In a special feature, SMU Professor of Law Locknie Hsu noted that businesses will benefit from concrete improvements in the rule of law. Prof Hsu, who researches trade and investment law, pointed to how there are already a number of binding legal agreements made over the year. What she finds encouraging is that ASEAN policymakers have been including more language, in recent agreements, on promoting governance and the rule of law. “There is greater awareness among negotiators and policymakers, and they see a need to perpetuate it in declarations and agreements. Having more pervasive language on the rule of law and governance is a good thing,” she said. Prof Hsu also discussed how the legal profession can enjoy more opportunities with the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community, and the value for ASEAN law schools to have an ASEAN focus.