ASEAN, also known as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is a geopolitical and economic organization composed of ten countries located in Southeast Asia, created on 8 August 1967 from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. But as the organization grows, the number of members also expands at the same time, including 5 more member countries: Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam which can be seen in photo 1.0 below.1.0 Member Countries ASEANThe history of ASEAN started from an organization called Southeast Asian Association (ASA) which consists of the alliance of Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand formed in 1961. However, the actual establishment of ASEAN takes place on August 8, 1967, when the foreign ministers of five countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand met and signed the ASEAN Declaration at the Thai Department of Foreign Affairs building in Bangkok. The main motivational factor that made ASEAN a reality is because it would allow member countries to have the ability to focus on nation building, reduced trust or distrust in the problems of external powers, and the desire for economic development. 2.0 Key Dates in the History of ASEAN The purpose and objective of the ASEAN organization is to be a springboard for the country's economic growth, cultural development, social progress, protection of regional peace and stability, and provide opportunities for member countries to peacefully discuss differences and work together to resolve issues that may affect the stability of their country during the ongoing ASEAN Annual Meeting. Some examples of the progress made through collaboration...... half of the article......itcilo.org/actrav-english/telearn/global/ilo/blokit/asean.htm > [13 October 2011]7 . aseanonthemove.com (2011), Atmono Suryo, ASEAN investment flows [online] available at < http://aseanonthemove.com/asean-investment-flows/ > [13 October 2011]8. ttweekly (2011), Wanwisa Ngamsangchaikit, The tourism job market opens in 2015 [online] available from < http://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2011/07/tourism-job-market-opens-in-2015/ > [ 13 October 2011]9. HSA (2011), Health Sciences Authority [online] available from < http://www.hsa.gov.sg/publish/hsaportal/en/news_events/speeches/2011/KeynoteAddressByDrJohnLimCEOHSAAtOpeningCeremonyOfThe18thMeetingOfTheACCSQPPWG.html > [14 October 2011]10 . Carnegie endowment (2008), ASEAN integration and its effects [online] available at < http://carnegieendowment.org/2008/11/28/asean-integration-and-its-effects/kk > [14 October 2011]