ASEM: A foundation for Asia-Europe ties<\/p>\n
Yeo Lay Hwee suggests an action agenda for the new Asia-Europe
\nFoundation in promoting relations between the two regions.<\/p>\n
Europe and Asia's \"rediscovery\" of each other is driven by the
\nnecessity of economics. Asia's entry as a major economic player
\nin the international market is a central reality that Europe
\ncannot ignore. Impressed by Asia's growing economic clout, and
\nthe economic opportunities in the region, Europe realized that
\nits own prosperity required an engagement with Asia. Asia, faced
\nwith huge infrastructure and capital needs, is also eager to
\nattract European investments and technology. This was the
\nrationale behind the first high-level, high-profile, Asia-Europe
\nMeeting (ASEM) in Bangkok in March this year.<\/p>\n
While the Asia-Europe partnership is economics-driven, and
\ntrade and investment will remain the focus, it is gratifying to
\nnote that the decisions and projects to come out of ASEM were
\nbroad-based and included political, security, cultural and
\neducational co-operation. One significant proposal, put forward
\nby Singapore, is the establishment of an Asia-Europe Foundation
\nto promote greater understanding between the peoples of the two
\nregions. Singapore has offered US$1 million in seed-money for
\nthis new Asia-Europe Foundation. Hopefully, others will follow
\nSingapore's lead and contribute towards the foundation's
\nendowment fund.<\/p>\n
The need for an Asia-Europe Foundation (and other programs
\nsuch as the Asia-Europe University Program) to promote exchanges
\naimed at bridging the perception gaps and create greater
\nawareness between Asians and Europeans is acknowledged. These
\nexchanges would serve to strengthen cultural links and foster
\ncloser people-to-people contacts. Such a long-term, comprehensive
\napproach is recognized as vital because at the end of the day,
\nthe stability and the strength of ties between Europe and Asia
\nrests on a better understanding of each other, on mutual
\nacceptance and a healthy respect for each other.<\/p>\n
It has been noted by some European scholars that despite
\nextensive colonial links to Asia in the past, Europe today has a
\ndearth of Asia specialists. Knowledge of Asia remains relatively
\nthin on the ground. Similarly, Asia's interest in Europe has
\ndeclined as a result of the post-War decolonization process. This
\nhas resulted in the loosening of old ties and the forging of new
\nones. Beyond the preserves of a small segment of policy-makers,
\nbureaucrats and big businesses, ignorance about each other and
\nthe changes taking place remains. Each tends to perceive the
\nother in a stereotype -- an inward-looking fortress Europe which
\nlooks down on Asia; and a backward Asia with people living under
\nauthoritarian rulers, condoning sweatshops, exploitation and
\nchild prostitution. Because of a lack of information, and
\nEurope's preoccupation with its internal affairs, many Europeans
\nhave not kept up with the rapid developments in Asia. Similarly,
\nthe visibility of Europe in Asia has also suffered because of
\nEast Asia's preoccupation with the U.S.<\/p>\n
What can the Asia-Europe Foundation do to help overcome
\nstereotypes and misperceptions, promote greater awareness and
\nunderstanding, and keep the peoples of both regions accurately
\ninformed about the developments in both regions? Here are a few
\nsuggestions:<\/p>\n
* The Asia-Europe Foundation straddles two big continents of
\ngreat size and diversity. Endorsed by the leaders of 25 nations
\nduring ASEM, it is possible for the foundation to set its sights
\nhigh. For immediate impact and visibility, the foundation should
\norganize a meeting of world-class leaders and thinkers (such as
\nboth serving and former political leaders, opinion-makers and
\nNobel Prize winners\/laureates) to discuss not only Asia-Europe
\nrelations, but issues on global ethics and principles. In an
\nincreasingly interdependent and fast-moving world fraught with
\nuncertainties and challenges, it would be a good time for world
\nleaders to come together to articulate the future of the planet.<\/p>\n
* In a situation where the international media is dominated by
\nthe West, the onus is on Asian nations to project an Asian image,
\nset out Asian points of views and bring Asian ideas to the
\nEuropeans. There is a need to work out a comprehensive
\ninformation strategy to build up awareness of Asia in the media,
\nto reach both opinion-makers and the wider European public. For a
\nstart, the Asia-Europe Foundation may want to sponsor the
\npublication of a regular Asian newsletter (in both print and
\nelectronic form) to be targeted at a European audience. However,
\nbeyond this, the Asia-Europe Foundation must work closely with
\nother business, educational and cultural groups to co-ordinate
\npublicity efforts to achieve maximum effect. Exchanges between
\nmedia and journalists of both regions must also be encouraged.<\/p>\n
* Instead of merely promoting Asia as a place to make money,
\nAsians must also try to promote their traditional and
\ncontemporary arts and cultures. While many Asians either play or
\nappreciate the violin, the piano and the guitar, how many
\nEuropeans know what the pipa or the sita look or sound like? The
\nappreciation of arts, especially traditional arts and culture, is
\na good start towards appreciating the underlying differences in
\nvalue systems. There should be regular exchanges between the
\ncultural leaders and practitioners of the two regions.<\/p>\n
* To lay the foundation for a stable, long-term relationship,
\nexchanges between youths and young leaders is important. The
\nAsia-Europe Foundation should organize seminars and conferences
\nfor young leaders to get together, not only to exchange views on
\ntheir visions of a common future, foster greater understanding,
\nbut also as opportunities for developing personal ties and
\nfriendships. The Asia- Europe University Program when implemented
\nwould be the key in achieving this aim. To maintain the ties
\nestablished during university days, alumni associations should be
\nencouraged.<\/p>\n
The Asia-Europe Foundation must capitalize on this recent wave
\nof enthusiasm and develop a comprehensive set of programs aimed
\nat broadening the base and increasing the various contacts
\nbetween Europe and Asia.<\/p>\n
The ultimate objective is a sustainable, healthy relationship
\nbased not only on mutual benefit but on genuine respect for each
\nother. A strong base will help weather the periodic storms that
\nwill buffet the relationship.<\/p>\n
In most of these programs, the Asia-Europe Foundation could
\nserve as a facilitator, bringing the different groups together --
\nperforming tasks such as the networking of think-tanks, arts and
\ncultural groups; pairing educational and training institutes for
\nhuman resource development; encouraging and promoting research
\nthat will help develop a better understanding of the cultures,
\nhistories and the business practices of both regions; maintaining
\na list of experts on Asia and Europe in both regions who could be
\ncalled upon for the exchange of information and ideas across all
\npolicy areas; the list goes on.<\/p>\n
In short, creating the framework and providing the impetus for
\nthe various groups to establish a useful working partnership.
\nOnly in areas or activities where initiative and support are
\nlacking would the Asia-Europe Foundation be fully involved in
\nboth the organization and funding of these activities.<\/p>\n
The tasks ahead for the Asia-Europe Foundation might seem
\ndaunting. There are no miraculous solutions which can deliver
\nimmediate improvement in all areas of Asia-Europe relations.
\nHence the need to look into both immediate and long-term, ad hoc
\nand regular programs and, more importantly, to work with all key
\ninstitutions and associations to bring about lasting change for
\nthe better.<\/p>\n
Yeo Lay Hwee is a Research Associate at the Institute of Policy
\nStudies.<\/p>",
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