A Short Comparative Overview of the ASEAN 5 Countries Economic and Scientific Activities

Abstract

Due to globalization and competition, nations tend to be innovative in order to compete. Association of South East Asian Nation (ASEAN) is progressing both in economy and science. This study investigates the economic development and scientific progress of the five leading ASEAN countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand) based on available literatures. The study shows that Singapore is the only leading ASEAN country that is both economically and scientifically at par with the global leading countries. Therefore, for other ASEAN countries to be both economically and scientifically competitive, studying the concept of Singapore or of other advanced emerging countries is important.