The theme has three main components, as follows:

First, is “Advancing”. ASEAN will look towards the future and move forward together dynamically, making use of technological advances from the 4th Industrial Revolution, and enhancing our competitiveness. ASEAN will also build immunities from disruptive technologies and future challenges, especially for MSMEs, so as to advance towards a “Digital ASEAN”.

Second, is “Partnership” both within ASEAN and with Dialogue Partners and the international community, by strengthening the concept of “ASEAN Plus One” and reinforcing the ASEAN-centered regional architecture, increasing economic cooperation with all countries with due consideration to balance and benefits for the people, and enhancing the role of ASEAN at the international stage in addressing important global issues such as climate change. In strengthening ASEAN’s various partnerships, one of the most important drivers is the promotion of connectivity in various dimensions, including infrastructure, rules and regulations, and people-to-people links, especially in the context of the ASEAN Year of Culture 2019. Equally important is connecting the various connectivity strategies within the region, to becoming a “Seamless ASEAN”.

Third, is “Sustainability”. We wish to build sustainability in all dimension, be it sustainable security, sustainable economic growth, which includes the green economy and sustainable development. The establishment of the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue and the ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation will play an important role in achieving this goal