International Journal of Administration and Governance

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1 International Journal of Administration and Governance ISSN (1): RSEARCH ARTICLE The Challenge of Cultural Identity on Regional Integration: A Case Study of ASEAN Community. 1 Igboanusi Victor and 2 Chaiyanant Panyasiri Ph.D 1 Igboanusi Victor, Graduate School of Peace Studies and Diplomacy, Faculty of Arts, Siam University, Bangkok, Thailand. 2 Chaiyanant Panyasiri, Graduate School of Peace Studies and Diplomacy, Faculty of Arts, Siam University, Bangkok, Thailand. Address For Correspondence: Igboanusi Victor, Graduate School of Peace Studies and Diplomacy, Faculty of Arts, Siam University Bangkok, Thailand. Mobile: +66 (0) , anusivick1@yahoo.com Postal Address: Siam University, 38 phetkasem road, Phasi-charoen, Bangkok Received 3 March 2017; accepted 23 May 2017; published 20 June 2017 A B S T R A C T Cultural identity is a necessary precondition for a successful regional integration. This article studied the relevance of culture on regional integrations. It proposes that cultural identity is part of the key elements that are important in building strong and sustainable regional organizations. The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) emphasizes the need for a common identity in ASEAN. This article identifies the various challenges to realizing common identity with the view to finding prospects for a successful regional integration in ASEAN and other culturally-diverse regions. The research methodology applied in this study is a qualitative one. It employed case studies and Interviews with relevant experts in the field of regional integration and other related fields. The result of the study showed that ASEAN community is a highly diversified region in terms of culture. The specific conditions of common identity in ASEAN are determined by its diverse cultural pattern. This would require a strong institutionalization, approach and respect to different religious views and other diversities. This could help to sustain long-term social relationship and mutual sharing amongst the people of ASEAN. Key words: ASEAN, Culture, Cultural Identity, Regional Integration. INTRODUCTION A thorough observation will attest to the fact that most cultures are undergoing dynamic changes especially in the current century. There seem to be a wave of affiliation to western culture of individualism by mainly non-western cultures. Individualism refers to social situations; where social constructs, norms and fixed points change rapidly, and the collective values and habits do not regulate people s lives anymore (Kupiainen, J., et al 2004). Individuals are adjudged... free and obliged to construct their lives for themselves, each in his or her own individual way (Kupiainen, J. et al, 2004). Most non-western cultures specifically in Africa and Asia tend to align with this culture, and in the process distort some of the original values that promote community life in these cultures. The above development seems to have an overall effect on regional integrations. Common identity is a vision held by ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC). ASCC, as one of the three main pillars of ASEAN, has adopted this vision as one of its main goals (ASEAN Secretariat 2009). At the 6th conference of ASEAN ministers for culture and arts, held on 20th April 2014 in Vietnam, a group of ASEAN ministers expressed its determination to adopt a common identity (Vovworld 2014). ASEAN community is a constitution of ten member countries. A preliminary study has found out that ASEAN is a culturally-diverse region. Thus, the basis upon which common identity will be realized appears to Open Access Journal This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY). ToCite ThisArticle: Igboanusi Victor and Chaiyanant Panyasiri Ph.D., Towards An Upgrade Of The Statutory Role Of School Advisor In The Greek Educational System. Int. J. Adm. Gov, 3(1): 17-21, 2017

2 18 Igboanusi Victor and Chaiyanant Panyasiri Ph.D, 2017 be one of the fundamental issues in this study. This article will, therefore, look into the nature of this problem and the challenges in achieving a successful integration in ASEAN. Objectives: The objectives of this study is to determine the prospects of ASEAN integration through identifying key challenges of cultural identity and to suggest recommendations that could lead to a successful integration A Brief Overview of ASEAN Regional Integration: ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) was originally founded in 1967 by five member-nations otherwise known as ASEAN-5 which included: Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia (Hund: 2003). Previous attempts at regionalism had resulted to the formation of the defunct association of South East Asia (ASA) consisting of three member countries: Thailand, Malaysia (then Malaya) and the Philippines. However, this organization was disbanded on ideological grounds (Pollard, 1970). Presently, ASEAN constitutes ten member countries that include: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Hund (2003) points out that the original intention of the founding members of ASEAN was to enhance mutual bilateral interaction and cooperation amongst member states. In other words, part of the reasons why the association was founded was to ease political and economic concerns that followed the aftermath of European colonialism (Hund 2003). Kristina (2010) claimed that the idea of ASEAN was more about economic and socio- cultural cooperation. However, it is good to note that the major purpose of ASEAN was not clear at its inception, as its founding members were still grappling with colonial influence at this period. ASEAN s major thrust then was to contain disputes within the region and insulate it from superpower conflicts (Haflah Piei 2000). An initiative for ASEAN was proposed in the seventh summit meeting in Bali, Indonesia in The purpose of this initiative was to revitalize the Southeast Asia regionalism by creating an ASEAN Economic Community, an ASEAN Security Community, and an ASEAN Social and Cultural Community (Kristina 2010). ASEAN economic community carries the economic development initiatives of ASEAN, which was slated to kick off in This will improve the economic relations amongst its member states and consequently, boost the region s economic interest (see ASEAN Economic Blueprint, 2008). Methodology: The research methodology applied in this study is qualitative. The research design approach was exploratory and descriptive. The chosen research design of this study was deemed appropriate for the present study as it was important to determine how the presence or absence of cultural identity affects regional integrations, especially in the case of ASEAN. It seeks to explore and describe ASEAN cultural phenomena, in order to understand its dynamic values, implications and the challenges of shared identity within the ASEAN community. The researcher conducted interviews as part of the instrumentation of this study. The participants were randomly selected. There were five participants selected for interviews. Two participants are lecturers who have had experiences in the foreign diplomatic missions in the past, one participant is an embassy official, and the other two participants are postgraduate students in the field of Peace Studies and Diplomacy. They were asked to explain or describe what common identity means in the ASEAN perspective. They were also asked to identify some of the challenges that ASEAN stakeholders were facing in a bid to realize its vision of common identity. Case study method and interviews were employed in data collection. Case study is an exploratory research technique that intensively investigates one or a few situations similar to the researcher s problem situation (Zikmund 2002). Content analysis was used to analyze the data. Findings and Discussion: The findings hereof claim that common identity is not sustainable in ASEAN perspective owing to its diverse nature. Pindanvanija (research interview, 2016) discusses what common identity could mean in the ASEAN perspective. He argues that being ASEAN does not have any tangible value at all, and that there is practically nothing to share in common, other than geographical boundaries. He stated that following observations in particular ASEAN countries, they have so many diverse identities, we have so many races, languages and of course, several cultures, we are in plural community, so it means we have plural identities (Pindanvanija research interview, 2016). Suksai (research interview, February 3rd 2017) feels that ASEAN identity is quite difficult to identify. He argues that common identity is an abstract concept in relation to ASEAN; one that is not based on reality. While economic indicators can be quantified, cultural identity cannot, by any means be quantified, and this makes it really problematic. Suksai thus, acknowledges the divergent nature of ASEAN. Similarly, Suanya (research interview, June 2016) sees no basis for common identity because of the inherent diversity in the ASEAN community. However, he admits that ASEAN can have tangible values in terms of business and economy but not in terms of culture.

3 19 Igboanusi Victor and Chaiyanant Panyasiri Ph.D, 2017 Furthermore, the idea of common identity can be theorized using Bernd s (2004) idea of self-concept. Self-concept constitutes identity (Bernd 2004). Bernd s explanations of self-concept and identity are contained in his Self-Aspect Model Identity. A Person s self-concept includes the individual s abilities, physical features, behavioral patterns, ideologies, language affiliations and membership of groups. According to him, individual identity refers to self-definition of a unique individual, which can be identified as enduring elements (characteristics). These enduring elements are the identities particular to individuals or groups. Individual elements could also form a group identity. This is because group identities mostly represent manifestations of similarities in individual orientations, beliefs and ideologies. Bernd s (2004) theory thus, states that identity must reflect a phenomenon of stable and enduring elements consisting of both cognitive and socio-cultural forms. The elements (political system, language, religion and culture) which constitute group identity of ASEAN clearly portray diversity. Hence, the idea of common identity cannot be sustained. The findings hereof have identified three main challenges to ASEAN integration which include: the diverse language structures, lack of uniform education system and religious extremism. Suanya (research interview, June 2016) identifies the multi-language structures as one of the main challenges of regionalism in ASEAN. He argues that the reality of multi-languages in ASEAN affects its integration. He opined that common official ASEAN language is necessary, but quite difficult to realize because of the diverse language structures of ASEAN. However, Pindanvanija (research interview, 2016) thinks that common official ASEAN language is unrealizable. He argues that English language, despite its global nature, cannot successfully become a common official language of ASEAN. The reason being, that English is not a traditional indigenous language of ASEAN people, and it equally does not constitute the national languages of the majority of ASEAN countries. He suggests that the only realistic approach is by adopting what he termed the language of the majority ; which is Bahasa language, widely spoken in Malaysia, some parts of the Philippines and Indonesia as well. It is worthy of note that the above mentioned countries where Bahasa is being spoken have the largest populations in ASEAN. Some informants have argued that the global impacts of English could make it suitable for an official language and the language of communication in ASEAN. Kanyaphat and Lein (research interview, January 21, 2017) agree that ASEAN languages are diverse. However, they argue that English language is more suitable because of its global usage which makes it applicable to ASEAN. It will be noteworthy to observe that the opinions and arguments of informants here points to the fact that adopting either English or local indigenous languages as common official ASEAN language could have their own peculiar consequences either positively or negatively. However, other indigenous ASEAN languages, as well as English could become increasingly important, as there could be choice of more than one official language of ASEAN. Suksai (research interview, February 3rd 2017) identifies lack of uniform education system as one of the core challenge which the ASEAN secretary has been contending with. The 14th ASEAN Summit in Cha-Am Hua Hin has emphasized the need to adopt a uniform education curriculum as a way to advance the goals of economic, political and security pillars of ASEAN by the year 2015 (ASEAN State of Education Report, 2013). Even though Suksai (research interview, February 3rd 2017) does agree that there are some noticeable changes in terms of current education system in some ASEAN countries like Singapore, Malaysia and Philippines, he contends that it was yet to realize the goal of ASEAN secretary. The ASEAN secretary wants to streamline and standardize the education system, having the same content, the same substance, the same topic, and allowing all ten ASEAN nations to understand the education this way; the culture and society in the same way (Suksai, research interview, February 3rd 2017)). Suksai advocates for a restructure into a uniform kind of education system, whereby the curriculum will be designed to suit the demands of the international standard of global education in all ASEAN countries. According to him, this has not been so successful because of the reluctance of some ASEAN countries in implementing this new demand. He thinks that this is a challenge for ASEAN integration. He rightly pointed out that each country feels that the kind of education system that they currently have bears their specific identity, ideology and their history. So they do not pay much attention to the regional standards of education as provided by the ASEAN secretariat. ASEAN community presently nurtures hundreds of religious groups, and has been considered one of the most diverse regions in terms of religion (The Interpreter, 2014). The Interpreter, in 2014, reported that ASEAN community is home to two most religious-diverse countries: Singapore and Vietnam. Hence, there are signs of increasing tensions and rising religious extremism in ASEAN. There is more to suggest that the recent communal clashes in Myanmar, the insurgency in the southern Thailand and the Philippines were fuelled by religious tensions. The case of Myanmar has been between the Buddhist extremists and Muslim population. It reported that the attacks by these extremists have recorded more deaths since the country transited to a more open society (The Interpreter, 2014). Montagnards are considered Vietnam's mostly Protestant, minority hilltribes. In 2004, Radio free Asia reported that at least 185 Montagnard refugees have fled Vietnam to the

4 20 Igboanusi Victor and Chaiyanant Panyasiri Ph.D, 2017 Cambodian jungles (Radio Free Asia 2004). This suggests that religious freedom is gradually being eroded in Vietnam after the Montagnards who demanded religious freedom were forced to flee Vietnam. The introduction of Sharia law in Brunei in mid-2014 has increased the capacity for religious intolerance and extremism within the region. These cases could serve a good example of uprising resulting from religious extremism. Hence, the spate of religious extremism has given rise to a need for cross-cultural studies. An informant to this study, Kanyaphat (research interview, January 21, 2017) suggests that ASEAN needs to improve understanding and tolerance through creating public awareness. She opines that introducing cultural education in all ASEAN schools would help ASEAN citizens to recognize the need to respect people from other religions and cultures, and, including how to understand and respect each other, so as to lessen the problems of religious and cultural conflicts. The challenging trend posed by religious extremism has also increased the need for a reconciliatory and religious conflict transformation committee in ASEAN. Its expected role would be to manage conflicts and enhance peaceful co-existence and tolerance amongst religious communities in ASEAN. As a way forward, a body known as Nonviolence International Southeast Asia had sought support from other established coalition to develop a peace education program to help facilitate dialogue and reconciliation on religious issues (International Coalition of Sites of Conscience, 2011). The peace education program seeks to address interreligious misunderstanding currently burgling the various communities in ASEAN. Conclusion: This study concludes that cultural identity is a necessary precondition to a successful regional integration. It has so far found out that this element is lacking in ASEAN community. Hence, it basically questions the idea of single ASEAN identity as propagated in the slogan one vision, one identity, one community (see ASEAN Secretariat, 2009). The findings rather suggest that ASEAN is a community of diverse people and cultures with basically common political and economic goal. The absence of common identity in this context provides that there are certain challenges in achieving the desired EU integration model in ASEAN. This study proffers that to realize a successful integration in a region as diverse as ASEAN, these challenges would need to be overcome in order to ensure peaceful coexistence, tolerance, cooperation and respect for one another. This could demand a great deal of collective effort from the citizens and stakeholders of ASEAN. Recommendations: 1. Mutual learning shall be encouraged in ASEAN so as to offer opportunities for citizens of ASEAN community to learn one another s cultures. Mutual learning could enhance respect, understanding and tolerance amongst the members of the community. 2. ASEAN ministers shall design a school curriculum that will aim at observing and ensuring the same standards of education. It shall also consider cultural education as part of this curriculum. The stakeholders and citizens shall respect and uphold the diversity of every component parts in ASEAN while emphasizing unity and common goal. REFERENCES ASEAN Economic Blueprint, Jarkata:Indonesia. Link: / archive/ pdf Retrieved 23/01/2017 ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN Socio- Cultural blueprint Link: Retrieved 2/6/2015. ASEAN State of Education Report, Jakarta: Indonesia. Link: /Oct/ASEAN%20State%20of%20Education%20Rep ort% pdf Retrieved 9/2/2017 Bernd, S., Identity in Modern Society: A Social Psychological Perspective Oxford: Blackwell., pp: Haflah Piei, M., The ASEAN Experience in Economic Integration ( ). A Common Currency for East Asia: Dream or Reality? Kuala Lumpur: Asian Institute for Development Communication, pp: 3. Hund, M., ASEAN and ASEAN Plus Three: Manifestations of Collective Identities in Southeast and East Asia? Mu nster : Monsenstein und Vannerdat., pp: International Coalition of Sites of Conscience, Tolerance Education at the Krue Se Mosque E- journal: Publication Link: Retrieved 24/5/2016 Kanyaphat, S., Research Interview, conducted on Saturday. Kristina, J., Unity-in-Diversity? Regional Identity-building in Southeast Asia, Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs, Hamburg: Hamburg University Press, 29(2): Kupiainen, J. et al (ed.), (2004). Cultural Identity in Transition. Comtemporary conditions, Practises and Politics of global Phenomenon, New Delhi: Atlantic Publishers. pp: 4.

5 21 Igboanusi Victor and Chaiyanant Panyasiri Ph.D, 2017 Lein, D., Research Interview, conducted on Saturday. Pindanvanija, E., Research Interview undertaken on Tuesday. Pollard, V.K., ASA and ASEAN, : Southeast Asian Regionalism, Asian Survey,. University of California Press, 10(3): Radio Free Asia, Link: Retrieved 24/4/2016 Suanya, P., Research interview, conducted on. Suksai, C., Research interview, conducted. The Interpreter, Religion in Southeast Asia: Diversity and the Threat of Extremes. Link: gion-in-southeast-asia-a-rising-tide-of-violence-ina-sea-of-diversity.aspx Retrieved 24/4/2016 Vovworld, Building ASEAN Cultural Identity, Link: vovworld.vn/en-us/current- affairs/building-asean-cultural- Identity/ vov. Published 21st April, Retrieved 23/5/2015. Zikmund, W.G., Business Research Method, 7th edition, Mason, ott: Thomson South- Western. pp: 115.