Inside ASEAN: Breaking the region’s stereotypes
Common stereotypes in Southeast Asia include:
- Singaporeans are too strict
- Malaysians are too soft
- Filipinos are too noisy
- Thais are too easygoing
Despite the talk of ASEAN unity, many Southeast Asians still rank, compare and stereotype one another.
“one community”
The region's 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 lingers quietly in the background.
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 tested by stereotypes.