Today, we present some findings from The State of Southeast Asia: 2021, conducted by the ASEAN Studies Centre at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute (https://www.iseas.edu.sg/) in Singapore. This research reveals how people in ASEAN perceive other countries in the region regarding the COVID-19 crisis. The study was based on an online survey of over 1,000 respondents from ten ASEAN countries.

The survey results indicate that the three main challenges facing ASEAN countries are COVID-19, unemployment issues, and income disparity in society. For Thailand, additional challenges include political stability, while concerns about disputes in the South China Sea and natural disasters seem to be less pressing for the Thai population.

            

            In terms of ASEAN countries perceived as leaders in managing the COVID-19 crisis, the survey found that Singapore ranks first, followed by Vietnam. There is also a group that believes no country has managed the crisis well. Thailand ranks fourth, while Myanmar, Indonesia, and the Philippines are viewed as having the least effective management of COVID-19 among ASEAN countries.

            

            ASEAN perceives China as the most supportive country during the COVID-19 crisis, followed by Japan, the European Union, and the United States. In contrast, Russia and Canada are seen as providing the least assistance.

            

                  This is just a part of the research that reflects some perspectives of ASEAN countries on the COVID-19 crisis, which aligns with the general sentiments of the population. The report also contains insights on other interesting issues, which will be presented in future opportunities.