Latest news with #ASCC
Barnama
3 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
ASEAN Socio-cultural Plan To Uplift 680 Million People Through Inclusive, Resilient Community-building
KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Bernama) -- 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.
Arab Times
4 days ago
- Science
- Arab Times
ASCC hosts special science events during the Eid Al-Adha holiday
KUWAIT CITY, June 2: The Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Center (ASCC) has announced its Eid Al-Adha holiday program, set to run for three consecutive days, featuring a variety of workshops, scientific tours, planetarium shows, and live animal exhibits. According to a statement released by ASCC to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Monday, the center houses the largest and most diverse scientific and cultural collections in the region and serves as a trusted source of knowledge for visitors. Visitors during the holiday will have the opportunity to enjoy a new interactive live show at the Space Museum's Planetarium, where they can explore astronomy, its history, recent advances, new space technologies, and a calendar of astronomical events. The Science and Technology Museum will present the 'Kashef' journey, an immersive four-dimensional experience that takes visitors on a voyage inside the human body. The ride features moving seats synchronized with the visual scenes to create a fully engaging experience. In addition, the Museum of Arab and Islamic Sciences is currently hosting the 'Kalila and Dimna' exhibition in partnership with the French Center for Research in the Arabian Peninsula. The exhibit highlights a significant aspect of Arabic literature and is complemented by interactive workshops for children. The center emphasized its commitment to offering a range of activities suitable for all age groups and encouraged those interested to learn more about the program through its social media platforms at @AsccKw.
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
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).
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
ASEAN plan aims to uplift 680mil through inclusive community
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).
Malaysiakini
26-05-2025
- General
- Malaysiakini
What became of M'sia's proposed social work law?
LETTER | The social work agenda is integral to the Asean agenda as it addresses critical social issues such as poverty alleviation, community development, and social inclusion. By promoting social welfare and protection, Asean aims to enhance the quality of life for its citizens and foster regional stability. This agenda falls under the Asean Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC), which focuses on cooperation in education, health, and social welfare. The ASCC aims to promote sustainable development and inclusive growth, ensuring that all members benefit from regional integration. Several Asean countries, such as Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam, have successfully implemented legislation related to social work. They have made significant strides in formalising social work as a recognised profession, enhancing the quality of services provided to their communities. Historical background What happened to the enactment of the Social Work Act in Malaysia? The long-awaited Act, which has been pending in Parliament since 2010, remains unpassed, hindering the professionalisation of social work in Malaysia. Historically, Malaysia has pioneered the establishment of social services for underprivileged populations within Asean, beginning during the British colonial period. We acknowledge the foundational infrastructure laid by Britain, which has significantly contributed to our social services today. In the 1950s, Malaysia recognised the need for trained social workers when the National University of Singapore (then Universiti Malaya) could not meet our training needs. A collaboration between the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), and the government saw the launch of the first formal social work training in 1975 at USM after the NUS was unable to accommodate trainees in social work from Malaysia. Since then, seven other universities and several colleges have provided trained, qualified social workers. Can't get hired Despite training thousands of social workers since 1975, many trained social workers were unable to secure employment in their field. The Public Service Department's criteria for becoming a social worker were not specifically tailored to those who were trained in social work, but were open to others from other disciplines. Many trained professionals pursue alternative careers, often in education. While Malaysia is committed to becoming the leading nation in Asean for addressing biopsychosocial issues, we fail to employ qualified social workers. The roles of social workers within the Social Welfare Department have become increasingly indistinguishable, with many untrained individuals filling positions meant for qualified social workers. Lacking proper training USM and seven other universities have been producing professionally trained social workers. However, only 20 percent of social workers possess formal training, leading to gaps in knowledge and practice. This situation is exacerbated when individuals leading social welfare departments and other related fields lack appropriate qualifications. Medical social workers, governed by the Health and Education Ministries, face similar challenges. Many are hired from unrelated fields, leading to a lack of credibility within healthcare teams. The perception of social work has diminished, resulting in an unnecessary reliance on counsellors for tasks traditionally performed by social workers. Medical social workers in Malaysia are trained under a common curriculum developed by USM, which adheres to the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) standards. It is unclear why there is a push for a separate association for medical social work when they receive the same training as their peers. Legislative delay factors It appears that the legislative delays for the Social Work Act in Malaysia, compared to other Asean countries, can be attributed to several factors. The legislative process in Malaysia is slow, involving multiple layers of approval and extensive consultations. Differences in opinions among stakeholders, government agencies, and NGOs toward social issues hinder the law's progress. Limited financial and human resources dedicated to social work also slow down the development and implementation of the Act. There is insufficient public awareness and advocacy for social work issues, leading to lower priority on the legislative agenda. Cultural attitudes towards social work and welfare over the years have impacted the momentum for legislative changes, with varying levels of acceptance and understanding of the profession. Malaysia appears to prioritise other legislative or economic issues, pushing social work legislation on the back burner. The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry - which is working on the Act - the higher education minister along with relevant ministries that require trained social workers and the Malaysian Association of Social Workers must collaborate to push for the Act for the betterment of the quality of social services in Malaysia. The social work agenda for Malaysia falls under the ASCC, has been discussed many times, and we have yet to see the positive results. The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
