ABSTRACT
This introduction covers some key concepts discussed in subsequent chapters of this book. Five chapters, dedicated to the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries, aim to consider their present conditions and their problems concerning citizenship education. The project entitles a community by 2020, which is composed of the ASEAN Political-Security Community (ASPC), the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC), was adopted in the Bali Concord II in 2003. At present, citizenship education is part of the school curriculum in several ASEAN countries. A considerable difference seemingly exists in the degree of interest in each country. The case of Malaysia sets a precedent among ASEAN countries. In addition, the recognition of citizenship education in Cambodia and Laos is low and some improvement is needed in the coming years.
