Leaders from nine Southeast Asian travelled to Melbourne this week, for an ASEAN summit.
Although Australia isn't part of the association, it has a standing relationship with the group, with the special summit this year marking 50 years since Australia became ASEAN's first dialogue partner.
Director of La Trobe Asia Professor Bec Strating says it's a strong institution.
The headline announcement from this year's summit is a $2 billion investment fund, focusing on the clean energy transition.
Head of the Climate and Security Policy Centre at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, Dr Robert Glasser says it will help Australia engage in the region.
