Breaking Stereotypes in ASEAN

Southeast Asians often stereotype one another, with common phrases including:

"Singaporeans are too strict", "Malaysians are too soft", "Filipinos are too noisy" and "Thais are too easygoing"

Despite the goal of ASEAN unity, these stereotypes persist.

• Singaporeans are seen as strict
• Malaysians are seen as soft
• Filipinos are seen as noisy
• Thais are seen as easygoing

As ASEAN leaders meet for the 47th ASEAN Summit, the question of how well Southeast Asians understand each other remains.

A former civil servant from Singapore, Luo Chen Jun, notes that people often view his country in a certain way when he participates in regional exchanges.

Author's summary: ASEAN stereotypes persist despite unity efforts.

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Philstar.com — 2025-10-26