By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, April 24: The 33rd ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Meeting concluded in Kuching today with the endorsement of four strategic plans, setting the stage for high-level discussions at the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur next month.
Hosted by Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), the meeting brought together ministers and senior officials from ASEAN Member States and Timor Leste as an observer, as part of Malaysia’s preparations to chair ASEAN in 2025.
According to a statement from MOTAC, the endorsed documents include the ASCC Strategic Plan and three other strategic frameworks that are expected to be adopted at the ASEAN Summit in May.
The Council has also endorsed four outcome documents for adoption and notation that will be presented at the summit.
They are the ASEAN Creative Economy Sustainability Framework, ASEAN Declaration of Commitment on ASEAN Drug Security and Self-Reliance, Checklist for ASEAN Member State governments, labour recruiters and employers of migrant workers on fair recruitment and decent employment practices, and the 33rd ASCC Council Report to the 46th ASEAN Summit.
The meeting also discussed the ASCC pillar’s progress and key updates, alongside the soft launch of the ASCC Post-2025 Strategic Plan.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing expressed confidence in the direction of the ASCC’s work, especially following recent technical discussions on the Results Framework.
“I am looking forward to hearing the latest updates and the way forward on the ASCC Strategic Plan, especially after the first ad hoc working group meeting on the ASCC Results Framework that was held only two days ago,” he said.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who officiated the meeting, said the State’s push for innovation and data-driven growth aligns with ASEAN’s regional aspirations of inclusivity and sustainability.
ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn was also present. — DayakDaily
