Themes

At the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan, ASEAN presents a pavilion themed “Building Bridges”—a reflection of the region’s commitment to connection, cooperation, and shared progress. Framed within the broader Expo theme, “Designing Future Society

On 6 February 2025, the Mission of India to ASEAN and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Indonesia hosted a seminar titled “Commemorating a Decade of India’s Act East Policy: Reflections and the Way Forward for ASEAN-India Relati

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

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 celebrat

“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

After a massive earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand on 28 March 2025, ASEAN Member States immediately extended their deepest sympathies and condolences to those affected by the deadly quake. The 7.7 magnitude tremor caused significant losses of life

The devastation wrought by the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami spurred the world into action, with the ASEAN Member States playing a significant role in the response. In the immediate aftermath, the ASEAN Leaders issued the Declaration on Action to Strengthe

The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami was one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history. As we mark the commemoration of its 20th anniversary this year, it is essential to reflect on the progress made in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR

Shortly before 8 a.m. of 26 December 2004, a 9.1 magnitude earthquake, one of the most powerful in recorded history, shook the ground in Aceh, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Residents rushed out of homes and buildings; some fled for safety and to higher gro

On December 26, 2004, a massive tsunami struck fourteen nations across the Indian Ocean, leaving a trail of devastation and forever altering the lives of millions. Triggered by a 9.1 magnitude earthquake, this disaster claimed more than a quarter of a

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

Fifty-two-year-old Saur Marlina Manurung, better known as Butet Manurung, is the woman behind Sokola Institute. The organisation implement literacy programmes targeting various underserved and marginalised communities in Indonesia, including ethnic gro

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

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

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

ASEAN firmly believes that bridging the gender gap and ensuring that all women and girls realise their fullest potentials are sine qua non to the realisation of a fairer, inclusive, and resilient ASEAN Community. Through the years, ASEAN has mobilised

ASEAN’s pioneering efforts in pursuing a circular economy in the region can be a game-changer. A circular economy purports a fundamental shift away from the “take, make, waste” linear economy towards an economic model that promotes the efficient use of

The second International Day for Women in Maritime was celebrated early at the 44th ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group Meeting (MTWG) in Da Nang, Viet Nam. The meeting, held on 9-11 May 2023, discussed strategic plans to enhance regional maritime c

“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

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.

Viet Nam is firmly committed to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities, with over 6.2 million people, or 7.06 per cent of its population, living with disabilities. At the regional level, Viet Nam’s leadership role in promoting disability rig

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

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

The last few decades saw the dramatic expansion of megacities in Southeast Asia. The region has one of the fastest growing rates of urbanisation, with more than half of its residents living in urban areas.

Cities are at the frontline of key global trends and challenges affecting the region, from pandemic to climate change and digitalisation to inclusive growth. Around half of ASEAN’s people already live in urban areas, and by 2025, a further 70 million p

The ASEAN Youth Organization (AYO) is the proud winner of the ASEAN Prize 2024. A-Y-O is its abbreviation, but “ayo” is also a word in Bahasa Indonesia that means “let’s go!” or “come on!”. It is a fitting name for an organisation with roots in Indones

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

ASEAN Volunteers, an ASEAN Cooperation Project, aims to foster a caring and sharing community among ASEAN youth through volunteering activities. It aspires to become an ASEAN-led integrated platform for such activities, to promote ASEAN awareness and t

In May 2023, the Business Insider published an article titled “RIP Metaverse: An Obituary for the Latest Fad to Join the Tech Graveyard,” signalling the gloomy future of the industry. The metaverse was on everyone’s lips just two years before, bolstere

The ASEAN Artists Residency Programme (AARP) is a platform for young ASEAN artists to showcase their talents. For its fifth rendition, 31-year-old Cambodian Srun Rida was chosen as the artist for the month-long-residency programme, from 23rd May to 20t

Sixty youth representatives from the ASEAN Member States gathered in Jakarta on 10-14 April 2023, for the second ASEAN Youth Dialogue on Digital Development for SDGs. Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Youth and Sports hosted and o