(Makati, 4th) Malaysia has reiterated its commitment to promoting the construction of a more resilient, inclusive, and people-centered ASEAN Community, and is actively participating in the 2026 ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) High-Level Forum.
This forum, themed "Navigating the Future Together: Empowering People, Building a Resilient and Cohesive ASEAN," brings together ministers, senior officials, development partners from ASEAN countries, as well as representatives from civil organizations, the private sector, academia, and youths to jointly explore the direction of regional development.
Malaysia's Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, attended the forum on behalf of Minister Dato' Seri Tiong King Sing, and exchanged views with representatives from various countries on regional cooperation and future development.
This forum is hosted by the Philippines during its tenure as ASEAN Chair, and organized by the Philippines Department of Social Welfare and Development. The meeting also marks an important stage as ASEAN moves toward implementing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, following the upcoming completion of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025.
During the forum, all parties reviewed the achievements, innovative experiences, and lessons learned since the implementation of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025, while also exploring strategies for realizing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 in the future. Discussions also covered new regional challenges, including digital transformation, climate change pressures, demographic shifts, and social inequalities.
In his speech, Khairul Firdaus pointed out that ASEAN’s strength comes from its people; therefore, empowering people must always be at the core of regional development. He also introduced Malaysia's efforts in strengthening social security, expanding opportunities for education and cultural participation, and promoting innovation and digital inclusion.
He emphasized that strengthening civic participation is equally important to ensure that the fruits of development can be fairly shared across all segments of society.
The forum also had in-depth discussions on how to empower the ASEAN population and strengthen cross-pillar and cross-sectoral cooperation. Participants unanimously agreed that only through closer cooperation among the three major pillars—political security, economy, and socio-culture—can sustainable, inclusive, and people-centered development goals be achieved.
Malaysia stated that it will continue to uphold the principles of sustainable development, care, and mutual respect, strengthen cross-sectoral partnerships and multi-party cooperation, and promote human security, regional cohesion, and shared prosperity.
As ASEAN moves toward its 2045 development vision, Malaysia also reiterated its commitment to work hand in hand with member states to jointly shape a future of unity, mutual assistance, and continuous regional progress.
Malaysia's Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, attended the forum on behalf of Minister Dato' Seri Tiong King Sing, and exchanged views with representatives from various countries on regional cooperation and future development.
This forum is hosted by the Philippines during its tenure as ASEAN Chair, and organized by the Philippines Department of Social Welfare and Development. The meeting also marks an important stage as ASEAN moves toward implementing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, following the upcoming completion of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025.
During the forum, all parties reviewed the achievements, innovative experiences, and lessons learned since the implementation of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025, while also exploring strategies for realizing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 in the future. Discussions also covered new regional challenges, including digital transformation, climate change pressures, demographic shifts, and social inequalities.
In his speech, Khairul Firdaus pointed out that ASEAN’s strength comes from its people; therefore, empowering people must always be at the core of regional development. He also introduced Malaysia's efforts in strengthening social security, expanding opportunities for education and cultural participation, and promoting innovation and digital inclusion.
He emphasized that strengthening civic participation is equally important to ensure that the fruits of development can be fairly shared across all segments of society.
The forum also had in-depth discussions on how to empower the ASEAN population and strengthen cross-pillar and cross-sectoral cooperation. Participants unanimously agreed that only through closer cooperation among the three major pillars—political security, economy, and socio-culture—can sustainable, inclusive, and people-centered development goals be achieved.
Malaysia stated that it will continue to uphold the principles of sustainable development, care, and mutual respect, strengthen cross-sectoral partnerships and multi-party cooperation, and promote human security, regional cohesion, and shared prosperity.
As ASEAN moves toward its 2045 development vision, Malaysia also reiterated its commitment to work hand in hand with member states to jointly shape a future of unity, mutual assistance, and continuous regional progress.