SINGAPORE, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said here Friday that Singapore will try to beef up the region's resilience against common threats such as terrorism, cybercrime and climate change during its chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Lee made the remarks during the opening of the Experience ASEAN festival, which was staged by Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to usher in the country's chairmanship of ASEAN. He added that Singapore will also make efforts to help member economies innovate and use technology.

Tracing the grouping's history since 1967, Lee said the current 10-member ASEAN has brought peace, economic growth and prosperity to the people in the region.

The festival, which will last until Jan. 14, featured stalls offering regional cuisine, amusement rides and performances. The embassies and high commissions of ASEAN member nations presented stalls to showcase their delicacies.