27-04-2025
New Asean strategic plan paves way for stronger, more resilient region
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg (centre) doing the traditional Asean handshake with sociocultural ministers from the region at the opening ceremony of the 33rd ASCC council meeting in Kuching. – ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/ The Star
KUCHING: Asean must strengthen its resilience, particularly among its people, as we continue to face a multitude of interconnected challenges and emerging risks, especially for vulnerable economies, Brunei's Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Seri Setia Awang Nazmi Mohamad said.
He said this at the 33rd Asean Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Meeting held on April 23-24 in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
The minister, who is the ASCC Council Minister for Brunei, welcoming the finalisation of the ASCC Strategic Plan, stressed the need to prioritise the most impactful measures for better use of resources and stronger stakeholder involvement.
He also shared his views on strengthening cross-sectoral and cross-pillar coordination, and collaboration with ASCC partners, to contribute to the effective implementation of the ASCC Strategic Plan.
The meeting themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability' was chaired by Malaysia's Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture and ASCC Chair 2025 Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
The ASCC ministers endorsed the ASCC Strategic Plan and noted its submission to the High-Level Task Force on Asean Community's Post-2025 Vision to be submitted to the Asean leaders.
The ASCC ministers also discussed the development of the ASCC Post-2025 Results Framework, which would translate to the meaningful implementation of the ASCC Strategic Plan.
The ASCC ministers further exchanged views on the strategic directions for ASCC and encouraged the ASCC Sectoral Bodies to accelerate the implementation of their respective work plans. They also noted the progress of submission of several ASCC documents which will be submitted to the Asean leaders for adoption and notation at the 46th Asean Summit to be held next month – Asean Creative Economy Sustainability Framework, Asean Declaration on Drug Security and Self-Reliance and Checklist on Fair Recruitment and Decent Employment for Migrant Workers.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg was among those present during the meeting.
The 33rd ASCC Council Meeting was preceded by the 11th Ad-Hoc Working Group to Develop the ASCC Strategic Plan and the 38th Senior Officials' Committee for Asean Socio-Cultural Community (SOCA) Meeting held on April 21-23.
Permanent Secretary (Community) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Nor Ashikin Johari, as Brunei's SOCA leader, also attended the meeting. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
