Latest news with #ASEAN-wide
Online Citizen
6 days ago
- Health
- Online Citizen
Mental disorders now Singapore's top health burden for adolescents, says Lancet study
Mental disorders have emerged as the primary cause of disability and death among children aged 10 to 14 in Singapore, according to a new study published by Lancet Public Health on 28 May. The study, part of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 series, shows that the impact of mental distress on overall population health in Singapore is the highest in Southeast Asia. The report estimated that in 2021, mental disorders affected 12.8% of males and 11.7% of females in Singapore. That year, a total of 653,000 mental disorder diagnoses were made, including a threefold increase among those aged over 70. The most common conditions were anxiety and depression, affecting approximately 185,000 and 144,000 individuals, respectively. According to the paper, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly contributed to this increase, with widespread isolation, uncertainty, and lifestyle disruption exacerbating mental health struggles across age groups. However, greater public awareness and reduced stigma may also have led to more diagnoses and treatment-seeking behaviour. Lead author Associate Professor Marie Ng from the National University of Singapore (NUS) Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), noted that social media exposure and academic pressures are fuelling mental distress in youths. Shifting family structures and increasing social isolation in modern, urban societies also contribute to worsening mental health outcomes. Among ASEAN nations, Singapore showed a 75.6% rise in the number of mental disorder cases from 1990 to 2021. Although the age-standardised prevalence remained relatively stable over that period, the absolute number of cases rose significantly due to population growth and ageing. Mental disorders were responsible for 9.2% of all disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in Singapore in 2021, placing them among the top five causes of disease burden in the country. DALYs measure the overall years lost due to illness, disability, or premature death. The highest burden was observed in adolescents aged 10–14, with mental disorders accounting for 28.2% of all DALYs in this group. Professor Alina Rodriguez from NUS Medicine, a co-author of the paper, highlighted that these findings mirror clinical observations in schools, where mental health issues often emerge early and—if left untreated—can lead to prolonged suffering and lost life potential. The ASEAN-wide study, involving researchers from ten member states, revealed that the region experienced a 70% increase in mental disorder cases since 1990, with a total of 80.4 million cases in 2021. Anxiety disorders were most common, followed by depressive disorders. The burden was especially high among women and young people, but significant growth was also seen among the elderly. Singapore's rapidly ageing population has contributed to rising elderly mental health cases. With advancing age and worsening physical health, older adults often face depression, reinforcing the need to integrate mental and physical care services for this group. Self-harm, another major concern, accounted for 47% of all injury-related deaths in Singapore, especially among individuals aged 20 to 24. While the rate of self-harm is lower than in Japan and South Korea, the trend is alarming, particularly due to its disproportionate impact on young women. Falls were the second leading cause of injury death in Singapore, responsible for 22% of such deaths. Regionally, road injuries topped the list, followed by falls, self-harm, drowning, and interpersonal violence. Despite improvements in cardiovascular care and low smoking rates—Singapore has the lowest prevalence and mortality from cardiovascular diseases in ASEAN—the city-state faces critical challenges in mental health. Cardiovascular diseases, however, still represent the second leading cause of death in Singapore, with more than 385,000 affected in 2021. The paper underscores the need for urgent, sustained policy attention to mental health, especially among youths and the elderly. It calls for multisectoral interventions, improved mental health literacy, and the development of comprehensive, community-based support systems. As ASEAN moves toward its post-2025 health development agenda, this study emphasises that mental health must be prioritised. The authors recommend regional cooperation, investment in mental health infrastructure, and culturally adapted public education to address growing needs. Support services for mental well-being in Singapore If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, support is available. Below is a list of helplines and counselling services in Singapore that offer assistance across a range of needs. 24-hour mental health helplines Institute of Mental Health (IMH) – Mental Health Helpline: 6389 2222 Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) – 24-hour support: 1-767 or 9151 1767 (CareText via WhatsApp) General mental health support Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) : 1800 283 7019 Silver Ribbon Singapore : 6386 1928 CHAT (Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health) : 6493 6500 / 6493 6501 Women's Helpline (Aware) – For women in need: 1800 777 5555 (Weekdays, 10am–6pm) Counselling services Touchline (Touch Community Services) – General counselling: 1800 377 2252 Touch Care Line – For caregivers: 6804 6555 Counselling and Care Centre : 6536 6366 We Care Community Services – Specialising in addiction recovery and support: 3165 8017 Clarity Singapore – Mental health support grounded in Catholic values: 6757 7990
Malaysian Reserve
27-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Youth leaders chart a future-ready ASEAN at youth dialogue
by SHAUQI WAHAB THE fourth ASEAN Youth Dialogue 2025 brings together a dynamic cohort of youth delegates from across South-East Asia (SE Asia), each representing their nation's next generation of changemakers. These young leaders, chosen for their dedication to community development, sustainability, digital innovation and diplomacy, gathered in Kuala Lumpur (KL) to exchange ideas, share experiences and shape a collective vision for a more inclusive, resilient and future-ready ASEAN. Timor-Leste: ASEAN Membership Offers Path to Shared Growth As Timor-Leste continues its journey toward full ASEAN membership, its youth representatives are expressing strong optimism about the regional bloc's potential to support national development and entrepreneurship. Speaking during the ASEAN Summit week in KL, Timor-Leste youth delegate Francisca Freitas Sang highlighted the importance of joining ASEAN as a milestone for her nation. 'We try to put all of our efforts to be with this community, because we believe that ASEAN will help us as a new nation to become better, to develop,' she said between sessions during the dialogue. She added that Timor-Leste is prioritising infrastructure development and youth entrepreneurship as key areas to strengthen its economic foundation before full accession. Local businesses, especially those led by young people, are being empowered to achieve self-sufficiency and long-term sustainability. Timor-Leste has also received capacity-building support and technical assistance from existing ASEAN members, which she said has been crucial to national preparations. The country hopes to contribute to ASEAN in areas such as culture, eco-tourism and the globally recognised coffee industry. Reflecting on Malaysia's leadership as ASEAN chair, Sang praised the summit's organisation and said it offered valuable lessons. 'Now that I'm here, I see the reason why, and I'm so glad. I think we are still far behind Malaysia, and we can learn so much,' she added. As the only remaining SE Asian nation outside ASEAN, Timor-Leste was granted observer status in 2022 and continues to progress through the membership roadmap. Sang believed that becoming part of ASEAN is not just a political goal, but a shared aspiration to grow together with the region. Singapore Calls For ASEAN-wide Youth Partnerships on Climate and Digital Literacy Youth delegate from Singapore, Khairul Hilmi, called for stronger ASEAN youth collaboration on critical issues such as climate change, sustainability and digital literacy, highlighting the power of cross-border friendships and shared learning to shape the region's future. He said young people play a pivotal role in charting the region's path forward. 'When all these friendships develop over time, I think that's when you get good partnerships and collaborations,' he said. Representing Singapore on a regional platform, Khairul also mentioned the importance of using this opportunity to understand the diversity within ASEAN and the different societal challenges that exist. While countries like Singapore are leading in digital and financial literacy, they too are constantly adapting to emerging challenges such as misinformation and digital ethics. On environmental action, he praised the active participation of Singapore's youth through ground-up initiatives and government partnerships like youth panels focused on recycling and sustainability policy. Reflecting on his experience in Malaysia during the summit, Khairul expressed admiration for the high standards of hospitality and the relevance of the summit's theme. 'Malaysia is top class when it comes to hosting events — they walk the talk,' he said. Khairul also hoped that youth-led efforts on climate action and digital inclusivity would be further expanded across ASEAN, driven by a collective desire to do good and make tangible changes in their societies. Indonesia Champions Inclusivity and Digital Equity Indonesian delegate Ibnu Alif Daffa Gymnastiar brought a passionate voice to the regional conversation, placing a spotlight on inclusive education, equitable digital transformation and youth collaboration. A member of the Indonesian Youth Diplomacy, a prominent NGO focused on global issues, he said his mission is to ensure that knowledge regarding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global issues are localised and accessible to all Indonesian youth, especially those in eastern Indonesia. Coming from the easternmost part of Indonesia, Ibnu views his participation in the ASEAN Summit as a personal commitment to inclusivity and representation. 'I stand up not only for Indonesia as a whole, but also for Eastern Indonesian youth,' he said. He touched on the disparities in access to education and digital tools between the western and eastern parts of his country. The lack of digital infrastructure is a serious concern and many youths in remote areas do not even know how to use Microsoft Word. In addressing the challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI) and misinformation, Ibnu mentioned the need for ASEAN governments to provide tailored digital literacy programmes. 'We are the ones who decide which information from AI can be used. It is not AI that regulates us, but it is us that regulate AI,' he added. He also welcomed Malaysia's warm hosting and praised the proposal to establish the ASEAN Youth Dialogue (AYD) Alumni Network, saying it would help sustain meaningful collaborations long after the event. Through this summit, he hopes to return to Indonesia not only with renewed optimism but with a stronger mandate to advocate for policy reforms that prioritise inclusivity and youth empowerment across ASEAN. Vietnam Calls for Inclusive Education and Regional Unity Representing the voice of Vietnamese youth at the ASEAN Youth Dialogue 2025, Nguyen Nam Bao Ngoc brought forward a powerful message of unity, innovation and inclusive development. A student of international relations and international commercial law, Nam is also a central committee member of the Vietnam Youth Federation, deeply engaged in issues of youth empowerment and education. At the summit, she stressed the critical role young people must play in shaping ASEAN's future. 'Our generation holds the power to drive innovation, promote inclusive growth and safeguard sustainability in ASEAN,' she said. For her, the youths are not just participants, but architects of regional transformation. Nam highlighted education equity as a top concern, showing the need for equal learning opportunities regardless of socioeconomic background. For this, she believes regional collaboration must extend to digital innovation and sustainability, and she called for initiatives like start-up incubators, hackathons and cross-border upskilling programmes to help ASEAN youths thrive in the digital age. She also expressed support for the creation of a regional green youth fund and stronger youth inclusion in policy-making, while stressing the importance of cultural understanding. 'Peace is not the only absence of conflict, but the presence of understanding,' she added. For that to materialise, people-to-people ties among ASEAN youth are vital for long-term harmony and prosperity. With a clear voice and collaborative spirit, her vision reflects a broader aspiration among ASEAN youth: To build a region that is green, inclusive, and future-ready — together.
The Star
12-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
AICHR gathers in Jakarta to boost regional human rights agenda
JAKARTA/KUALA LUMPUR, (Bernama) -- The Asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) will convene its 41st Meeting at the Asean Secretariat in Jakarta from May 12 to May 16, chaired by Datuk Edmund Bon Tai Soon, Malaysia's Representative to AICHR and the Commission's Chair for 2025, according to Malaysia's Foreign Ministry. The ministry, widely known as Wisma Putra, said Malaysia's leadership of this meeting underscores its commitment to advancing human rights promotion and protection through regional dialogue and the exploration of new avenues for collaboration. "The meeting will strengthen ASEAN-wide cooperation on human rights, bringing the region closer to the goals enshrined in the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration 2012 and ASEAN's community vision,' said Wisma Putra in a statement on Monday. According to Wisma Putra, the meeting will bring together 10 AICHR Representatives/Alternate Representatives, Timor-Leste's Representative (as Observer), and officials from the Asean Secretariat. "The meeting will discuss recent human rights developments in ASEAN and the proposed Asean Declarations on the Rights to Development, Peace, and a Safe, Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment,' it said. It said the meeting will also deliberate on the AICHR Five-Year Work Plan (FYWP) for 2026 to 2030 and its Priority Programmes for the next year. In preparation for the 15th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) interface with AICHR scheduled for July 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, AICHR will also finalise its 2025 Annual Report to brief the AMM on its progress, challenges and future direction. Further, AICHR will hold meetings with the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR); The Working Group for an Asean Human Rights Mechanism (WGAHRM); representatives of Child Rights Coalition Asia, including children and Asean Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC); Asean University Network-Human Rights Education (AUN-HRE); and dialogue partners - Australia, Norway, Japan, the European Union, Switzerland, and the Republic of Korea - the statement said. - Bernamna
The Sun
07-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
MOHE urged to boost ASEAN awareness in higher education institutes
SHAH ALAM: The Higher Education Ministry has been urged to emphasise ASEAN awareness among students at all its institutions to ensure Malaysia cultivates future leaders well-versed in regional affairs. Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul stressed the importance of this initiative amid global developments where strong, stable regional partnerships are vital for shared prosperity. 'ASEAN must function as a united bloc with mutual understanding. Here, we see immense potential – our region comprises around 700 million people, 40 per cent of whom are youth. Cooperation is essential, or we risk losing the ASEAN spirit. 'Without it, we could face undesirable conflicts like those in the Middle East, Africa, or the India-Pakistan tensions. Our nearly 60-year foundation of peace, freedom, and neutrality must be strengthened to maintain fraternal ties among ASEAN nations,' he said when met after the 2nd Consultation Meeting Dinner of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly's Young Parliamentarians Caucus (YPA) here tonight. Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Secretary-General Siti Rozaimeriyanty Abdul Rahman, Selangor State Assembly Speaker Lau Weng San, and YPA Chairman Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah were among those present at the event. Regarding the YPA meeting, Johari – who also serves as AIPA President – said key agreements reached during the three-day meeting included enhancing ties among member states, particularly through youth parliamentary networks. 'Datuk Shahar will conduct an ASEAN-wide tour to promote sustained engagement among young leaders beyond annual meetings,' he added. Held since Monday, the YPA meeting focused on strengthening youth participation in policymaking, addressing economic disparities, digital transformation, and inclusive development.
The Sun
06-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
PM Anwar's leadership amid US tariff isssue praised
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian chapter of the ASEAN-Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) has complimented Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership and the MADANI government in handling the United States (US) tariff issue in a calm and balanced manner and protecting national interests. Besides being very astute in handling the thorny issue, the government has engaged Washington to figure out what is rhetoric and what is reality on the US side, its chairman Tan Sri Nazir Razak said today. More than that, he said 'Malaysia has then gone back to strategise, which we are doing now, and maybe going back and negotiate.' 'That's absolutely the right way to handle the situation, which is in contrast with the (confrontational) handling of the situation by many other countries, which reacted too quickly, or were too aggressive,' he said in response to questions on the US asking Malaysia to reduce non-tariff barriers such as in halal certification at a press conference on ASEAN-BAC Malaysia's 2025 initiatives. On NTBs and whether Malaysia and other Southeast Asian governments had the political will to dismantle them, he said these barriers were an ASEAN-wide problem. 'There is a strong correlation between the reduction in tariffs and the rise of non-tariff barriers, and at last count, there's something like 9,642 non-tariff barriers across ASEAN,' said Nazir. 'One of the difficulties facing ASEAN is that there's no clear enforcement mechanism to bring this down. 'There's a lot of frustration from the private sector with non-tariff barriers. 'As we negotiate with the US, perhaps it's an opportunity for us to review those highlighted by businesses,' he said. Nazir revealed that there is a mechanism called ASEAN Assist, whereby a company can go online and list down a non-tariff barrier employed by a country which should not be there. Unfortunately, the take-up rate is very low because of the (perception) that nothing can be done about it. Which is why (the issue of) non-tariff barriers is an area that ASEAN has to focus on, said Nazir.
