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Capacity-Building Training on Social Protection Policy and Implementation in ASEAN: A Resounding Success with a Focus on ASSA's Vision

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Social Wellbeing Research Centre (SWRC) at Universiti Malaya, in collaboration with UNICEF, successfully hosted a pivotal Capacity-Building Training on Social Protection Policy and Implementation in ASEAN on 19 June 2025. Held at the Garden Room, Main Lobby of the Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, the full-day event from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM brought together experts and participants to address critical aspects of social protection in the ASEAN region, aligning with the broader objectives of the ASEAN Social Security Association (ASSA).

This training specifically resonated with the vision of ASSA, which aims to enhance social security in the ASEAN region by fostering the exchange of information, expertise and best practices among its member countries. The discussions and topics covered during the event directly contribute to ASSA's mission of promoting the development of robust and sustainable social security systems across Southeast Asia.

The training focused on key areas vital for robust social security frameworks, including:

• System Building for Social Protection: Emphasising integrated and multi-tiered approaches to ensure the adequacy of benefits for all, a core principle advocated by ASSA.

• Extending Social Security Coverage: Exploring strategies to reach informal workers, self-employed individuals, and vulnerable groups, a crucial area of focus for ASSA's members.

• Long-Term Sustainability: Discussing fiscal planning, financial sustainability measures and the actuarial cycle necessary for enduring social protection systems, which are paramount for the long-term health of social security institutions within ASSA.

• International Standards and Best Practices: Highlighting the relevance of ILO's C102 and R202 conventions and other international best practices in policy design, financing models, and implementation strategies to inform ASEAN's policy development, mirroring ASSA's commitment to global standards.

• Regional Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange: Fostering dialogue to address common social security challenges across ASEAN member states.

The day commenced with a welcoming remarks from Professor Datuk Norma Mansor of SWRC, setting the stage for the day's insightful discussions. A compelling keynote speech from UNICEF underscored the global importance of social protection, particularly for vulnerable populations, a message that strongly aligns with the humanitarian aspects of social security promoted by ASSA and its members.

Throughout the day, sessions led by SWRC experts delved into the intricacies of extending social security coverage and ensuring long-term sustainability. A dedicated session by UNICEF focused on "Child-Focused Social Protection at a Time of Ageing Societies," highlighting the interconnectedness of social welfare across different demographics, contributing to the comprehensive approach to social protection that ASSA champions.

The training concluded with a productive Roundtable discussion that outlined the way forward, emphasising regional collaboration and continued knowledge exchange to build more resilient and inclusive social protection systems in ASEAN.

This capacity-building initiative served as a crucial platform for stakeholders to share insights, learn from international experiences and strategise on implementing effective social protection policies that can lead to greater social wellbeing for all in the ASEAN community, ultimately reinforcing our shared goals.

For any enquiries regarding future initiatives, please contact swrc@um.edu.my or visit swrc.um.edu.my.

Relive the moments! Explore our full gallery of event photos and watch the event video here to catch all the highlights