Themes

In September 2024, Typhoon Yagi tore through Southeast Asia, leaving devastation in its wake—claiming lives, displacing communities, and destroying livelihoods. At the same time, over 10,000 kilometres away, in the south of Europe, Portugal was battlin

The ASEAN Vision 2025 on Disaster Management seeks to position ASEAN as a global leader in disaster management. Towards this, ASEAN continues to build the professional capacities of its disaster management sector, showcase ASEAN’s expertise and achieve

The frequency, scale, and complexity of disasters are escalating across Southeast Asia—driven by climate change, rapid urbanisation, and emerging transboundary risks. These growing threats strike at the very foundations of our development, stability, a

The 8th of August has always been a festive and eagerly anticipated day at the ASEAN Secretariat: the ASEAN Day Celebration. The theme of the 58th ASEAN Day, “Towards an Inclusive and Sustainable ASEAN Future,” reflects Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship th

Amidst global transformation, geo-economic shifts, climate change, rapid urbanisation, digital transformation, and ageing populations continue to impact people’s lives in ASEAN. Responding to and leveraging these developments will be crucial to realisi

“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 mor

The ASEAN region has made progress in many sectors, but challenges remain, especially in the area of girls’ and women’s access to health and education.  Meryana (not her real name) is a 12-year old girl from Noinbila, a small village in South Central T

Since the establishment of ASEAN in 1967, education has been one of the key areas for collaboration. However, the focus on education collaboration in ASEAN has shifted from cooperation to collaboration in relation to human resource development and even

Environmental changes have been wreaking havoc on Southeast Asian communities.

ASEAN’s aspiration to produce a highly skilled and productive workforce to prop up economic growth may be in peril.

The call for impactful and sustainable actions to end child labour is more urgent now, as the world faces a protracted pandemic and an impending global economic crisis. For over a decade, ASEAN has joined forces to combat the worst forms of child labou

Over the past few years, ASEAN has ramped up efforts to make sure that millions of intra-ASEAN migrant workers, who pay into their host country’s social security system, can bring their accrued benefits back home. In 2022, the region’s heads of state a

ASEAN’s young people are critical partners in promoting mental health and wellbeing.

As part of the global community, ASEAN is also experiencing the mega trends of digitalisation and technological advancement. It is an irreversible process, albeit at different paces across Member States. Therefore, adaptation is not an option but a nec

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated digital transformation. Stringent social distancing measures are changing lifestyles and work arrangements. Businesses and governments have to rely even more on technologies to provide information, goods, and servi

Climate action, particularly reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, has become a key objective of an increasing number of official development assistance (ODA) projects. International financial institutions, bilateral aid organisations, and multilate

Coastal cities in ASEAN are among the most densely populated and economically significant areas, with approximately 77 per cent of the total population residing in these regions. These cities contribute significantly to national economies, accounting f

The impact of climate change has escalated globally, with an estimated 2.8 trillion US dollars in global loss and damage from 2000 to 2019, according to a 2023 study cited by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Southeast Asia, one of the most vulnerab

The ASEAN region is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. According to the ASEAN State of Climate Change Report (2021), the ASEAN region faces escalating consequences of climate change, including rising temperatures, more frequent extreme

Four ASEAN countries are among the top 10 most affected by impacts of climate-related loss events from 1999 to 2018, according to The Global Climate Risk Index 2020.  Climate change causes slow onset effects: sea-level rise, drought, food insecurity, a

Twenty visual artists from ASEAN Member States and India gathered in Udaipur, Rajasthan, in 2022 to participate in the second ASEAN-India Artists’ Camp, centring on the theme “Oceans of Connectivity.” The camp was supported by the ASEAN-India Fund and

As diplomats and those in the corridors of power do their jobs, how can ordinary citizens contribute to public diplomacy? While we cannot participate in ministerial talks and high-level summits, ordinary citizens and incredibly creative communities hav

K-pop may hold the global spotlight, but traditional Korean music is slowly finding its audience. Sometimes, with a bit of help from K-pop idols.

Spices are an integral part of Southeast Asian cuisine. They create the unique flavour profile of our countries’ most iconic dishes. Think of tom yum without galangal and chilli peppers, or pho without coriander, cardamom, and star anise.

Water festivals are important occasions in Southeast Asia and Northeast India. Despite geographical differences, the water festivals celebrated in the two regions are startlingly similar, underscoring Southeast Asia and Northeast India’s common cultura

First-time visitors to Southeast Asia often find themselves mystified by local names. They ask: Are one-word names considered given names or surnames? Which part denotes the surname in multi-word names (the current record is 12 words)? Why do spouses,

“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 mor

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 fi

Like the rest of the world, Southeast Asia is undergoing a massive digital transformation. In most ASEAN Member States, internet penetration rate now exceeds 70 per cent, and internet users have surpassed 400 million (Jalli, 2024). Access to internet s

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,

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 dol

In September 2024, Typhoon Yagi tore through Southeast Asia, leaving devastation in its wake—claiming lives, displacing communities, and destroying livelihoods. At the same time, over 10,000 kilometres away, in the south of Europe, Portugal was battlin

The increasing frequency, scale, and complexity of disasters in Southeast Asia underscore the need for strengthened regional cooperation in humanitarian action. The ASEAN region—one of the most disaster-prone in the world—faces a convergence of risks t

Located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, ASEAN is the most disaster-prone region in the world. In just mid-2025, ASEAN has faced close to 2,000 disasters, which have affected 45.6 million persons and displaced 2.1 million persons. Some 6,000 lives were los

The ASEAN Vision 2025 on Disaster Management seeks to position ASEAN as a global leader in disaster management. Towards this, ASEAN continues to build the professional capacities of its disaster management sector, showcase ASEAN’s expertise and achieve

In September 2024, two powerful storms, namely Tropical Cyclone Yagi and Tropical Storm Soulik, tore through northern Laos, leaving behind widespread destruction. Homes were destroyed, roads were washed out, and communities were left struggling to reco

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 c

India’s education system, rooted in rich traditions and values, is a testament to the nation’s commitment to nurturing intellectual growth and innovation. It is known for its rigorous curriculum, which emphasises discipline and hard work. India’s educa

Inclusive education for all students, including those with disabilities, is high-quality education that not only teaches students valuable skills but also fosters a sense of belonging. Inclusive education is necessary at preschool, primary, secondary,

The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Policy Brief is a publication of the ASCC Department at the ASEAN Secretariat. It identifies trends and challenges that will impact ASEAN and ASCC sectors and propose policy-relevant solutions and recommendatio

In 2023, UNESCO released the Guidance for Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in Education and Research as a response to the intensified discussions surrounding the social and ethical implications of AI. UNESCO emphasises the importance of adopt

Coastal cities in ASEAN are among the most densely populated and economically significant areas, with approximately 77 per cent of the total population residing in these regions. These cities contribute significantly to national economies, accounting f

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

As the world came together to celebrate World Tourism Day on 27th September, the theme “Tourism and Peace” took centre stage, underscoring tourism’s profound role in fostering understanding, unity, and peace among diverse cultures and communities.

The clock is ticking on the world’s climate goals. With Asia accounting for half of the world’s carbon emissions due to its heavy reliance on fossil fuels, the region is a deciding factor in the race to limit global warming to 1.5°C by 2050.

The ASEAN region is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. According to the ASEAN State of Climate Change Report (2021), the ASEAN region faces escalating consequences of climate change, including rising temperatures, more frequent extreme

Thailand’s exceptional gastronomy has long been celebrated, attracting visitors worldwide for its unique recipes and bold flavours. From the bustling streets of Yaowarat to the emerging food haven of Banthat Thong, foreign tourists and locals flock to

Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing presents a significant threat to marine ecosystems and fisheries resources in the ASEAN region. As a major global fish producer, ASEAN faces critical challenges in combating IUU fishing due to its exte

The ASEAN region, while agriculturally abundant, confronts a precarious balance regarding food security. As a major contributor to global food production, the region plays a vital role in improving the availability of food. Despite its agricultural str

When ASEAN reached 50 years of existence in 2017, the ASEAN Leaders reaffirmed the critical importance of the health and well-being of ASEAN’s people in pursuing its growth, prosperity, and sustainability. It called for urgent, accelerated multisectora

Establishing the ASEAN Risk Assessment Centre (ARAC) based in Malaysia in 2014 is one of the most essential milestones in applying an integrated risk assessment mechanism in the region. ARAC is the regional coordinating centre for independent food safe

The first ASEAN-India Women Scientists Conclave, held from 24–26 April 2024 in Singapore, was a meaningful step in advancing regional collaboration and gender equity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). It was organised under th

Philippine tourism remains at the forefront of the country’s local economy, contributing an all-time high of 760.50 billion Philippine pesos (approximately 13.2 billion US dollars) in tourism revenue from inbound tourism expenditures in 2024. Approxima

A new report on gender equality in Southeast Asia shows improvements in women’s education, access to water and sanitation, and political representation—but also warns of their continuing poverty and vulnerability to climate change.

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 Hara

Like the rest of the world, Southeast Asia is undergoing a massive digital transformation. In most ASEAN Member States, internet penetration rate now exceeds 70 per cent, and internet users have surpassed 400 million (Jalli, 2024). Access to internet s

“Women are naturally nurturing and empathetic. They are intrinsically more suited to caring for children and families.” This worldview, which dominates many cultures to this day, is the epitome of gender essentialism. It appears commonsensical, but it

As the COVID-19 pandemic raged across the globe in 2020, nations imposed containment measures with varying success levels. For every decision to implement strict measures to help save lives, there have been devastating impacts on livelihoods and econom

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a global change in most aspects of life, but the impact has been unevenly distributed as with any major change. Across ASEAN Member States, the experience of the pandemic has varied considerably. Rates of SARS-COV-2 inf

Healthcare is a significant cornerstone of every political system in the world. This is even more so in the post-pandemic world, where tectonic shifts in the way medicine is transacted have altered the dynamics between healthcare providers and patients

ASEAN’s impressive progress in reducing poverty is currently under threat of being reversed due to COVID-19.

An ASEAN-India workshop on the National Cancer Grid “Vishwam” Global Cancer Project was organised by the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) in association with the Indian Mission to ASEAN and ASEAN Secretariat on 24 August 2023 in virtual mode. The workshop’s

Participants from the ASEAN Member States and India gathered in New Delhi from 20 to 21 July 2023 for a Conference on Traditional Medicine. Themed “Role of Traditional Medicine in India and ASEAN Countries in the Mitigation of the COVID-19 Pandemic,” t

ASEAN’s young people are critical partners in promoting mental health and wellbeing.

The ASEAN-Australia One Health Fellowship Programme was established in 2021 at Murdoch University with funding from the Australian Government amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative is in partnership with ASEAN, aligning with the ASEAN Comp

Although the COVID-19 pandemic may seem less prominent in public discourse this year, its enduring impacts still resonate today. The swift implementation of restrictive policies, the accelerated shift toward digitalisation, disruptions across economic

Introduction Over the past two decades, Member States in the WHO Western Pacific Region and South-East Asia Region have been making investments in health security under a common framework, originally titled the Asia Pacific Strategy for Emerging Diseas

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 c

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the discipline of creating intelligent machines capable of analytical reasoning, enabling organisations to operate effectively and with foresight.

Significant changes are underway in the world of work. AI, digital technologies, and the climate transition are reshaping the work landscape, transforming jobs, careers, and whole industries. In this article, we explore the latest trends from data on t

As ASEAN moves towards a digital economy, a digitally literate population becomes essential. Citizens equipped with digital skills can use technology to work more efficiently and productively, participate in e-commerce, and contribute to overall econom

Artificial intelligence (AI) is defined as the ability of smart computers and programs to perform tasks that would normally need human intellect. AI has enormous potential in various areas, including energy, agriculture, health, retail, and logistics.

Imagine this. You are a commuter in Bangkok, or a pedestrian in Indonesia. You are going about your daily life—shopping, working, or enjoying some leisure time. Suddenly, you discover that somebody has been tailing you and tracking your every move. The

Poverty in Old Age The current method of tracking old-age poverty involves disaggregating the current poverty measure according to age. However, poverty in later life is not the same as it is in youth and early adulthood. Older people are less likely t

While we often describe or ascribe income values when discussing poverty, there is a recognition that poverty is a multidimensional concept (Saidatulakmal Mohd et al, 2018). Income can be useful as an indicator to capture general trends. In Malaysia, t

Every two years, ASEAN hands out the ASEAN Rural Development and Poverty Eradication Leadership Awards to outstanding private sector and non-government or civil society actors in each ASEAN Member State. Winners are chosen for their impact on rural com

Rural development is a top priority in the Southeast Asian region, where more than 60 per cent of the ASEAN population resides in rural areas. Recognising rural development’s pivotal role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Indonesia

Many disasters may be inevitable as the forces of nature are increasingly becoming unpredictable and destructive. However, their adverse impacts can be reduced through effective collaboration, preparedness, and response. The value of such cooperation c

In cities, it is common to see people, young and old, glued to their cellphones and reaping the benefits of various apps in the market. It is not always the case for small and micro-entrepreneurs living on the outskirts of the cities. Although these en

Reducing poverty and promoting rural development remains high on ASEAN’s agenda, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Around 140 to 160 million people are estimated to have fallen  into poverty in 2021 due to the pandemic, and people living in

In the realm of rural development and poverty eradication under the ASEAN Cooperation Framework on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication, two levels of concrete cooperation mechanisms have been established.

After a stint as a domestic helper in Malaysia and a business owner in East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo, Mrs. Sani returned to her hometown Karangrejo Village in the mountainous region of Kendal, Ngawi, East Java, Indonesia.There, she establishe

In the recently published Sustainable Development Report 2020, which tracks countries’ progress on achieving their sustainable development goals on time, most ASEAN Member States attained index scores ranging from 60 and 70. Rank-wise, six ASEAN Member

The first ASEAN-India Women Scientists Conclave, held from 24–26 April 2024 in Singapore, was a meaningful step in advancing regional collaboration and gender equity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). It was organised under th

Philippine tourism remains at the forefront of the country’s local economy, contributing an all-time high of 760.50 billion Philippine pesos (approximately 13.2 billion US dollars) in tourism revenue from inbound tourism expenditures in 2024. Approxima

A new report on gender equality in Southeast Asia shows improvements in women’s education, access to water and sanitation, and political representation—but also warns of their continuing poverty and vulnerability to climate change.

Malaysia is transitioning into an ageing society, with individuals aged 60 and above expected to comprise more than 15 per cent of the population by 2030. The most pressing challenges include: Limited access to age-friendly healthcare services, particu

The phenomenon of population ageing is emerging as a critical demographic trend with far-reaching socio-economic and policy implications worldwide. By 2050, the global population aged 65 years and above is projected to reach 1.6 billion (UN Department

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 d

International Day of Yoga has been celebrated on 21 June since 2015. It is observed globally to promote Yoga as a way to find physical, mental, and spiritual harmony in our fast-paced modern existence.

The ASEAN Leaders’ Vision Statement on a Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN: Rising Above Challenges and Sustaining Growth (Ha Noi, June 2020) highlights the need for ASEAN to continue promoting a sense of belonging in the ASEAN Community. Increasing awaren

Sports have always played an integral role in the lives of the people of ASEAN—whether as a way to maintain a healthy lifestyle, develop and enhance one’s physical and psychomotor skills, or perform at an elite level. Sports have also created a platfor

If you want to see how far women’s football has progressed in the last few years, you need to look no further than the ASEAN region, where Viet Nam and the Philippines have made history by qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023—the first time t

Attending sports matches and activities is a socio-cultural tradition in ASEAN. Therefore, it is essential that no segment of the population is excluded from these events on the basis of their disabilities. The increasing interest of ASEAN Member State

Physical activity undertaken through travel, work, and leisure has significant mental and physical health benefits. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), people who are insufficiently active are at a higher risk of death by 20-30 per cent c

Over the past few decades, ASEAN has rapidly grown into one of the world’s fastest-expanding economic regions. Nations like Indonesia, Viet Nam, Thailand, and the Philippines have consistently posted strong GDP growth rates. The ASEAN economy is projec

In 2025, the Parliament of Malaysia is honoured to assume the Chairmanship of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), a crucial role in fostering regional parliamentary cooperation. As ASEAN stands at the crossroads of unprecedented global chall

Mr. Martin Kent and Ambassador Sarah Tiffin discuss how the UK and ASEAN are forging greater economic and people-to-people ties.

Executive Director Maimunah Mohd Sharif shares with The ASEAN how good urban governance is crucial to ensure urbanisation leads to equitable and sustainable growth.

The COVID-19 pandemic may have restricted mobility for most of us who live in ASEAN’s bustling cities, but the reality is we still have to travel within our city’s confines using private or public transport. We sleep and wake up to inescapable sounds o

As of 2021, almost half or 44.7 per cent of the ASEAN population live in urban areas. With more than half of the population living in rural areas, including young people, they very likely experience the problems typically associated with rural and remo

Each generation is shaped by unique experiences and circumstances, and there is no better way to understand each other except through dialogue.

As future leaders of their countries and the ASEAN region, the youth is a key priority for ASEAN. The ASEAN Work Plan on Youth focuses on enhancing the capacity of youth through education, health and well-being, employment and opportunity, participatio

Youth competitions keep young people involved in ASEAN while developing their social skills, confidence, and resilience. In 2022, three region-wide youth competitions were held: 6th ASEAN Youth Video Contest, ASEAN Youth Photo Competition 2022, and ASE