Photo: On 15 March 2026, members of the Board presented a copy of the Network's Constitution during the 3rd ASEAN Ltd Community Leaders Summit - joined by the Hon. Tom Bathurst AC KC, as Honorary Co-Patron, and former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of NSW, with Hon. Minister Chris Bowen MP and Member for McMahon, Hon. Philip Ruddock AO, former Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Mr Tri Vo MP, Member for Cabramatta, Dr Hugh McDermott MP, Member for Prospect, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney-General, Ms Lynda Voltz MP, Member for Auburn.
Message from Sawathey Ek OAM
Founder and CEO
Message from Founder / CEO
Welcome to ASEAN Ltd!
While independent of the ASEAN regional bloc, ASEAN Ltd has established a distinct and recognized identity since its inception in 2021. Originally adopted as an abbreviation, our name has been formally acknowledged by Members of Parliament and motions of the New South Wales Parliament.
We are especially grateful to Professor Sev Ozdowski, former Chairman of the Australian Multicultural Council, whose 2022 'Joint Initiative Statement' was instrumental in the subsequent creation of ASEAN.
Our success is rooted in embracing the universal values that were once denied in our homelands: Respect, Inclusion, Compassion, Accountability, and Transparency, all of which are enshrined in the Network’s Constitution.
I invite you to explore our advocacy initiatives and the essential services we deliver as an umbrella body.
I encourage you to engage with our Network; staying informed allows you to contribute—whether by joining as an Ambassador, nominating for our Awards and Medals, or collaborating to strengthen our shared aspirations for a peaceful and harmonious community.
ASEAN is for all Australians, and your involvement through collaboration and membership is key to fostering social harmony across our nation.
About ASEAN Ltd.
ASEAN Ltd originated from the Lao Community Advancement (NSW) Co-op Ltd in South West Sydney. Our journey began with the unification of three foundation communities—the Lao, Cambodian, and Khmer Krom—and soon expanded to include the Burmese and Vietnamese communities. By 2023 organisations and individuals from the Assyrian, Filipino, Malaysian-Hong Kong, Indian, Indonesian, Afghan, Korean, Japanese, and Armenian backgrounds signed up ASEAN Joint Statement.
Photo: In January 2022, members of the Cambodian, Lao, and Khmer Krom communities celebrated the official launch of the Australian South East Asian Network (ASEAN). The historic signing was hosted by the Lao Community Advancement NSW (Co-Opt) Ltd., led by President Bountham Vongsaya, Mr. Deth Sysengrath, and Ms. Sourina Simmalavong.
A motion of 12 November 2025 passed in the New South Wales Legislative Council, recognising:
☆ ASEAN is a newly emerging organisation that plays a vital role in fostering collaboration among people
and institutions from diverse backgrounds;
☆ ASEAN performs exemplary leadership in advancing and promoting multiculturalism, human rights and
social cohesion.
☆ Appointment of Community Ambassadors
☆ TAP - Team ASEAN Performers
☆ Economic Council
☆ Launch of MKA - Michael Kirby ASEAN Award and recognition of recipients of MKA, AFA/AFM
Our Network
ASEAN is a unique network representing grassroot voice and experience of Australian communities from culturally diverse backgrounds including migrants, refugees, and First Nations – a trust voice and practical help.
Together, we ensure our collective voice is heard—fostering a connected, compassionate society while strengthening the resilience of our respective cultural identities. In doing so, we nurture the next generation of leaders who will carry these values forward.
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Parliamentary Hansard
Selected Parliamentary addresses by Members of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly acknowledging the multifaceted initiatives of ASEAN Ltd.
