ASCC High-level Forum Marks New Chapter In Realising ASEAN Community Vision 2045 - Tiong 

PETALING JAYA, Oct 7 (Bernama) -- The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) High-Level Forum marks a new beginning in ASEAN’s collective journey towards realising the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 (ACV 2045), said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.

He said the three-day forum, which began yesterday, serves as a platform to align ASCC’s short- and medium-term priority areas with the region’s long-term vision of building a resilient, innovative, dynamic and people-centred ASEAN.

“As the ASCC Council Chair this year, Malaysia is ensuring that the community’s priority areas are anchored on the ACV 2045 aspirations, embracing the ASEAN Chairmanship theme of ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’,” he said in his welcoming remarks at the forum’s opening ceremony here today.

Tiong said the ASCC’s priorities have been clustered into five main areas, namely culture and heritage; artificial intelligence, digitalisation, and green jobs; health; youth and sports potential; and climate action for stewardship, partnership, and ownership to reflect ASEAN’s collective goals under the newly adopted ASCC Strategic Plan.

The initiatives include enhancing ASEAN identity and appreciation of cultural industries, strengthening preparedness for public health emergencies, empowering youth through sports and innovation, and advancing climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.

“The region will continue to call for stronger climate action through disaster management, disaster reduction and resilience-building,” the minister said.

Tiong also expressed confidence that the insights and perspectives from ASCC Council Ministers would benefit all participants, which include government officials, representatives from the private sector, academia, think tanks, dialogue partners, youth organisations, NGOs and civil society.

The minister also invited delegates to visit the ASEAN Arts and Crafts Bazaar held in conjunction with the forum, featuring craftsmen and craft entrepreneurs from ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste.

Meanwhile, ASEAN secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn said the forum marks a milestone in promoting inclusivity and sustainability under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship.

He said the forum, held alongside the ASEAN Arts and Crafts Bazaar, uniquely combines high-level policy dialogue with a grassroots cultural showcase, creating a meaningful platform for local artists and creative entrepreneurs to connect and collaborate with policymakers across the ASEAN region.

“This unique platform combines high-level policy dialogue with a grassroots cultural showcase, creating meaningful opportunities for local artists and creative entrepreneurs to connect and collaborate with policymakers across the ASEAN region,” he said.

Kao said the gathering also embodies inclusivity by allowing artists to engage directly with policymakers, demonstrating that meaningful progress requires diverse voices and perspectives.

-- BERNAMA