The Diaspora Network of ASEAN-5: Centrality Analysis and Implication on Diaspora Engagement

The highly skilled diasporas (HSDs) are increasingly recognised as the critical resources of the economic development of their home countries. Many countries have implemented diaspora engagement initiatives to outreach and connect with their HSDs. However, there is lack of understanding of the mechanism on how to tap the economic opportunities from the destinations of the HSDs. Using a novel approach based on the centrality metrics of social network analysis (SNA), this study quantitatively assessed the capabilities of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand (ASEAN-5) to engage their HSDs through the global diaspora network (GDN). It was found that Thailand and Philippines are relatively more capable to channel overseas economic opportunities from heterogeneous destinations due to stronger connectivity in the GDN. The difference in connectivity suggests that ASEAN-5 should complement each other by establishing a collaborative platform to pool together the expertise and transnational networks of their HSDs.