The truism of strength in numbers rings true in the realm of geopolitics: if a region is to thrive, its constituents must work as one. This is why in August 1967, five countries—Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand—established the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). Bound in the spirit of friendship and cooperation, ASEAN aims to further the Southeast Asia region's peace and prosperity. At present, ASEAN boasts 10 member states. As ASEAN commemorates its 50th anniversary this year, it is therefore apposite that publishers in the region produce an anthology celebrating Southeast Asia's literary vibrancy. Call it a gateway into the region's culture, if you may. The First Five by Ethos Books represents such an initiative. The First Five features short stories and poems by new writers hailing from the first 5 ASEAN founding nations. Although similar collections have appeared in previous years, this one is different. For one, it is a new collection of Southeast Asian writing, and by new I mean fresh voices, such as those from fellow Ethos-published wordsmith Clara Chow.
Then there's me. One of my poems, "Paraplegic" is also featured in The First Five. If you are curious about the literatures of Southeast Asian writers, give The First Five a go. These days hipster establishments love serving morsels on platters and labelling them samplers. Shape-wise, this anthology resembles a platter. Like most samplers The First Five is not meant to satisfy, not totally, but whet your appetite instead for ASEAN's rich history and culture. Bon appétit.
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