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By Veronica Uy of INQUIRER.net MANILA , Philippines -- Thailand , the current head of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is holding a regional competition to select a composition as the ASEAN Anthem for the 14th ASEAN Summit in December 2008. The contest is open to all citizens of any ASEAN member-state, whose ASEAN national secretariat will receive all entries. The winning composition will receive $20,000. Aiming to create a sense of ASEAN identity, community, closeness, and belongingness among the region's half a billion population, the song must follow these criteria: it must be original, in English, not more than one minute in length, and should reflect the dignity of a regional song, the region's "cooperation, solidarity, and whenever possible, ASEAN's diverse culture and religion." Entries should be sent with score and sheet music (note and lyrics) with voice and musical instruments (preferably piano) recording submitted on CD. Deadline of submiss...

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