Breaking ASEAN Stereotypes
Southeast Asians often hold stereotypes about each other, such as "Singaporeans are too strict", "Malaysians are too soft", "Filipinos are too noisy" and "Thais are too easygoing".
Despite the idea of ASEAN unity, these stereotypes persist in everyday conversations, classrooms, and online. The region's slogan of "one community" contrasts with the deeper divides that exist among its people.
As ASEAN leaders meet in Kuala Lumpur for the 47th ASEAN Summit, the question remains: how well do Southeast Asians truly understand each other? This is evident in the experiences of individuals like Luo Chen Jun, a former Singaporean civil servant, who notices that people often see his country in a certain light during regional exchanges.
"Singaporeans are too strict", "Malaysians are too soft", "Filipinos are too noisy" and "Thais are too easygoing"
Author's summary: ASEAN unity is hindered by stereotypes.