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Ageing, Caregiving and Gender Equality: Reimagining the Narrative

Demographic transition in ASEAN The ASEAN region is ageing rapidly: by 2035, the number of older persons aged 60 years and over in the ASEAN region is projected to increase to over 125 million, more than double the 2015 population (ASEAN, 2015). This demographic transition is driven by declining fertility rates, lower mortality rates, and Ageing, Caregiving and Gender Equality: Reimagining the Narrative

Women and Ageing in Southeast Asia: A Gendered Demographic Transition

The ASEAN region is undergoing a significant demographic transition. The population of ASEAN countries has grown more than fourfold since 1950, from 164 million to close to 700 million in 2025, and will continue to increase to an estimated 773 million people by 2050. Major changes in population age structures will be seen as a Women and Ageing in Southeast Asia: A Gendered Demographic Transition

ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI): Transforming Challenges into Opportunities

As the ASEAN region rapidly progresses, it also faces an unprecedented demographic shift: a rapidly ageing population. Recognising this trend, the ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI) was established. ACAI’s aim is to help ASEAN Member States transform the challenges of this democratic transition into opportunities. Launched at the 36th ASEAN Summit in ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI): Transforming Challenges into Opportunities

Empowering Older Filipinos through Pension, Care, and Community Support

As the population continues to age, the Philippines, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the country’s lead agency for social protection, is intensifying efforts to ensure the dignity, well-being, and active participation of Filipino senior citizens in society through community-driven care, protection, and intergenerational engagement.

ASEAN+ROK Conference on Care and Support for Older Persons

Over 100 participants gathered at the ASEAN+Republic of Korea (ROK) Conference on Care and Support for Older Persons, with the theme “Nurturing a Shared Future: Bridging Generations, Strengthening Communities, and Innovating Care” from 30 June to 2 July 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Cover Story for the Issue 44 – Dear Mama

About the Artist Azalia Suhaimi is a Malaysian illustrator, poet, and multimedia artist, whose visual and written work explores the intricate layers of womanhood, motherhood, and self-compassion. Her work is shaped by her multidisciplinary education and passion for various forms of artistic expression. Azalia studied accounting but followed her artistic instincts and pursued photography and, Cover Story for the Issue 44 – Dear Mama

‘Building Bridges’ at the World Expo 2025 Osaka

At the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan, ASEAN presents a pavilion themed “Building Bridges”—a reflection of the region’s commitment to connection, cooperation, and shared progress. Framed within the broader Expo theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” the pavilion will run from 13 April to 13 October 2025.

Lakoat.Kujawas: Food, Heritage, and the Stories We Share

Lakoat.Kujawas (Timorese for loquat and guava) in the Mollo highlands of Timor, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, is a thriving community-led initiative that archives local knowledge and creates spaces for people to gather, celebrate, learn, and preserve their cultural heritage. Since it began in 2016, Lakoat.Kujawas has evolved from a library into a broader archival centre. Lakoat.Kujawas: Food, Heritage, and the Stories We Share