Abstract/Summary

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN with ten member nations, namely Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia is one of the most important trading blocs globally with the emphasizing of various economic co-operations between their members. The Vision 2020 that was issued by ASEAN Heads of government in 1997 with the aim to narrow down the development gaps, one of them is science, technology and innovation area in ASEAN. ASEAN members had worked together to improve research and development in science and technology, transfer of technology within members nations and closer integration in science and technology projects. While the ASEAN members are progressing in this area, there are some members who are catching up. This paper discusses about the challenges in science and technology area those faced by ASEAN. Recommendations and conclusion are provided at the end of the discussion.