Articles Category: Social Protection

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 2

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 Siphand

Highlights of the Policy Brief The empowerment of persons with disabilities (PWDs) holds immense potential for ASEAN’s economic and social development. Yet, significant challenges often leave them confined to informal, low-wage employment with no job s

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2023, persons with disabilities— including physical, intellectual, and mental disabilities—represent 16 per cent of the world’s population. This is equivalent to 1.3 billion people, 80 per cent of wh

On the bustling streets of cities like Bangkok, amidst the vibrant markets and towering skyscrapers, lies a hidden crisis: human trafficking. Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights that affects millions across the ASEAN region. Within t

The ASEAN Enabling Masterplan 2025 is a game changer for persons with disabilities in ASEAN. It is the first rights-based initiative to mainstream their rights in the ASEAN Community 2025.

MALAYSIA ASEAN CHAIRMANSHIP 2025 INCLUSIVITY AND SUSTAINABILITY On 1 January 2025, Malaysia assumed the Chairmanship of ASEAN for the fifth time, marking a decade since its last leadership role. Coincidentally, this year marks the end of the ASEAN Comm

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

As the Lao PDR assumes the Chairpersonship of ASEAN and your Ministry leads the ASCC, could you share Lao PDR’s top priorities for the ASCC?

Bullying of children is becoming a pervasive concern in the region. Director General Luu Quang Tuan shares with The ASEAN, some of the initiatives started by ASEAN to protect children from bullying, both online and offline.

Minister Khattiya provides an overview of ASEAN’s goals and strategies for upholding the rights and advancing the well-being of children in the region. She talks about the progress made in terms of protecting children from violence and increasing acces

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, Kav

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

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 disab

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 namep

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 a

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 im