H.E. Mr. Ong Keng Yong, the former Secretary General of ASEAN and Ambassador-at-Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore visited ERIA on January 13, 2015.

Prof. Hidetoshi Nishimura, Executive Director of ERIA and other ERIA officials and economists welcomed his visit.

Prof. Nishimura explained ERIA's recent works regarding ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and also in the field of energy. He highlighted the Chairman's Statement of the 9th East Asia Summit which brought out ERIA's contribution to the region.

The Ambassador brought out the expectations to ERIA, saying that "It is important to expand its base from economic research and take up work in ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) related issues".

Prof. Nishimura appreciated the valuable advice given by the Ambassador.