ABSTRACT
Through the New Southern Policy (NSP), the Republic of Korea (ROK) government had given unprecedented emphasis to ASEAN and its member states. Consequently, ASEAN-ROK and Singapore-ROK relations had been elevated to a higher level. Singapore welcomed the NSP and NSP Plus because they reinforced ASEAN centrality in the regional architecture and highlighted the strategic importance that Southeast Asia holds for ASEAN’s dialogue partners such as the ROK. This chapter assesses the outreach efforts of the NSP and NSP Plus toward ASEAN and its member states from a Singaporean perspective. It does so by using Singapore-ROK relations during the NSP and NSP Plus as a case study. While these policies resulted in notable achievements, more progress could have been achieved over the past few years if not for the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is recommended that ASEAN-ROK cooperation is institutionalized for the long term so that it can continue to progress regardless of any changes in political leaderships on both sides. Further ASEAN-ROK cooperation would also help each side to diversify its foreign policy options and provide additional geo-strategic maneuvering space in light on the ongoing and intensifying Sino-US rivalry. As the digitalization and urbanization of the ASEAN region will also continue to accelerate in the years ahead and the ROK is well positioned to work together with the ASEAN member states in these areas for mutual benefit, there are many opportunities for ASEAN-ROK and Singapore-ROK cooperation to be enhanced in the future.
