Professor Tommy Koh, CIL Chairman and Rector of the Tembusu College, gave the opening speech at and moderated the Tembusu Forum ‘ASEAN at 50: Success or a disappointment?’, which was organised by the Tembusu College at NUS on 12 September 2017. Professor Tommy Koh said that one of the biggest successes achieved by the regional organisation is that ASEAN has played the role of the region’s pillar of peace well over the last 50 years. It has paved the way for member countries to hold many initiatives, forums and dialogues, which would have otherwise not been possible, and fostered fruitful relationships between ASEAN and its ten member countries. The forum touched on various ASEAN hits and misses, such as differences in administration capabilities and style that may impede progress in economic plan adoption, and in resolving territorial disputes and humanitarian issues. The forum was attended by about 200 NUS students and guests.
