Ministers and representatives of ASEAN Member States attend the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council meeting in Malaysia.

ASEAN culture leaders move closer to fulfilling development vision

Ministers and representatives of ASEAN Member States discussed the path forward for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community at the 33rd Meeting of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council held in Sarawak, Malaysia, on April 24.
On behalf of the Lao government, Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Mr Vansy Kuamua led the Lao delegation attending the meeting, which was presided over by Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture and Chair of the ASCC Council, Dato Sri Tiong King Sing.
The meeting reviewed the achievements and challenges of the grouping and carried out a final evaluation of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint for 2025.
Participants also shared ideas and comments on the draft ASCC Post-2025 Strategic plan.
The ASCC Council affirmed its support for key priorities under Malaysia’s ASCC chairmanship.

These include Cultural Heritage for Value Creation; Artificial Intelligence, Digitalisation and Green Jobs towards Future Proofing Skills and Talents for ASEAN; Healthy ASEAN Initiatives Towards a Prosperous ASEAN; Youth and Sports Potential for All to Foster Growth, Unity and Excellence; and Climate Action for Stewardship, Partnership and Ownership.
In addition, the meeting unanimously endorsed four key ASEAN Socio-Cultural documents to be presented to ASEAN leaders for consideration and adoption at the upcoming 46th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia.
Mr Vansy Kuamua highlighted the importance of intensifying initiatives during Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship this year to fulfil the ASEAN Community Vision for 2025 and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint for 2025 to achieve the set goals.
He reiterated Laos’ commitment to strengthening ASEAN socio-cultural cooperation, and agreed to support Malaysia’s priorities in improving the quality of life of the ASEAN people, including inclusive and sustainable development.
Mr Vansay said that since the Council’s last meeting in Vientiane in September 2024, Laos has continued to implement regional strategies in the fields of culture, education, health, environmental sustainability, climate change adaptation, gender equality, and social protection for migrant workers.
Laos has also been promoting opportunities for young people and vulnerable groups, particularly persons with disabilities, by supporting skills development and job creation aligned with future labour market needs.
Laos remains firmly committed to ASEAN’s shared goal of ensuring that no one is left behind in the region’s development process, he said.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update April 28, 2025)