By Kavi Chongkittavorn
The Nation
THANKS TO former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad's effort in the 1990s, East Asia has become a distinctive geographical entity, often drawing wrath from within and abroad. Previously, East Asia was known as the region of newly industrialised countries - of China, Japan, Korea and occasionally Taiwan and Hong Kong.
These so-called "East Asian" countries were perceived as a region with great economic potential as they worked hard and were growth-oriented. However, too much bickering among China, Japan and Korea, became a problem. If they could only stick and act together as a group like other countries, their economic as well as political and security bargaining power would increase greatly.
Two decades later, East Asia is in vogue again with better cooperation and mutual trust. Fortunately, this time it is less focused on race - something that used to dominate the debate on East Asians working together. When proposed by Malaysia, focus was often on the most suitable forms of regional architecture. The ongoing global financial crisis and increased interdependence has opened up the minds of leaders and economists throughout the region - to the conclusion that only through inclusiveness, unhindered trade, investment and shared economic planning and strategies can they overcome future challenges together.
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