ASEAN socio-cultural plan to uplift 680 million people through inclusive, resilient community-building
KUALA LUMPUR: ASEAN has charted a bold socio-cultural agenda to uplift the lives of over 680 million people across the region by 2045, aiming to forge a resilient, inclusive and people-centred community in the face of growing global uncertainties.
The plan builds on the foundation laid by the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Blueprint 2025 and responds to emerging challenges such as ageing populations, digital exclusion, public health threats, climate change and widening social inequality.
'It also recognises the opportunities arising form emerging megatrends such as digital technology advancement and green and blue economies,' according to the ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future document.
Among the key goals of the ASCC plan is to build a people-centred and interconnected community through equitable digital access, greater regional mobility, and enhanced cooperation in education, lifelong learning and social protection.
The strategy also envisions a caring and inclusive ASEAN that promotes shared prosperity by investing in gender equality, women's empowerment, and stronger protections for migrant workers, persons with disabilities, and the elderly.
Human security and resilience feature prominently, with ASEAN pledging to address mental health, ageing, and natural disasters through partnerships between governments, civil society and the private sector.
'Youth engagement is a high priority. The plan outlines measures to equip young people to lead in innovation, climate action and entrepreneurship, while promoting active participation in ASEAN's socio-economic development.
'Women's empowerment is another central focus. ASEAN seeks to increase female representation in decision-making, develop gender-responsive policies, and invest in care infrastructure to reduce unpaid work and improve well-being,' the document read.
The ASCC Plan also highlights the importance of preserving ASEAN's rich cultural heritage. It seeks to strengthen regional identity through arts, education, digital platforms and community-based initiatives, particularly in underserved areas.
ASEAN aims to develop a thriving sports ecosystem, positioning the region as a hub for regional competitions promoting peace, inclusion and health while driving socio-economic growth. On sustainability, the strategy promotes food and water security, universal healthcare access and disaster preparedness.
'ASEAN will implement a robust monitoring and evaluation system to measure progress with key performance indicators, guided by the ASCC Database for Monitoring and Evaluation (ADME), ensuring accountability and timely action. A Mid-Term Review is planned for 2030, followed by an end-of-term evaluation in 2035,' it said.
Ultimately, the ASCC Strategic Plan represents ASEAN's collective resolve to ensure that no one is left behind, building a united, compassionate and future-ready community that values both people and the planet.
The document, endorsed by ASEAN leaders through the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045, comprises six key documents that will serve as the foundation for the region's development over the next two decades.
These include the ASEAN Community Vision (ACV) 2045, and the strategic plans for the Political-Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural Communities, as well as plans for Connectivity and regional integration.
Each strategic plan outlines specific goals and measures -- the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) with nine goals and 178 measures, ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) (six goals, 192 measures), ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) (12 goals, 112 measures) and ASEAN Connectivity Plan (six goals, 49 measures).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malaysia Sun
13-06-2025
- Malaysia Sun
ASEAN poised for major global economic role, but challenges remain, experts say
KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 (Xinhua) -- ASEAN could emerge as the world's fourth-largest economy in the coming decades, experts say, but the regional bloc must accelerate integration, strengthen institutions, and adapt to global shifts to realize this potential. Experts also urge ASEAN to act collectively to solidify its global presence. EMERGING INDUSTRY FUELING COMMON FUTURE "ASEAN, presently with an economic size of 3.8 trillion U.S. dollars, could become the fourth-largest economy on an aggregated basis but of a smaller world," said Mohd Munir Abdul Majid, chairman of CARI ASEAN Research and Advocacy, in a recent email interview with Xinhua. Mohd Munir, who is also president of the ASEAN Business Club and a senior fellow at LSE IDEAS, said technology -- particularly artificial intelligence (AI) in the services sector -- will drive future growth. He emphasized that ASEAN's access to technology should be guided by cost and technical quality. "E-commerce could be a key catalyst for intra-regional trade," Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, chief economist at Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad, said that a robust digital infrastructure, including telecommunications and smart devices, is essential. Mohd Afzanizam also highlighted the importance of logistics to ensure speedy delivery, which necessitates efficient warehousing systems. He further emphasized that payment systems, such as QR code networks, are crucial to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in expanding into international markets. Oh Ei Sun, principal adviser at the Pacific Research Center of Malaysia, stated that ASEAN should prioritize high-tech sectors that offer greater value-added potential. However, he told Xinhua that traditional commodities like palm oil and petroleum would remain vital as the region catches up in advanced industries. ASEAN INTEGRATION PROGRESSING STEADILY ASEAN's economic integration has been advancing gradually, with a strong emphasis on consensus and free trade, experts say. "ASEAN's economic integration has progressed steadily rather than hastily, grounded in a consistent commitment to free trade," said Mohd Munir. According to him, ASEAN's journey began with the ASEAN Free Trade Area in 1992, followed by the launch of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). The process is now guided by the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045, adopted at the 46th ASEAN Summit in May. "There is a lot happening. Not fast enough or optimally, but in a clear direction," he noted, adding that ASEAN has progressed based on consensus to deepen integration and free trade. Li Yuqing, assistant professor of Institute for International and Area Studies of Tsinghua University, said ASEAN's updates to the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement enhance regional trade and deepen integration, supporting its goal of becoming the world's fourth-largest economy. "Above all, ASEAN is a peaceful region, which makes it a conducive location for foreign direct investment and business ventures that can come from across the globe," Mohd Afzanizam said, highlighting initiatives such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone as evidence of strengthening regional ties. INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS, STRATEGIC CLARITY NEEDED Despite progress, experts pointed out that ASEAN faces institutional limitations. Mohd Munir said the bloc's decision-making structure remains slow, and the secretariat is under-resourced, despite the ASEAN 2045 vision calling for strengthening. "The point ASEAN must realize is that there is an urgent need to develop its strategic options in a changing world. It has taken a slow and steady course on increasing intra-regional trade, labor mobility and institutional implementation, emphasizing always on consensus," he said. "But there are now big issues for decision-making that cannot follow that route." Mohd Afzanizam warned that non-tariff barriers remain a key obstacle, as member states often act to protect their domestic industries. "Continuous dialogue, both government-to-government and government-to-business, is vital to identify and bridge these gaps," he said. Oh echoed those concerns, urging ASEAN to address internal development disparities. "ASEAN should focus on eradicating the abject poverty amongst itself for the least developed member states, and escaping the middle-income trap for the developing member states," he added. CHINA TIES OFFER CHANCE FOR COOPERATION Experts believe ASEAN-China relations are entering a new phase, driven by growing investment and strategic collaboration. Mohd Munir noted that ASEAN-China relations have been close in trade and, increasingly, in investment. In the context of global trade tensions, it would be good to deepen that relationship for mutual benefit. "For China, ASEAN's economic integration provides a relatively stable regional trade environment, helping China manage external trade risks and enhance economic resilience and stability," Li mentioned. She also noted that integration makes ASEAN's investment environment more stable and transparent, enabling businesses to better access the ASEAN market and achieve more efficient resource allocation. ASEAN countries may deepen cooperation with China in infrastructure development, which would accelerate progress in the digital economy and green transition, Oh suggested. GREATER INFLUENCE AMID UNCERTAINTY Regardless of whether ASEAN becomes the fourth-largest economy, its current size already warrants greater global influence, as the bloc is urged to exercise its weight in global affairs. "ASEAN needs to be less reticent about asserting its influence and initiating new ideas in a world marked by global disorder," he added. "Deeper ASEAN economic integration would strengthen the bloc's bargaining power," Li said, adding that it would enhance its role as a regional coordinator and allow it to play a more significant role. Mohd Afzanizam said that the shift toward a multipolar world provides more platforms for diplomatic solutions rather than unilateral decisions, especially from a single superpower, which can be disruptive. "This should resonate well with ASEAN as the region has always been peaceful. Certainly, ASEAN would want to advocate this at the global arena which is a universally accepted value," he added.
Malaysia Sun
13-06-2025
- Malaysia Sun
Economic Watch: ASEAN poised for major global economic role, but challenges remain, experts say
KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 (Xinhua) -- ASEAN could emerge as the world's fourth-largest economy in the coming decades, experts say, but the regional bloc must accelerate integration, strengthen institutions, and adapt to global shifts to realize this potential. Experts also urge ASEAN to act collectively to solidify its global presence. EMERGING INDUSTRY FUELING COMMON FUTURE "ASEAN, presently with an economic size of 3.8 trillion U.S. dollars, could become the fourth-largest economy on an aggregated basis but of a smaller world," said Mohd Munir Abdul Majid, chairman of CARI ASEAN Research and Advocacy, in a recent email interview with Xinhua. Mohd Munir, who is also president of the ASEAN Business Club and a senior fellow at LSE IDEAS, said technology -- particularly artificial intelligence (AI) in the services sector -- will drive future growth. He emphasized that ASEAN's access to technology should be guided by cost and technical quality. "E-commerce could be a key catalyst for intra-regional trade," Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, chief economist at Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad, said that a robust digital infrastructure, including telecommunications and smart devices, is essential. Mohd Afzanizam also highlighted the importance of logistics to ensure speedy delivery, which necessitates efficient warehousing systems. He further emphasized that payment systems, such as QR code networks, are crucial to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in expanding into international markets. Oh Ei Sun, principal adviser at the Pacific Research Center of Malaysia, stated that ASEAN should prioritize high-tech sectors that offer greater value-added potential. However, he told Xinhua that traditional commodities like palm oil and petroleum would remain vital as the region catches up in advanced industries. ASEAN INTEGRATION PROGRESSING STEADILY ASEAN's economic integration has been advancing gradually, with a strong emphasis on consensus and free trade, experts say. "ASEAN's economic integration has progressed steadily rather than hastily, grounded in a consistent commitment to free trade," said Mohd Munir. According to him, ASEAN's journey began with the ASEAN Free Trade Area in 1992, followed by the launch of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). The process is now guided by the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045, adopted at the 46th ASEAN Summit in May. "There is a lot happening. Not fast enough or optimally, but in a clear direction," he noted, adding that ASEAN has progressed based on consensus to deepen integration and free trade. Li Yuqing, assistant professor of Institute for International and Area Studies of Tsinghua University, said ASEAN's updates to the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement enhance regional trade and deepen integration, supporting its goal of becoming the world's fourth-largest economy. "Above all, ASEAN is a peaceful region, which makes it a conducive location for foreign direct investment and business ventures that can come from across the globe," Mohd Afzanizam said, highlighting initiatives such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone as evidence of strengthening regional ties. INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS, STRATEGIC CLARITY NEEDED Despite progress, experts pointed out that ASEAN faces institutional limitations. Mohd Munir said the bloc's decision-making structure remains slow, and the secretariat is under-resourced, despite the ASEAN 2045 vision calling for strengthening. "The point ASEAN must realize is that there is an urgent need to develop its strategic options in a changing world. It has taken a slow and steady course on increasing intra-regional trade, labor mobility and institutional implementation, emphasizing always on consensus," he said. "But there are now big issues for decision-making that cannot follow that route." Mohd Afzanizam warned that non-tariff barriers remain a key obstacle, as member states often act to protect their domestic industries. "Continuous dialogue, both government-to-government and government-to-business, is vital to identify and bridge these gaps," he said. Oh echoed those concerns, urging ASEAN to address internal development disparities. "ASEAN should focus on eradicating the abject poverty amongst itself for the least developed member states, and escaping the middle-income trap for the developing member states," he added. CHINA TIES OFFER CHANCE FOR COOPERATION Experts believe ASEAN-China relations are entering a new phase, driven by growing investment and strategic collaboration. Mohd Munir noted that ASEAN-China relations have been close in trade and, increasingly, in investment. In the context of global trade tensions, it would be good to deepen that relationship for mutual benefit. "For China, ASEAN's economic integration provides a relatively stable regional trade environment, helping China manage external trade risks and enhance economic resilience and stability," Li mentioned. She also noted that integration makes ASEAN's investment environment more stable and transparent, enabling businesses to better access the ASEAN market and achieve more efficient resource allocation. ASEAN countries may deepen cooperation with China in infrastructure development, which would accelerate progress in the digital economy and green transition, Oh suggested. GREATER INFLUENCE AMID UNCERTAINTY Regardless of whether ASEAN becomes the fourth-largest economy, its current size already warrants greater global influence, as the bloc is urged to exercise its weight in global affairs. "ASEAN needs to be less reticent about asserting its influence and initiating new ideas in a world marked by global disorder," he added. "Deeper ASEAN economic integration would strengthen the bloc's bargaining power," Li said, adding that it would enhance its role as a regional coordinator and allow it to play a more significant role. Mohd Afzanizam said that the shift toward a multipolar world provides more platforms for diplomatic solutions rather than unilateral decisions, especially from a single superpower, which can be disruptive. "This should resonate well with ASEAN as the region has always been peaceful. Certainly, ASEAN would want to advocate this at the global arena which is a universally accepted value," he added.
The Sun
12-06-2025
- The Sun
Economic Watch: ASEAN poised for major global economic role, but challenges remain, experts say
KUALA LUMPUR: ASEAN could emerge as the world's fourth-largest economy in the coming decades, experts say, but the regional bloc must accelerate integration, strengthen institutions, and adapt to global shifts to realize this potential. Experts also urge ASEAN to act collectively to solidify its global presence. EMERGING INDUSTRY FUELING COMMON FUTURE 'ASEAN, presently with an economic size of 3.8 trillion U.S. dollars, could become the fourth-largest economy on an aggregated basis but of a smaller world,' said Mohd Munir Abdul Majid, chairman of CARI ASEAN Research and Advocacy, in a recent email interview with Xinhua. Mohd Munir, who is also president of the ASEAN Business Club and a senior fellow at LSE IDEAS, said technology -- particularly artificial intelligence (AI) in the services sector -- will drive future growth. He emphasized that ASEAN's access to technology should be guided by cost and technical quality. 'E-commerce could be a key catalyst for intra-regional trade,' Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, chief economist at Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad, said that a robust digital infrastructure, including telecommunications and smart devices, is essential. Mohd Afzanizam also highlighted the importance of logistics to ensure speedy delivery, which necessitates efficient warehousing systems. He further emphasized that payment systems, such as QR code networks, are crucial to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in expanding into international markets. Oh Ei Sun, principal adviser at the Pacific Research Center of Malaysia, stated that ASEAN should prioritize high-tech sectors that offer greater value-added potential. However, he told Xinhua that traditional commodities like palm oil and petroleum would remain vital as the region catches up in advanced industries. ASEAN INTEGRATION PROGRESSING STEADILY ASEAN's economic integration has been advancing gradually, with a strong emphasis on consensus and free trade, experts say. 'ASEAN's economic integration has progressed steadily rather than hastily, grounded in a consistent commitment to free trade,' said Mohd Munir. According to him, ASEAN's journey began with the ASEAN Free Trade Area in 1992, followed by the launch of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). The process is now guided by the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045, adopted at the 46th ASEAN Summit in May. 'There is a lot happening. Not fast enough or optimally, but in a clear direction,' he noted, adding that ASEAN has progressed based on consensus to deepen integration and free trade. Li Yuqing, assistant professor of Institute for International and Area Studies of Tsinghua University, said ASEAN's updates to the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement enhance regional trade and deepen integration, supporting its goal of becoming the world's fourth-largest economy. 'Above all, ASEAN is a peaceful region, which makes it a conducive location for foreign direct investment and business ventures that can come from across the globe,' Mohd Afzanizam said, highlighting initiatives such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone as evidence of strengthening regional ties. INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS, STRATEGIC CLARITY NEEDED Despite progress, experts pointed out that ASEAN faces institutional limitations. Mohd Munir said the bloc's decision-making structure remains slow, and the secretariat is under-resourced, despite the ASEAN 2045 vision calling for strengthening. 'The point ASEAN must realize is that there is an urgent need to develop its strategic options in a changing world. It has taken a slow and steady course on increasing intra-regional trade, labor mobility and institutional implementation, emphasizing always on consensus,' he said. 'But there are now big issues for decision-making that cannot follow that route.' Mohd Afzanizam warned that non-tariff barriers remain a key obstacle, as member states often act to protect their domestic industries. 'Continuous dialogue, both government-to-government and government-to-business, is vital to identify and bridge these gaps,' he said. Oh echoed those concerns, urging ASEAN to address internal development disparities. 'ASEAN should focus on eradicating the abject poverty amongst itself for the least developed member states, and escaping the middle-income trap for the developing member states,' he added. CHINA TIES OFFER CHANCE FOR COOPERATION Experts believe ASEAN-China relations are entering a new phase, driven by growing investment and strategic collaboration. Mohd Munir noted that ASEAN-China relations have been close in trade and, increasingly, in investment. In the context of global trade tensions, it would be good to deepen that relationship for mutual benefit. 'For China, ASEAN's economic integration provides a relatively stable regional trade environment, helping China manage external trade risks and enhance economic resilience and stability,' Li mentioned. She also noted that integration makes ASEAN's investment environment more stable and transparent, enabling businesses to better access the ASEAN market and achieve more efficient resource allocation. ASEAN countries may deepen cooperation with China in infrastructure development, which would accelerate progress in the digital economy and green transition, Oh suggested. GREATER INFLUENCE AMID UNCERTAINTY Regardless of whether ASEAN becomes the fourth-largest economy, its current size already warrants greater global influence, as the bloc is urged to exercise its weight in global affairs. 'ASEAN needs to be less reticent about asserting its influence and initiating new ideas in a world marked by global disorder,' he added. 'Deeper ASEAN economic integration would strengthen the bloc's bargaining power,' Li said, adding that it would enhance its role as a regional coordinator and allow it to play a more significant role. Mohd Afzanizam said that the shift toward a multipolar world provides more platforms for diplomatic solutions rather than unilateral decisions, especially from a single superpower, which can be disruptive. 'This should resonate well with ASEAN as the region has always been peaceful. Certainly, ASEAN would want to advocate this at the global arena which is a universally accepted value,' he added.
