Understanding AEC Stakeholder Perceptions: A Mixed-Methods Approach Integrating Thematic Analysis and Computational Text Analytics

Abstract

This study examines stakeholder perceptions of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) among youth and young adult respondents (aged 15–24) across ASEAN member states and regional partners, using a mixed-methods approach that integrates qualitative thematic analysis with computational text analytics, drawing on 480 open-ended survey responses, thematic analysis identified six themes: Economic Growth and Trade, Regional Integration and Connectivity, Business Development and Market Opportunities, Stakeholder Benefits and Quality of Life, Cooperation and ASEAN Solidarity, and Limited Awareness and Visibility Gap. Chi-square tests revealed statistically significant associations between theme distribution and both country of origin (χ² = 119.80, p < 0.001, Cramer's V = 0.223) and stakeholder group (χ² = 44.17, p = 0.046, Cramer's V = 0.136). Sentiment analysis indicated a predominantly positive overall tone (49.8% positive), with T6 responses registering entirely neutral sentiment. Word frequency analysis identified distinctive vocabulary profiles for each theme. The findings, which reflect the perspectives of a predominantly Filipino and Indonesian youth sample, suggest that stakeholders associate the AEC primarily with tangible socioeconomic benefits. However, national context significantly shapes these perceptions. A persistent awareness and visibility gap among a subset of respondents highlights a governance communication challenge requiring targeted policy attention.