PHNOM PENH: Cambodia will be serving as the ASEAN Chair for the third time in 2022, under the theme of “ASEAN A.C.T.: Addressing Challenges Together.” The theme is said to represent “togetherness” as one community, which emphasizes the action-oriented approach of ASEAN based on openness, good faith, solidarity and harmony within the ASEAN family.

For the concept art of the new logo for ASEAN 2022, the inclusion of a lotus flower symbol is intended to represent a form of Khmer art that is derived from relief carvings on the walls of ancient Cambodian temples. The lotus shape is encased in a golden circle and has the ASEAN emblem in its center to symbolize prosperity and harmony in peace.

The logo maintains the four signature colors of the ASEAN flag (blue, red, yellow and white). Six petals of the lotus flower are blue, to represent peace, stability, trust, confidence, solidarity and cooperation which are the core aspiration of ASEAN. Four petals are red, to represent the life, health, courage and dynamism of ASEAN. The golden color of the circle signifies grandeur, success, achievement and victory around the ASEAN Community building process, and sense of togetherness and unity of ASEAN.

Together, the mix of these colors is meant to epitomize the ethnic diversity of the 10 ASEAN Member States.

Cambodia began its third rotation as ASEAN chair on 1 January 2022.