Malaysia takes centre stage as it assumed the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, marking a pivotal year for regional leadership and collaboration. The much-anticipated ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2025 is one of the year’s flagship events, scheduled from 15 to 20 January 2025 in Johor Bahru, Johor. With the theme “Unity in Motion, Shaping ASEAN Tourism … ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025: Unity in Motion, Shaping ASEAN Tourism Tomorrow
In a significant move that underscores Southeast Asia’s commitment to sustainable tourism, the ASEAN Ecotourism Standard (AECOS) has been officially endorsed at the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits under the leadership of Lao PDR, chaired by Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of Lao PDR. The endorsement of AECOS reflects a broader regional effort to elevate sustainable … Revitalising Ecotourism in Southeast Asia: The ASEAN Ecotourism Standard Initiative
Since its inception in 2007, Maya Dance Theatre (MDT) has been faithful to its philosophy: bridging the space between audience and artist to provoke thought and dialogue about pressing social issues. In 2018, MDT’s artistic director and co-founder, Kavitha Krishnan, founded the Diverse Abilities Dance Collective (DADC). Kavitha, a trained occupational therapist, has provided arts … Dancing Without Labels: Maya Dance Theater (The Diverse Abilities Dance Collective)
Nguyễn Văn Cử is the Deputy Director of Disability Research and Capacity Development Center (DRD) and Director of Doi Rat Dep Social Enterprise. Doi Rat Dep, or “Life is Beautiful” in Vietnamese, is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to promoting the inclusion and empowerment of people with disabilities. DRD has built a network of over … A Life Made Beautiful for All: Nguyễn Văn Cử (Doi Rat Dep Social Enterprise)
Singapore is a trailblazer in many fields, including its commitment to the inclusion and well-being of persons with disabilities. In 2015, Singapore’s Ministry of Social and Family Development together with SG Enable, Singapore’s focal agency for disability, launched Enabling Village. This is a first-of-its-kind community space that caters to people with physical, sensory, intellectual, and … Enabling Village: A Model for Universal Design and Inclusive Living (SG Enable)
Disability is not a barrier to excelling in one’s job. Caravan Food Group, Inc. (CFGI) founder Francis G. Reyes realised this as a young boy. When he once stepped into a clothing store, the only help he received came from a staff member wearing a nameplate that said “Deaf.” The professionalism and quality of customer … Inclusive Employment is Good for Business: Francis Reyes (CEO of Caravan Food Group, Inc. Philippines)
Dr. Nantanoot Suwannawut, fondly known as Apple, began advocating for disability rights in middle school. Now, she is the Director of the International Cooperation Section in the Thai Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. She also serves as Vice President of the Thailand Association of the Blind and actively organises the ASEAN Community Blind … Self-Advocacy and Shaping Policy: Dr. Nantanoot Suwannawut (The ASEAN Community Blind Forum)
Dadan Mochamad Rhamdan, or Damar (35), is an Indonesian Language and Literature teacher at SMP Negeri [Public Junior High School] 20 Bandung, Indonesia. He was born with cerebral palsy, which affected the development of his hands. The condition also impacts the left side of his body, limiting its mobility compared to his right. He abbreviated … A Teacher’s Lantern: Dadan Mochamad Rhamdan (Teacher)