The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, ASCC, Ministers reaffirmed their collective commitment to advancing a people-centred, inclusive and resilient ASEAN as the region transitions from the ASCC Blueprint 2025 to the implementation of the ASCC Strategic Plan under the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. During the 35th ASCC Council Meeting held in Makati, the Philippines, the ASCC Ministers recognised the vital role of the ASEAN Database for Monitoring and Evaluation, ADME System, and urged the enhancement of cross-pillar and cross-sectoral coordination to ensure that ASEAN's initiatives deliver measurable and meaningful impact to communities across the region. Representing the country at the meeting was the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports. Under the Philippines' ASEAN Chairmanship theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together", Timor-Leste joined the meeting for the first time, as a member of ASEAN.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi Mohamad joined the other ministers in supporting the Philippines ASCC's priorities to build resilient and empowered families, social inclusion, smart youth and innovation, and environmentally sustainable food-secure future. Yang Berhormat also emphasised the central role of the family institution and shared the on-going review process of Brunei Darussalam's National Action Plan on the Family Institution, so it remains relevant to current needs.
Prior to the meeting, Yang Berhormat also joined the ASCC Ministers and representatives as panelists at the ASCC High-Level Forum. Yang Berhormat emphasised the importance of empowering ASEAN youth as co-navigators and co-architects of the region's future by moving beyond participation towards meaningful youth leadership and co-creation in policymaking, anchored on ASEAN centrality and be outward looking, and strengthened through cross-pillar coordination. He further highlighted the need for holistic education, lifelong learning and innovation ecosystems to equip youth with resilience in a rapidly evolving global landscape. The delegation was also joined by Dayang Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari, Permanent Secretary for Community at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
