Hai ASEANers!
In the spirit of commemorating the 56th ASEAN Day, let’s explore together what makes our community stronger than we ever imagined. Diversity abounds in this region of over 628 million people, with ten countries, multiple tribes, dozens of stories, scores of cultural icons, hundreds of locations to explore and thousands of delicacies to sample.
Here are some interesting facts about yourself that you should be proud of!
1. With over 640 million people, ASEAN accounts for 8.7% of the world's population. In 2018, the European Union had approximately 512 million inhabitants and the United States had approximately 327 million people. After China and India, ASEAN is the world's most populous region.
2. ASEAN is one of the world's most culturally diverse regions. ASEAN is home to hundreds of ethnic groups, each with its own culture and traditions. Southeast Asia has a huge linguistic diversity, with thousands of languages spoken. For example, Indonesia has over 300 different native languages - the official language Bahasa Indonesia is spoken as a mother tongue by only 7% of the country's total population, but it is spoken as a second language by over 200 million people. ASEAN also has a wide range of religious beliefs and practises, including Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Animism.
3. ASEAN also contributes to global food security and is one of the world's most productive agricultural baskets. In 2012, 129 million tonnes of rice, 40 million tonnes of corn, 171 million tonnes of sugarcane, 1.44 million tonnes of soybeans, and 70.34 million tonnes of cassava were produced.
Aside from ASEAN's wealth, each country possesses authenticity:
1. Thailand
What sprang to mind when you heard the word 'Market'? Something is damp, stinky, and crowded. Most places where hygiene and quality aren't high priorities. Not so with the Or Tor Kor Market (Aw Taw Kaw). The bright and airy market recently ranked fourth in a CNN poll of the top ten greatest fresh markets in the world, alongside Barcelona's La Boqueria, Tokyo's Tsukiji Fish Market, and New York City's Union Square Farmers Market. The market is spotless and well-lit, allowing shoppers to easily browse for seafood, sweets, and prepared delicacies.
2. Vietnam
The Si La ethnic group has one of the smallest populations in Vietnam. The Si La people, who number less than 1,000, dwell primarily in Muong Te District in the northern province of Lai Chau and Muong Nhe District in the northern province of Dien Bien. The Si La language is related to the Sino-Tibetan language family. Men in the group used to colour their teeth red, while women used to colour their teeth black, but that practise has since faded out. The Si La women's costumes are composed of metal coins fastened to the chest. Their scarves show their ages and marital status.
3. Malaysia
When the words "mountains" and "Malaysia" are mentioned together, Mount Kinabalu in Sabah springs to mind. The Gunung Gading National Park in adjoining Sarawak, however, is equally worth a visit. The mountain, named after the fabled Princess Gading (protector of three mountain peaks), is regarded as one of the greatest spots in the region to witness a Rafflesia in bloom. It is claimed to be the world's largest and most beautiful flower. The park contains three nature trails and is home to a variety of wildlife.
4. Singapore
Singapore, known for its citizen who passioned about technology. Mr Lim Ding Wen, the world's youngest app developer, launched his first app at the age of nine in 2009. Doodle Kids is a drawing application. He wrote it in a few days on an Apple IIGS computer before converting it to the iPhone and making it available for free on the App Store. He is currently an ambitious game developer with over 20 apps to his name.
5. Cambodia
Khmer, use of innovative construction materials or reinforced concrete, as well as the elevation of structures on stilts, were among these components. The monuments, commissioned by King Norodom Sihanouk, commemorate independence and represent expectations for a contemporary future. While many have been demolished, certain masterpieces of New Khmer Architecture survive, such as Phnom Penh's Olympic Stadium, the Chaktomuk Conference Hall, the Royal University of Phnom Penh, and the Cambodiana Hotel.
6. Indonesia
An abandoned prayer house built in the shape of a crested bird is hidden on Punthuk Setembu hill in Magelang, a few hours' drive from Yogyakarta. The location used to be a well-kept secret where photographers could get a bird's-eye view of Borobudur Temple, but it now provides tourists with an Instagram moment at sunrise.
7. Myanmar
The Saddan cave, one of Myanmar's largest, is littered with Buddha figures. If the bats don't scare you, it takes around 20 minutes to cross the cave, and the exit opens into a lake with a breathtaking view.
8. Laos
That Luang stupa is the icon of Laos, having been created in the third century at the same time as Vientiane. It was designed to contain Lord Buddha's bones, although the original edifice was refurbished on King Saysetthathirath's orders when he relocated the Lao capital from Luang Prabang to Vientiane in 1560. The stupa is a must-see Buddhist monument in the world.
9. Philipines
While Vulcan Point is no longer the largest specimen of its sort, it is nevertheless a natural wonder to see. Vulcan Point is an island in a lake within a lake within a larger lake. Taal Lake, which surrounds Vulcan Point, is a volcanic lake produced after eruptions enclosed the water body. It steadily desalinated after decades of rainfall and became home to a multitude of species that gradually adapted to the shift in salinity of the water. The Taal Volcano, which holds it all together, is the Philippines' second most active volcano.
10. Brunei Darussalam
The 1,788-room Istana Nurul Iman, which spans 120ha and houses the Prime Minister's Office and the Brunei government, is the world's largest residential palace. It also boasts a 1,500-person mosque, five swimming pools, and even a helicopter.
That’s the fun facts and interesting things about ASEAN, as ASEANers, here’s my wishes for the community!
Reference: www.straitstimes.com
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