<p><strong>What is ASEAN?</strong></p>
<p>ASEAN (pronounced "ah-see-an") is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It includes:</p>
<ul>
<li>Brunei</li>
<li>Cambodia</li>
<li>Indonesia</li>
<li>Laos</li>
<li>Malaysia</li>
<li>Myanmar</li>
<li>Philippines</li>
<li>Singapore</li>
<li>Thailand</li>
<li>Vietnam</li>
</ul>
<p>That''s approximately 500 million people making it one of the most important regional groupings in the world.</p>
<p><strong>Purpose of ASEAN</strong></p>
<p>The main role of ASEAN is to facilitate trade and financial relations however it also has an interest in fostering cooperation in other areas including science, culture, society and political security.</p>
<p><strong>Criticisms and Limitations</strong></p>
<p>ASEAN members are reluctant to criticize each other which has drawn complaints from the West .</p>
<p>As with any organization involving many nations there are diverse viewpoints and interests making it difficult and time consuming to take any effective action. That said, ASEAN is considered the most successful example of a regional grouping after the European Union (EU).</p>
<p>As with the more highly integrated EU, there will continue to be tensions within ASEAN however the pressures for cooperation will likely keep the organization intact.</p>
<p><strong>What HR Needs to Know</strong></p>
<p>ASEAN is the most important regional body in southeast Asia-in fact, one of the most important in the world. If you firm operates in the region you should be familiar with ASEAN.</p>
