ASEAN Common Time (ACT) refers to the standardized time system adopted by the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The ASEAN region consists of ten Southeast Asian nations, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
ASEAN Common Time is an initiative aimed at enhancing coordination, communication, and cooperation among these nations by synchronizing their time zones. The primary purpose of ACT is to facilitate seamless regional interactions in various sectors, including trade, travel, finance, and diplomacy.
Under ACT, the region adopts a unified standard time, which helps overcome time zone differences and eliminates confusion in scheduling meetings, events, and transactions. It simplifies cross-border coordination by ensuring that all member countries refer to the same clock time, thereby aligning operational activities and promoting efficiency.
The ACT follows the time offset from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and factors in adjustments for daylight saving time, if applicable. This time standardization minimizes errors in time conversion and enables better planning, facilitating regional collaboration and integration.
By implementing ASEAN Common Time, member countries strive to foster closer regional ties and enhance overall connectivity. It signifies a commitment to shared regional values, cooperation, and unity among the diverse nations within the ASEAN community.
