Understanding Stakeholder Perceptions of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC): A Thematic Analysis of Regional Experiences and Expectations

The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) was established to promote regional economic integration, enhance competitiveness, and foster sustainable development among ASEAN member states. While previous studies have primarily focused on the economic and institutional outcomes of the AEC, relatively limited attention has been given to stakeholder perceptions of its contributions. This study examines how stakeholders perceive the role and impact of the AEC through a qualitative thematic analysis of 480 valid open-ended survey responses collected from diverse stakeholder groups across ASEAN member states and regional partners. Using the thematic analysis framework developed by Braun and Clarke (2006), six major themes were identified: Economic Growth and Trade, Regional Integration and Connectivity, Business Development and Market Opportunities, Stakeholder Benefits and Quality of Life, Cooperation and ASEAN Solidarity, and Limited Awareness and Visibility Gap. The findings reveal that Stakeholder Benefits and Quality of Life emerged as the dominant theme, accounting for 34.4% of responses, suggesting that stakeholders primarily evaluate the AEC in terms of its perceived contribution to employment opportunities, economic welfare, and societal well-being. Economic Growth and Trade (19.4%) and Cooperation and ASEAN Solidarity (16.7%) were also frequently highlighted. Although less prevalent, the Awareness and Visibility Gap theme indicates that some stakeholders remain unfamiliar with AEC initiatives and their impacts. The study contributes to the literature on regional integration, stakeholder theory, and ASEAN governance by providing empirical evidence of stakeholder perceptions toward the AEC. The findings suggest that while stakeholders generally view the AEC positively, greater efforts are needed to strengthen public engagement and awareness to ensure that the benefits of regional integration are more widely recognized and understood.

ASEAN Economic Community; Regional Integration

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