SWRC IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK:      WORKSHOP ON CONDUCTING A LARGE-SCALE SURVEY ON OLDER PERSONS: EXPERIENCE FROM THE MALAYSIA AGEING AND RETIREMENT SURVEY	PENSION AND RETIREMENT PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMME (PRPP)
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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 

APRU SDG4GC 2025 On-Site Programme

The panel session entitled "How University Students Can Contribute to SDG Progress in Social Protection" during the APRU SDG4GC 2025 On-Site Programme at Universiti Malaya featured SWRC's speakers Dr Amjad Rabi and Dr Aizat Zainal Alam, and was moderated by Professor Yong Zulina Zubairi. The participants were university students from different ASEAN countries. This diverse group of students, representing various ASEAN member states, came together to engage in meaningful discussions and share their unique perspectives on social protection within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The session highlighted the importance of youth engagement in social protection and how students from across ASEAN collaborated to address regional and global challenges. By bringing together students from multiple ASEAN countries, the panel fostered intercultural dialogue and teamwork, promoting a shared commitment to advancing social protection and inclusivity in the region.

The interaction among students from different ASEAN cities enriched the discourse, reflecting the varied socio-economic contexts and experiences within the region, while building solidarity and collective action toward achieving the SDGs. This session was part of a broader programme that emphasised diversity, equity, and inclusivity, empowering students as global citizens ready to contribute innovative solutions to community and sustainability issues.

Overall, the panel session served as an important platform for ASEAN university students to express their insights, collaborate on social innovations, and contribute to progress on SDG goals, strengthening youth leadership and regional cooperation in social protection.

CAMBODIA SOCIAL SECURITY EXPOSURE VISIT TO MALAYSIA