Based on the principles of neutrality and a zone of peace, freedom and neutrality, Asean has brought about regional stability amid a volatile global environment.
Within that stable environment, each member state has undertaken economic and social changes to not only enhance its social welfare and economic conditions, but also help make the region an attractive investment destination.
Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia have attracted large investments, while Singapore continues to benefit from the rising prosperity in the region, given its strategic location in the global trade of goods and services.
Asean is strategically situated in trade routes between Europe and the Far East.
This location makes the Straits of Malacca a busy shipping route, while the South China Sea attracts the attention of super powers, including the United States, given its interest in Taiwan and the Philippines.
The recent meeting of Asean leaders in Indonesia is most fitting given the tremendous economic growth the country has experienced under President Joko Widodo.
The meeting will boost economic cooperation between member states.
Malaysia has benefited from the inflow of Indonesian workers to labour-intensive industries, such as agriculture and construction, as well as in the supply of maids.
Concerns about the welfare of Indonesian workers in Malaysia will augur well for bilateral relations as Joko has said that our two countries are "saudara serumpun".
It is interesting to see that member states have exploited bilateral interests to the benefit of the region while also strategising regional interests through agreements.
Our border cooperation with Thailand, our infrastructural cooperation with Singapore, and our bilateral arrangements with Indonesia and Brunei can build cooperation among member states.
However, the upheaval in Myanmar and its treatment of the Rohingya are a source of regional instability.
Continuous engagement with the authorities in Myanmar, on the basis of trust and respect as well as non-interference with the domestic affairs of a member state, will encourage the Myanmar authorities to bring about democratisation and respect for human rights.
In the 1960s, Myanmar was rich in natural resources and had many policies and institutions to take it to greater heights. It has lost that opportunity.
It needs to reinstate public economic and social policies and governance consistent with world expectations and standards.
Asean is advised to continue to concentrate on economic and social cooperation while leaving the desire for political union for later.
Let us not copy and emulate the European Union model too fast.
Asean's prospects of remaining a fast-growing economic region are clear because of its mutual respect for each other.
The success of Asean is the result of its leaders' commitment to its original ideals.
The younger generation must be made more conscious of its Aseanness to ensure that Asean continues to grow and its population prospers.
* The writer is adjunct professor at INPUMA, Universiti Malaya, and academic fellow at Universiti Sains Malaysia