Demand for translation and interpreting services in the ASEAN countries is rising rapidly. Meanwhile, there are too few translators and interpreters, translation and interpreting quality is insufficient and training opportunities are inadequate. Headed up by the Thai President of the Association of Asian Translation Industry (AATI), a task force has grouped, involving the US National Council for Language and International Studies and the Professorship in Interpreting Studies of the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW). This initiative, which has the express support of Thailand's Prime Minister and Foreign Ministry, aims to bring to life the ASEAN Center for Multlingualism, Translation and Interpretation (ASEAN MTI) along lines comparable to those of the European Commission's Directorates-General for Translation and Interpreting. Initially, the centre will perform an advisory role in the introduction of study programmes, training and further education courses, as well as quality assurance concepts. Joint research activities will also be on its agenda. As a "Swiss Leading House for bilateral cooperation with South-East Asia", ETH Zurich is supporting the project with travel funds as part of the seed-money programme assigned by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).