Jakarta (VNA) – The ASEAN Secretariat and theEconomic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) co-organised anevent in Jakarta, Indonesia, on December 3 to commemorate late Surin Pitsuwa,who served as 12th ASEAN Secretary-General from 2008-2012.

The event attracted the participation of representativesfrom ASEAN nations and the bloc’s partners, together with Surin’s familymembers, close friends, and scholars, who highlighted his pivotal role inraising the profile and prominence of the regional organisation on theinternational stage.

In his own tribute to the late ASEAN Secretary-General, thecurrent and 14th ASEAN Secretary-General Dato Lim Jock Hoi said “Indeed, Dr.Surin has left behind an indelible mark on the pages of ASEAN’s history. Healtered the political landscape of ASEAN, particularly in some of its mostdifficult moments. He was determined to see that everything ASEAN does wouldbenefit the ordinary citizens.” 

Dato Lim added, “Dr. Surin was a strong supporter of ASEAN economicintegration, always believing in the region’s inherent dynamism to contributeto the global economy.”

One of Surin’s profound marks in the ASEAN community was hisadvocacy for regional integration and peace in addition to his engagement withthe civil society organisations. He was widely credited for the establishmentof the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Centre),which plays a vital role in mobilising resources in the event of large-scaledisasters in the region.

Surin was also instrumental in establishing ERIA in 2008,realising that ASEAN would need a world-class research organisation that willgenerate intelligence regarding the challenges for economic progress andprosperity of the region. It has been announced that he will receive theMemorable Prize of the 4th Asia Cosmopolitan Awards held by ERIA for hissignificant contributions toward ASEAN’s development through his passion andefforts in making ASEAN a people-centred community.

Surin’s leadership is acknowledged as a memorable part ofASEAN’s journey and one that has significantly influenced the organisation’sinternational renown. The tribute forum hopes to carry on Surin’s spirit andenthusiasm in creating a unified and peaceful ASEAN as the regionalorganisation forges ahead with the next phase of regional integration.-VNA