Page 27 - Mainstreamer Volume 1, Issue 4, November 2023

TRANSGRESSING NATIONAL BOUNDARIES

principles within the region that appear limited influence on forming ASEAN’s identity. ASEAN may
as authoritarian practices persist in numerous have shared mutual responsiveness or a sense of
3
member countries. belonging, but each member state has a diverse
ASEAN can work on the anti-stigma identity that might pose challenges to finding a
interventions by actively involving PWD in one-fits-all solution. Emmerson then emphasised
discussions and policymaking. The harmful the importance of recognising and preserving the
traditional beliefs and religious perceptions region’s unique cultural diversity while working
combined with poverty and other social barriers towards a shared identity (Asian values) that
are the root of discrimination, particularly in fosters regional cooperation and integration.
4
developing countries. If community acceptance
and belonging for people are end goals, it is also Conclusion
important to consider the construct of community The potential role of ASEAN in fostering critical
and reconceptualise the idea of community discussions and regional identity-building to
and appreciate its complexities and tensions by address these challenges is timely. ASEAN can
focusing on justice, care, dignity and embracing facilitate a sense of collective identity, promote
5
diversity. active participation of PWD in public spaces and
Efforts to enhance the situation for PWD should the labour force, and leverage the economic
extend beyond conforming to norms and removing and social benefits of disability inclusion. By
access barriers. Effective policy implementation studying the interplay between regional identity
and community participation should encompass in ASEAN and the issues affecting PWD involved,
diverse modes of existence and meaningful goals the intricacies it shows can contribute to the
that foster acceptance and integration. This way, development of more inclusive policies and
everyone can be recognised and appreciated for practices.
their unique identities and contributions.
Drawing from the case study focused on The author actively engages with non-governmental
organisations in Malaysia, with a particular focus on
Asian Americans and their particular set of vulnerable groups. With great passion for research,
beliefs, it is evident that addressing family needs consultancy, and writing, she has seamlessly blended
academic rigour with practical experience. She is currently
collectively, rather than solely focusing on the pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Gender Leadership
6
PWD, leads to improved outcomes. Neglecting at the National University of Malaysia, in which where
the overall functioning of the family unit poses she delves into the intricacies of leadership dynamics
through a gender lens. Her academic pursuits reflect a
the risk of diminishing the support that family commitment to understanding the nuances of gender-
members can potentially provide to one another, related challenges in developing countries, aiming to
contribute to meaningful and context-specific insights to
particularly in cultures that prioritise family and the field.
interdependence, as portrayed in Asian values.

Acharya, one of the leading scholars on ASEAN
regionalism, discussed the evolving concept of
an “ASEAN identity” and its role in promoting
regional cohesion.2 Achieving this identity
involves addressing various challenges related
to social inclusion. He added, “Identity is socially
constructed […] not entirely divorced from 7
cultural and historical ties, but is reinforced by it.”
Emmerson delved into the intricacies of Southeast
Asian cultures and histories, highlighting their
3 Nem Singh, Jewellord T. 2008. Process Of Institutionalisation and Democratisation in ASEAN: Features, Challenges and Prospects of Regionalism in
Southeast Asia. UNISCI Discussion Papers, No. 16 (Enero / January 2008).
4 Rohwerder, B. 2018. Disability stigma in developing countries. K4D Helpdesk Report. Brighton, UK: Institute of Development Studies.
5 Vuuren, J. Jansen-van & H. M. Aldersey. 2020. Stigma, Acceptance and Belonging for People with IDD Across Cultures. Current Developmental Disorders
Reports 7:163–172.
6 Langworthy C. N. & Wong-Kim E. C. 2004. Asian Americans with Disabilities: Influence of the Disability Rights Movement on Culturally Competent Social
Work Practice. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/211325595.pdf
7 Archarya, Amitav. The Evolution and Limitation of ASEAN Identity. In Building ASEAN Community: Political–Security and Socio-cultural Reflections Vol. 4.
https://www.eria.org/ASEAN_at_50_4A.2_Acharya_final.pdf

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