About the Author

 

 

Dr Pushpanathan Sundram, an expert on ASEAN affairs with
over 30 years of experience in public policy, economic
integration, and regional diplomacy, has held several pivotal
roles in ASEAN, including serving as the youngest and first
professionally recruited Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN
for the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) from 2009 to 2011.
He was instrumental in driving economic integration, shaping
trade policies, and drafting key frameworks such as the AEC
Blueprint and the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2009-
2015. He has advanced ASEAN’s regional security, economic
cooperation, and external relations with major powers,
contributing to peace, stability, and growth in Southeast Asia.
Recognised for his contributions, he has received prestigious
awards, including Cambodia’s Sahakmetrey Medal
(Commander Class) and the inaugural Outstanding Alumni
Award from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National
University of Singapore. A Visiting Fellow with the School of
Public Policy, Chiang Mai University, he has published
extensively and continues to shape academic and policy
discourse on ASEAN and regional diplomacy.