KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), in its role as Chair of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC), successfully convened the Regional Forum on the ASCC Strategic Plan in Petaling Jaya on Tuesday (Aug 19), bringing together nearly 200 stakeholders from across the region.
The forum, jointly organised with the Asean Secretariat and Telekom Malaysia Berhad, with support from the Government of Japan through the Japan-Asean Integration Fund (JAIF) 3.0, attracted senior officials from Asean Member States, representatives of federal and state agencies, local authorities, dialogue partners, international organisations, academics, think tanks, NGOs, and members of the public via online streaming.
The hybrid event provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas and commit to realising the Asean Community Vision (ACV) 2045, under the theme ‘Resilient, Innovative, Dynamic, and People-Centred ASEAN’.
Asean secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn underscored the importance of inclusive and people-centred approaches in his opening remarks.
“Resilience, innovation, inclusive and sustainable development, a green Asean, meaningful participation, and mutually beneficial partnerships form the foundation of the ASCC Strategic Plan.”
Japan’s ambassador to Asean, Kiya Masahiko, added that the plan is central to unlocking the full potential of Asean citizens.
He emphasised the need for sectoral bodies to streamline their efforts and ensure outcomes are clearly communicated to guide future implementation.
In his keynote message, MOTAC Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, who chairs the ASCC Council, highlighted the plan’s role in addressing key socio-cultural priorities across the region.
“The ASCC Strategic Plan encapsulates Asean’s shared commitment to empowering women and youth, preserving our rich cultural heritage, narrowing development gaps, promoting robust public health systems, advancing comprehensive social protection, and enabling sustainable and inclusive growth for all.”
Tiong also urged stakeholders, from regional institutions to national agencies and local communities, to take collective ownership of the plan and champion its goals.
