About ASEAN

• The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, is a regional & intergovernmental organisation of 10 countries of Southeast Asia. 
• ASEAN was established in 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration).
• Its members are Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore, Myanmar, Philippines, Brunei and Vietnam. 
• The organisation aims to accelerate the economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region through joint endeavours in the spirit of equality and partnership. They work towards the progress of the Southeast Asia region. 
• ASEAN activities are coordinated by the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia. 

Why in News?

• India along with 10 ASEAN Member States (AMS) were represented by 200 participants, at the 4th edition of the annual ASEAN India Grassroots Innovation Forum (AIGIF) that was launched in Langkawi, Malaysia on 28th November 2023. 
• The AIGIF is an annual programme focused on fostering a strengthened relationship between India and AMS on the premise of cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI). 
• While on one side it aims to give exposure to social innovations in different countries, it also strengthens governance in the grassroots innovation ecosystem. 

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1980525