Historically, Asia had no strict boundaries, but it was densely interconnected by networks of trade and religion. The current resurgence of ASEAN activities among the major economies of China, Japan and India have created important economic inter-dependencies and renewed exchanges and flows in the social and cultural realms. Today, there is an emerging consensus that continuing the pursuit of existing modes of production, consumption and existing political economic arrangements will endanger planetary sustainability.  I attempt to rethink the future of the region beyond existing models of national sovereignty, and from a perspective of sustainable modernity.