Archives: Articles

Indonesia’s Early Warning System

At the 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean Tsunami commemoration event in Jakarta, Nelly Florida Riama, PhD, presented the remarks from the Head of Indonesia Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG), Prof. Dwikorita Karnawati. BMKG highlights the critical lessons from the past two decades, emphasising the importance of systematic observation, innovation, data sharing, and Indonesia’s Early Warning System

2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami: A Turning Point in Disaster Resilience

It has been two decades since the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, but the progress made in disaster resilience and the profound lessons learned have endured. The unprecedented disaster led to marked improvements in disaster risk reduction and management systems, policies, and institutions in the most affected countries. It served as a wake-up call to 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami: A Turning Point in Disaster Resilience

Reflections on Two Disasters: The Need for an All-Hazards Approach to Disaster Risk Reduction

I first visited Aceh in early 2005 while working at the United Nations (UN) Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Kobe. I was shocked by the sight of the entire landscape, buildings, and houses swept away by the tsunami. It was even more heartbreaking to witness the traces of people’s lives, knowing that Reflections on Two Disasters: The Need for an All-Hazards Approach to Disaster Risk Reduction

ASEAN and ROK: Longstanding Partners Facing Future Challenges Together

The year 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean Tsunami, one of the most catastrophic events we have ever experienced, and the 35th anniversary of establishing the ASEAN-ROK dialogue. This occasion provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on our collaborative efforts to overcome severe crises and to reaffirm our commitment to shared prosperity.

Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman

Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman reflects on the region’s collective shock and grief over the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, and how the response chartered the course of ASEAN cooperation in disaster management. Two decades hence, ASEAN has cemented its capacity for coordinated and effective disaster management. As Chair of the Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman

A Journey to Recovery

On the morning of 26 December 2004, a 9.1 magnitude earthquake struck, triggering one of the most devastating tsunamis in Asia. My hometown, Aceh, Indonesia was among the hardest hit, and the destruction was beyond anything I could have ever imagined. The tsunami destroyed not only physical structures but also left deep emotional and psychological A Journey to Recovery

Building Resilience in ASEAN and Reflecting on Challenging Times

On 11 October 2024, Ekkaphab Phanthavong officially completes his tenure as the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. Before assuming his role at the ASEAN Secretariat, he was the Ambassador/Permanent Representative of the Lao PDR to ASEAN from 2018 to 2021. Prior to that, he served numerous appointments at the Lao PDR Building Resilience in ASEAN and Reflecting on Challenging Times

The ASEAN Economic Community Digest: The Quest Toward Developing an AI Governance in ASEAN: Insights from the 11th ASEAN Economic Community Dialogue

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the discipline of creating intelligent machines capable of analytical reasoning, enabling organisations to operate effectively and with foresight. The current estimated value of the global AI market is 197 billion US dollars, and projections indicate that it will reach 1.8 trillion US dollars by 2030, expanding at a compounded annual growth The ASEAN Economic Community Digest: The Quest Toward Developing an AI Governance in ASEAN: Insights from the 11th ASEAN Economic Community Dialogue

The Future is Skilled: Bridging the Gap in ASEAN with TVET Mobility

The ASEAN-ROK Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Mobility Programme, supported by the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF), is a strategic investment in the region’s human capital. Optimising TVET programmes and fostering collaboration contribute to building a skilled workforce that is crucial for ASEAN’s economic development and community-building efforts.