Asean also needs long-term low carbon vision to reinforce supply chain security and competitiveness.

Synopsis: Each fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh presents an Asian perspective of the biggest global talking points with expert guests.

Asean recently held a summit in Indonesia, which in 2023, holds the rotating chair of the 10-member grouping. Indonesia has a key role to play at a critical juncture in global geopolitics.

Former Indonesian Cabinet minister and outgoing managing director of Development Policy and Partnerships at the World Bank in Washington DC - Dr Mari Elka Pangestu - is an avowed “Aseanist”.

In this episode, she tells host Nirmal Ghosh why she urges Asean leaders to take charge and strengthen open regionalism, as a collective "middle power" which can use its agency and benefit from opportunities in the midst of uncertainty.

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:05 Why the need for a counter-narrative from "middle powers" such as Asean, to navigate great global power competition

3:43 Reinforcing Asean principles such as non-interference, non-alignment; more "open regionalism" meaning not being exclusive to major global powers

4:40 New economy in electric vehicles, climate goals, Asean Digital Economy Framework: Is Asean in the right direction and the critical reforms needed