Adoption Of ASCC Strategic Plan Monumental Step Towards ASEAN Community Vision 2045 - Tiong

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- The adoption of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Strategic Plan marks a monumental step towards realising the ASEAN Community Vision (ACV) 2045, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.

However, he stressed that vision alone is not enough, emphasising that execution and unity are key to achieving success.

“A vision and strategy are not enough. Execution is the key to success. We must work more closely together in unity, for only through unity can we unlock our limitless potential. We must also actively promote one another’s heritage and culture; this is the true spirit of ASEAN.

“For all that to happen, our ASEAN identity shall continue to be the catalyst to strengthen our partnerships. Let us continue to work together to build a truly resilient, inclusive, sustainable, innovative, dynamic and people-centred ASEAN community,” he said in his speech at the ASCC Strategic Plan Regional Forum here today.

The forum, co-hosted by Malaysia with the support of the government of Japan through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) 3.0, was also attended by ASEAN secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn and Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN Kiya Masahiko. The ceremonial launch of the ASCC Strategic Plan was held at the event.

The one-day forum 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).

Tiong, who also chairs the ASCC Council said that the strategic plan comprehensively encompasses 12 strategic goals, 16 objectives, 20 key result areas, and 112 strategic measures.

He said the plan reaffirmed the bloc’s collective commitment to empowering women and youth, preserving ASEAN’s rich cultural heritage, narrowing development gaps, strengthening public health systems, expanding social protection, and fostering sustainable, inclusive growth for all.

Tiong said, Malaysia had long recognised the ASCC as central to building a people-centred, inclusive, and sustainable society across generations.

“Far from being ASEAN’s “soft pillar,” the ASCC is a critical driver of regional stability, social cohesion, and justice.

“Beyond its core focus on culture, education, and social protection, it serves as ASEAN’s most capable platform for addressing complex, cross-cutting challenges, including the climate crisis, information disorder, population ageing, and the vulnerabilities faced by transnational communities,” he said.

He also urged all stakeholders, from regional bodies to national agencies to take collective ownership and drive the ambitious goals outlined in the ASCC Strategic Plan.

“The successful implementation of this plan is contingent upon sustained engagement and strong partnerships from everyone. Let us, with renewed strength and steadfast commitment, work together to build a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centred ASEAN” he said.

-- BERNAMA