25-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Asean flag deserves a spot next to Jalur Gemilang
How many Malaysians can readily identify the Asean flag, the emblem that represents unity, strength and shared identity among Southeast Asian nations?
Not many. Yet in recent weeks, the flag has gained prominence, being displayed in Kuala Lumpur as Malaysia hosts the 2025 Asean Summit, alongside the summit's logo and theme of sustainability and inclusivity.
Amid the hustle and bustle usually associated with such high-level meetings, the Asean flag stands as a silent yet powerful reminder of Malaysia's deep-rooted connection to this organisation.
But should our recognition of the flag be limited to Asean Summits held every decade or the annual Asean Day celebrations on Aug 8? Certainly not.
Malaysia's identity in Asean deserves more than fleeting visibility. It should be ingrained in our national consciousness, just as deeply as our Jalur Gemilang.
The Asean flag is more than a decorative emblem; it represents tangible opportunities for Malaysians.
For young professionals in Malaysia, it can signify the importance of the Asean Mutual Recognition Arrangements that enable engineers, nurses and tourism specialists to work in Asean nations with recognised qualifications.
It also ties into the Asean Smart Cities Network, which drives urban development and digital connectivity in the region.
For business owners and corporate executives, Asean offers vast opportunities across multiple sectors, thanks to its regional trade agreements, economic integration and strategic location.
Malaysia's strong economic performance, strategic location and trade agreements make it a key player in Asean's growth.
Businesses can leverage these opportunities to expand regionally and globally. A key driver is the Asean Free Trade Area, which allows for tariff reduction, thus making Malaysian exports more competitive.
Malaysia's trade with Asean reached RM765 billion in 2024, accounting for 26.6 per cent of the country's total trade. With Asean's digital economy growing, it offers new business models for Malaysian firms.
And there's also the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which provides expanded market access to Asean and the Asia Pacific. If Malaysians lack awareness of Asean's significance, how can they seize these opportunities?
The answer lies in stronger visibility and education about Asean's presence, starting with recognising its flag and all it stands for. To decode the symbolism of the Asean flag, let's look at the elements:
Dark Blue Background: Represents peace and stability, a commitment shared by member nations;
Bright Red Circle: Mirrors the courage and dynamism of Asean, signifying collective strength in facing challenges; and,
White Circle Enclosing the Emblem: A symbol of unity and harmony, proving that despite diversity, Asean nations stand as one.
The 10 yellow stalks of rice represent Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand,and Vietnam, bound together in solidarity and striving for regional prosperity.
Rice, a staple food in Asean, further emphasises that shared culture. In promoting the flag's visibility, we must remember that under the Asean Charter, the flag is not limited to embassy grounds; it can be flown in government buildings, ministries, universities and event venues.
Asean member states are encouraged to display it alongside their national flags, signifying commitment to the bloc.
But there must be protocol for flag display to ensure diplomatic and symbolic respect. The national flag should always take the position of honour.
The Asean flag should be of equal size and height when flown with the national flag and should never be placed higher than a national flag, ensuring respect for sovereignty while reinforcing Asean's collective identity.
Malaysia, as an integral member of Asean, can normalise the presence of the Asean flag beyond official gatherings.
Increased awareness starts with education, visibility and conversations about Asean's role in shaping Malaysia's future.
Flying the flag isn't just about symbolism. It t's about acknowledging the economic, cultural and diplomatic benefits Asean provides. If Malaysians are encouraged to embrace it, they will begin to see Asean not as a distant entity but as a powerful force shaping their opportunities and progress.
The Asean flag should not be reserved for ceremonial occasions, but should be flown daily as a reminder that Malaysia stands in unity with its neighbours.
