ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute is saddened to learn news of the passing of former ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Surin Pitsuwan.
As ASEAN Secretary-General serving from 2008 to 2012, Dr Surin helmed the ASEAN Secretariat at a time of change. He started his term of office in the year when the ASEAN Charter was ratified; and reorganised the structure and duties of the ASEAN Secretariat to meet the Charter’s requirements. He also exercised his personal diplomacy in coordinating the humanitarian response to the survivors of devastating Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar which was still under military rule. It was the first instance of ASEAN establishing a presence and direct coordination on the ground in a member country in the wake of a disaster and has catalysed new ways of working in ASEAN. An active believer in, and supporter of, regional coordination and cooperation, Dr Surin’s contributions and charisma have left an irreplaceable imprint.
Bangkok Post, 30 November 2017 – Surin Pitsuwan dies at 68