The ASEAN Way [Extended Version]

The ASEAN Way is the official anthem of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The lyrics were written by Payom Valaiphatchra (Thai: พยอม วลัยพัชรา; RTGS: Phayom Walaiphatchara) and the music composed by Kittikhun Sodprasert (Thai: กิตติคุณ สดประเสริฐ; RTGS: Kittikhun Sotprasoet) and Sampow Triudom (Thai: สำเภา ไตรอุดม; RTGS: Samphao Trai-u-dom), the winning entry out of 99 finalists from all ten ASEAN countries.
ASEAN Anthem Competition
The competition was launched and was announced throughout all the member states of ASEAN, in a bid to find an official anthem to replace the formerly de facto regional anthem, ASEAN Hymn, which was considered as lacking in gusto and passion by several member states. The competition was open to all the nationals of ASEAN, limiting to 20 entries per member state. The winning entry received over US$20,000 in reward and was declared as the official regional anthem of Southeast Asia. The panel of judges unanimously voted The ASEAN Way as the official regional anthem of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in the final round on 20 November 2008.
Criteria
Language: English
The anthem should reflect ASEAN dignity, cooperation, and solidarity.
Should reflect ASEAN's diverse culture and ethnicity
Should be an original composition
Must not be longer than 60 seconds
Panel of judges
Brunei - Mr. Haji Manaf bin Haji Kamis
Cambodia - Dr. Sam Ang Sam
Indonesia - Mr. Purwa Caraka
Laos - Mr. Khamphanh Phonthongsy
Malaysia - Mr. Ayob Ibrahim
Myanmar (Burma) - Mr. Tin Oo Thaung
Philippines - Mr. Apgripino V. Diestro
Singapore - Mr. Phoon Yew Tien
Thailand - Admiral Mom Luang (The Honourable) Usni Pramoj
Vietnam - Mr. Pham Hong Hai
And 3 non-ASEAN judges:
Australia - Ms. Sandra Milliken
China - Mr. Bao Yuankai
Japan - Ms. Keiko Harada
Lyrics
Raise our flag high, sky high
Embrace the pride in our heart
ASEAN we are bonded as one
Look-in out-ward to the world.
For peace, our goal from the very start
And prosperity to last.
We dare to dream we care to share.
Together for ASEAN
we dare to dream,
we care to share for it’s the way of ASEAN.
(Source: en.wikipedia.o...)