ASCC To Drive People-centred ASEAN Community Vision 2045 - Sec-Gen Kao

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) will be at the forefront of implementing the ASEAN Community Vision (ACV) 2045, ensuring that the region’s transformation remains firmly anchored on people-centred development, said ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn.

He said the ASCC represents the ‘people’s pillar’ of ASEAN, translating collective commitments into tangible actions that empower communities, strengthen resilience, and promote inclusive growth across the region.

“As ASEAN's people's pillar, the ASCC transforms this commitment into action. We champion the future where people are not merely beneficiaries, but active participants in shaping regional development, ensuring that the fruits of our collective efforts reach every corner of our diverse communities and villages,” he said at the ASCC Strategic Plan regional forum here today.

The forum was also attended by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN Kiya Masahiko.

The one-day event drew nearly 200 participants, comprising senior officials from ASEAN member states as well as representatives from federal and state ministries, government agencies, local authorities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Kao stressed that the ASCC Strategic Plan, developed through extensive consultations with governments, civil society, development partners and over 4,000 individuals from across the region, reflects the priorities and aspirations of ASEAN people, including those from rural and vulnerable communities.

“The challenges we face, from pandemic-exposed supply chain vulnerabilities to accelerating climate impacts on our communities, demand coordinated responses that no single actor can provide alone.

“This collaborative approach is not new to ASEAN. Building on decades of stakeholder engagement and lessons from implementing the ASCC Blueprint 2025, the new plan represents an evolution in our consultative methodology,” he said.

He highlighted several key areas of focus under the ASCC Strategic Plan, including resilience, innovation, inclusive and sustainable development, a greener ASEAN, and meaningful stakeholder participation.

Kao also underscored the importance of partnerships to advance ASCC’s agenda.

He said the journey ahead will require political will, resources, and the active involvement of all stakeholders to ensure that ASCC’s commitments are effectively translated into results for ASEAN people.

-- BERNAMA