East-West Center Launches Latest ASEAN Matters for America Report

The East-West Center has released the seventh edition of its ASEAN Matters for America/America Matters for ASEAN booklet, emphasizing the strengthening economic and geopolitical ties between the US and Southeast Asia. The launch event on December 2, 2025, discussed enhancing the US-ASEAN alliance.

Collaboratively produced by the US-ASEAN Business Council and the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, the publication features data-driven insights and analysis, highlighting the region’s significance in trade, technology, education, and diplomacy, while underscoring the mutual benefits of US-ASEAN collaboration and the bloc’s pivotal role in the Indo-Pacific’s stability and prosperity.

Strategic Partnerships and a Common Vision for the Region

At the launch, Hunt VanderToll, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Southeast Asia and ASEAN Affairs, emphasized the US administration’s commitment to ASEAN as a key partner in trade, security, and peace. He reiterated President Trump’s discussions with ASEAN leaders and expressed Washington’s intention to maintain a trustworthy partnership through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The event was attended by various stakeholders, including members of Congress and business leaders, who collectively focused on enhancing prosperity, creativity, and resilience in the Indo-Pacific region.

What ASEAN Will Do in the Future of the Indo-Pacific

Tan Sri Muhammad Shahrul Ikram Yaakob, Malaysia’s Ambassador to the United States, gave one of the keynote speeches and called ASEAN “the linchpin to the Indo-Pacific’s future.” He said that ASEAN’s collaboration with the United States is very important for keeping the region stable, safe, and prosperous in a world that is changing quickly.

US legislators, such as Representatives Ami Bera (CA-6), Ed Case (HI-1), and Young Kim (CA-40), also gave their opinions on the matter, showing that both parties favor ASEAN participation. “Stronger trade, security, and diplomatic ties with ASEAN are essential to American prosperity and leadership in the 21st century,” said Representative Kim.

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Economic Impact: $553 Billion in Annual Trade

The latest version of ASEAN Matters talks about new information on the economic and employment ties between the two areas. The report says:

• Every year, the US and ASEAN exchange $553 billion worth of products and services.
• ASEAN is the fourth biggest market for US goods, behind Canada, Mexico, and China.
• The US is ASEAN’s second biggest trading partner, after China.
• ASEAN trade and investment supports more than 714,000 jobs in the US.
• Visitors from ASEAN bring $6.9 billion to the US economy each year, while students from ASEAN add $2.1 billion.

These numbers show how the economies of the US and Southeast Asia depend on each other. They show that the connection is growing beyond conventional trading areas.

Focus on Digital Transformation and Semiconductor Collaboration

A big part of the magazine talks about ASEAN’s expanding digital economy, which is drawing in a lot of US investment. American IT companies promised $29 billion in new investments in 2024 alone, focusing on building cloud infrastructure, e-commerce, and data centers across the area.

The paper also talks about the strategic collaboration in semiconductor manufacturing, saying that about 45% of all US chip imports come from ASEAN countries. At the same time, the area is still the biggest buyer of US-made semiconductor chips. This shows how important technical collaboration is for making the global supply chain more resilient.

Strengthening Educational and Cultural Exchanges

The ASEAN Matters study emphasizes the importance of people-to-people links beyond economics, highlighting education exchange as a crucial aspect of US-ASEAN relations. With tens of thousands of ASEAN students studying in the US annually, these individuals contribute significantly to the US educational system financially and aid in cultural understanding.

Additionally, cultural diplomacy, tourism, and academic initiatives from organizations like the East-West Center foster better understanding and leadership among diverse populations, reinforcing regional relationships.

Voices from the Hill and the Private Sector

Dr. Satu Limaye, Vice President of the East-West Center, led a fireside talk between Barbara Weisel of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Mario Masaya of the US-ASEAN Business Council. The talks were mostly on how new technologies, sustainable development, and a wider range of suppliers might help the ASEAN area keep growing.

Panelists talked about how important it is for the public and private sectors to work together to make sure that economic growth is in line with climate and social responsibility goals. This is especially true as digitalization speeds up regional integration.

Strengthening a Partnership for the Future

The eighth edition of ASEAN Matters for America, which includes a thorough analysis, shows that ASEAN is still very important to US diplomatic and economic policy. It shows that the collaboration is based on more than just commerce or security; it also includes common values, new ideas, and progress for both sides.

The publication highlights ASEAN’s position in the digital and technical revolution of the Indo-Pacific. It serves as both a reference and a roadmap for governments, businessmen, and educators who want to strengthen ties and work together in one of the world’s most dynamic areas.