17/01/2011
Dr K. Kesavapany
Bangkok Post
Dr K. Kesavapany, director of Singapore-based Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, which focuses on social, political, and economic developments in Southeast Asia, spoke recently with reporter May Kunmakara of the Phnom Penh Post about the benefits and challenges of Cambodia's membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Q: As a researcher who has been studying Asean-related matters for many years, what do you think are the benefits Cambodia faces as a member of Asean?
A: Cambodia is a small country and on its own it does not have a voice with other bigger countries. But when we join Asean, our voice is magnified ten times because when we speak we speak with another nine countries - that's the first benefit.
Secondly, Cambodia has suffered many setbacks from the civil war, which created terrible problems in terms of manpower, economic damage, and social relocation. So the second benefit is Cambodia is able to recover more quickly, as there is likely to be more investments, technical assistance and knowledge-sharing.
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