This year marks the 50^th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the 40^th anniversary of U.S.-ASEAN relations. Fifty years ago, the Foreign Ministers of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand sat down together in Bangkok, Thailand and signed a document to promote regional peace and stability and to accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in Southeast Asia. Now, it has ten member countries from Southeast Asia comprising of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

On Saturday, September 9th, 2017 we gather at the SLS Beverly Hills Hotel to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ASEAN’s establishment and the many successes we have achieved as a regional powerhouse. This event, co-organized by the Network of Myanmar American Association (NetMAA) and the ASEAN People’s Association (ASEAN PAC), will bring together people from not just the member countries, but those from many corners of the world and showcase the economic prosperity, social and cultural developments, and regional commitment ASEAN has achieved its in five decades. All proceeds from the event will go to further strengthening these developments through the new ASEAN PAC here in Los Angeles.