Kuala Lampur, April 28 -- In an era increasingly shaped by geopolitical polarisation, regional organisations are under pressure to evolve or risk irrelevance.

Among these, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) stand out - not because they are perfect, but because they have adapted pragmatically to the challenges of a fragmented world.

Despite differing origins, institutional philosophies, and geopolitical alignments, both organisations share a deep pragmatism that has preserved their cohesion. Their ability to work together, even across seemingly profound differences, offers an important lesson on the art of regional diplomacy - one that could eventually include the Gulf Coope...