States including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam, each with its own unique charm to explore and endless adventure worth capturing.
Have you ever wanted to explore Brunei Darussalam’s cuisines and then hop on a flight to Viet Nam to bask in the sun on the serene beach? Or how about getting strapped to a zipline in the Philippines one day, and then exploring some of Cambodia’s beautiful temples the day after? #ImaginASEAN can take you there! Join the social media contest for the opportunity to win a trip for two where you can explore two ASEAN countries and see for yourself how Southeast Asia is truly a Destination for Every Dream.
HOW TO ENTER:
Participating in the #ImaginASEAN Contest is incredibly fun and easy! There are multiple ways to enter but the two main ways are below.
Share Your #ImaginASEAN video: Show off your creativity and earn 10 additional entry points. Create an Instagram reel-style video that showcases activities or landmarks you would imagine yourself experiencing in Southeast Asia – from climbing rocks in Thailand to exploring mosques in Brunei Darussalam or enjoying the crystal-clear beaches of Indonesia. Publish the video on your Instagram, TikTok, or submit it directly to the contest widget.
You can choose to include photographs in your video as a slideshow if that is more of your style. Make sure the content is original and the images used are royalty-free.
Each entry point is the number of times your name will be entered for a random drawing. By submitting content to the contest, you are granting ASEAN permission to use the content for future social media posts.
For additional information and other ways to enter, visitbit.ly/ImaginASEAN.
THE PRIZES:
The grand prize winner will receive the following:
Roundtrip airfare for two for a seven-day trip to Southeast Asia from the country of origin outside of Southeast Asia
Roundtrip airfare for two within the Southeast Asian region to visit two countries
US$1,500 in AgodaCash to use for accommodation and activities for the trip
The second-place winner will be awarded:
US$300 in AgodaCash to spend on hotel accommodation or sightseeing activities where Agoda is available
For the third-place winner:
US$200 in AgodaCash to use toward experiences and activities where Agoda is available
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
The #ImaginASEAN contests kicks off on 8 August 2023 at 12:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) and runs until 22 September 2023 at 11:59 PM PDT. So, start dreaming, planning, imagining, and get ready to enter for the trip of a lifetime!
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to explore the wonders of Southeast Asia. Enter the contest, and you might be the lucky winner to embark on an adventure that will create memories to last a lifetime!
TRUSTED TRAVEL PARTNERS
Last but not least, please support our travel partners who have helped sponsor the prizes to help make your imagination into reality.
The ASEAN National Tourism Organisations (ASEAN NTOs) have jointly worked to develop and promote Southeast Asian countries collectively as a single tourism destination.
Come experience the unique diversity, hospitality and beauty you could enjoy. The tagline of “A Destination for Every Dream” embodies the concept of diversity and possibilities in travel in this region.
Agoda, founded in 2005, has been connecting travelers with the best accommodation, flights, and excursions in Asia. With millions of registered users and a dedicated team spanning across 31 markets, Agoda knows the ins and outs of traveling in Southeast Asia.
AirAsia, the “low fares, no-frills” airline established in 1993, has been making air travel accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, AirAsia now offers flights to various countries in Asia and beyond, ensuring a smooth journey to your dream destination.
For additional information and the full terms and conditions, Click Hereor visit theContest WidgetHere to enter!
There is no greater honor for a travel destination than to be recommended by industry insiders and everyday people who have visited and taken with them fond memories of that destination. ASEAN Tourism is, thus, very proud to announce that six ASEAN destinations have won TripAdvisor Travelers’ ChoiceBest of The Best 2023 Awards.
Voted by actual travelers, the awards were bestowed on 25 worldwide destinations, with three ASEAN destinations in the top five and six overall in the list of 25.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An, Viet Nam, is a historic city that was once a popular trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries.
Located in Viet Nam’s Quang An province, Hoi An today is a bustling town with a population of approximately 120,000 and is a popular tourist destination for backpackers and adventurers looking to explore the city and nearby attractions.
There are many man-made marvels in Hoi An. For example, every 14th of the month, the city turns off its electric lights and illuminates the night with lit paper lanterns.
Another popular site for visitors is the Japanese bridge which was built by Japanese merchants in 1595 to connect two parts of the city across a canal. A temple was added on it in 1653 to appease a monster called Namazu who was said to cause earthquakes. The covered bridge and the temple still stand today.
Hoi An is also known for its four popular history museums as well as for its local cuisine. Among its specialty is a meal known as Cao Lau, a dish of rice noodles, meat, herbs, and vegetables in broth. It is famously made with water from the Ba Le well, a historic well believed to have been built in the 10th century. Hoi An is also known as the banh mi capital of Viet Nam.
With so many things to do and try in Hoi An, it is no wonder that this quaint seaside town earned the number two spot on the TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best 2023!
Siem Reap is the second largest city in Cambodia famously known for the Angkor Wat and other ancient temples. The city also has its famous Old Market and Old French Quarter that is adorned with Chinese-style architecture.
Visitors to Siem Reap can delight in everything from a bird sanctuary to temples, Apsara dance performances, rice paddies, museums, markets, and silk farms. In fact, in 2021 and in 2022, the culturally-rich Siem Reap was named the ASEAN City of Culture. The city also hosted the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Culture and Arts (AMCA) 9th Annual Meeting in October 2020.
For foodies, Siem Reap is quickly becoming known as a hotspot for Khmer cuisine. Prahok, a fermented and salted fish paste used as a condiment in the country and the Sombai-infused rice wine are among its famous offerings.
The largest city in Northern Thailand (and the second largest city in all of Thailand), Chiang Mai is both a bustling city and a trip through history in one. With temples, marketplaces of handmade souvenirs and wares, and a world-renowned elephant sanctuary, Chiang Mai is a spectacular destination for families, couples, and thrill-seeking singletons.
The city is also home to hiking trails, breathtaking waterfalls, and once-in-a-lifetime camping experiences for those who seek natural respite.
Finally, a visit to Chiang Mai would only be complete with a bowl of hot khao soi, a noodle dish that contains meat, chili paste, pickled cabbage, shallots, and lime.
Located in southeast Viet Nam along the Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City is well known for its French colonial architecture. The city is also famous for its many attractions including the Jade Emperor Pagoda, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Binh Tay Market, and the Mariamman Hindu Temple.
While it is the largest city in Viet Nam, the place offers more than urban attractions. In fact, many excursions in and around the city make it such a popular destination. The breathtaking coast of Con Dao and the dreamy island of Phu Quoc are only a couple nearby places to visit.
Panay Island of the Philippines is the sixth largest island in the country. It is home to White Beach, a world-famous beach known for its pure white sand and stunning turquoise waters. In fact, White Beach has been dubbed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
More than the beach, Panay Island also offers plenty to do and see. Hikers and spelunkers will surely enjoy the forest and the caves at the Bulabog Putian National Park. Finally, culture seekers can satisfy their curiosity at the Molo Church, a neogothic church built in 1831 that only features paintings of female saints, earning it the nickname “the feminist church.”
Other places to visit on Panay Island include garden sanctuaries, waterfalls, and cold springs, all of which highlight the island’s inherent beauty.
Lombok, Indonesia is quieter and less crowded than its next-door island, Bali. That makes Lombok perfect for vacationers who are looking for a low-key fun for their holiday.
Visitors can enjoy the island’s many spotless beaches such as Tanjung Aan and Batu Payung. Better yet, hiking enthusiasts can enjoy a trek to Rinjani, the second highest volcano in Indonesia. Once revelers reach the top, they will be greeted with the view of the unspoiled natural beauty of Segara Anak Lake.
Voters recognized these nations for their natural beauty, cultural and historical landmarks, adventure activities, and phenomenal cuisines. Here is a little more information about these exciting, award-winning destinations.
A Destination for Every Dream
In addition to these spectacular locations, there are more places to explore in the region for breathtaking sceneries, mouth-watering cuisines, and endless adventures. The ten countries of ASEAN include Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam.
The ASEAN Tourism Forum will take place in Yogyakarta, Indonesia this year. The annual symposium hosts all of ASEAN’s ten member countries and offers a venue for a discussion on the fantastic attractions of each country as well as upcoming tourism trends.
With the popularity of the ten member countries of ASEAN and this special recognition by the Tripadvisor Travelers Choice Best of The Best 2023 awards, ASEAN is optimistic about tourism in the region in 2023 and the bright future that lies beyond.
