YCKSS NE Newsfeed Term 2 Week 1
Feature on ASEAN
With International Friendship Day just around the corner, let us take some time to learn about our relationship with our closest neighbors: the countries that form ASEAN.
This is the first of a two-part series in commemoration of International Friendship Day on 8 April 2016, and will feature an introduction to ASEAN, as well as Singapore's relationships with some of the ASEAN countries.
What is ASEAN?
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, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
Brunei Darussalam then joined on 7 January 1984, Vietnam 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.
Graphic courtesy of http://www.businesscircle.com.my/
The Fundamental Principles of ASEAN
In their relations with one another, the ASEAN Member States have adopted the following fundamental principles:
- Mutual respect for the independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and national identity of all nations;
- The right of every State to lead its national existence free from external interference, subversion or coercion;
- Non-interference in the internal affairs of one another;
- Settlement of differences or disputes by peaceful manner;
- Renunciation of the threat or use of force; and
- Effective cooperation among themselves.
Adapted from http://www.asean.org
History and Purpose of ASEAN
Singapore - Malaysia Relations
Malaysia is, in geographical terms, Singapore's closest neighbour, and a country that we have a long and rich history with. Let us look at how the two countries have helped and supported each other throughout the years!
"Singapore Becomes Part of Malaysia"
When talking about Singapore-Malaysia relations, the merger of 1963 will immediately pop up in most Singaporeans' minds. Click the link to read up on the benefits of merger, and the problems which pulled the two countries apart in the end.
Malaysia has also been providing Singapore with clean potable water since the 1920s, meeting about half of Singapore's demand for water. Click the link to read more about the different water agreements signed to regulate water supply between the two countries.
Aside from the two bridges -Johor–Singapore Causeway and the Tuas Second Link- that connect the two countries, the latest hype regarding transport is the Kuala Lumpur – Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) project that is currently under construction.
Click the link to read more about the project.
Singapore - Thailand Relations
Singapore and Thailand share one of the strongest ties between nations, celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations last year in 2015.
Singapore and Thailand mark 50 years of ties
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong wrote that "Thailand was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Singapore, shortly after we gained independence. Since then, our friendship has grown from strength to strength."
Click the link to read more about the relationship between the two countries.
More next issue!!
Part 2 of the IFD series will feature Singapore's relations with some of the other ASEAN nations. Stay tuned!
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