By most global indicators, Singapore would probably surpass many advanced nations. For example, Singapore is considered one of the least corrupt countries in the world, it has the lowest tax rates and has the third highest per-capita gross domestic product (GDP) in the world in terms of Purchasing Power Parity. By all means – economically at least – Singapore is considered one of the most open countries. However, that openness is largely limited to the economy.

In May last year, two men were flogged 83 times in the Indonesian province of Aceh in front of a crowd of thousands. Their crime – being gay. The two men were apprehended a few months back for allegedly having same sex relations and a Sharia court later convicted them of sodomy. Aceh is the only Indonesian province to enforce strict Islamic law for criminal offences.

World renowned philosopher Plato once said, "we can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light."At a time when the rest of the world is fighting for tolerance and human rights, the 10 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member states are seemingly lagging behind in promoting equality for all. The region is facing issues pertaining to gender equality in the workforce.