Malaysia Reaffirms Commitment To People-Centred ASEAN at ASCC High-level Forum

KUALA LUMPUR, March 4 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing a resilient, inclusive, and people-centred ASEAN at the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) High-Level Forum 2026 held in Makati, the Philippines.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) said the forum, themed “Navigating Our Future, Together: Empowering People for a Resilient and Cohesive ASEAN,” provided a strategic platform for ASEAN member states to reflect on achievements and lessons learnt under the ASCC Blueprint 2025.

The ministry said the platform also identified forward-looking strategies to strengthen the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 (ACV 2045).

“Anchored in the principles of sustainability, compassion, and mutual respect, Malaysia reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to strengthening cross-sectoral partnerships and multi-stakeholder collaboration in advancing human security, regional cohesion, and shared prosperity.

“In doing so, Malaysia continues to champion innovative, inclusive, and resilient solutions that safeguard the well-being of ASEAN communities,” the statement said.

MOTAC Deputy Minister Chiew Choon Man, representing Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing at the forum, emphasised in his intervention that ASEAN’s strength lies in its people, and noted that empowerment must remain central to the region’s development agenda.

Chiew also highlighted Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to enhance social protection mechanisms, expand access to education and cultural participation, and promote innovation and digital inclusion.

He stressed the importance of strengthening civic engagement to ensure that development benefits are shared equitably across all segments of society.

According to the ministry, Malaysia’s active participation in regional platforms such as the ASCC High-Level Forum reflects its enduring commitment to fostering a people-centred and forward-looking ASEAN Community that is empowered, adaptive, and prepared to navigate an evolving global landscape.

The forum featured in-depth discussions on empowering ASEAN’s population and strengthening cross-pillar and cross-sectoral collaboration.

Deliberations addressed emerging challenges facing the region, including digital transformation, climate pressures, demographic transitions, and inequality, while underscoring the need to empower individuals, families, and communities as the foundation of ASEAN’s continued progress.

The ministry said the discussions reinforced a shared understanding that sustainable, inclusive, and people-centred growth can only be achieved through closer integration between ASEAN’s Political-Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural pillars, an approach that resonates strongly with the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI.

The event, hosted by the Philippines’ Department of Social Welfare and Development under the country’s ASEAN chairmanship, brought together ASEAN ministers, senior officials, development partners, civil society representatives, private sector stakeholders, academics, and youth delegates from across Southeast Asia.

As ASEAN charts its trajectory towards 2045, Malaysia remains committed to working closely with fellow member states to shape a future defined by unity, solidarity, and shared progress.

-- BERNAMA