Discussing Brunei’s Direction as ASEAN Chair

As the ASEAN Chair in 2021, Brunei Darussalam has been gearing for an invigorating year of leadership. The Global Awareness and Impact Alliance (GAIA), a Brunei-based NGO seeking to expand intellectual thought and equip the younger generation, is also keen to participate in more public discussions. Greater awareness of regional issues can help the people of Brunei and Southeast Asia better identify their roles in advancing regional peace and stability.

On 26 January 2021, our Dr. Asyura Salleh was invited by the Centre of Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Indonesia to address Brunei’s plans as ASEAN Chair. In her focus on maritime security cooperation, Dr. Asyura identified several challenges posed by the repercussions of the COVID-19 Pandemic and negotiations on the Code of Conduct. She also maintained that Brunei would continue to pursue a firm and balanced approach by addressing low-hanging issues that bring mutual benefit such as transnational maritime crimes, marine pollution, and climate change.

Delivery by Dr. Asyura Salleh, GAIA Co-Founder

In addition to maritime security, the seminar also addressed ASEAN’s prospects in upholding human and liberal rights, institutional challenges in ASEAN, and Canada’s cooperation with the regional organisation.

Dr. Asyura was joined by other panellists Andrew Mantong from CSIS Indonesia, Rachel Arinii Judhistari from FORUM-ASIA and H.E. Ambassador Diedrah Kelly from the Canada Mission to ASEAN. Opening remarks were provided by Dr. Philips J. Vermonte and the seminar was moderated by Dr. Lina Alexandra, both from CSIS Indonesia.