The Social Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6125ISSN: Print 1818-5800
Abstract
The study investigates attitude, perception, preparedness and aspiration towards the ASEAN Community among Gen Y public in Malaysia and Thailand. It uses opinion survey method in soliciting information from 734 Gen Y respondents 374 in Kuala Lumpur and 360 in Bangkok between July and November 2015. The study showed that Gen Y in Malaysia and Thailand contended that of the ASEAN Community and its three pillars as highly relevant and beneficial for them individually and their country. Consequently, they exhibited great support for regional integration. Secondly, it reveals that Gen Y possesses strong sense of regional identities but they also exhibited strong nationalism sentiments. Thirdly, they perceived lack of proper understanding and preparation among people for regional integration, unequal education opportunities and institutional weaknesses and lack of political will in executing regional integration policies as the top three challenges for the establishment of ASEAN Community. Finally, majority respondents claimed to be prepared for the ASEAN Community. In addition, they aspired for stronger regional integration as in European Union but with some uniquely Southeast Asian characteristics.
How to cite this article:
Guido Benny. Attitude, Challenges and Aspiration for the Asean Community 2015 and Beyond:
Comparative Public Opinion in Malaysia and Thailand.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/sscience.2016.5488.5495
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1818-5800/sscience.2016.5488.5495