KUCHING, Sarawak, Malaysia, 24 April 2025 – The 33rd Meeting of ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council successfully concluded today. “As the ASCC Blueprint 2025 draws near to its conclusion, the ASCC has taken proactive steps in future-proofing its post-2025 future with the ASCC Strategic Plan, which presents a holistic strategy and measures anchored on sectoral priorities and people’s aspirations.” Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, delivered this optimistic message at the opening of the 33rd Meeting of ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council on 24 April, in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
The ASCC Council Meeting brought together Ministers and representatives of ASEAN Member States to discuss the path forward for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, ensuring that it is aligned with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. The Meeting was presided over by Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the current chair of the ASCC Council. Representatives from Timor-Leste also joined the meeting as Observers.
In his opening message, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn spoke about the ASCC Strategic Plan’s emphasis on deepening engagement with partners and strengthening collaboration with other pillars to address urgent crosscutting challenges, especially in the areas of climate resilience, disaster risk reduction and management, and narrowing the development gaps.
Minister Tiong King Sing lauded the Ad Hoc Working Group and all the sectoral bodies who worked on the ASCC Strategic Plan and highlighted the need to support and sustain its implementation to achieve the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 of a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centred ASEAN. He also reiterated Malaysia’s commitment in advancing inclusivity, creating fair opportunities for all levels of society, and ensuring that no one is left behind.
At the meeting, the ASCC Council likewise affirmed its support for key priorities under the ASCC Chairmanship of Malaysia that include the following:
i. Cultural Heritage for Value Creation
ii. Artificial Intelligence, Digitalisation and Green Jobs towards Future Proofing Skills and Talents for ASEAN
iii. Healthy ASEAN Initiatives Towards a Prosperous ASEAN
iv. Youth and Sports Potential for All to Foster Growth, Unity and Excellence
v. Climate Action for Stewardship, Partnership and Ownership.
The ASCC Council also endorsed three outcome documents for adoption and notation at the upcoming 46th ASEAN Summit on 26 May 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, namely the ASEAN Declaration of Commitment on ASEAN Drug Security and Self-Reliance (ADSSR), Checklist for ASEAN Member State governments, labour recruiters and employers of migrant workers on fair recruitment and decent employment practices, and 33rd ASCC Council Report to the 46th ASEAN Summit, while the ASEAN Creative Economy Sustainability Framework will be endorsed via ad referendum.
The meeting concluded with the Ministers and representatives expressing their unanimous support for the ASCC Strategic Plan, and demonstrating a renewed vigour to help realise the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
