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ASEAN-Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Role of the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the ASEAN-Korea dialogue relations. The Republic of Korea established a Sectoral Dialogue Partnership with ASEAN in 1989 and was accorded full Dialogue Partner status by ASEAN in two years, in 1991. Upon celebrating the 35th ASEAN-ROK anniversary this year, I am happy to say that we have taken ASEAN-Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Role of the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund

57th ASEAN Day Highlight: Roundtable Mentoring, Women Leaders and Youth Voices

Sixty students from prominent Indonesian universities came together for an insightful dialogue with women ambassadors from ASEAN Member States and Dialogue Partners. The participating universities included Universitas Indonesia, Universitas Pelita Harapan, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jakarta, Binus University, University of Al-Azhar Indonesia, and Universitas Pertamina.

Culture of Prevention in Action: Safeguarding Children in the Philippines from Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation

“Prevention is key to building a connected and resilient ASEAN. By connecting people from diverse backgrounds and promoting open dialogues, we foster mutual understanding and respect. This inclusive approach strengthens social cohesion and builds a more resilient ASEAN, capable of preventing conflicts.” Mr. Khamphou Phiasackha Chair of the Senior Officials Committee for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Culture of Prevention in Action: Safeguarding Children in the Philippines from Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation

Unlocking Responsible Digital Payment for Micro-Merchants

ASEAN is at the forefront of digitally transforming its financial services. Eight out of 10 ASEAN Member States have established and adopted low-cost national Quick Response (QR) payment channels, and consumers in ASEAN are rapidly embracing digital financial services, including digital payments.

Opportunities for Talent Collaboration in ASEAN in the Digital Age

Talent mobility, or the free movement of skilled labour across national borders, is a central tenet of ASEAN’s drive toward regional economic integration. The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Vision 2025 includes facilitating the movement of investments, skilled labour, business professionals, and capital. To this end, the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2025 outlines initiatives such as Opportunities for Talent Collaboration in ASEAN in the Digital Age

ASEAN Connectivity: Strengthening Regional Integration and Resilience

Under the Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024, the theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience” underscores a key priority for the region’s development: connectivity. Connectivity serves as a cornerstone of ASEAN’s regional integration efforts, a social-cultural glue, and a precondition for future prosperity. This focus on connectivity has proven especially pertinent as the region emerges ASEAN Connectivity: Strengthening Regional Integration and Resilience