SOUTHEAST ASIA:

AN OVERVIEW

Lecturer by :AHMAD SHAH PAKEER MOHAMED

Lecture Outline

I. Review of what is Southeast Asia

II. States in Early Southeast Asia
III. Introduction of 11 Countries in Southeast Asia
Course Outcome
• I understand what Southeast Asia stands for.
• I understand about Southeast Asia region.
• I am able to list down all the Southeast Asia
countries members.
• I am able to explain Southeast Asia in Cold War
and Post-Cold War period.
Introduction
• Southeast Asia consists of eleven countries that reach from
eastern India to China, and is generally divided into
“mainland” and “island” zones. The mainland (Burma,
Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam) is actually an
extension of the Asian continent.

• Island or maritime Southeast Asia includes Malaysia,

Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei, and the new
nation of East Timor (formerly part of Indonesia). Islam is the
state religion in Malaysia and Brunei. Although 85 percent of
Indonesia’s population of over 234,000,000 are Muslims, a
larger number than any other country in the world.
• The islands of maritime Southeast Asia can range from the very
large (for instance, Borneo, Sumatra, Java, Luzon) to tiny pinpoints
on the map (Indonesia is said to comprise 17,000 islands).

• The oceans that connected coasts and neighboring islands created

smaller zones where people shared similar languages and were
exposed to the same religious and cultural influences.

• The modern borders created by colonial powers—for instance,

between Malaysia and Indonesia—do not reflect logical cultural
divisions.

• A distinctive feature of Southeast Asia is its cultural diversity. Of the

six thousand languages spoken in the world today, an estimated
thousand are found in Southeast Asia. Archeological evidence dates
human habitation of Southeast Asia to around a million years ago,
but migration into the region also has a long history.
Population

• As of 2009, Indonesia had the largest

population, with more than 240 million
residents. The Philippines was a distant second,
with a population of close to 98 million.
Singapore had the fewest residents,
approximately 14.5 million.
• Population: 593,415,000 (Source: 2010 United
Nations)
Culture

•The farming of rice is prevalent

throughout the region, and houses built on
stilts can be found across Southeast Asia.
Folk dances and traditional music provide
entertainment for many people in the
region.
 Religion

• Islam is the predominant religion in

Southeast Asia, with approximately 240
million followers. Other commonly
practiced religions include Christianity,
Taoism, indigenous religions and various
sects of Buddhism.
Interesting Facts About Southeast Asia
• The region popularly known as Southeast
Asia comprises mainland Asian coastal
nations, as well as several island nations.
Mostly tropics, that are hot all year round,
there are also wet and dry seasons caused
by changes in wind or monsoons. A few
regions have mild temperatures, but most
of Southeast Asia is predominantly rain
forests. There are several interesting facts
about many areas located within Southeast
Asia.
Cambodia
The Angkor Wat is found in Cambodia. It is the largest religious temple in the
world and it's estimated that it took some 30 years to build. In this temple,
people can even ride an elephant from the South Gate of Angkor Thom to the
Bayon temple. Another interesting place is Oudong, where the golden urn
containing the remains of Buddha is placed. It is only 30 miles north of the
Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh
Thailand
• Thailand is the only Southeast Asian nation that was not under
colonial rule. They have some uncommon beliefs that are still
practiced today. Barber shops are usually closed on
Wednesday because many think it will bring bad luck to cut
their hair that day of the week. All Thai men are expected to be
a monk—at least temporarily. Traditionally, it was for a period
of 3 months, but it is now reduced to a week or two.
• Philippines
• The country has 12,000 species of sea shells. The
Conus gloriamaris—the rarest and most
expensive seashell in the world—is found in the
Philippines. About 488 coral species, out of the
500 coral species known worldwide, are also
found in the waters of the Philippine archipelago.
Indonesia
• As the largest archipelago in the world, Indonesia is
comprised of more than 12,000 islands, out of which
only about 6,000 are inhabited. It is also home to
some of the rarest animals in the world. This include
the miniature deer, a fish that can climb trees and
catch insects; and spiders that make giant webs to
lure small birds.
• Islam in Southeast Asia
• There are more than 240 million Muslims in Southeast
Asia, which translates to 40 percent of its population.
Islam spread through Southeast Asia as a result of the
expansion of trade, since Muslim traders brought
Islam to the area. It is also believed by historians that
Sufi missionaries spread the Islam faith by merging
Islamic beliefs with existing local traditions.
Southeast Asia-State
formation
What is the state?
“Administrative body that
has a monopoly over the
legitimate use of force
over a given territory.”
-Max Weber
Pre-Colonial State Formation
 Maritime trade in the region from the 14th
century to the 17th century explains the
consolidation of absolutist regimes during this
period.

 Trade brought expanded wealth and

dissemination of firearms which enabled states
to be more centralized, coercive and
bureaucratic.

 Colonialism was a consequence of the vibrant

trade and economy in the region and not the
reverse.
 Pre-Colonial State Formation
• Lieberman, Victor. 2003.
Strange Parallels: Integration
on the Mainland: Southeast
Asia in Global Context, c.800-
1830. Cambridge University
Press.

• Not only Maritime.

• Comparisons to Eurasia.
Pre-Colonial State Formation
• Maritime economic and military
inputs.

• Domestic agricultural and

commercial expansion.

• Locally-generated movements of
religious/moral reform.
State Formation in the Colonial Era

• Colonial era is long and complex and difficult

to summarize in terms of state formation.

• But it is an important area of study because

many scholars argue that the colonial era
helped to define states and how they run in
the post-colonial era.
Independence in Southeast Asia
Thailand: 1238?
Philippines: 1946
Myanmar: 1948
Indonesia: 1949
Cambodia: 1953
Laos: 1954
Vietnam: 1945
Malaya: 1957
Singapore: 1965
Brunei: 1984
East Timor: 2002
Countries in Southeast Asia
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
• Chief of State: His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Sultan Haji
Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah
• Area: 2,226 sq. mi. (5765 sq. km., about the size of Delaware)
• Population: 422,675 (July 2014 est.)
• Capital City: Bandar Seri Begawan (named in honor of the present sultan’s father)
• Climate: tropical
• Neighboring Countries: The East Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah enclose Brunei on
the large island of Borneo , also known as Kalimantan, two thirds of which is Indonesia.
• National Language: Malay. English is the second language
• Other Principal Tongue: Chinese
• Ethnic Background: Malay (67%), Chinese (15%), indigenous (6%)
• Principal Religion: Muslim (60%, official state religion); Buddhist, Christian, traditional
native beliefs.
• Main Export: Crude petroleum, liquefied natural gas, methanol, and wearing apparel.
• Main Import: Aircraft, electronics, other manufactured goods and foodstuffs.
• Currency: Brunei Dollar
• Former Colonial Status: Previously independent, it was a British protectorate ( 1888-1983)
• Independence Day: January 1, 1984
• In the 1800's the English began to have an impact on the workings of the
country. First came adventurer James Brooke. In 1839 he helped the Sultan
put down an uprising. As a reward he became a leader and governor in the
northwest. Later the British North Borneo Company would start to gain
control over the area. In 1888 the British made Brunei a protectorate.
Brunei would remain a British territory until January 1, 1984 when it
became an independent country.

• Brunei starts his road to independence when the Federation of Malaysia

was established in 1963. Brunei regained its independence after almost a
century of colonialism on January 1, 1984. A member of the British
Commonwealth, Brunei has since join UN and ASEAN.

• According to its constitution Brunei is a “ democratic Islamic Malay

Monarchy”. However it does not constitute a true democracy.

• Although the constitution of 1959 did allow some sharing of political

decision-making, the nation’s legislative council was disbanded in 1962
after left-wing parties won a major victory at the polls.

• Today Brunei is a small but very wealthy country due to oil and natural gas
exports.
THE KINGDOM of CAMBODIA
• Chief of State: King Norodom Sihamoni (since 29 October 2004)
• Head Of Government: Hun Sen, Prime Minister (Since 1985)
• Area: 68,898 sq. mi. (181,300 sq. km., slightly larger than Missouri)
• Population: 15,458,332 (July 2014 est.)
• Capital City: Phnom Penh (Pop. 1,501,725 estimate)
• Climate: tropical
• Neighboring Countries: Thailand (North and West; Laos (Northeast); Vietnam (East) .
• National Language: Khmer (Cambodian)
• Other Principal Tongue: French, Chinese, Vietnamese.
• Ethnic Background: Cambodian (Khmer (90%), Vietnamese (5%) Chinese (1%), Others (4%)
• Principal Religion: Buddhism
• Main Export: Natural rubber, rice, pepper, timber, fish, and Tobacco.
• Main Import: Cars, Pharmaceuticals, cigarettes, gold, Construction materials, Oils, Machinery
• Currency: Riel
• Former Colonial Status: French protectorate (1863-1949); Associated State within the
French Union (1949-1955)
• Independence Day: November 9, 1953
• The most famous period in Cambodia's history came from 900 to 1400 AD during the rule of the
Khmer Kingdom. The Khmer Kingdom ruled the area and was Southeast Asia's largest empire for
part of its history. Their capital city was Angkor where its possible more than 1 million people lived
at the height of its power. There are many famous temples build here including the most famous
Angkor Wat. In the 15th century the Khmer Kingdom collapsed and never regained its former glory.

• In 1863 Cambodia became a protectorate of France. This continued for nearly 100 years until it
gained full independence on November 9, 1953.

• In the early 1970's Cambodia became embroiled into the Vietnam War. However, things got even
worse after the war. A group called the Khmer Rouge took over led by a man named Pol Pot. They
forced people into horrible work conditions and around 1 million Cambodians, around 12% of the
total population, were killed.

• Pol Pot Pol Pot is a pseudonym for the Cambodian guerrilla commander Saloth Sar, who organized
the Communist guerrilla force known as the Khmer Rouge. The Khmer Rouge ousted General Lon
Nol in 1975, establishing a brutal Communist regime that ruled until 1979.

• In October 1991 Cambodia's warring factions, the UN, and a number of interested foreign nations
signed an agreement in Paris intended to end the conflict in Cambodia. The agreement provided for
a temporary power-sharing arrangement between a United Nations Transitional Authority in
Cambodia (UNTAC) and a Supreme National Council (SNC) made up of delegates from the various
Cambodian factions. Prince Norodom Sihanouk, the former king and prime minister of Cambodia,
served as president of the SNC.

• In September 1993 the government ratified a new constitution restoring the monarchy and
establishing the Kingdom of Cambodia. Sihanouk became king for the second time. After the 1993
elections, no foreign countries continued to recognize the Democratic Kampuchea (DK) as
Cambodia's legal government.
 EAST TIMOR
• President: Presiden Francisco Guterres (since 20 May 2017)
• Prime Minister: Mari Alkatiri (since September 18th, 2017)
• Area: 5,734 square miles.
• Capital City: Dili Pop. 193,563 (2010 estimate)
• Climate: tropical
• Neighboring Countries: Australia and Indonesia.
• National Language: Portuguese, Tetun.
• Other Principal Tongue: Bahasa, English.
• Ethnic Background: Indonesian-Malay & Melanesian.
• Principal Religion: Catholicism
• Main Export: Coffee, Sandalwood, Marble, Natural Gas and Oil production is
being developed.
• Main Import: Food, Gasoline, Kerosene, Machinery
• Currency: U.S Dollar
• Former Colonial Status: previously controlled by Portugal & Indonesia.
• Independence Day: May 20, 2002
• The Island of Timor is currently divided in two parts: the West is part of the Republic of Indonesia
with provincial capital in Kupang; while the East, whose capital is Dili since its independence, had
been a Portuguese territory since the 16th century.

• In 1651, the Dutch invaded Kupang in the Western end of the Island of Timor, and took control of
half of its territory. In 1859, the Dutch concluded a treaty with Portugal to determine the border
between the Portuguese Timor (present-day Timor-Leste) and the Dutch Timor (Western Timor).
Upon Indonesian independence in 1945, Western Timor was integrated into its territory.

• Between 1945 and June 1974, the Indonesian Government, in compliance with International Law,
affirmed at the United Nations and to the outside world that it had no territorial ambitions towards
East Timor.

• After the occupation of the territory by Indonesia, the Timorese Resistance progressively
consolidated itself, initially under the leadership of FRETILIN. To support FALINTIL (Armed
Forces of National Liberation of Timor-Leste), established on August 20, 1975.

• About one third of the country’s population, more than 250 thousand people, died during the war.
The Portuguese language was forbidden, and the use of Tetun was discouraged by the pro-Indonesia
government by strongly criticizing the press. This same government also limited the access of
international observers to the territory until the forced resignation of Suharto in 1998.

• In 1996, José Ramos Horta and the bishop of Dili, D. Ximenes Belo, were awarded the Nobel Peace
Prize for their dedication to the defense of human rights and independence of Timor-Leste. In
1998, B.J.Habibie was immediately sworn in as President. He later announced that he was willing to
hold a referendum on autonomy (with integration into Indonesia) or independence for East Timor.
The referendum took place on August 30, 1999, with the participation of more than 90%. 78,5% of
the East Timorese favored independence and rejected the autonomy suggested by Indonesia.
The REPUBLIC of INDONESIA
• Chief of State: President Joko Widodo (since 2014)
• Area: 741,040 sq. mi. (1,906,240 sq. km.)
• Population: 253,609,643(July 2014 est.)
• Capital City: Jakarta(Pop. 10,188,000 estimate 2013)
• Climate: tropical
• Neighboring Countries: Malaysia and The Philippine Republic (North); Australia (south);
Papua New Guinea (East)
• National Language: Bahasa Indonesia ( a formal version of the Malay language)
• Other Principal Tongue: Malay, Common Malay (a dialect), and about 250 other Malayo-
Polynesian languages and dialects, such as Sundanese and Madurese, Japanese, Dutch,
Chinese.
• Ethnic Background: Javanese(45%), Sendanese (14%) Madurese (7.5%), Coastal Malays
(7.5%) Others (26%)
• Principal Religion: Islam, Christian, Hindus, Buddhists
• Main Export: Petroliuem, Natural Gas, Carpets, Fruits, Nuts and Coffee, Plywood, Rubber
• Main Import:Aircraft equipment, cotton textile, engines, Pulp, Chemicals, Foodstuffs, Fuel
• Currency: Rupiah
• Former Colonial Status: Dutch Colony from about 1625 to 1949
• Independence Day: December 27, 1949 (August 17th, the anniversary of the 1945 date when
revolutionaries proclaimed the Republic of Indonesia.
• The first Europeans to arrive were the Portuguese in 1512.
They were followed by the Dutch and the British. The Dutch
East India Company soon became the dominant power and
began to colonize the area taking control for the next several
hundred years.

• In 1942, during World War II, Japan occupied the islands of

Indonesia. After Japan lost the war, Indonesia asked for its
independence. It took several years of struggle, but in 1949
the Netherlands gave Indonesia its independence.

• Indonesia has had its problems developing, including

repressive military rule up until 1999, widespread poverty,
and overpopulation.

• Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world.

Over 140 million people live on the island of Java which is one
of the most densely populated areas of the world. It is also
home to the world's largest Muslim population.
 THE LAOS PEOPLE’S
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
• Chief of State: Bounnhang Vorachith (since 22 January 2016)
• Head Of Government: Thongloun Sisoulith (Since 23 January 2016)
• Area: 91,400 sq. mi.
• Population: 6,803,699 (July 2014 est.)
• Capital City: Vientiane (Pop. 754,000 estimate 2009)
• Climate: tropical
• Neighboring Countries: China (North); Vietnam (East); Burma (Northwest); Thailand
(West); Cambodia (South).
• National Language: Lao
• Other Principal Tongue: French, some English and Ethnic Languages
• Ethnic Background: Lao Loum (Lowland)(68%), Lao Theung (Upland) (22%) Loa Soung
(Highland)(9%), Ethnic Vietnamese/Chinese (1%)
• Principal Religion: Buddhism; Animism is predominant among the tribes
• Main Export: Timber, Textiles, Garments, Wood, Coffee.
• Main Import: Rice, Petroleum products, Machinery and Vehicles
• Currency: Kip
• Former Colonial Status: French protectorate (1893-1949); Associated State within the
French Union (1949-1954)
• Independence Day: December 24, 1954
• The country of Laos first began to form in 1353 when the Kingdom
of Lan Xang took power. The ruler was King Fa Ngum and his
empire ruled much of Laos as well as Thailand. During this time
Buddhism became the primary religion.

• In the late 18th century the Lan Xang had collapsed and the Siamese
took control of Laos. Then, in the 1800s the French arrived. In 1907
the Franco-Siamese treaty defined the boundaries of current day
Laos.

• Laos was occupied by the Japanese during World War II. At the end
of the war, in 1945, Laos declared independence from France.
However, French troops soon reoccupied the country and took
control.

• In 1954 Laos became an independent country from France.

However, war broke out internally. After many years of fighting and
intervention from both the United States and the Soviet Union, Laos
was ruled by an authoritarian communist party. Many people have
fled Laos over the years including the Hmong minority.
 MALAYSIA

• Chief of State: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V (since 14 October 2016)
• Head Of Government: Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad (Since May 10, 2018)
• Area: 128,775 sq. mi.
• Population: 30,073,353 (July 2014 est.)
• Capital City: Kuala Lumpur(Pop. 1,600,000 estimate 2012)
• Climate: tropical
• Neighboring Countries: Thailand (North); Singapore (South); Indonesia (South & Southwest)
• National Language: Malay
• Other Principal Tongue: English, Chinese, Tamil and others.
• Ethnic Background: Malay and other indigenous (58%), Chinese (24%), Indian (8%) Others
(10%)
• Principal Religion: Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and others
• Main Export: Natural Rubber, Palm oil, Tin, Timber, Petroleum and Electronic goods.
• Main Import: Chemicals, Machinery, Electronics, Plastics, Iron, Steel.
• Currency: Ringgit Malaysia
• Former Colonial Status: Portuguese, British, Japan,
• Independence Day: August 31, 1957
• After the fall of Srivijaya, the Majapahit empire had influence over
most of Peninsular Malaysia and the Malay Archipelago. Islam
began to spread among Malays in the 14th century. In the early 15th
century, Parameswara, a prince of the former Srivijayan empire,
founded the Malacca Sultanate, commonly considered the first
independent state in the peninsula. Malacca was an important
commercial centre during this time, attracting trade from around
the region. Parameswara became a Muslim, accelerating the spread
of Islam.

• The first Europeans to arrive were the Portuguese. They conquered

Malacca in 1511 and would control the area for over 100 years. The
area would change hands to the Dutch in 1641 and then to the
British in 1795. While the British were in control, they developed the
industries of rubber and tin production.

• Malaysia was occupied by Japan during World War II. Soon after
the war the country began to move toward independence. In 1957
several of the British territories on the Malay Peninsula formed the
Federation of Malaya. Malaysia was formed and became a separate
independent country in 1963.
 The UNION of MYANMAR
• State Counsellor: Aung San Suu Kyi (Since April 6, 2016)
• President: Htin Kyaw (since Mac 30, 2016)
• Area: 261,700 sq. mi.
• Population: 55, 746,253 (July 2014 est.)
• Capital City: Naypyidaw (Pop. 925,000 estimate 2012)
• Climate: tropical
• Neighboring Countries: China (North & East); India; Bangladesh (West); Laos (East);
Thailand (East & South)
• National Language: Burmese
• Other Principal Tongue: English, Chinese, Karen, Shan.
• Ethnic Background: Burma (68%), Shan (9%), Karen (7%), Rakhine (4%) Chinese (3%),
Indian (2%), Mon (2%) , Others (5%)
• Principal Religion: Buddhism, Christianity and others
• Main Export: Beans, Teak, Rice, Hardwood, Natural gas, Fish.
• Main Import: Chemicals, Machinery, Electronics, Plastics, Food Product, Construction Supplies
• Currency: Kyat
• Former Colonial Status: British dependency (1886-1947)
• Independence Day: January 4, 1948
• The early 19th century Konbaung Dynasty ruled over an area that included modern
Myanmar and briefly controlled Manipur and Assam as well. The British took over the
administration of Myanmar after three Anglo-Burmese Wars in the 19th century and the
country became a British colony. Myanmar was granted independence in 1948, as a
democratic nation. Following a coup d'état in 1962, it became a military dictatorship.

• Ne Win's new Revolutionary Coucil suspended the constitution and instituted authoritarian
military rule. Full attention turned to the military defeat of communist and ethnic-minority
rebel groups.

• In July 1988 Ne Win suddenly announced that he was preparing to leave the stage. Seeing
at last a possible escape from military rule, economic decline and routine human rights
abuses, thousands of people took to the streets of Rangoon. At least 10,000 demonstrators
were killed across the country.

• The shaken government quickly formed the Orwellian-sounding Slorc (State Law and
Order Restoration Council), declared martial law and promised to hold democratic
elections in May 1989. The opposition, led by Bogyoke Aung San’s charismatic daughter,
Aung San Suu Kyi, organised an opposition party, the National League for Democracy
(NLD). Later on Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest and postponed the election.

• Aung San Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 and was finally released from
house arrest in July 1995. She was arrested again in 2000 and held in her home until the
UN brokered her unconditional release in May 2002. She was rearrested in May 2003 and
released in November 2010 by the military authorities.

• 2015 November - Opposition National League for Democracy - led by Aung San Suu Kyi -
wins enough seats in parliamentary elections to form a government.

• 2016 March - Htin Kyaw sworn in as president, ushering in a new era as Aung San Suu
Kyi's democracy movement takes power after 50 years of military domination.
 THE REPUBLIC of THE
PHILIPPINES
• Chief of State: Rodrigo "Rody" Roa Duterte (since 30 June 2016)
• Area: 115,700 sq. mi.
• Population: 107,668,231 (July 2014 est.)
• Capital City: Manila (Pop. 10,444,527 estimate 2014)
• Climate: tropical
• Neighboring Countries: China, Taiwan, Malaysia (Southwest)
• National Language: Filipino (Tagalog) and English
• Other Principal Tongue: Tribal dialects, Malay origin, Visayan, Ilocano and Bicol
• Ethnic Background: Christian Malay (91.5%), Muslim Malay (4%), Chinese(1.5%) Others (3%)
• Principal Religion: Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and others
• Main Export: Coconut product, Copra, Oil and Fibers, Electronic, optical, Garments.
• Main Import: Industrial equipment, Wheat, Petroleum, Vehicles, Plastic, Chemicals
• Currency: Peso
• Former Colonial Status: Spanish colony (1570-1898) U.S. Colony (1808-1946) Japanese (1941-
1945)
• Independence Day: July 4, 1946. (June 12 the anniversary of the proclamation of independence
from Spain in 1898, is a national day)
• Annual Per Capita GDP: GDP per Capita $272.2 billion (2013 est.) (purchasing power parity)
• In 1521, Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer who was serving the Spanish crown, landed
in Samar Island on his voyage to circumvent the globe. He explored the islands and named it
Archipelago of San Lazaro. Magellan was killed during a rebellion led by a Datu named Lapu Lapu
in Mactan Island (adjacent to Cebu Island). Spain continued to send expeditions to the island for
financial gain and on the fourth expedition, Commander Ruy Lopez de Villalobos, named the
islands: Philippines, after Prince Philip (later King Philip II), heir to the Spanish
throne. Spain ruled the Philippines for 356 years.

• In 1565, King Philip II appointed Miguel Lopez de Legazpi as the first Governor-General of the
Philippines. Legazpi chose Manila to be it's capital because of it's natural harbor. Spain's legacy
was the conversion of the people to Catholicism and the creation of the privileged landed class.
Because of abuses and suppression of the Spaniards, a Propaganda Movement emerged with the
aims for equality between Filipinos and Spaniards. The arrest of propagandist Dr. Jose Rizal and
execution in 1896 gave fresh momentum to Filipino rebels to fight against Spain.

• The secret society of the Katipunan founded by Andres Bonifacio attacked the Spanish Garrison
in San Juan with little success, while Katipuneros in Cavite Province headed by Emilio
Aguinaldo defeated the Guardia Civil in Cavite. Aguinaldo's victories lead him to be elected as
head of the Katipunan. The factions of Bonifacio & Aguinaldo fought and lead to the trial and
execution of Bonifacio on Aguinaldo's orders. Aguinaldo later drafted a constitution and
established the Republic of Biak-na-Bato in Bulacan province. In 1897, an impasse between the
Spanish government and Aguinaldo arose. After negotiations between the two sides, Aguinaldo
accepted an amnesty from the Spaniards and US$ 800,000.00 in exchange for his exile to Hong
Kong with his government.

• In 1934, the Tydings-McDuffie Act was passed by the U.S. Congress, established the
Commonwealth of the Philippines and promised Philippine independence by 1946. The law also
provided for the position of President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. On the May 14,
1935 elections, Manuel L. Quezon won the position of President of the Philippine Commonwealth.
In accordance with the Tydings-McDuffie Act of 1934, The Philippines was given independence
on July 4, 1946 and the Republic of the Philippines was born.
 THE REPUBLIC of
SINGAPORE
• Chief of State: President Halimah Yacob (Since September 14, 2017)
• Head Of Government: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (Since August 2004)
• Area: 239 sq. mi.
• Population: 5,567,301 (July 2014 est.)
• Capital City: Singapore (Pop. 4,163,700 estimate 2012)
• Climate: tropical
• Neighboring Countries: Malaysia (North); Indonesia (South)
• National Language: Chinese ( Mandarin) Malay, Tamil and English
• Ethnic Background: Chinese (77%), Malay (14%), Indian (7%)
• Principal Religion: Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and others
• Main Export: Rubber, Tin, Petroleum and Manufactured goods.
• Main Import: Petroleum and Manufactured goods, Food Stuff.
• Currency: Singapore Dollar
• Former Colonial Status: British, Japan,
• Independence Day: August 9, 1965
• Singapore is a small, but important island nation located just
south of Malaysia. In the 2nd century AD the first settlement
was established at Singapore by the Sumatran Srivijaya
Empire. Later between the 16th and the 19th centuries the
area was controlled by the Sultanate of Johor.

• In 1819, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles arrived to the islands.

He was an agent of the British East India Company. Great
Britain then bought the island and turned it into a major port
for trading in Southeast Asia. During World War II, the island
was occupied by the Japanese, however, the Japanese were
defeated and in 1946 Singapore became a British Crown
Colony.

• In 1963, Singapore separated from Britain and joined the

independent country of Malaysia. However, this did not work
and in 1965, Singapore became a fully independent country.
THE KINGDOM of THAILAND

• Chief of State: King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun (since 13 October 2016)

• Head Of Government: Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha (Since May 22, 2014)
• Area: 198,455 sq. mi.
• Population: 67,741,401 (July 2014 est.)
• Capital City: Bangkok(Pop. 8,000,000 estimate 2012)
• Climate: tropical
• Neighboring Countries: Malaysia (South); Burma (Northwest); Laos (Northwest); Cambodia
• National Language: Thai
• Other Principal Tongue: English, Chinese, and others.
• Ethnic Background: Thai (75%), Chinese (14%), Malay (4%), Cambodian (2%) Others (3%)
• Principal Religion: Buddhism, Islam, Christianity and others
• Main Export: Rubber, Rice, Sugar, Timber, fishery product, Car, Electronic goods.
• Main Import: Machinery, Transport equipment, Electronics, Chemical, fertilizer, Consumer
goods.
• Currency: Bhat
• Former Colonial Status: avoided become a European colony and ally of Japan during WWII
• Independence Day: December 10 (Constitution Day)
• The Kingdom of Ayutthaya ruled the land for over 400 years. In 1767, Burmese armies
invaded and burned its capital. In 1782 the Chakri dynasty emerged at the city of Chao
Phraya, which is where Bangkok is today. Rama I was the first king of the Chakri dynasty.
The Chakri dynasty still rules Thailand and current the current ruler, King Adulyadej, has
ruled since 1946. Thailand was called Siam and the people the Siamese by European
explorers. Thailand avoided being colonized by any European country during the
colonization period.

• Thailand allied with Japan in World War II, but became an ally of the United States in
1954. Thailand fought along side the US in the Korean War. In recent years Thailand has
seen some unrest in its government, including a military coup in 2006.

• 2011 July - The pro-Thaksin Pheu Thai party wins a landslide victory in elections. Yingluck
Shinawatra - the sister of Mr Thaksin Shinawatra - becomes prime minister.
2013 December - In response to opposition pressure, PM Yingluck Shinawatra announces
that early elections will be held in February 2014 but rejects calls for her to step down in
the meantime. 2014 May - Constitutional court orders Prime Minister Yingluck
Shinawatra and several ministers out of office over alleged irregularities in appointment of
security adviser. Army seizes power in coup.

• 2014 June - King Bhumibol gives his assent to an interim constitution enacted by the junta
and giving the military sweeping powers. 2014 August - Coup leader General Prayuth
Chan-ocha is made prime minister. 2014 November - Finance Minister Sommai Phasee
says Thai elections unlikely until 2016. Parliament bans the trade in babies born through
surrogate pregnancies, following growing public opposition to the practice.

• 2014 December - Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn revokes royally-assigned family name of

his wife, following the arrest of several of her relatives in a corruption case. 2015 March -
Coup-appointed Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha ends martial law, continues to rule by
executive order.
THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC of
VIETNAM
• Chief of State: President Tran Dai Quang (since 2 April 2016)
• Head Of Government: Nguyen Xuan Phuc (Since 8 April 2016)
• Area: 329,560 sq. mi.
• Population: 93,846,997 (July 2014 est.)
• Capital City: Phnom Penh (Pop. 1,501,725 estimate)
• Climate: subtropical
• Neighboring Countries: China (North); Laos and Cambodia (West) .
• National Language: Vietnamese
• Other Principal Tongue: French, Chinese, Others.
• Ethnic Background: Vietnamese (85%), Others (15%)
• Principal Religion: Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Others
• Main Export: Natural rubber, rice, pepper, timber, fish, and Mineral oils, Shoes.
• Main Import: Motorcycle, medicines, Chemical, Oils, Machinery, Cement, Fertilizer.
• Currency: Dong
• Former Colonial Status: French Colony(1883-1954); Japan (1942-1945) Civil War (1954-
1975)
• National Day: September 2, 1945
• In 1858 the French came to Vietnam. They conquered the land in
1884. In 1887 the French incorporated Vietnam in to French
Indochina.

• France continued to rule until it was defeated by communist forces

led by Ho Chi Minh in 1954. The country became divided into
Communist North Vietnam and the anti-Communist South.

• The Vietnam War raged for years between the two countries with
the US supporting the South and communist countries supporting
the north. The North eventually won uniting the country under
communist rule in 1973.

• Nguyen Van Thieu, in power since 1967, resigned on 21 April 1975

and fled the country, allegedly carting off millions of dollars in ill-
gotten wealth. The North Vietnamese pushed on to Saigon and on
the morning of 30 April 1975 their tanks smashed through the gates
of Saigon’s Independence Palace (now called Reunification Palace).
General Duong Van Minh, president for just 42 hours, formally
surrendered, marking the end of the war.
Course Outcome
• I understand what Southeast Asia stands for.
• I understand about Southeast Asia region.
• I am able to list down all the Southeast Asia
countries members.
• I am able to explain Southeast Asia in Cold War
and Post-Cold War period.
REFERENCES
• Introduction to Southeast Asia
• History, Geography, and Livelihood
• http://asiasociety.org/education/introduction-southeast-asia
• http://www.tourismcambodia.com/about-cambodia/cambodian-history.htm
• http://timor-leste.gov.tl/?lang=en
• http://www.indonesia.cz/the-government-of-the-republic-of-indonesia/
• http://www.tourismlaos.org/
• https://www.malaysia.gov.my/public/cms/article/page/232/
• http://www.president-office.gov.mm/en/
• http://www.cfob.org/HistoryofBurma/historyOfBurma.shtml
• http://www.lonelyplanet.com/myanmar-burma/history
• http://www.philippine-history.org/
• http://www.visitsingapore.com/travel-guide-tips/about-singapore.html
• http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-15641745
• http://www.lonelyplanet.com/vietnam/history