Southeast Asian’s Cultural Mosaic
ASEAN is comparable to a pattern of pieces. A strategically arranged geographical location where different type of cultural exchange happens. Like a mosaic, it is a combination of diverse elements forming a more or less coherent whole.
The ASEAN region is divided into two, the Mainland and Maritime Southeast Asia — the earth’s the most diverse corner. The region is also the mighty home of the busiest sea lanes and megadiverse countries. The member states connected by waters or known as Insular Southeast Asia comprises of the countries of Brunei, East Timor, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore. The waters that linked coasts and surrounding islands created smaller zones where people spoke similar languages and shared religious and cultural influences (Andaya, n.d.). It is in nature that the people in these regions practice similar way of living as the available resources to one is also accessible to the other.
The cities of Bangkok, Hanoi, Vientiane, Phnom Penh and Naypyidaw belong to the Mainland Southeast Asia. The region is composed of forest, mountains, valleys, rivers, deltas and coastlines. The Mekong River plays a major role in this region as it connects China to Laos and two other states. The Mainland Southeast Asia is diverse and with each distinct needs. Its imperfection creates a balance and opportunities to rise economically. According to Andaya in 2007, “Historical discussions of mainland Southeast Asia typically emphasize the cultural and economic base in agriculture.” However she also mentioned that 40% of Thailand’s and 80% of Vietnam’s populations reside in designated coastal area where trades and exchanges happen that also contributed to what Indochinese Peninsula is today.
As one geographer has put it, “the degree of marine influence over the environment, settlement, communication and development of resources, both in Mainland and Island Southeast Asia, is probably unmatched in any other part of the world.” (Barrow 1990, p. 78). Diversified region with a deep interrelationship embedded to its culture, religion and society today — Southeast Asian’s culture creates an art like a mosaic.
