Unified Framework for Regional NGOs

Published on 05 Mar 2025

In 2021, Zaim Mohzani was President of Chevening Alumni Malaysia. In an effort to unite Chevening alumni across ASEAN, the forming the Chevening Alumni Southeast Asia Network (CASEAN) was made to foster regional cooperation. Whilst there was a vision and momentum, there was a lack of funding that hindered the project.

ASEAN’s existing frameworks did not provide a viable legal structure for NGOs operating across multiple countries, leaving CASEAN in limbo—informally recognized but without operational legitimacy. Zaim touches on this experience and how it was further influenced a downgrade in ASEAN’s institutional architecture for transnational non-profit organisations.