The A SEAN ISSUE 03 | JULY 2020
Social Protection for All in ASEAN ISSN 2721-8058 SNAPSHOTS THE INSIDE VIEW SHIFTING CURRENTS The 36th Social Protection and How ASEAN The State of Informal ASEAN Summit Seeks to Leave No One Behind Employment The A SEAN ISSUE 04 | AUGUST 2020 YOUR ARTWORK. OUR COVER.
We invite youth from the Eligibility Criteria Submission Procedures ASEAN region to submit an All passport holders of ASEAN Member A contestant must fill up the contest States between the ages of 18 and 35 original illustration for the entry form and submit this form years by 30 June 2020 are eligible to join. together with the electronic file of cover of the fourth issue Artists whose designs have been the illustration through this link: of The ASEAN. selected will be required to submit https://bit.ly/ArtContest_4thEd proof of citizenship. Late submissions will not be considered. Only individuals may enter the contest. Theme: Contest entry is free. Design entries submitted by a group or Youth and Skills organization will not be entertained. An individual artist may submit a Selection Process Deadline: maximum of two entries. The winning entry and 1st and 2nd 14 August 2020, 5 p.m (GMT +7) ASEAN Secretariat staff or officers or runners up will be selected by the ASEAN their immediate family members are not Secretariat based on the following criteria: Prizes eligible to join. By submitting an entry, interpretation of the theme (50%) and Winning Entry: the individual artist agrees for his/her aesthetic appeal (50%). Magazine Cover and design to be used by the ASEAN Certificate of Recognition Secretariat for publication in The Publicity And Rights ASEAN magazine, social media, other To Material ASEAN publications and projects A contestant must agree to the intellectual 1st and 2nd Runners Up: without any remuneration. property and publicity terms and Certificates of Recognition conditions of this contest before Technical Specification submitting his/her design entry. DETAILED CONTEST RULES AND Each design entry must be handor PROCEDURES ARE AVAILABLE AT: digitally-drawn. It must not have been Follow us on: previously published in print or an online platform, or posted on https://asean.org/asean-socio-cultural/ social media. The design must be of high quality The ASEAN Magazine and ASEAN and conform with the following format: The ASEAN Magazine and ASEAN Size: 205 x 268 mm ; Bleed: 3 mm ; https://bit.ly/ArtContestRules_4thEd Colour: CMYK ; Resolution: 300 Dpi. The ASEAN Magazine and ASEAN Contents 3
In this issue
14 32
Secretary-General of ASEAN Dato Lim Jock Hoi Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Kung Phoak
EDITORIAL BOARD The Inside View: Directors of ASCC Directorates Rodora T. Babaran, Social Protection Impact Ky-Anh Nguyen
Interview with Lao PDR Minister Reflection On Autism: From Disabilities 24 Assistant Directors of 6 ASCC Divisions Khampheng Saysompheng to Different Abilities Ferdinal Fernando, Social Protection in Asean: A Tool Towards 8 ASEAN Opens Its Doors: An Inclusive 26 Jonathan Tan, Inclusive, Sustainable and Resilient Internship Programme Mary Anne Therese Manuson, Community Mega Irena, Ngoc Son Nguyen, Sita Sumrit, Vong Sok Universal Health Coverage in ASEAN 10 Shifting Currents The Role of Social Protection in 14 EDITORIAL TEAM Mitigating Crises ASEAN–Japan Cooperation in 31 Editor-in-Chief Mary Kathleen Quiano-Castro Leaving No One Behind: The ASEAN 18 the Age of Pandemics Associate Editor Committee on Disaster Management and its Plastics in a Pandemic: 32 Joanne B. Agbisit Role in Fostering Social Protection in ASEAN A Look at Long-term Solutions Staff Writer Strengthening Social Protection of 21 Studies on Informal Employment 35 Novia D. Rulistia Older Persons Reveal Progress, Gaps, and Senior Officer of Future Directions ASCC Analysis Division Kiran Sagoo
EDITORIAL ADDRESS The ASEAN Secretariat ASEAN Socio-Cultural 28 41 51 Community Department Jalan Sisingamangaraja 70A Jakarta 12110, Indonesia Tel: 62-21-7262991 E-mail: [email protected] © Freepik Premium ISSN 2721-8058
Photo Credit: Snapshots
The 36th ASEAN Summit 46 Bridges Conversations ASCC Council Convenes to 49 Further ASEAN’s Socio- In Numbers: Social 28 Addressing Ageism 40 Cultural Cooperation Protection for Children, in ASEAN ASEAN at 53 50 Women, Workers, and On Living Well: New 41 Konnect ASEAN 51 Older Persons Narratives on Older Life For the Love of Noodles 52
Cover Illustration by Deborah Tomasowa 4 A Note from the Editors
A Note from the Editorial Team
The A SEAN ISSUE 01 | MAY 2020 ASEAN defines Social Protection This month, we have a special focus as policies and programmes on the protection of older persons. designed to reduce poverty, On our cover is a beautifully rendered inequalities, and vulnerability ballpoint illustration, “Portrait of an of the poor and other populations Old Farmer in Bali,” by Indonesian
at risk. These include women, artist Deborah Tomasowa. A Shared Identity Becoming ASEAN ISSN 2721-8058 SHIFTING CURRENTS THE INSIDE VIEW SNAPSHOTS COVID-19: A Collective Unity, Diversity ASEAN Heritage Park Conference children, older persons, workers, Response in ASEAN and ASEAN Identity Highlights Sustainability and Innovation and persons with disabilities. It is often said that the lines on a person’s face chronicle the passage Issue 1 With the unprecedented socio- of life. It maps out where we have https://bit.ly/ economic impact of the COVID-19 been and where we still have to go. TheASEAN_V1 pandemic, there is no better time In this issue, we feature the journeys to ensure these interventions are of four outstanding men and women, in place. In this issue, we look at who share with us their thoughts on existing ASEAN national and regional longevity, purpose and living well. The initiatives that help protect at- A SEAN ISSUE 02 | JUNE 2020 risk populations from the shocks This first set of profiles introduces of unforeseen events, disasters, a new section, “Conversations,” that pandemics, and other crises. will highlight stories and interviews with peoples of ASEAN, from Lao PDR Minister for Labour and all generations. The Fourth Industrial Revolution, Social Welfare, Dr. Khampheng Pandemics, and The Future of Work ISSN 2721-8058 IMPACT THE INSIDE VIEW SHIFTING CURRENTS ASEAN Builds Digital Transformation COVID-19 Response Saysompheng, Chair of ASEAN’s In our Shifting Currents section, a Village and The Civil Service Enhanced Cooperation Ministerial Meeting on Social you will find articles on the region’s Welfare and Development talks plastic waste problem and the state Issue 2 about the need for ASEAN Member of informal employment. Find out https://bit.ly/ TheASEAN_V2 States to strengthen protection more about the recently held 36th mechanisms during this ASEAN Summit and the upcoming pandemic, and for other 53rd Anniversary of the founding crises to come. of ASEAN.
The International Labour We again call on talented young Organization (ILO) contributes an artists to join The ASEAN magazine’s article on the role of social protection illustration contest. The theme in addressing the social, economic “Youth and Skills” is for our fourth and health impact of the crisis. issue and it will be all about ASEAN’s Poverty Eradication and education, youth, sports and Gender Division Head, Dr. Sita Sumrit, 21st century skills. reflects on the need for inclusion and equal opportunities for persons with We hope you enjoy reading The “Portrait of an Old Farmer in Bali” disabilities, particularly those ASEAN magazine, as much as Artist: Deborah Tomasowa with autism. we loved putting it together. https://dtomasowa.wixsite.com /debs-artbox IG: deb.art_box/ Facebook: dtomasowa/
The ASEAN July 2020 © f11photo/Shutterstock INSIDE Photo Credit: INSIDEVIEW The night market in front VIEW of National Museum of Luang Prabang, Lao PDR VIEW 6 The Inside View Social Protection
Viewpoint: H.E. Khampheng Saysompheng Minister, Labour and Social Welfare, Lao PDR Chair, ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Social Welfare and Development
What are the strengths and opportunities for the promotion of rights and welfare of vulnerable groups in Lao PDR’s perspective? Minister Saysompheng: Lao PDR has accorded high importance to social protection especially for the disadvantaged and vulnerable groups. This national commitment also resonates with our adherence to international and regional normative frameworks related to social protection, from the lens of human rights, labour, economic empowerment, and the 2030 Development Agenda, among others. ©Ministy of Labour and Social Welfare – Lao PDR
For Lao PDR, we have made tremendous efforts to translate the high-level policy commitments into much needed actions Photo Credit: for the people. The issues of social protection and social welfare are one of the key priorities in our national economic and social development plan (2016-2020) and in other reforms such as in the areas of poverty eradication and labour skills development to lift the quality of life of the poor and vulnerable groups Welfare and Development (AMMSWD) account in the design, planning, and in order to ensure that they are part of in Vientiane that focused on social implementation of any social protection the national development process. protection for vulnerable children? measures concerning them. This is in line Minister Saysompheng: The theme of with the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 Aside from social protection, welfare the 10th AMMSWD held in Vientiane, and the SDGs as children’s issues cut and assistance policies, the rights and Lao PDR last year was on social protection across all goals and action points. dignity of vulnerable groups are key for vulnerable children. Lao PDR believes to our planning and implementation that children are a critical force for both Children in Lao PDR, especially those as we believe in participatory development economic and social development of the under three years of age, receive assistance where all stakeholders shall be empowered. country. However, challenges remain for and support from the government in We continue to work hard and strengthen vulnerable children especially the ones collaboration with development engagement with ASEAN and living in rural areas and those suffering partners and UN agencies with focus on development partners to exchange from poverty and deprivation. Hence, the areas of nutrition, education and good practices, technical expertise we have been working to promote access to essential services. The ultimate and resources, with the aim of achieving and protect their rights and to objectives, aside from ensuring the rights good health and well-being for all. support their welfare. and welfare of children, are also to reduce inequalities and forge ahead with human Can Your Excellency expound on the On behalf of AMMSWD, I would like and sustainable development for the policy recommendations from the 10th to reiterate that the needs of all children country and for our ASEAN region ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Social shall be acknowledged and taken into in which no child should be left behind.
The ASEAN July 2020 Photo Credit: ©Ministy of Labour and Social Welfare – Lao PDR protection policiesat all levels. measures and for theoutcomes ofsocial be pivotal to thesuccess ofallprotection strength from theground-level up. This will to buildresilience andestablishour revitalisation ofcommunity-led economies and ourstageofdevelopment. We need inthecontext ofLaoPDR pertinent very of localandrural communities. This is for theeconomic growth andwell-being the central role oflabourdevelopment thisregard,In Iwould liketo highlight and intheface ofemerging risks. social protection intimesofuncertainties our collaborative in expanding efforts no leave anyone behind;andiv)solidify iii)remain inclusive anddo sustainability; ii) continue to foster environmental economic andsocialdevelopment; to: i)strengthen localandcommunity and Framework, we at thesametimeneed Protectionof theASEANSocial Declaration While promoting andadvancing thetenets times oftheCOVID-19 pandemic. together. evident in This isparticularly development, justice andsustainability transformative humancapital tool linking is to makesocialprotection inclusive asa towards socialprotection for all. aim Our will work closelyandtirelessly together from SOMSWD AMMSWD withsupport Saysompheng:Minister regional protection social agenda? continuing to promote efforts the and ASEANsectoral bodies, intheir Welfare andDevelopment (SOMSWD) Social Meetingon Officials Senior How doyou envisage the the needsof vulnerable children account in the design,planning, acknowledged and taken into I would likereiterateto that and implementation onany social protection measures and allchildren shallbe On behalfof AMMSWD, concerning them. I trust that I trustthat
The Inside View The Social Protection 7 8 Ensuring socialprotection forEnsuring allhasbeenalong-standing commitment of Protection: and Progress Mechanism Social in ASEAN social protection systems inorder to safeguard thewell-being ofourpeople. revisit existing schemes, available resources, andassessthelevel ofour of agility forthe shockgenerated usto by thepandemic. Indeed,itisalsoanopportunity vulnerabilities. Many nations were unprepared for theunprecedented nature of countries, where thepandemic hasexacerbated existing inequalitiesand sustainability, ofsocial systems,protection andefficiency especiallyinemerging The current COVID-19 pandemichasonce again putto test thereadiness, those oftheircommunities. resilient to andable to theshocksandrisks rebuild theirlives, aswell as region in1990s. People provided withsocialprotection coverage were more causedby that theglobalfinancialcrisis hittheASEAN the detrimental impact We have ofsocialprotection inmitigating witnessedtheutmostimportance older persons. systems for all, includingchildren, women, workers, personswithdisabilities, and is embraced intheadvancement oftheSDGsandrecognises socialprotection health coverage orUHC. The lifelong approach well-being, theneedfor universal articulates the vulnerable. 3,onhealthy Goal lives and achieve substantial coverage ofthepoorand including socialprotection floors, and by 2030 protection systems andmeasures for all, is to implement nationally appropriate social inallitsforms,end poverty oneofthetargets Development 1,to (SDGs).UnderGoal Goals development agendathrough theSustainable emphasisedinthe2030 been further protection insustainabledevelopment has recentIn years, thepivotal role ofsocial growth andhumandevelopment. protection policiescontribute to economic andpeace.stability At themacro level, social equality, socialinclusionandto political eradication, iskeyto poverty human right. It protection isunequivocallySocial abasic for Protection Rights asBasic AllSocial SOCIAL PROTECTIONINASEAN: Inside View The Social Protection Social ASEAN, withthe region adoptingthe AND RESILIENT COMMUNITY A TOOL TOWARDSSUSTAINABLEINCLUSIVE, CHAIR, SENIOROFFICIALSMEETINGONSOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE, LAO PDR DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL,DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION BYSOUKATHAMMAVONG THIPHASONE Social Protection in2013andthe Regional Framework Plan andAction in2015. ASEAN Declaration onStrengthening
policies for increased access andsustainability, Focusing onthepromotion ofsocialprotection disabilities, andothervulnerable groups inASEAN. of life ofolder persons, children, personswith enhance the well-being andimprove thequality overalladvancing social protection. Its isto objective and Development (SOMSWD) plays acentral role in Social Meetingon The Officials ASEANSenior Welfare protection intheASEANregion. have beenbuiltfor usto strengthening social andsocialprotection. Strong foundationsservices equality, affordability ofsocial andsustainability accessibility, availability, comprehensiveness, quality, measures coverage, withanemphasisonextending Community Blueprint’sSocio-Cultural strategic protection isalsoembeddedintheASEAN Social ofsocialprotection. delivery address emerging issuesandchallengesinthe integrated andcross-sectoral approach, andto The tenets ofbothinstruments are to advocate for an
The ASEAN July 2020
Photo Credit: © TOM...foto/Shutterstock The Inside View Social Protection 9
SOMSWD envisions social the ASEAN Training Centre for protection as a cross-cutting issue Social Work and Social Welfare. that requires a coordinated and In the area of child protection, holistic approach, involving the adoption of the ASEAN various stakeholders such as Declaration on the Rights governments, the private sector, of Children in the Context development partners, civil society of Migration and the organisations, and service Declaration on Protection providers. of Children from all Forms of Online Exploitation The inter-pillar approach has been and Abuse in ASEAN have adopted; with at least 10 ASEAN marked a step forward in the sectoral bodies working hand-in- protection, services, and hand to promote social assistance provided to protection, including social vulnerable children. welfare, health, labour, women and children, agriculture, ASEAN will forge ahead with
© Ilham Nasbir Saini/Shutterstock; Run always/Shutterstock statistics, disaster management, the operationalisation of the rural development, and poverty key components of regional eradication. Social protection is social protection framework viewed as an investment in people which are i) policy and
Photo Credit: that requires sufficient and programme development; sustainable resources. This is to ii) capacity building; iii) enable the people, particularly the monitoring and evaluation; poor and the vulnerable, to meet and iv) institutionalisation. their basic needs; to be adaptive to health, social, and other emerging We recognise that policy risks faced by ASEAN. coherence among social protection policies and SOMSWD recognises that other policy areas is vulnerabilities are multifaceted imperative, along with the and solutions need to cut across improvement of knowledge multiple sectors to ensure that no gaps, financing and fiscal one is left behind. In a time of uncertainties, unique demographic shifts, and mechanisms, governance structures and increasing occurrences of natural and human-induced disasters, social welfare institutional capacities. and development will need to remain agile and responsive to emerging trends and measures, to help build people’s capacity to cope with and recover As echoed in the Declaration of the Special from shortcomings. ASEAN Summit on COVID-19 and the Joint Statement of the Special ASEAN Ministerial Towards Inclusive and Transformative Social Protection in ASEAN Meeting on Social Welfare and Development The state of social protection in ASEAN Member States is diverse, with different on Mitigating Impacts of COVID-19 on Vulnerable stages of maturity in each nation’s schemes and coverage. Even though significant Groups in ASEAN, accelerated efforts are underway progress in extending and reforming social protection systems has been made, to ensure a social safety net as well as implement more efforts are needed to support those who remain unprotected. Public risk-informed, evidence-based, and shock-responsive expenditure on social protection is deemed inadequate in most ASEAN countries social protection systems to reduce the due to competing priorities, contributory capacity, and development challenges. vulnerabilities of at-risk populations and improve their overall resilience in view of the pandemic. Yet, social welfare systems that can reduce poverty and address persistent inequality require adequate financing as well as strategic planning. Sufficient Harnessing the lessons learned from this funding and resource mobilisation will help end the undesirable cycle of unprecedented crisis and transitioning towards underinvestment and underperformance in the systems. recovery and normalcy, ASEAN and its stakeholders must reassess the state of social protection in terms Certainly, we are encouraged by the progress in the implementation of key of its accessibility, allocation of public funds for social milestones in the area of social welfare and development that expand the scope spending, and the capacity to provide essential and deepen the quality of social protection systems, particularly the adoption of services and safeguard the well-being and the ASEAN Enabling Masterplan 2025: Mainstreaming the Rights of Persons livelihoods of the poor, children, older persons, with Disabilities and the upcoming Regional Action Plan to Implement the persons with disabilities, women and girls, migrant Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Ageing: Empowering Older Persons in ASEAN workers, and other vulnerable groups in and the ASEAN Social Protection Results Framework and the establishment of both normal and new normal times. 10 The Inside View Social Protection
Indonesia’s Progress Towards Achieving UHC As mandated by the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, all citizens, including the poor and vulnerable, are entitled to proper healthcare services. Universal Consequently, the governments are responsible for providing a healthcare system that improves access to health © PHOTOCREO Michal Bednarek services for the poor and vulnerable and protects them against the impacts of Health Coverage illness. The Indonesian government has initiated a social security reform process by in ASEAN Photo Credit: promulgating Law No. 40 on National BY OSCAR PRIMADI, MPH Social Security System in 2004 (SJSN Law) SECRETARY GENERAL, MINISTRY OF HEALTH, INDONESIA and Law No. 24 establishing the National CHAIR, SENIOR OFFICIALS MEETING ON HEALTH DEVELOPMENT Social Security Agency (BPJS) in 2011, to fulfil its commitment to have a health care system for all Indonesians and migrant workers who have been working in In pursuing Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the Indonesia for at least six months.
World Health Organization (WHO) advocates that all On the National Health Insurance or people should receive the full spectrum of essential, Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN), its quality health services, from health promotion to implementation in Indonesia began in January 2014 and was widely seen as a prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative significant step towards achieving UHC. care, without suffering financial hardship. JKN aims to provide a comprehensive healthcare for the entire population WHO further describes UHC as an others, labour and poverty issues. through government support and by intervention to increase peoples’ access The global discourse in addressing and funding low-income groups’ premium. to quality health services that are needs- financing UHC has gone beyond the JKN intends not only to expand coverage, based in order to improve the health of identification of traditional sources of funds but also to improve access to quality and those who are able to receive them. or approaches to deliver essential health comprehensive healthcare services. services to populations. Literature has All UN Member States have agreed to introduced encompassing perspectives During the first six years of JKN undertake and achieve UHC by 2030 as to tackle UHC, including upstream implementation, the Indonesian part of their commitment to Sustainable investments in public health; health system government carried out several strategies Development Goals (SDGs). This goal enhancement; investments on human to strengthen JKN sustainability, primarily presents challenges given that at least half capital especially human resources for by improving the National Health Insurance of the world’s population is still without full health; increase in labour market skills and coverage for essential health services and jobs; poverty reduction and about 100 million people are still living on social protection; promotion of 1.90 US Dollars or less per day based on financial protection and WHO estimates. This vulnerability is reduction in inequities by exacerbated by the fact that a household decreasing out-of-pocket spends at least 10 per cent of its income for payments; increase in efficiency health care—a common situation facing of resource mobilisation; and, more than 930 million people around the health security strengthening. globe according to WHO. These are being tackled as the current COVID-19 pandemic Currently, more emphasis has been placed including past outbreaks have on addressing and achieving UHC because shown their overarching of the health and socio-economic effects of effects, such as causing the COVID-19 pandemic. Countries around productivity and development the world that are challenged by the setbacks, at the national, pandemic are also confronted by, among regional, and global levels.
The ASEAN July 2020 The Inside View Social Protection 11
Administration Agency or Badan expenditure or wealth, place of Penyelenggara Jaminan Sosial residence or gender, have at least Kesehatan (BPJS Health) 80 per cent essential health management. The strategies services coverage by 2030; entailed improving the and by 2020, at least 80 per standards of quality, Amidst growing concerns related to cent of documented strengthening promotive the increasing demands to the health migrants in ASEAN have and preventive measures, access to healthcare in increasing the use of system and needs of the people receiving countries. generic drugs and affected by COVID-19, maintaining domestic medical devices, the quality as well as the cost- In 2019, the ASEAN rationalising health Health Sector published financing by optimising effectiveness of services without a dedicated issue in the cost-sharing, and compromising other national ASEAN e-Health Bulletin on promoting other financial health priorities, remains of UHC entitled “Progressive sources such as philanthropy. Realisation of Universal prime importance to the Health Coverage: ASEAN In August 2019, more than 223.4 Ministry of Health Member States.” In this million people, representing 83 publication, we reported that per cent of the total population, ASEAN’s population had reached have been covered by the JKN. In the 642.1 million, accounting for 8.5 per same period, there were 23,084 primary cent of the world population as of 2017. healthcare providers and 2,251 secondary Though ASEAN’s population is considered and tertiary healthcare providers registered to be gradually getting older, the share of as JKN providers. JKN utilisation reached and allocating health care resources while youth population below 20 years and 233 million visits in 2018, and it reached minimising price rationing. productive working-age population of more than 159 million visits in May 2019. 20-54 years has remained large at 34.5 per Since JKN’s implementation, there has To cope with the situation, the central cent and 50 per cent, respectively. been a dynamic change in health and local governments reallocated their spending in Indonesia. In 2019, Indonesia’s budget to prioritise government response The article highlighted regional National Health Account reported that to COVID-19, such as contact tracing, achievements in UHC and noted that a share of public financing through the surveillance, and in-patient care, and all ASEAN Member States have committed government budget increased and provision of medical supplies and health to UHC even though they are at different became the largest financing source care as additional support to the JKN. stages of moving towards the goal through at 32 per cent of total health expenditure. With the increasing demand for health different health financing approaches and The share of social health insurance care, JKN plays a vital role in providing programmes. As of July 2019, Brunei financing also increased to 21 per cent essential healthcare services to COVID-19 Darussalam, Malaysia, Singapore, and of total health expenditure and the patients as well as controlling the price of Thailand have covered nearly 100 per cent out-of-pocket spending in the macro pharmaceuticals and healthcare services. of their population under their UHC term decreased from 54 per cent in programmes. Brunei Darussalam 2010 to 31.6 per cent in 2017. However, UHC Achievements in ASEAN achieved UHC by implementing its the proportion of total health expenditure Based on the ASEAN Socio-Cultural national welfare programme. Malaysia is 3.2 per cent of GDP in 2017. Community Blueprint, the ASEAN Post achieved UHC using public providers 2015 Health Development Agenda and general government budget since Indonesia’s Approach to the COVID-19 (APHDA) was developed to address the the 1980s. Singapore has covered 93 per Pandemic and UHC regional health concerns of 10 ASEAN cent of its population by implementing Amidst growing concerns related to the Member States. One of the 20 Health national programmes such as MediSave, increasing demands to the health system Priorities in this APHDA is UHC. MediShield, and MediFund since the 1980s. and needs of the people affected by Thailand has achieved UHC since 2002. COVID-19, maintaining the quality as Aligned with the SDGs, the work well as the cost-effectiveness of services programme of ASEAN Health Cluster 3 on Indonesia, Philippines, and Viet Nam are without compromising other national Strengthening Health Systems and Access also moving closer to achieving UHC. As for health priorities, remains of prime to Care for 2016-2020 identified regional Indonesia, it has achieved 84 per cent importance to the Ministry of Health. activities to complement and enhance the coverage through its national health In the fight against COVID-19 pandemic, achievements of UHC at the national level. insurance which started in 2014. The Indonesia is faced with having to care for Under this work programme, ASEAN Philippines has achieved 78 per cent numerous patients while preventing the targets that all ASEAN populations, national health insurance coverage health system from being overwhelmed, regardless of household income, through the efforts of national and local 12 The Inside View Social Protection
Member Million GNI per UHC Insurance Catasthropic UHC policy or movement States (Pop) capita, Service coverage* health towards UHC (current coverage (% of total spending (%) US$) index (out pop) **threshold of 100) 10%, 25%
2018 2018 2015 (2019) (year)
Brunei 0.4 31,020 NA 100% NA National Welfare Darussalam 10.7, 3.6 Commitment to move towards Cambodia 16.2 1,380 55 24% (2009) UHC
Indonesia 267.7 3,840 49 84% 3.6, 0.4 (2015) UHC started since 2014
Lao PDR 7.1 2,460 48 94% 3.0, 0.3 (2007) Commitment by 2020
UHC using public providers Malaysia 31.5 10,460 70 100% 0.7, 0.0 (2004) and general government budget since 1980s
Commitment to strengthen Myanmar 53.7 1,310 NA 2% NA health system to support UHC
Expansion of the national health insurance, both in terms of population coverage by the Philippines 106.7 3,830 58 78% 6.3, 1.4 (2015) national and local governments and benefits packages by the PhilHealth Insurance Corporation
UHC through National Programmes of MediSave, Singapore 5.6 58,770 ≥80% 93% 9.0, 1.5 (2015) MediShield and MediFUnd since 1980s
Thailand 69.4 6,610 75 100% 3.4, 0.7 (2010) UHC since 2002
Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam has Viet Nam 94.7 2,590 73 89.9% 9.8, 2.1 (2014) commitment to move towards UHC. Social health insurance coverage is targeted at 95% by 2025
UHC SITUATION IN ASEAN governments and the benefits package strengthening their health systems MEMBER STATES offered by the PhilHealth Insurance which form the foundation of UHC. Source: Progressive Realisation of Corporation. Viet Nam has achieved 89.9 Universal Health Coverage: ASEAN per cent coverage through its social health Moving Towards UHC through the Member States, ASEAN e-Health insurance scheme based on the Resolution ASEAN Post 2015 Development Bulletin, Issue 14, December 2019 of the Central Committee of the Communist Agenda and Beyond Party of Viet Nam. Cambodia, Myanmar, and The decision of ASEAN Member States to Lao PDR are also committed to progressing prioritise UHC specifically took the in UHC and have exerted efforts on perspective of enhancing health systems
The ASEAN July 2020 The Inside View Social Protection 13
under the five-year work programme of ASEAN Health Cluster 3 on Strengthening Health Systems and Access to Care. To complement national interventions on UHC, this cluster identified regional priority strategies to include as follows: (i) promoting improved access to safe, affordable © Gandi Purwandi/Shutterstock and appropriate services; technology, essential drugs and vaccines; and traditional and complementary medicine by Photo Credit: developing national policies and regulations for ASEAN population including vulnerable groups; (ii) advocating appropriate levels of health resources including human resources for health and health financing; and (iii) enhancing communication, knowledge sharing including research and development, A patient consults a health worker at a local health centre in Indonesia and innovations.
In this work programme, there are health coverage of special populations on the other hand, reaffirmed their 18 project activities that are collectively as well as research development on commitment to the United Nations implemented by Member States which special populations to contribute to SDGs to achieve Universal Health Coverage are categorised according to themes. evidence-based UHC. by 2030 which includes financial risk Theme 1 on Entitlement/ Access to protection, access to quality essential Affordable Package of Goods and Services The other work programmes healthcare services and access to safe, (end-user perspective) focuses on achieving under the ASEAN Post 2015 Health effective, quality and affordable essential the best value for money through Health Development Agenda for 2016-2020 medicines and vaccines for all. The 8th Technology Assessment (HTA) by include those for: ASEAN Health Cluster 1 APTHMM also tasks “the ASEAN Plus Three determining HTA capacity needs and on Promoting Healthy Lifestyles, ASEAN Senior Health Officials to accelerate the building capacities in Member States; Health Cluster 2 on Responding to All progress towards UHC in all countries by promoting efficient use of resources Hazards and Emerging Threats, and ASEAN building up the national and regional through information sharing such as Health Cluster 4 on Ensuring Food Safety capacity to assess and manage the on the affordability of pharmaceuticals; all contribute to the attainment of UHC. equitable and efficient health systems and encouraging the adoption of to support UHC, including activities under standard measurements of health The sector-wide promotion of UHC the ASEAN Plus Three UHC Network” system performance through the system at the regional level is continuously (8th APTHMM Joint Statement). of health accounts and UHC metrics. supported by the ASEAN health ministers and their counterparts in China, Japan and Looking beyond the current work Theme 2 on the Availability and Republic of Korea (also known as the “Plus programme of the ASEAN Health Sector, Quality of Care (provider perspective) Three” countries). In the 14th ASEAN Health the Universal Health Coverage will still form entails ensuring ASEAN drug and Ministers Meeting (AHMM) in August 2019, part of the ASEAN Health Sector’s health vaccine security and self-reliance the health ministers committed to priorities to build upon the outputs of by establishing baselines of Member “strengthen primary health care in order to ASEAN Post 2015 Health Development States and regional policy and programme achieve Universal Health Coverage among Agenda. To support national UHC goals development; strengthening quality ASEAN Member States, and ensure and to push the regional health agenda health care by establishing baselines the availability and timely provision of forward, the commitments of ASEAN of Member States to develop regional essential medicines and cost-effective health ministers and other external recommendations; sharing of best health interventions at healthcare partners on UHC will be further practices; and promoting traditional facilities and building up the capacity realised through the development of and complementary medicine. Theme of health workers” (14th AHMM Joint relevant strategies and activities in 3 on Services for Special Populations Statement). The 8th ASEAN Plus Three the 2021-2025 ASEAN Health involves policy development on the Health Ministers Meeting (APTHMM), Development Agenda. 14 The Inside View Social Protection
THE ROLE OF SOCIAL PROTECTION IN MITIGATING CRISES
BY TOMOKO NISHIMOTO REGIONAL DIRECTOR FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANIZATION
The COVID-19 crisis has fundamentally shaken the social and economic foundations of countries across the world, including ASEAN Member States.
The ILO has observed with admiration how ASEAN governments have taken unprecedented measures to respond to the health, economic, and social impacts of the crisis, and is especially pleased to note the prominence given to social protection within the different emergency response packages.
The lockdown measures adopted across the region have been relatively successful Within ASEAN, many countries are starting disposable income is one of the biggest at suppressing the spread of the virus, at to pass the first phase of what is likely to be challenges facing policymakers at least for the moment. Nonetheless, the a long-term crisis and the emphasis in the the moment. IMF estimates that the region is facing its policy debate is moving towards how to slowest growth since the 1960s. Economies organise economic recovery. The story of While the crisis has affected whole in ASEAN face the combined economic the crisis so far has been that of most of the societies, it is now evident that some impact of local lockdown measures countries in the region imposing stringent people have been far more affected than
and, given the high levels of economic lockdown and social distancing measures. others. The majority of job losses and © kuzmaphoto/Shutterstock integration within the region and beyond, Even if a single country was able to revert reduced working hours is occurring in the lockdowns elsewhere. The global to “business as usual,” the international certain hardest-hit sectors. In total among collapse of demand for manufacturing context would mean that economic sectors the 10 ASEAN countries, there are 133
goods and the blockage of the will continue to be heavily affected. million workers in economically hardest-hit Photo Credit: international flow of goods and services, In this context, a protracted crisis looks sectors. This corresponds to 41 per cent of including tourism, hit the ASEAN increasingly likely, as does the scenario the region’s workforce who are likely to feel economies especially hard. The ILO in which parts of the economy are the devastating effects of reduced working estimates that the crisis will result in a permanently reconfigured. One key feature hours, reduced wages, or full job loss. decline in working hours of around 9.2 per of the ongoing crisis is that countries will cent relative to the last quarter of 2019 for likely be obliged to depend more, at least Many of the workers in the region were the ASEAN region, equivalent to the loss of temporarily, on domestic investment and already engaged in the informal economy, 26 million full-time jobs, assuming a internal demand than in pre COVID-19 receiving low wages that trapped them 48-hour working week. times. How to incentivise local investment in poverty. COVID-19 has laid bare the in the context of fiscal strain and reduced vulnerability of such workers as lockdown
The ASEAN July 2020 The Inside View Social Protection 15
measures left them with no means of Evidence from past generating income. Informal workers are economic crises shows us particularly vulnerable given their limited that social protection is one employment protections and access to social protection, while many have of the most effective fiscal low-to-modest and irregular incomes even tools governments have at in normal times. In ASEAN, the COVID-19 crisis threatens to destroy the livelihoods their disposal to provide of 218 million informal workers, 67 per economic stimulus. cent of the total employment in the region. Without alternative income Various Of particular sources, many of these workers and their countries injected note has been the © PR Image Factory families have been pushed into poverty, significant additional way countries thus reversing the decades of poverty financial resources into the recognised and sought to fill reduction shown across the region in health sector, in parallel with measures to significant coverage gaps in their social pre-COVID time. increase access to affordable health care protection systems. Extremely important to Photo Credit: for those not covered, including migrant reach some of the most vulnerable groups Social protection has a central role to play workers in some countries. Sickness was the mobilisation of non-contributory in addressing the social, economic, and benefits constituted another focus of schemes to reach large groups of national health dimensions of the crisis and is part attention from the very early stages of the populations, with several countries of the broader stimulus package. The crisis, including the expansion to groups extending measures to the “missing actions taken by ASEAN Member States in that were previously not covered. In many middle,” i.e. those who are not covered this area have been an example for other countries where they exist unemployment through social insurance nor social regions. As expected, the varying responses insurance schemes were central in assistance schemes. Various countries reflect the diversity of the labour market providing a significant and rapid response. provided short-term top ups to existing context, social protection configuration Some countries made modifications to categorical transfers, such as child, among ASEAN Member States, and their existing schemes, including the disability, and old age benefits. Other each country’s specific institutional introduction of “job retention” schemes countries established new benefits backgrounds. through wage subsidies. targeted to workers in informal 16 The Inside View Social Protection
employment. The COVID-19 crisis period extends for up to six or nine months, for measures will no doubt have an indirect has been extremely rich in innovations example, in the case of some employment stimulus effect, for example, as fewer in the area of social protection, both retention programmes. This leaves a households will need to go into debt to regarding methods to register workers question about the role of social protection survive in the short term, and can be in a and in the delivery of benefits. in contributing to countries’ resilience and stronger position to spend when the sustainable solutions as countries enter the economy re-starts. The moment when Have the actions taken by ASEAN Member recovery phase. economies are opening up is also a crucial States been impressive in their speed and moment to provide a substantial boost to
scope? Yes. Has it and will it be enough to If anything, ILO believes that social household income. Such a stimulus can © Sirisak_baokaew/Shutterstock deal effectively with the expected impact protection is likely to become even more increase households’ ability to consume of the crisis? Probably not. Even relatively relevant as countries commence their goods and services, and thus support ambitious packages of support have left social and economic recovery. Evidence businesses that may be struggling to
important gaps. In most countries, the from past economic crises shows us that re-establish themselves. Photo Credit: support provided has been one-off or social protection is one of the most designed to cover only the few months effective fiscal tools governments have at The immediate social protection response when the most severe lockdown measures their disposal to provide economic to COVID-19 was rightly focused on were in place. At best, the support provided stimulus. The cushion provided by initial providing emergency short-term support,
The ASEAN July 2020 The Inside View Social Protection 17
Following years of progress, including the issuance of the ASEAN Declaration COVID-19 are a wake-up call with the potential to lead to a similar reassessment. on Strengthening Social Protection, this crisis might provide Member Following years of progress, including the States the opportunity to build back issuance of the ASEAN Declaration on Strengthening Social Protection, this better and to move towards the crisis might provide Member States the objective of universal social protection, opportunity to build back better and to move towards the objective of universal as agreed under the Sustainable social protection, as agreed under the Development Goals or SDGs. Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs. Workers and employers, through their representatives, should play a central role in this debate.
protection has often In a situation where countries will be less often under immense been a key part of this able to rely on foreign direct investment pressure and with limited process, with the post-War and foreign demand (including tourism), scope for detailed design of approaches. As period in both Europe and Japan being the social protection, together with countries transition to the next phase, crucial moment when truly comprehensive employment-centred macroeconomic there is more time and space to adapt the systems were established. Similarly, the policies, has the potential to promote ongoing response so that it contributes to Asian financial crisis and the 2008-09 global domestic demand and build national
© Kampan/Shutterstock addressing the major limitations of existing crisis triggered many countries in Asia to economies that are more inclusive and social protection systems revealed by expand and transform their social more resilient to future crises. We COVID-19. protection systems. The way the Republic of strongly believe that the human-centred Korea extended its pension and social approach to the future of work proposed
Photo Credit: Let me end by reminding the readers of an insurance coverage to all workers following by the ILO Centenary Declaration— important lesson. Historically, economic the 1997 crisis, how China extended health which puts workers’ rights and the crises from the Second World War to the protection and pensions to all, and Thailand needs, aspirations, and rights of all Asian Financial Crisis of 1997 and the Great made its Old Age Allowance universal as a people at the heart of economic, social, Recession of 2008-09 have resulted in response to the impact of the 2008-09 crisis and environmental policies—offers an rethinking and adjustment of existing are cases in point. The significant gaps in important framework to build a new economic and social models. Social social protection systems laid bare by normal that can be a better normal. 18 The Inside View Social Protection
Leaving No One Behind: The ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management and its Role in Fostering Social Protection in ASEAN
BY UNDERSECRETARY RICARDO B. JALAD ADMINISTRATOR, OFFICE OF CIVIL DEFENSE, PHILIPPINES CHAIR, THE ASEAN COMMITTEE ON DISASTER MANAGEMENT © sukra13/Shutterstock Photo Credit:
The ASEAN July 2020 The ASEAN Agreement on Disaster The ASEAN region is located Management and Emergency Response in one of the most disaster- established a clear objective to “provide prone areas of the world. It is effective mechanisms to achieve substantial vulnerable to typhoons, floods, reduction of disaster losses in lives and in droughts, earthquakes, and the social, economic and environmental volcanic eruptions. assets of the Parties, and to jointly respond to disaster emergencies through concerted In the past 15 years alone, ASEAN has bodies within experienced major catastrophes like the ASEAN— national efforts and intensified Indian Ocean Tsunami (2004), Cyclone including the regional and international Nargis (2008), and Typhoon Haiyan ASEAN Committee (2013), to name a few. on Disaster cooperation. Management (ACDM), To sustain economic growth and social Senior Officials’ Meeting on development in ASEAN amidst the threat Social Welfare and Development of more severe and frequent disasters, (SOMSWD), and Senior Officials’ a well-designed social protection system Meeting on Health and Development is essential. This will build resilience at the (SOMHD)—to be part of a thorough grassroots level which, in turn, will bolster consultation process to strengthen the link equitable access to opportunities for the resilience of ASEAN as a community. between social protection and emergency human development, social welfare, response. The eventual implementation of and justice. ASEAN Agreement on Disaster the social protection guidelines in ASEAN Management and Emergency will certainly boost the long-term social The declaration on social protection Response and the ASEAN Declaration protection system that supports is instrumental in supporting national on Strengthening Social Protection humanitarian assistance in times policies, strategies, and mechanisms The ASEAN Agreement on Disaster of disasters. that strengthen the implementation Management and Emergency Response of social protection programmes in the (AADMER) established a clear objective to In addition to initiatives strengthening region. It also promotes results-based “provide effective mechanisms to achieve social protection under the AADMER Work and evidence-based national assessments substantial reduction of disaster losses Programme, the social welfare sector also and the benchmarking of social protection in lives and in the social, economic and adopted the ASEAN Declaration on delivery services in ASEAN Member States. environmental assets of the Parties, and Strengthening Social Protection in It likewise encourages the responsiveness © AHA Centre © AHA to jointly respond to disaster emergencies November 2013. of social protection systems through through concerted national efforts and multisectoral consultations and intensified regional and international This declaration emphasises ASEAN’s continuous sharing of information. cooperation” (Article 2 of the ASEAN goal of enhancing the well-being and Photo Credit: Agreement on Disaster Management and livelihood of ASEAN people by providing Following the declaration’s adoption, Emergency Response, 26 July 2005). ASEAN approved the Regional Framework and Action Plan, In the AADMER Work Programme which breaks down the provisions 2016-2020, Priority Programme of the declaration into goals, 4 (PROTECT) is dedicated towards objectives, and specific actions “ensuring social protection and to be implemented by various establishing social safety nets in sectors of the ASEAN Socio- the context of disasters.” One of the Cultural Community. initiatives under this programme is the development of an ASEAN The implementation of both the Guidelines on Disaster-Responsive AADMER and the Declaration on Social Protection, which is Strengthening Social Protection led supported by the Food and to the development of key policies Agriculture Organization of that guided ASEAN social protection the United Nations and other activities towards a participative, relevant partners. integrated, coordinated, and ASEAN-Emergency Response and Assessment Team effective manner of development The formulation of these regional (ASEAN-ERAT) facilitates the incoming relief for the and implementation. This effort also guidelines enables different sectoral Central Sulawesi earthquake in Indonesia underscores ASEAN’s commitment 20 The Inside View Social Protection
to draw on social protection systems to To address this situation, we, complement efforts to strengthen existing at the ASEAN Committee on disaster risk management systems and Disaster Management protocols in the region. (ACDM), shall continue to promote regional cooperation, Thus, Member States remain fully use coherent technical committed to mainstreaming social approaches and tools, and protection systems and measures not only undertake a joint advocacy to in disaster response, but also in the entire support the actions of the disaster risk reduction and management Member States requiring continuum, from prevention and enhancement. This shall be mitigation, to rehabilitation and recovery. done through the following: (i) multisectoral cooperation Promotion of Social Protection among the ASEAN sectoral Measures in Disaster Risk Reduction bodies (SOMSWD, ACDM, and Management in ASEAN SOMHD) in developing ASEAN has continuously promoted social concrete action plan(s) to pandemic, the continuation of efforts protection measures as a way to reduce implement and monitor the ASEAN to design and implement risk-informed vulnerabilities of at-risk populations and guidelines; (ii) strengthening the and shock-responsive social protection to strengthen their capacity to cope with understanding and visibility of FbF/EWEA systems to reduce the vulnerabilities, and and recover from the economic and and DRSP through the development and the improvement of the overall resilience social impacts of disasters. dissemination of policy briefs, regular of the ASEAN community. knowledge-sharing, and discussions This can be seen in the implementation among the ASEAN sectoral bodies and In a time of profound uncertainty for © taewafeel/Shutterstock of the project, Scaling up Forecast-based stakeholders; and (iii) inclusion of the FbF/ ASEAN and its peoples, the ACDM is Financing/Early Warning Action (FbF/ EWEA approach and reinforcement of strengthening regional cooperation EWEA) and Disaster Responsive Social DRSP as among the priorities in the in facing the pandemic. Protection (DRSP), which showcases the development of the new AADMER Photo Credit: innovative use of climate risk information Work Programme for 2021-2025. The ACDM has ongoing discussions for disaster resilience in the ASEAN. to address “new normal” scenarios Promoted in Cambodia, Myanmar, and ACDM’s Role in ASEAN’s towards strategic contextualisation of the Philippines, this project is focused COVID-19 Response the AADMER Work Programme 2021-2025. on accelerating the use of climate risk The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has The work programme will support the data and strengthening early warning brought and will continue to bring social harmonisation of disaster risk reduction systems to trigger early action and and economic consequences to ASEAN. and management strategies for shock-responsive social protection (SRSP) It has exposed weaknesses in the social combating the current COVID-19 measures using impact-based forecasts. protection systems meant to support the pandemic, along with the further urban poor and vulnerable communities, examination of various cross-cutting We encourage ASEAN Member and may further contribute to the issues such as public health. The current States to adopt the FbF/EWEA approach incidence of inequality within the region. ASEAN response to the pandemic will and implement roadmaps to establish It has also posed challenges to the ASEAN also be tackled in the conduct of the SRSP systems by equipping them with Member States’ respective preparedness 36th ACDM and other related meetings. skills and providing financial options to and response mechanisms, economies, implement such measures, strengthening and health systems. The ongoing COVID-19 response in the regional cooperation, and implementing ASEAN region has certainly highlighted coherent technical approaches. In the Declaration of the Special the multisectoral and cross-cutting nature ASEAN Summit on COVID-19 issued of risks, while emphasising the importance The two key challenges that were cited on 14 April 2020, the heads of state of cooperation and solidarity among the during the project evaluation are as made people’s well-being their top priority ASEAN Member States in adopting follows: (i) limited number of disaster- in the collective effort to manage the evidence-based interventions. affected population covered by existing pandemic. The declaration also called social protection programmes which for the continued sharing and provision The fight against the pandemic has yet to renders these programmes insufficient of appropriate assistance among be concluded but, eventually, the tide will for quickly delivering extensive disaster the Member States. This includes the turn. It is now up to us to decide how to assistance; and (ii) the limited capacity of enhancement of cooperation in ensuring turn this disaster into an opportunity for national governments to implement a social safety nets for ASEAN communities, ASEAN and to strengthen its cooperation scaled up social protection programme the prevention of social disruption and and collaboration with partners to create for disaster response. instability as a consequence of the a stronger and more resilient region.
The ASEAN July 2020 The Inside View Social Protection 21
STRENGTHENING Social Protection of Older Persons
BY SUSANA CONCORDO AURA SEVILLA AW SU, PhD HARDING
© hxdbzxy/Shutterstock INTERNATIONAL LONGEVITY CENTRE SINGAPORE, TSAO FOUNDATION
Southeast Asia is Ageing Rapidly Older Persons are Financially Vulnerable,
Photo Credit: Population ageing, a demographic Particularly Older Women transition resulting from declining fertility A key vulnerability is the financial insecurity rates and rising life expectancy, reflects the of older persons in many Southeast Asia significant achievements of many countries. Without adequate social countries in the areas of quality of protection, financially insecure older persons healthcare and human development. are at risk of falling into poverty. In Indonesia, for example, more than 30 per cent of older While the median age of our world’s persons are poor; this increases with age due population has been increasing, the speed to reduced opportunities and capacities for of this increase is remarkably rapid in income generation, according to a 2017 Southeast Asia. The region is home to UNESCAP report. nearly 74.5 million older persons aged 60 years old and above in 2020. According to the publication, Ageing, Based on ILO figures from 2017, only 31.5 per cent of the Older Persons and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by population receives an old age pension in Southeast Asia. Among the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs the ASEAN Member States, the share of older persons receiving a (UNDESA), the population of older persons in Southeast Asia is pension varies significantly, ranging from 81.7 per cent in Brunei projected to increase 2.4 times by 2050, reaching 176 million. Darussalam and 83 per cent in Thailand, to roughly 40 per cent in Between 2020 and 2050, the total population of the oldest-old the Philippines and Viet Nam, and substantially less in Cambodia, (above 80 years old ) is also expected to increase almost fourfold Indonesia, and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, based on the from 8.2 million to 32.4 million, with major representation from same ILO report. older women and countries like Singapore and Thailand. By the end of the century, according to a forthcoming International Women, however, bear the brunt of old-age poverty, due to Labour Organization (ILO) publication, even Southeast Asian their longer life expectancies and relatively lower formal labour countries with a large youth population, like Cambodia and the participation rate. For instance, in the Philippines, 53.2 per cent Lao People’s Democratic Republic, will have an ageing population. of older men and only 29 per cent of older women are covered, highlighting gender inequalities within countries in the receipt With rapid population ageing, strengthening social protection of old-age pensions. of older people alongside economic development presents an urgent challenge in Southeast Asia. In this article, we highlight As a result, many older persons, particularly older women, are the imperative to do so, outlining sources of financial and social financially dependent on their family. A 2017 study by HelpAge vulnerability among older people alongside relevant action revealed that 67 to 79 per cent of older persons in Thailand and that has been taken in the region. Viet Nam receive income from their children. In the Philippines, 22 The Inside View Social Protection
Beyond providing pension schemes, strengthening long- term care systems is an important element of social protection for older people. While older persons are living longer, they spend significant years in disability, highlighting the need for
meanwhile, a local study showed that more mothers than fathers quality long-term care. (70 per cent vs. 55 per cent) receive monetary support from their children. This kind of family support, however, is under threat as family size declines. Income transfers from family as the main source of income dropped from 84.3 per cent in 2000 to 72.9 per cent in 2010 in Singapore.
Social Pension as a Lever: Progress and Policy Gaps women who are mostly informal workers, with lower pension © sasirin pamai/Shutterstock Over the years, there has been significant progress in entitlement and benefits. strengthening the pension system for older persons in Southeast Asia. In particular, a number of ASEAN Member States introduced In countries such as Singapore with no basic non-contributory non-contributory social pension programmes. These are Brunei pension, public social assistance schemes for lower-income older Photo Credit: Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Viet Nam and persons are often tied to proof of household income and inability very recently, Myanmar. HelpAge, a global network that promotes to obtain income support from family members. Cases of voluntary the rights of older people, notes that social pensions now make up exemption of subsidies are therefore not uncommon, particularly more than half of the total pension coverage of older persons in in the face of dysfunctional family relationships that impose strain Thailand and Viet Nam. From a gender perspective, social pensions on proving household income, as well as wider issues of pride in an are particularly important for women as they are more likely to Asian context where filial piety from one’s children imbues high receive social pension than earnings-related pensions. social status.
A forthcoming ILO publication on old-age income security in Long-Term Care: Quality Regulation and Addressing ASEAN Member States, aptly notes “pensions still have a limited BioPsychoSocial Needs role in guaranteeing income security in old age for many ASEAN Beyond providing pension schemes, strengthening long-term countries,” and stresses the importance and urgency of reducing care systems is an important element of social protection for the old-age coverage gap (mainly through social pension), older people. While older persons are living longer, they spend increasing benefit adequacy, and ensuring the financial significant years in disability, highlighting the need for quality long- sustainability of pension systems. term care. In Myanmar, nearly 40 per cent of persons in their early 60s and 90 per cent of those in their 80s and older reported at least Even in countries with extensive population coverage, the pension one physical difficulty. In the Philippines, a local study noted that provided to older persons often does not meet the minimum 22 per cent of older persons have difficulty performing activities amount for subsistence. As a result, a sizable proportion of older of daily living. Functional disability is also higher among older persons cannot afford to retire and continue to work in vulnerable, females. In Indonesia, one out of three older persons relies low-paid, and insecure jobs. This imposes extra challenge to older on others for activities of daily living.
The ASEAN July 2020 The Inside View Social Protection 23
Despite the rapidly rising demand for long-term care, challenges remain in providing quality care that addresses the biopsychosocial needs of older persons. These include the virtual non-existence of national legislation of long-term care in the region, healthcare financing systems that favour acute care, and a shortage of trained manpower. For example, while Singapore’s and Thailand’s current long-term care policies are focused on supporting informal home care and informal community-based care, both countries have yet to enact a national legislation on long-term care for older persons. In terms of healthcare financing, in the Philippines, while all older persons are mandatorily covered by its national health insurance programme and universal health care programme, specific long-term care services are still underdeveloped.
As a result of underdeveloped long-term care systems in the region, family members—and in the case of Singapore, foreign domestic Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. The Singapore helpers—are often the main providers of this service. This is despite Alliance of Women in Ageing was formed by ILC-S in Singapore, the rising trends of international migration and smaller family sizes. composed of Tsao Foundation, Association of Women for Action Caregiver burden and isolation as a result of providing around-the- and Research, Singapore Muslim Women’s Association, and clock care can affect quality of care, particularly in maintaining the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisation. This year, ILC-S is mental health of the older person being cared for. piloting a gender and ageing mainstream project to promote financial security of older women (Pro-older Women Project) in Tsao Foundation’s Regional Initiative and Success in Thailand and the Philippines, with plans to extend this to other Strengthening Social Protection of Older People ASEAN countries. © DONOT6_STUDIO/Shutterstock Based in Singapore but regionally oriented, Tsao Foundation seeks mindset and systemic change to positively transform Within Singapore, ILC-S was commissioned in 2017 to conduct a experiences of ageing and opportunities associated with study on the effectiveness of government matched savings as longevity. This is through a focus on implementing innovative a scheme to increase the savings of low income older women in Photo Credit: models of community-based care, training and education, Singapore. The recommendation of the study was adopted into policy-relevant research, and collaboration and advocacy. a new Matched Retirement Savings Scheme, which is now part In the areas of social protection, the foundation has been of Singapore’s 2020 budget. working collaboratively with Singapore and regional partners to enhance financial security and long-term care for older Through a 2019 minimum income study done by local academics persons in Southeast Asia, particularly older women. to assess the sum required for basic living in Singapore, it was found out that the minimum sum required (1,379 Singapore dollars Our regional initiatives on financial security started when the per month if single; 2,351 Singapore dollars per month if a couple) International Longevity Centre Singapore (ILC-S) within Tsao fell vastly short of that provided by public assistance schemes, Foundation organised the first regional meeting on the financial and contributory retirement pay-outs through the Central security of older women in East and Southeast Asia. The meeting Provident Fund for low-wage workers. culminated in the formation of a regional learning network, which brought together non-government organisations, policy think tanks, Tsao Foundation has also been working since 2016 with the international organisations, and leading academics from ASEAN Plus Asian Development Bank, as its centre of excellence and Three (10 ASEAN Member States plus China, Japan, and Republic of knowledge partner, in building the capacity and capability Korea), to pledge action on promoting financial security among of six middle-income countries in the Asia Pacific including older women. Indonesia, Thailand, and Viet Nam to set up a long-term care system. We continue to be an active partner of the ASEAN in In 2018, ILC-S launched the first comparative study to assess the committing to promote a gender-responsive and life-course state of financial security of older women in Indonesia, Malaysia, approach towards a dignified old-age in the region. 24 Impact Initiatives on Autism
Impact Reflection On Autism: From Disabilities To Different Abilities
BY SITA SUMRIT, PhD HEAD, POVERTY ERADICATION AND GENDER DIVISION ASEAN SOCIO-CULTURAL COMMUNITY DEPARTMENT
Autism is widely known, often seen, to all of us that autism is gendered and that a life cycle lens is but not sufficiently understood. fundamental to demystify what we thought we knew about autism. Moving from Protection to Solutions Through media and varying communication channels, we have While being explicitly acknowledged as a form of disability seen children with autism performing arts and being engaged in in both international and national instruments, symptoms learning activities. This inspiring imagery invites us to delve deeper of autism, due to its broad spectrum, are implicit. Detection into the intricate layers of the world of autism. is not always easy or straightforward and it is believed that a substantial number of individuals are undiagnosed or Shifting from Ambiguity to Understanding inaccurately diagnosed. As such, the design and implementation Despite diverse definitions, autism or autism spectrum disorder of comprehensive policies and programmes to protect and (ASD), in general, refers to a broad range of conditions provide assistance to persons living with autism is an characterised by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviour, intractable challenge because their condition is left speech, and nonverbal communication. With autism being on a unknown and/or unattended to. spectrum, its manifestation varies widely. Some individuals with autism have intellectual disabilities while others may have an Individuals with autism are also faced with discrimination and average, above average, or genius level of intelligence. biases in daily lives. This is caused by the flawed and often unconscious expectation of “normalcy” and “acceptability” Promisingly, understanding of autism and its prevalence has vis-à-vis social interaction and interpersonal communication. significantly improved in recent years with modern clinical The cost of this longstanding prejudice is not minimal. diagnosis and research. The World Health Organization (WHO) Less than 10 per cent of people with ASD are employed estimates that one per cent of the world’s population is in most regions, resulting in further social exclusion. affected by autism and one in 160 children has an autism spectrum disorder. In the ASEAN region, latest estimates The silver lining though is that perceptions are changing. reveal that 6 million persons are living with autism. An increasing number of studies have affirmed that as individuals with autism are not constrained by conformity However, a number is a mere indication of how autism is and rigid social norms, they often excel at developing innovative comprehended and experienced. Oftentimes, autism is perceived and original ideas. Moreover, their approaches to problem to be a form of disability in children, as in the majority of cases, solving and coping with setbacks are different, which can apparent conditions are observed during the first 5 years of one’s contribute to new solutions in different settings. Companies are life. In fact, autism starts in childhood and persists into adolescence thus more open to offer employment for adults with autism, not and adulthood. Unfortunately, little is known about autism in old only to be inclusive but also to tap into their strengths as age, as recognition of the disability and development of accurate individuals with unique thinking skills and diverse abilities. diagnostic criteria have only emerged in recent times. Without a doubt, gaining access to employment opportunities Aside from the lifespan perspective, one of the most salient and being acknowledged for their employability helps enhance features of autism is that more men are diagnosed with autism than the autonomy, dignity, and self-determination of persons with women, with the approximate ratio of 5:1. Even though it remains autism. Expanding their choices, nourishing their sense of debatable whether this gender disparity is attributed to biology capability, and promoting impendence will lead to a more or discrepancies and biases in assessment, it serves as a reminder durable outcomes of human development.
The ASEAN July 2020 Impact Initiatives on Autism 25 © BRAIN2HANDS/Shutterstock From Disabilities To Different Abilities Photo Credit:
By acknowledging and accepting the individuality Fostering ASEAN’s Efforts and and uniqueness of persons rights of people with autism is Initiatives with autism, we come to the ASEAN Enabling Master In ASEAN, autism has been realise that autism is only Plan 2025: Mainstreaming the given marked importance as Rights of Persons with part of regional integration and one aspect of an individual’s Disabilities (2017). Adhering community building process. The character. to the ultimate goal of inclusive region is committed to creating a community in which independence, more inclusive ecosystem for people freedom of choice, and full and with autism through advancing their effective participation of persons with rights and eliminating barriers so that they disabilities are realised and sustained, the can live their fullest lives. enabling masterplan has clearly articulated the importance of empowering not only persons with In most ASEAN countries, persons with autism are recognised as disabilities, but also their family members, assistants, disabled persons by law. Some ASEAN Member States have caregivers, and communities. established specific mechanisms to uphold the rights and provision of services to persons with autism through national This regional milestone and the values it upholds resonate with autism plans and strategies, while ad-hoc measures are strategies other laudable endeavours. In the same year, the Autism Mapping adopted by other Member States. Project in the ASEAN Region was initiated by the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) and the ASEAN Under the principles of diversity and inclusion, the integrated- Secretariat in consultation with the ASEAN Senior Officials on system-based approach is being embraced by the region to Social Welfare and Development (SOMSWD) to contribute towards effectively address autism and other neurodevelopmental data collection, policy recommendation, and awareness raising, disorders. Continued undertakings have been witnessed in the which are pivotal to building evidence-based interventions to area of social welfare and development, education and health as prevent and remove barriers faced by persons with autism. well as economic empowerment. In 2018, through the awarding of the ASEAN Prize to Ms Erlinda Uy Koe, the region is made aware of family-centric autism One of the key milestones that has propelled the region towards a advocacy and family-centred care (FCC) for children, more robust foundation for the promotion and protection of the youth and adults living with autism. 26 Impact Initiatives on Autism
Taking its commitment and actions to make the region inclusive independence, and self-determination for and of persons with for persons with autism to new heights, ASEAN Member States, in autism as well as of those who love, care for, and support them. July 2020, have accredited the ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) as an entity associated with ASEAN and listed under Annex II In the autism community, there is a saying that goes, “If you know of the ASEAN Charter. The accreditation of AAN is emblematic of one person with autism, you know one person with autism.” our unyielding belief that potential for persons with autism is This sentence accentuates the fact that each person with limitless, that the region is looking forward to working with all autism is unique and their experiences of living with ASD stakeholders, and that we are, in spite of our different abilities, are not homogenous. This also applies to their families, friends, a community. colleagues, teachers, caregivers, and people who believe in them.
Understanding Autism: Awareness, Acceptance By acknowledging and accepting the individuality and and Empowerment uniqueness of persons with autism, we come to realise that As we annually commemorate the World Autism Awareness autism is only one aspect of an individual’s character. We all live Day on 2 April and as the ASEAN will soon celebrate the with our own strengths, limitations, and differences in abilities. launch of Autism Mapping which will serve as the first evidence- As such, while autism is recognised as a disability, reinforcing it as informed benchmark to boost our understanding and charter disabling quality may not be the best narrative going forward. policy direction on autism in the region, we can ponder further on what more can we do. Of all ages and genders and in all its spectrum, persons with autism need inclusive environments whereby they, along with Awareness is a necessity but may not be a definite end of our their families, are not just accepted but empowered to learn, autism journey. Promoting a message of acceptance and acts grow, succeed, live a meaningful lives, and reach their highest of empowerment will take us a step further to realise liberty, potentials through the optimisation of their different abilities.
ASEAN Opens Its Doors: An Inclusive Internship Programme
BY MARY KATHLEEN QUIANO-CASTRO NOVIA D. RULISTIA
Disabilities (PWDs) and Special Needs is to demonstrate that It was an opportunity of a lifetime ASEAN walks the talk. The ASEAN Secretariat is happy to take the for the four graduates of the London experimental lead in delivering an inclusive, people-oriented, School Beyond Academy (LSBA), people-centred ASEAN Community through rendering corporate working experience to these PWDs, many of whom are not able to a school in Jakarta that provides secure jobs upon their graduations.” education to students with special needs and abilities. Siregar, who loves editing photos, was assigned to the information and resource centre of ASEAN Secretariat. “Here, I could learn more about ASEAN, and I could also see records of presidential meetings Jonathan Kenneth Nangoi, M. Abijdzar Alghivari, Reychando (summit) through the old summit photos. I think I will grade myself Rintar Siregar, and M. Rifqi Adiono – all in their 20s – just finished 10 out of 10 for my internship with the ASEAN Secretariat,” he said. a three-month internship at the ASEAN Secretariat. The graphic design studies graduates first trained at the ASEAN Foundation in LSBA Founder Prita Kemal Gani told The ASEAN, “this is a good 2019. In March, they began another on-the-job training programme model. If this internship is a success, maybe other businesses and at the ASEAN Secretariat’s Community Affairs Directorate. companies will follow.”
Director of Community Affairs Lee Yoong Yoong said “the primary A week into the programme, the ASEAN Secretariat enforced the purpose of providing such internship opportunities to Persons with Jakarta government’s social distancing regulations with a work-
The ASEAN July 2020 Impact Initiatives on Autism 27 © ASEAN Secretariat/ Kusuma Pandu Wijaya © ASEAN Photo Credit:
With more chances for from-home scheme. It did not curb their enthusiasm. people with autism to do internship, I hope “I only worked in the office for one that people can be more week and the remaining months at home due to the pandemic, considerate toward us but I am satisfied enough with this and treat people with chance. I enjoyed the work, and I could complete the tasks given autism equally. to me,” said Nangoi.
All the interns raved about how well they were Top treated by their mentors. Adiono assisted the ASEAN From left to right: M. Abijdzar Alghivari, Reychando Secretariat’s photographer Kusuma Pandu Wijaya. “If I make a Rintar Siregar, Jonathan Kenneth Nangoi, and M. Rifqi mistake, he did not get mad at me, and he said that it’s okay to Adiono. They participated in a three-month internship make mistakes,” Adiono explained. programme at the ASEAN Secretariat
Alghivari worked with the social media team and was equally Bottom appreciative of the friendly atmosphere at work. He mused M. Abijdzar Alghivari speaks at the launch of the on the stigma that people with disabilities like him still face in internship programme on 9 March 2020 the real world. “I used to be treated as a second-grade citizen. People despised me because of my autism,” he said. “With more chances for people with autism to do internship, I hope that Autism Network. “It’s quite embarrassing,” he said. “I am the only people can be more considerate toward us and treat people with one chosen. I wish their regulations were a bit loose so we could autism equally. We can understand normal people, but they also work together again. I miss working together; working alone need to understand us. They need to try to learn to understand is not terrible, but it would be better to work together.” what we have been through, what conditions we were born with.” His three other friends were obviously supportive and ecstatic The internship programme has opened another door for Alghivari. for him but Nangoi had already set his sights on a new goal. The ASEAN caught up with the four on video call recently, and he He said, “I wish I could work permanently at the ASEAN said he was offered a job as an administrative officer at the ASEAN Secretariat because I love working here.” 28 Bridges
Nine of 10 Member States Men have greater spent the following on social access to social protection protection (as a percentage of across all three major aggregate GDP): types of programs (social insurance, social assistance, Total social protection and labour market expenditure ranged from programs) to in 2017 0.8% 6.3% Note: Data not available for Brunei Darussalam Expenditure on the poor Source: Asian Development Bank, ranged between 0.1% and Social Protection Indicators for Asia, 2019 0.8%, while expenditure on the non-poor ranged Member States score ranged between 0.3% and 4.1% between 51 and 86 on the World Health Organization’s Expenditure on women Universal Health Care service ranged between 0.3% and coverage index, which Seven Member States 2.1%, while expenditure for includes 16 tracer indicators increased social protection men ranged between 0.3% of service coverage spending between 2009-2015. and 4.1% Source: World Health Organization, Primary Health Care on the Road to Universal Health Coverage, 2019 Global Monitoring Report
SOCIAL PROTECTION FOR WORKERS
Legal coverage rates of work injury schemes vary across ASEAN, but have a regional average of 46.2% SOCIAL PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN Maternity benefits range between8 and 26 weeks in IN ASEAN Member States. Philippines, Thailand and Singapore provide maternity benefits to the self-employed
Access to mainly free basic education, Paid sickness leave is provided to employees in varying with enrolment rates over 90% extents in Member States. Philippines and Thailand have schemes that provide sickness coverage to the Access to nutrition programmes, self-employed mainly through schools Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam have established Increasing access to early childhood unemployment insurance schemes care and education Note: Data not available for Myanmar
The ASEAN July 2020 Bridges 29
SOCIAL PROTECTION FOR OLDER PERSONS
The regional average coverage rate of Singapore and Thailand have introduced tax pensionable persons receiving monthly incentives to encourage familial pension is 29.9% arrangements for elderly care Note: Data not available for Myanmar Sources: International Labour Office Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, The State of Social Protection in ASEAN at the Dawn of Integration, 2015
International Labour Office, World Social Protection Report 2017-2019: Universal Social Protection to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, 2017
ASEAN COMMITMENTS TO SOCIAL PROTECTION
ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on ASEAN ASEAN Leaders’ Statement 2019 Vaccine Security and Self-Reliance 2010 on Human Resources Bangkok Declaration on Advancing Brunei Darussalam Declaration on Partnership in Education for 2030 Strengthening Family Institution: Caring Agenda for Sustainable Development for the Elderly in ASEAN Ha Noi Declaration on the Enhancement ASEAN Declaration on the Rights of of Welfare and Development of ASEAN Children in the Context of Migration Women and Children
Kuala Lumpur Declaration on 2018 Promoting Green Jobs for Equity and Proclamation of the ASEAN Decade Inclusive Growth of ASEAN 2011 of Persons with Disabilities (2011-2020): Community Towards an Inclusive Society
Enabling Masterplan 2025: Bali Declaration on the Enhancement Mainstreaming the Rights of Persons of the Role and Participation of the with Disabilities Persons with Disabilities in ASEAN ASEAN Declaration on the Protection Community 2007 and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers ASEAN Consensus on the Protection Bali Declaration on ASEAN Community in 2017 and Promotion of the Rights of a Global Community of Nations “Bali Cebu Declaration Towards One Migrant Workers Concord Ill” Caring and Sharing Community
ASEAN Declaration on Strengthening ASEAN Human Rights Declaration on the Commitments 2016 Education for Out-of-School Children 2012 Declaration 2001 for Children in ASEAN and Youth
Vientiane Declaration on Transition from Informal Employment to Formal The Declaration on the Elimination of Resolution on the ASEAN Employment towards Decent Work 2013 Violence Against Women and Elimination 1993 Plan of Action for Children Promotion in ASEAN of Violence Against Children in ASEAN
ASEAN Declaration on Strengthening Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Ageing: Social Protection 2015 Empowering Older Persons in ASEAN 30 Shifting Currents Health
Shifting © Jaromir Chalabala Photo Credit::
Plastics in a pandemic: How can we save lives and Currentssave the planet too? A look at the state of informal employment in ASEAN
The ASEAN June 2020 Shifting Currents ASEAN-Japan Cooperation in Pandemics 31
Officials Meeting on Health Development, and the ASEAN Plus Three Field ASEAN-JAPAN COOPERATION Epidemiology Training Network Discussions included focus on the in the Age of Pandemics capacity needs and gaps in national responses which could possibly be supported through cooperation at national BY KIRAN SAGOO, PhD, or regional levels with external partners. AND THE ASEAN EDITORIAL TEAM Recommendations included the necessity of controlling the spread of the disease while minimising socio-economic impact on people and their livelihoods. The ASEAN region has faced many health At the Special ASEAN Plus Three Summit held on 14 April 2020, challenges over the past ASEAN Leaders together with leaders few years due to from People’s Republic of China, Japan, emerging diseases. and the Republic of Korea affirmed their shared commitment to strengthen
© Marbom/Freepik Premium solidarity, enhance cooperation and These include the H5N1/H7N9 avian mutual support among the ASEAN Plus influenza, Severe Acute Respiratory Three countries to control and contain Syndrome (SARS), Nipah virus disease, the spread of the pandemic.
Photo Credit: H1N1 pandemic Influenza, the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), Severe Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe Febrile Thrombocytopenia Syndrome highlighted that expansion of regional (SFTS), and Zika virus disease. Emerging cooperation, with there being free, timely antimicrobial resistance in existing infectious together with support from external and transparent sharing of information, is diseases is also a serious public health partners and ASEAN Secretariat. crucial in managing the virus. Solid regional challenge. The region is currently dealing cooperation such as establishing the ASEAN with the public health threat of coronavirus A feasibility study, supported by the Centre on Public Health Emergencies disease 2019 (COVID-19), and its impact Government of Japan, is currently and Emerging Diseases, is needed. on the economic and social well-being underway to assess the suitability of Prime Minister Abe also reaffirmed Japan’s of its people, countries and region. establishing an institution to promote commitment towards expanding clinical public health and safety through control research to develop medicines needed in Countries in the region face common and prevention of disease, injury, and dealing with COVID-19. experiences, concerns, and challenges disability at the regional level. The study when threatened with communicable will assess the financial, organisational diseases or emerging infectious disease and technical feasibility of setting up an outbreaks. While the ASEAN Health Sector institution, tentatively named as the ASEAN has regional mechanisms in place to Centre for Public Health Emergencies and WHAT IS ASEAN respond to all hazards and emerging Emerging Diseases. In addition, the study PLUS THREE? health threats, such as the ASEAN will identify regional gaps and specific Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) needs for fully implementing the World The ASEAN Plus Three includes all Network for public health emergencies, Health Organization’s International ten ASEAN countries, and People’s the ASEAN Plus Three Field Epidemiology Health Regulations 2005. Findings and Republic of China, Japan, and the Training Network for disease surveillance, recommendations of the study will be Republic of Korea. The ASEAN Plus the ASEAN BioDiaspora Virtual Centre for released in late October 2020 and Three cooperation process began big data analytics and visualization in risk shared at the 37th ASEAN Summit. in December 1997 with the assessments; and, the regional public convening of an Informal Summit health laboratory network, the region In addition to the above study, ASEAN- among the Leaders of ASEAN and needs a single regional entity to fully Japan cooperation in the area of COVID-19 People’s Republic of China, Japan coordinate measures on preparedness, has included technical support and and the Republic of Korea at the prevention, detection and response to sharing of information through various Plus sidelines of the 2nd ASEAN health threats, including pandemics. Three platforms. These include the Special Informal Summit. ASEAN Plus Three Summit on Coronavirus Enhancing these capacities has been Disease (COVID-19), the ASEAN Plus Three ASEAN Secretariat’s Health ongoing within the ASEAN Health Sector Health Ministers Meeting and the Senior Division contributed to this article 32 Shifting Currents Plastics
Saving Lives, Polluting the Earth
Plastic—in all shapes, size, and forms— has provided the world conveniences of a modern lifestyle for over 50 years. That reliance on plastic has caused a daunting waste problem, particularly PLASTICS in Southeast Asia. According to a 2019 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report, plastics make up 60-80 per cent of total IN A PANDEMIC: marine litter, and over half of land-based plastic pollution in the ocean originates A Look at Long-term Solutions from just five countries, four of which are in Southeast Asia. © frank60/Shutterstock A significant amount of this recyclable plastic and waste is imported from BY MARY KATHLEEN QUIANO-CASTRO NOVIA D. RULISTIA developed nations. China, once the largest
plastic waste importer, banned shipments Photo Credit:
The ASEAN July 2020 Shifting Currents Plastics 33
in 2018. While some of the countries have pushed back on these imports, others continue to receive them for processing in recycling facilities, many of them are small and medium scale operations.
Improper disposal and unsustainable waste management systems exacerbate the problem. Much of the local and imported waste end up in overflowing landfills and leak into waterways and
© Rizqullah Hamiid Saputra/Shutterstock oceans. Incinerated trash also causes air pollution and pose various health risks.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, threats from
Photo Credit: plastics waste to environment are now compounded by massive residue produced A scavenger rummages through food containers have also been banned in from the implementation of safety and garbage at Piyungan integrated waste Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya since 2017. protective measures. Governments now treatment site in Yogyakarta, Indonesia Viet Nam has formulated policies on plastic have to prioritise saving lives over use and imposed temporary restrictions on measures to curb plastic pollution. the import of plastic scraps. Thailand issued also put scavengers, workers in sanitary and a national Roadmap on Plastic Waste Health workers and other front-liners don recycling facilities at even greater risk. Management 2018–2030 with a goal to protective equipment that are essential to reduce 50 per cent of plastic marine fighting the spread of COVID-19. Masks, ASEAN Initiatives debris by 2027. gloves, protective suits, face shields, sanitizer ASEAN has always recognised that the bottles, and other medical and chemical region has a plastic waste problem; The transboundary nature of issues waste now add to the mounds of trash. and it has committed to more sustainable associated with plastics and the interlinked regional and national approaches economies of ASEAN Member States require A recent Asian Development Bank report to address it. some initiatives to be implemented through estimates that over a period of 60 days region-wide collaboration. In addition, during the pandemic, five cities in Southeast ASEAN cooperation on plastic waste actions addressing problems common to Asia could collectively produce about management and circular economy is most or all ASEAN Member States can be 60,000 tons of medical waste. collaboratively coordinated by relevant ASEAN made more effective when operationalised working groups responsible for coastal and at a wide scale. As people stay in the safety of their homes, marine environment, chemicals and waste, their reliance on online deliveries and and environmentally sustainable cities. In October 2019, ASEAN conducted packaged goods has also surged. A survey a joint study on “Circular Economy conducted by the Indonesian Institute of Under the leadership of Thailand, and Plastics: A Gap Analysis in ASEAN Sciences shows a 62 per cent increase in ASEAN initiated the Phuket Conference Member States,” under the ASEAN-EU online shopping, and 47 per cent rise in food on Reducing Marine Debris in ASEAN Region Partnership E-READI programme. deliveries during the large-scale social in 2017 and led the development of the restriction scheme in Greater Jakarta. Bangkok Declaration on Combating The report of the study states that Marine Debris in the ASEAN Region some Member States, including Thailand, In Singapore, an additional 1,334 tons and the ASEAN Framework of Action on Indonesia, and Viet Nam, have initiated of plastic waste was generated from Marine Debris. The documents were then national strategies geared towards action to food delivery and takeaways during adopted and noted, respectively, by the tackle plastics issues more holistically, largely the two-month circuit breaker period, ASEAN Leaders in June 2019. in line with circular economy principles. according to a study conducted by a group of Environmental Management alumni of Varying efforts on the national level The study says the current economic the National University of Singapore. had already been in place. Indonesia, systems drive a linear economy, also referred for instance, launched the National to as “take-make-waste.” On the other hand, The same trends have been detected in Action Plan on Marine Debris (2017-2025), it describes circular economy as sustainable other cities and countries across the region. which calls for efforts to reduce 70 per cent resource management by keeping plastics The problem of poor waste disposal and of its plastic debris by the end of 2025. in the economy for as long as possible, to leakages is exacerbated in areas where In 2018, Malaysia adopted the Roadmap reduce the need for new materials and to services may not be operating at optimal Towards Zero Single-Use Plastics 2018-2030. derive as much use and value from plastics levels. Harmful medical and chemical waste The use of conventional plastic bags and as possible. 34 Shifting Currents Plastics
Street vendor packs food with a single-use plastic bag
and necessary warranties ensured; avoiding single-use plastics unless where necessary and there are no viable alternatives; adopting business models and social solutions that enable reuse, repair and product sharing; setting up effective and efficient waste collection © cOlegD/Shutterstock systems; and to recycle such materials to high quality grades.” the study said.
A Call to Action Photo Credit: Plastic pollution is a complex and multifaceted problem. Compounding it is a pandemic where nations need to prioritise public health and address its serious impact on livelihoods and economies.
ASEAN plans to organise a Regional Webinar on Reducing Marine Plastic Pollution during COVID-19 Pandemic in ASEAN Countries on 18 August 2020, “Implications for plastics range from designing to exchange experiences, and discuss solutions in the longer run in light of products with long lifetimes, and necessary COVID-19. warranties ensured; avoiding single-use plastics The use of plastic and other non- unless where necessary and there are no viable biodegradable materials is helping alternatives; adopting business models and social save lives today; but as the world adapts to new lifestyles in a pandemic, this may solutions that enable reuse, repair and product be an opportune time to put sustainable sharing; setting up effective and efficient waste strategies at the local, national and regional collection systems; and to recycle such materials levels into action, create new business models, and change behaviors. A drastic to high quality grades.” change will only be achieved if the issue is tackled in a coordinated and systematic manner.
Reducing plastic waste protects the Challenges faced by ASEAN Member produce and design products that are environment, decreases health risks, and States in realising circular economy sustainable and less hazardous to people protects our land and oceans. In the long include, among others, the lack of data on and the environment. run, this action will save lives too. patterns and trends of waste management, comprehensive and instrument policies “Implications for plastics range from ASEAN Secretariat’s Environment to turn national strategies into action on designing products with long lifetimes, Division contributed to this article the ground, and technological and human resource constraints. The report of The Circular Economy and Plastics: A Gap-Analysis in Engaging upstream business to develop ASEAN Member States study can be downloaded from the following solutions is, therefore, as important as waste link: https://environment.asean.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/ management. Key to the long-term solution Circular-Economy-gap-analysis-final.pdf is the involvement of the private sector to
The ASEAN July 2020 Shifting Currents Informal Employment 35
STUDIES ON INFORMAL EMPLOYMENT Reveal Progress, Gaps, and Future Directions
BY JOANNE B. AGBISIT AND THE ASEAN EDITORIAL TEAM
A secure and satisfying In the rest of Southeast Asia, the share of statistics in the region and looked at how informal employment ranges from 10.6 those can be translated to evidence-based job. Good income. Health per cent (Malaysia) to 46.6 percent policies to address informal employment. care and social insurance. (Brunei Darussalam). Malaysia’s low The study is part of a larger effort to informal employment rate may be partly fulfil ASEAN’s goals under theVientiane These are the bare bones expectation of explained by its exclusion of workers doing Declaration on Transition from Informal every worker in ASEAN. Yet, they remain informal jobs within the formal sector Employment to Formal Employment elusive for many—and more so for the and those beyond 64 years old. Towards Decent Work Promotion. informal workers in the region. In general terms, informal workers refer to people As expected, most informal economy The regional study further breaks down holding jobs in both formal and informal workers are employed in the informal the key characteristics of informal sectors who have insufficient job security, sector. But informal employment in the employment in eight of the 10 ASEAN workers’ benefits, or labour and formal sector is also prevalent. This is the Member States: men hold more than half social protection. case in Cambodia and Myanmar where of the informal jobs; a majority of informal informal workers account for the majority workers are in the combined 25-39 and Two new studies reveal the characteristics, of workers in the formal sector. 40-59 age groups; most informal workers vulnerabilities, and challenges faced by are less likely to have reached tertiary workers in informal employment as well as These figures and trends come from the education, indicating a correlation between measures taken by ASEAN Member States Regional Study on Informal Employment low educational attainment and informal to extend social protection to this Statistics to Support Decent Work employment; and most earn their living in category of workers. Promotion in ASEAN published by the services and sales, craft and related trades, ASEAN Secretariat in 2019. The study and elementary occupations (or jobs Size and Characteristics of examined existing informal employment involving simple tasks). Informal Workers Using its operational definition of informal employment, the International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates ASEAN to have Who are the 244 million informal workers, representing Informal Workers? about 80 per cent of the region’s workforce. Own-account workers Own-account workers ASEAN Member States’ varying definitions and employers employed engaged in the production of of what constitutes “informal employment,” in their own informal goods exclusively for own however, make it difficult to establish an sector entreprises final use by their household official region-wide estimate. Cambodia and Viet Nam, for example, exclude Contributing family Employees holding informal agricultural workers, whereas Brunei workers, whether they jobs in formal or informal Darussalam, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and work in formal or sector entreprises, or as paid Thailand include them. informal sector of domestic workers by entreprises household Nonetheless, on a country-by-country level, informal workers comprise a substantial Members of informal portion of each Member States’ working producers’ cooperatives population. In Cambodia, Myanmar, Lao PDR, and Viet Nam, informal workers account for more than half these countries’ Source: Statistical definition of informal employment: Guidelines endorsed by the Seventeenth International Conference of Labour Statisticians, 2003 (https:// respective workforce, with Cambodia www.ilo.org/public/english/bureau/stat/download/papers/def.pdf) leading the way at a high 90.3 per cent. 36 Shifting Currents Informal Employment
Informal Employment Rate like Malaysia and Thailand, domestic workers have limited labour protection and are not eligible to receive certain benefits, Viet Nam (2016) 57.2 such as maternity leave and overtime pay. Thailand (2018) 37.1 Home workers—or persons who produce Myanmar (2017) 84.1 goods in their homes and supply them to enterprises or intermediate contractors— Malaysia (2017) 10.6 also have the least job security and often work in substandard conditions. Examples Lao PDR (2017) 75.4 of these are home-based garment sewers Indonesia 44.1 and handicraft workers. Their work is usually labour-intensive and requires long Cambodia (2012) 90.3 hours, and they get compensated on a piece-rate basis. In countries where Brunei Darussalam (2017) 46.6 home workers may be eligible for voluntary social protection schemes such as Viet 0 20 40 60 80 100 Nam, the types of benefits they can avail are confined to long-term benefits and Note: Data are based on the submission of ASEAN Member States’ focal points. they have to complete a qualifying Source: Regional Study on Informal Employment Statistics to Support Decent Work period to receive pension. Promotion in ASEAN, 2019. Digital platform workers are an emerging class of informal workers and have yet The regional study also looked at ASEAN Member States, under the 2013 to be covered by regulation in many how Member States fare against two ASEAN Declaration on Strengthening countries. They include crowdworkers who indicators of decent work—earnings Social Protection, view social protection accept jobs posted on global matchmaking and work hours. It notes that average as a basic human right that everyone is platforms such as Amazon Mechanical Turk; earnings are higher in formal employment entitled to, but must especially be and individuals who render on-demand than informal employment. For example, extended to the country’s poor, persons services, such as transportation and Thai workers in formal employment have with disabilities, older people, out-of- food delivery, through the use of digital an average take-home pay of 23,259 school youth, children, migrant workers, applications (e.g. Grab). Employment Thai baht per month (or about 730 US at-risk, and other vulnerable groups. is unstable, temporary, and part-time. dollars in today’s exchange rate), while Informal workers are considered to be Platform workers are commonly treated those in informal employment make only among the most vulnerable group as independent contractors rather than about a third of that amount. There are and in need of social protection. employees, thus releasing the intermediary no clear patterns when it comes to platforms from the responsibility of working hours. In Brunei and Cambodia, The 2019 ILO study, Extension of Social providing workers’ benefits, such as informal workers work longer, averaging Security to Workers in Informal paid leave and health insurance. about 50 hours per week, but in Indonesia, Employment in the ASEAN Region, lays Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam, bare the specific needs and vulnerabilities Country Strategies to Extend they work a little less or about the of different types of workers in informal job Social Protection same number of hours per week arrangements, three of which are The ILO study discusses the broad as regular workers. highlighted below. spectrum of strategies and solutions that ASEAN Member States have put in place to Social Protection Needs of Domestic workers are identified as among extend social protection coverage to Informal Workers those most exposed to poor conditions informal workers. Social protection or social security, and susceptible to exploitation and according to the ILO, encompasses discrimination. Their employment terms One such strategy is the expansion of all interventions that aim to prevent are usually not covered by a written existing social security programmes to and reduce poverty and social exclusion contract. They work for multiple employers accommodate the unique circumstances of of people throughout the life cycle. who sometimes pay them irregularly or informal workers. Several countries have These include healthcare; maternity even make in-kind payments. They work dismantled legal barriers that previously benefits; support for children and in isolation, are not organised, and have prevented inclusion or limited the benefits families; assistance in cases of limited or no bargaining power. In of informal workers in national social unemployment, work-related injury, countries like Brunei Darussalam and security systems. In the Philippines, for disability, or sickness; and old age Cambodia, the employment relationship is example, the Domestic Workers Act of 2013 and survivors’ pension. not recognised by law. In other countries directs the inclusion of domestic workers
The ASEAN July 2020 Shifting Currents Informal Employment 37
Characteristics of Informal Employment in Eight ASEAN Member States
Men hold more than A majority of informal workers half of the informal are in the combined 25-39 jobs and 40-59 age groups
Sex Age
Most informal workers More informal jobs are earn their living in located in urban rather services and sales, craft than the rural areas of and related trades, and Brunei Darussalam, elementary Occupation Location Indonesia, Lao PDR, occupations Malaysia, and Thailand, but the reverse is true for Cambodia, Myanmar, Employment and Viet Nam Status Education
Own-account workers Most informal workers make up the bulk of the are less likely to have informally employed in Brunei reached tertiary education Darussalam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, but wage employees outnumber other types of informal workers in Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam
Note: Based on data provided by Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Viet Nam, and Thailand. Source: Regional Study on Informal Employment Statistics to Support Decent Work Promotion in ASEAN, 2019 with at least one-month employment in Streamlining the requirements and Some Member States tried a the country’s social security system and procedures for enroling in existing different strategy altogether— national health insurance, with employers social security schemes and paying establishing totally separate social paying 100 per cent of the premium contributions is another step taken protection programmes for uncovered contribution if the monthly salary is less by a number of Member States. The groups and sectors. An example is than 5,000 Philippine pesos (equivalent to government of Indonesia, for example, Thailand’s National Savings Fund, an 101 US dollars in today’s exchange rate). recruits community-based agents under old-age insurance programme which the Kader JKN partnership programme caters to farmers, vendors, taxi drivers, Countries are also now offering financial whose tasks are to enrol new members daily wage earners, and self-employed solutions to make it affordable for informal (e.g. self-employed workers), collect workers who are not members of workers to enter into existing programmes. contributions, disseminate information, mandatory programmes. The Thai The Thai government, for instance, and handle complaints. Indonesia’s government matches the contribution provides a counterpart amount for every national health insurance agency of workers, ranging from 50 to 100 per contribution of workers registered under also developed a mobile phone app cent, depending on the worker’s age. its voluntary programme (e.g. 30 baht/ “one-stop shop” where individuals Another example of this strategy is month for workers contributing 70 baht/ can register, update and access Brunei Darussalam’s tax-funded month, which entitles workers to disability, their data, receive information, universal pension programme for sickness cash, and funeral benefits). and submit complaints. persons above the age of 60. 38 Shifting Currents Informal Employment
Countries are aware that social security Summary of programmes, whether existing or new, Country Strategies will only be successful if there are to Extend Social corresponding improvements in the system of governance. Thus, part and Protection parcel of the Member States’ strategies is to make administrative processes efficient, transparent, and accessible Expand existing social Ensure good governance to the public. Another is to involve workers’ security programmes through: and employers’ groups in designing, through: greater institutional accountability implementing, monitoring and evaluating reduction of legal barriers and transparency, and participation social protection programmes. financial incentives of stakeholders such as workers’ groups simplified requirements and dissemination of information on social Member States are also pursuing broader, procedures for enrolment, protection programmes and benefits non-social security strategies that indirectly contribution, and access as well as workers’ rights affect informal workers’ access to social of benefits insurance. One of these is the business Pursue broader measures registration or formalisation of informal Create separate schemes or interventions such as: enterprises which will make it compulsory and programmes such as: formalisation of enterprises for employers to enrol their workers in contributory schemes labour policies social protection programmes. Another sector- and occupation-specific tax incentives is the provision of tax incentives such as schemes stronger workers’ representation the tax deductions offered by Singapore non-contributory schemes policies on skills development, to self-employed workers who are enroled training, and anti-discrimination in its Medisave and Central Provident Fund programmes. Measures that promote Note: Derived from the Extension of Social Security to Workers in Informal workers’ organisation and representation, Employment in the ASEAN Region, 2019 create opportunities for training and skills development of workers, and end discrimination are also being carried out. statistical tables on informal employment coverage; and simplifying administrative as a starting point, and to build on this procedures and delivery mechanisms. Agenda for Action database by including additional indicators The two informal employment studies like occupational safety, health, and Additionally, it advises governments cited areas for action at both country decent work indicators, to name a few. to be responsive to the expressed need and regional levels. Following this recommendation, the of uncovered groups in developing social ASEAN Secretariat has incorporated insurance programmes (e.g. preference for ASEAN’s regional study on informal informal employment statistics tables short-term rather than long-term benefits), employment statistics urges countries in the ASEAN Statistics Web Portal. and address as well the problematic areas to strengthen their national database of ongoing programmes, such as adverse on informal employment by, among The ILO study, meanwhile, gave a selection and low participation in others, regularly conducting labour force number of recommendations that voluntary contribution schemes. surveys; create an inter-agency committee some ASEAN Member States have on informal employment statistics to set already put in place, including Finally, the ILO study encourages clear directions on data collection and strengthening the coordination among Member States to increase their investment analysis; improve country analysis and relevant agencies and at different levels in social protection, develop evaluation reporting of informal employment of government; subsidising the and monitoring tools for assessing country statistics; and institutionalise use of participation of low-income workers and regional progress, and strengthen informal employment data by including in social protection programmes; ASEAN-level collaboration in the areas these in the computation of national identifying and eliminating legal of knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, income accounts. It also proposes that impediments to informal workers’ technical assistance, and pilot projects. countries establish an official operational definition of informal employment and determine the classification of The two studies are available for download in the following links: platform workers. https://asean.org/storage/2012/05/13-Regional-Study-on-Informal-Employment- Statistics-to-Support-Decent-Wo....pdf
At the regional level, the ASEAN study https://asean.org/storage/2020/01/Regional-Study-on-Extension-of-Social-Security-to- recommends the establishment of a Informal-Workers-in-ASEAN.pdf LINK 1 LINK 2 regional database, using the study’s varying
The ASEAN July 2020 Conversations Older Persons 39 © DONOT6_STUDIO/Shutterstock Photo Credit:
Conversations Addressing ageism in ASEAN
Living with purpose: Stories from a generation 40 Conversations Older Persons
pressing concern is an older person’s Addressing Ageism in ASEAN internalisation of ageism. Older persons who hold prejudicial attitudes towards ageing experience damaged self-worth and poorer BY KIRAN SAGOO, PhD, health outcomes, which may even AND THE ASEAN EDITORIAL TEAM shorten lives.
It is necessary for attitudes on ageism to be Southeast Asia has an ageing population. challenged. A shift in mindset that poor health is inevitable in older age to one that embraces Social and economic development in the region healthy ageing, is needed. It needs to be has helped lower mortality and fertility rates, recognised that older persons are a diverse group with differing needs and capacities, and increased life expectancy. and continue to have the ability to contribute to society. Government expenditure on Southeast Asia’s population of persons 60 attitudes, which lead to discriminatory education, health care, and social protection years of age and over is currently at 8.8 per institutional policies and practices. Ageism, should be viewed as investments in human cent of total population (2018) and is together with sexism and racism, causes capital, rather than a financial burden. anticipated to reach 24.1 per cent by 2050. and maintains inequality between people. Measures need to be taken to mainstream The region can benefit from this ageing into relevant policies. As women tend demographic shift. Ageism has led to older persons facing to live longer than men and make up a larger difficulties in maintaining or finding a job proportion of older persons, social policies Older persons are an asset to society as as they are assumed to be slow, must include the gender dimension. they contribute towards their family, local incompetent, and lacking digital skills. community, and society at large. Older They also face difficulties in getting loans Older women face the double burden of persons, especially older women provide approved as banks may be concerned on ageism and sexism. The COVID-19 pandemic child care to grandchildren, and both older their capability to repay any loan granted. has clearly demonstrated the vulnerabilities men and women contribute to their local Health conditions suffered by older persons of older women. Due to their work in the community through voluntary activities. are sometimes dismissed as being due to informal sector and unpaid domestic work, Older persons also contribute to the “old age” causing them to receive no or older women have limited access to social economy through taxes. An increase in substandard treatment in the workplace. protection, are experiencing increased the number of older persons has also burden of providing care and the loss of resulted in the growth of the silver The media further perpetuates ageism. livelihood, due to the pandemic. economy, which covers all goods and In movies, older persons are portrayed in services used by older persons. stereotypical roles of being old, frail, and ASEAN has adopted various commitments forgetful. Often, ageism is disguised through to improve the lives of older persons. These Unfortunately, despite their valuable jokes on ageing. The advertising industry commitments provide an opportunity to contributions, older persons experience also perpetuates ageism by equating address and remove all forms of ageism. ageism. Ageism, which is the stereotyping beauty with youth. This has led to a and discrimination against individuals and proliferation of anti-ageing products in the groups on the basis on their age, takes form of cosmetics, hair dyes, and nutritional various forms. It includes prejudicial products, among others. Perhaps the most
ASEAN Commitments that can be applied to address ageism:
2010: 2015: 2016: 2017: 2019: 2020: Brunei Darussalam Kuala Lumpur ASEAN Plus Three Joint Statement of ASEAN Centre for Joint Statement on Declaration on Declaration on Statement on ASEAN-Japan Active Ageing and Mitigating Impacts Strengthening Ageing: Active Ageing Health Ministers Innovation, ASEAN’s of COVID-19 on Family Institution: Empowering Older recognises the Meeting: Universal flagship initiative, Vulnerable Groups Caring for the Persons in ASEAN wisdom of older Health Coverage aims to prepare the in ASEAN calls for Elderly aims to includes a provision persons and and Population region for an ageing protection of the nurture a life course to raise public encourages Ageing addresses society and promote rights and dignity of approach to growing awareness on the intergenerational concerns on the well-being of vulnerable groups, older and responding issue of ageing solidarity population ageing, older persons in including older to issues relating governance, health the region women to ageing financing, and service delivery The ASEAN July 2020 Conversations Older Persons 41 On Living Well New Narratives on Older Life
BY THE ASEAN EDITORIAL TEAM
In Southeast Asian societies, growing old is not something to be dreaded, but is accepted as a natural part of the life cycle. Reaching old age accords one a certain status—as someone to be respected, even deferred to, for their life experiences and great wisdom. © Jub-Job/Shutterstock Nonetheless, traditional constructs of older adults as less able, unproductive, and extremely dependent persist. Their pursuits Photo Credit: and contributions, once they are past their prime, are no longer deemed as interesting or worth highlighting.
We caught up with four older adults from different backgrounds whose lives resist our stereotypes of ageing and inspire us to embrace growing older. 42 Conversations Older Persons
Krisana Kraisintu, PhD Pharmaceutical Chemist
Krisana Kraisintu dedicates her life to “My works now focus on the community works; I try to teach ensuring that everyone has access to communities to produce drugs by themselves, especially herbal affordable healthcare. She studied at Chiang medicines. It is important to produce drug locally. People cannot rely on importing drug donation all the time. Once the donation Mai University, Thailand, and continued is done, what are they going to do if they cannot produce drugs
her study at University of Strathclyde, and by themselves? I have this mobile herbal plant processing truck © Krisana Kraisintu University of Bath in the United Kingdom. that goes to communities in southern Thailand, so they do not
Over the past 40 years, she has
worked in the pharmaceutical Helping poor people and Photo Credit: industry in various roles of quality seeing them happy bring assurance, manufacturing, research and development, and business a lot of happiness for me, development, to name a few. and in turn brings me lots
She developed the first generic HIV of power and that makes drug combination, zidovudine (AZT), and helped reverse the HIV/AIDS me don’t want to stop. epidemic in Thailand. She also developed an inexpensive drug “cocktail” which was chosen by the World Health Organization as the have to go to Bangkok to cultivate the first treatment for patients in poor materials they gather. I’m now developing a countries. While working for mobile quality control medicinal plants to Thailand’s Government complement the mobile processing truck Pharmaceutical Organization, which will be finished by next year. Kraisintu developed 64 herbal-based Known as the ‘gypsy pharmacist,’ Dr. Krisana medicines to treat various diseases, Kraisintu travels around the world to help “When I go to the communities, I work with including diabetes and hypertension. manufacture affordable medicines young people and older persons, many of whom are women in their 60s and 70s who This Ramon Magsaysay Award are still highly active. I set up a work model recipient spent seven years in Africa to assist and provide technical and the young can follow the model and when I leave the know-how in manufacturing HIV/AIDS and antimalarial drugs in 17 communities, they can take over the work. When a project countries, including Kenya, Congo, Senegal, and Ethiopia. ends in one place, I move to another one; I don’t want to get too attached. Kraisintu is known as Thailand’s ‘gypsy pharmacist,’ as she is always on the move. Through the Krisana Kraisintu Foundation, “Helping poor people and seeing them happy bring a lot of she still travels around the country to help communities happiness for me, and in turn brings me lots of power and that build their own mobile laboratories and manufacture makes me don’t want to stop. There are still many sufferings in affordable medicines. this world. I know I cannot help them all, but I can help as much as I can. I can be born 10 times, but I still cannot finish my work. In her own words: I am 68 years old now, although I may look like 80, my time is “I always believe that everybody should get access to treatment, limited. I cannot move as fast as before, and because of this whether you are rich, poor, white, black, or whatever. This is basic COVID-19, I must stop. I do not involve in any development of human rights. The condition is better now in Thailand. But how COVID-19 vaccines; I’m too old to do that. I will just focus my about the rest of world, especially in African countries. There are activities on social problems that do not need me to stay still a lot of problems there. Another problem I found during my in laboratory.” field works is about the empowerment of women, especially housewife. That’s why I am involving women in every of my Interviewed by Mary Kathleen Quiano-Castro project now. and Novia D. Rulistia
The ASEAN July 2020 Conversations Older Persons 43
Francisco A. Datar, PhD Physical Anthropologist
Francisco A. Datar was Ageing is a state of mind. determined to become a I can still out-hike medical doctor at an early age, but tight finances, a students twice or thrice
© Francisco A. Datar mentor’s guidance, and younger than me. No serendipity set him on a maintenance medicine different path—physical anthropology. for me. I don’t get bored Photo Credit: and I don’t have idle Armed with a PhD degree from the State moments. University of New York at Buffalo, Datar became the first Filipino to receive an advanced training in this specialised branch of anthropology. He went on to teach at the University of the Philippines, serving as chair and field school director “Eating is still my passion and cooking is of the anthropology department at my relaxation. Margaret Mead advised one point. that if the locals eat it, ‘eat it.’ That’s exactly what I do and what I taught my students. In between doing field research and teaching students the finer points “I have picked up my classical guitar again of human evolution, food and nutrition, and started relearning my old easy pieces. human osteology, and forensic Retirement made me reconnect with anthropology, he lent his expertise to Dr. Francisco Datar participates in bogwa, friends from graduate school aid various forensic investigations. the bone cleaning ritual of the Ifugao through Facebook. Among his most notable assignments indigenous group in northern Philippines was helping the Philippine Commission “Ageing is a state of mind. I can still on Human Rights and a human rights out-hike students twice or thrice younger NGO identify the skeletal remains of human rights victims. than me. No maintenance medicine for me. I don’t get bored and I Datar officially retired from the University of the Philippines don’t have idle moments. I always find something to keep me busy in 2019 after 42 years of service. and I’m always excited to learn new things. My interaction with students has kept me young. I am updated with the latest fad and In his own words: the youth’s lingo. “Retirement is simply transcending the daily routine of your bread-and-butter job. I don’t have to wake up early for an early “Longevity is the byproduct of proper nutrition, better health care, morning class and I don’t have to review my lectures the night and genetics. More people now are in their 80s and 90s. But are we before. It does not mean you suddenly have nothing to do. Now I really ready for an ageing generation? am faced with all the things I have been wanting to do. Books I have been wanting to read. Mountains I have been wanting to hike. “Southeast Asian families are still better off in terms of dealing with More islands to visit. More cultures to experience and more food to ageing parents. We take care of our elders in our homes. Moving savor. More time to write. them to nursing homes is unthinkable. But times are changing. When children have to go out and make a living, it puts a strain on “I have an enormous amount of data from my three major everybody, especially when there is not enough money for a field sites waiting to be written. I have also been given an caregiver. This is how ASEAN could help. It should encourage and opportunity to teach in a different culture where students’ fund more studies on ageing from biological and cultural behavior is different from what I have been used to. It has also perspectives to inform policy.” allowed me to visit some of the country’s indigenous peoples and compare them with ours. Interviewed by Joanne B. Agbisit 44 Conversations Older Persons
Dato’ Dr. Faridah Merican Director/Producer/Actress
Dato’ Dr. Faridah Merican My wish for the younger is fondly known as the first generation is to never give lady of Malaysian theatre. She has been involved in up, never say die, and the Malaysian theatre scene believe in yourselves since the 1960s, acting
and your country © Dato’ Dr. Faridah Merican in plays that defined the Malaysian theatre scene.
In 1989, she co-founded the Actors Photo Credit: Studio in Malaysia with her husband, Joe Hasham. Unhindered by a keeps me going and knowing there are devastating flood which destroyed the others out there who want to learn and entire complex of The Actors Studio, perhaps do Merican’s “nothing is impossible” attitude what I do. led to the creation of The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre. Merican is “I am also a teacher and I know how currently the Executive Producer and important it is that you pass on what Co-Founder of The Kuala Lumpur you know to the younger generation. Performing Arts Centre and the Unfortunately, this can only be achieved Performing Arts Centre of Penang. Dato’ Dr. Faridah Merican continues to if you have a solid educational foundation support the performing arts in Malaysia in schools where the arts have been given Merican has worked towards developing the importance it deserves. We lost this and raising the standard of performing several decades ago when arts, culture, arts in Malaysia. Her efforts are greatly appreciated. and literature were taken over by science and technology, to Among her many recognition awards is the Outstanding answer to the needs of a young country. Achievement award under the Arts, Culture and Entertainment category from the Inaugural Malaysian Women of Excellence “Fortunately, now I can tell you a slightly different story as the arts Awards and the BOH Cameronian Lifetime Achievement Award. has not been allowed to die out, even though we have lost quite a lot. The drive amongst arts practitioners is strong, fortunately. Through her octogenarian year, she continues with her inspiring My wish for the younger generation is to never give up, never say work of nurturing the arts in Malaysia. die, and believe in yourselves and your country.
In her own words: “When I was growing up, I wished I had the opportunities that are “The arts have a way of engulfing you into its world, if you available now. Although we were given a good education with allow yourself that pleasure. I have been in this industry since the very good teachers, arts education as you experience it today was late fifties and even though the challenges get more and more, not there for me. Sometimes though, it is good to have to rough I find excitement in them. it out, when you have to pick yourself up every time you fall.
“In the early days, I was an untrained actress and did what I did “Older persons are normally wiser and this wisdom must be because of my love for the arts. I was fortunate to be surrounded put to good use. But there is much to be learnt from today’s by friends and teachers who inspired me with their knowledge as youth, if you want to, as long as you want to keep on learning. they had ‘been there and done that’ a decade before me. I was and still am not afraid of hard work, not afraid of “ASEAN as a region is very rich and has much to offer. We should being confronted with the newness of the arts. open up our borders more freely so there is a smooth flow of good leaders and intellectuals that will benefit our population. We’ve “I am inquisitive and that I learnt from young is a good trait to waited too long for this freedom of movement to happen.” have. The arts in Malaysia is still something new and fresh for me even though I have been treading the boards since the 60s. This Interviewed by Kiran Sagoo, PhD
The ASEAN July 2020 Conversations Older Persons 45
William Wongso Chef/Food Connoisseur
William Wongso has been As long as I still can in the food industry for contribute to Indonesian more than four decades. But slowing down never culinary, I will never stop © William Wongso once crossed his mind. even during this time. His culinary journey began when he became a baker in 1977. He traveled
Photo Credit: the world to learn about international cuisines, and after 20 years, he decided “I always control my food; I restrain to dedicate his time and energy to from eating too much. I think that’s Indonesian culinary pursuits. He visits the secret why I’m still active. Food villages across the Indonesian intake is vital for elderly to stay healthy. archipelago to learn more about The government should pay great traditional cooking methods. Wongso attention to this matter. Moreover, also loves going to traditional markets. the government should also provide For him, the traditional market is a living adequate elderly care facilities for those food encyclopedia where he can ask who do not have families that can take care vendors anything about spices and of them. It’s better if the facilities have ingredients, and listen to the stories. proper kitchens and healthy menus. William Wongso dedicates his life to put I think ASEAN as an organisation can Wongso participates in international Indonesian culinary in the global food map play its part by monitoring the facilities. culinary fairs and teaches in well-known cooking schools in many countries as “I am so lucky that I am quite his contribution to put Indonesian dishes in the global food map. independent at this age. I can go here and there by myself. He cofounded Aku Cinta Masakan Indonesia (I Love Indonesian Recently, I was featured in the National Geographic’s Uncharted Cooking) community to nurture the love of Indonesian cooking in with the British chef Gordon Ramsay. I picked rendang, which is the national and international stages. He released Flavors of beef slow-cooked in coconut milk and spices, because everyone Indonesia: William Wongso’s Culinary Wonders cooking book, in Indonesia knows it and it can become like a national bond. which won the Best Book of the Year at the 2017 Gourmand People can also see the vibrant culture of West Sumatra province. World Cookbook Awards. Nowadays, street food and indigenous cooking are taking over fine dining. I remember Anthony Bourdain once told me that His expertise earned him the Medaille d’Honneur by the ‘wherever you travel, you always get culinary surprises Academie du Pain Award in 2018, and with this, he becomes a from street food.’ member of the prestigious culinary club Elite de La Boulangerie International. The 73-year-old never feels too old and too tired to “My next project is to build an interactive platform for culinary continue promoting Indonesian food. education. Students in many culinary vocational high schools here do not have opportunity to learn about the richness of In his own words: Indonesian culinary. I hope this project can improve this situation. “As long as I still can contribute to Indonesian culinary, I will never It is important for the youth or those who are interested in stop even during this time. Before COVID-19, I spent 60 per cent culinary to have solid knowledge about Indonesian culinary. of my time to travel, but now I travel through the cyber world. They can master all types of international cooking, but they With Instagram and Zoom, I can share with young people and the must know about the essence of Indonesian culinary as world about Indonesia’s cooking treasure. I make photo essays on this will make them creative. social media to interact. Through photos, I can convey better to people about things I love. It was difficult for me at first to use “I don’t have plans to retire. It is always my dream for Indonesian social media, but I got used to it eventually. culinary to be known around the world and preserved by everyone, so I will keep working.” Many say that I’m too old for social media, but why can’t I do that? I like keeping myself active and busy. Interviewed by Novia D. Rulistia 46 Snapshot the 44-yearhistoryofbiannualsummit. live-streamed videoconference—afirstin 26 June2020.TheSummitwasheldviaa cooperation atthe36thASEAN Summiton Leaders reaffirmedtheirsolidarityand and globaleconomicdownturn,ASEAN Against abackdropofragingpandemic SUMMIT ASEAN 36TH THE 36th ASEAN Summit 36th ASEAN AND THE ASEAN EDITORIALAND THEASEAN TEAM BY JOANNE B. AGBISIT
The ASEAN July 2020
Photo Credit: © AsiaTravel/Shutterstock Photo Credit: © Viet Nam 2020 regain theirfooting. thelatter“In halfof economies andhelptheirnationals Leaders to work together to rejuvenate Prime Nguyen Minister calledonASEAN coordination indiseasecontrol.” information andexperience sharing, and “ASEAN countries have engagedinactive firstdays,”activated from thevery hesaid. wereand cooperation withpartners Health Emergencies Network Response oftheworld. to otherparts “ASEAN’s pandemic relatively well compared helped theregional blocmanagethe early, rapid, which andcollective action At thesametime, herecognised ASEAN’s livelihoods over thepastmonths. families wholostloved onesand pandemic, andcommiserated with damage wrought by theCOVID-19 unprecedented socialandeconomic Nguyenthe Minister acknowledged hisopeningremarks,In Prime and Responsive ASEAN.” meeting, appropriately themed “Cohesive opened andpresided over thetop-level Phuc, asthe2020ASEANChair, whoserves Vietnamese Prime Nguyen Minister Xuan ceremony ofthe36thASEANSummit Artists performattheopening in Hanoi,VietNam
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha of Prime Prayut Minister Thailand. Chan-o-cha LeeMinister HsienLoong ofSingapore, and ofthePhilippines, Duterte Prime Rodrigo Aung SuuKyi San ofMyanmar, President Muhyiddin Yassin ofMalaysia, State Chancellor Sisoulith ofLaoPDR,Prime Minister Prime Indonesia, Minister Thoungloun Cambodia, President Joko Widodo of Darussalam, Primeof HunSen Minister ofBrunei SultanHassanalBolkiah Majesty own His speeches andinterventions: the otherASEANLeaders delivered their theSummit’sDuring session, plenary ofadversity,“this period hesaid. upon usasleadersto leadASEANoutof governments ofASEANmembersand burden2020, theheavy rests uponthe
The ASEAN Leaders alsoadopted element oftherecovery plan. Fund was highlighted asanimportant creation of theCOVID-19 ASEANResponse to theASEANCommunity Vision 2025. The States’Member continuing commitment economic recovery planaswell asreiterates the broad strokes oftheregion’s socio- and Responsive ASEAN Leaders’ Vision Statement onaCohesive The ASEANLeaders adopted the ASEAN Integration Work Plan III;andthe Blueprints; theInitiative for Socio-Cultural the Political-Security, Economic and the regional bloccontinues to implement discussed. Undeterred by thepandemic, Community Vision 2025—was likewise community—the core aspiration ofASEAN integrated, andsociallyresponsible a politicallycohesive, economically The progress madeby ASEANinbuilding transition, andgreening economies. “ to technological advances, demographic adapt to thechanging world ofwork due preparing theregion’s humanresources to promote lifelong withaviewto learning “commits States ASEAN Member to Changing Worldof Work Resources Development for the the ASEAN Summitopeningceremony Phuc delivershisremarksatthe36th Vietnamese PrimeMinisterNguyenXuan ASEAN Declaration onHuman Snapshots The 36th ASEAN Summit , whichprovides , which ASEAN ASEAN 47 48 Snapshots The 36th ASEAN Summit © ASEAN Secretariat / Kusuma Pandu Wijaya © ASEAN Photo Credit:
“In the latter half of 2020, the heavy through adoption of the successor Plans of Action for the next five years burden rests upon the goverments of ASEAN (2021-2025).” members and upon us as leaders to lead A special session on Women ASEAN out of this period of adversity.” Empowerment in the Digital Age was held to highlight ASEAN’s ongoing work to promote gender equality and empowerment. The ASEAN Leaders were joined by Prime Minister Jacinda Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Arden of New Zealand, Dr. Armida to bring the ASEAN Vision to fruition. Agreement with major trading partners is Salsiah Alisjahbana of the United Nations A mid-term review of the blueprints is also a much anticipated event. The ASEAN Economic and Social Commission for being undertaken to look beyond Leaders look forward to the signing Asia and the Pacific, Secretary-General ASEAN’s collective progress and of the agreement by end of 2020 as a of ASEAN Dato Lim Jock Hoi, and achievements. It will assess as well demonstration of “the firm commitment Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan of the the changes affecting the region of ASEAN and its partners to upholding an National Assembly of Viet Nam. and emerging issues that need to be open, inclusive and rules-based multi- addressed to reach ASEAN Vision 2025. lateral trading system.” At the conclusion of the Summit, the ASEAN Leaders unanimously approved At the Summit, the ASEAN Leaders The ASEAN Leaders acknowledged the the Chairman’s Statement which welcomed the launch of the Year of ASEAN important role of dialogue partners, contains a summary of the proceedings Identity. They believe that the development sectoral dialogue partners, development and outputs of the 36th Summit. of the Narrative of ASEAN Identity “will partners, and international organisations further inculcate a sense of belonging and in ASEAN’s community-building efforts as popularise ASEAN as a people-centred, well as in the fight against COVID-19 and A copy of the Chairman’s Statement and people-oriented community.” its multifaceted and long-term effects. other 36th Summit documents may be They agreed “to further enhance and downloaded from the following link: The forthcoming conclusion of strengthen partnerships and cooperation https://asean.org/asean/asean- negotiations for the Regional with our external partners, including structure/asean-summit/
The ASEAN July 2020 Snapshots ASCC Council 49
transformed people’s lives, showcasing the value of digital technology in these challenging times. Several digital ASCC Council innovations, like online learning, virtual meetings and exhibitions, and e-commerce have gained popularity Convenes to Further ASEAN’s during the pandemic.
Socio-cultural Cooperation The ministers noted Indonesia’s proposal to establish an ASEAN Plus Three Task Force on Pandemics. They also welcomed BY NOVIA D. RULISTIA the proposal of Viet Nam and the ASEAN AND THE ASEAN EDITORIAL TEAM Secretariat to organise a series of webinars on ASCC-led efforts to address COVID-19.
The ministers of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community The Council also discussed the progress (ASCC) gathered virtually for the 23rd ASCC Council of works in other ASCC sectors. meeting on 23 June 2020 to discuss developments in the From the labour sector, the Council socio-cultural sectors in the region, including ASEAN’s endorsed the Declaration on Human response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Resources Development for the Changing World of Work to be adopted by the Leaders at the 36th Summit. Viet Nam’s Minister of Labour, Invalids and various fields, joint intersectoral efforts The Declaration reaffirms ASEAN’s Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung, Chair of ASCC will enable the potential development commitment to strengthen ASEAN Council 2020, emphasised the necessity for of a post-pandemic recovery plan to cooperation on labour, education, and ASEAN Member States to prepare plans restore the employment and livelihoods business sectors, towards promoting new to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and of workers, as well as foster the social and skills for the future, as well as advancing ensure the welfare of all people. economic recovery of vulnerable groups. inclusive education and employment.
The ministers will continue working “These commendable joint efforts ensure On ASEAN Identity, the ministers together through regional cooperation to that ASEAN maintains its course in looked forward to the finalisation of address the socio-economic impacts of realising an inclusive, resilient and “The Narrative of ASEAN Identity” that the pandemic and identify opportunities sustainable ASEAN Community,” the aimed to instill ASEAN Identity as an to revitalise affected sectors in the region. ministers said in their Joint Statement. inseparable part of daily lives. They With 15 specialised agencies covering acknowledged all activities under the Minister Dung said that the virtual senior 2020 Year of ASEAN Identity that foster officials’ meetings and summits were a sense of belonging in building a The ASCC ministers meet virtually to unprecedented in ASEAN’s history. sharing and caring ASEAN Community. discuss progress in the ASCC pillar The shift to a technology-mediated approach indicates how COVID-19 has The progress of the mid-term review of the ASCC Blueprint 2025 was also discussed. Most ASCC sectoral bodies have reviewed their work plans and are currently working on their next five-year plans of action. The mid-term review is expected to provide recommendations for more effective implementation of the blueprint. The final report of the mid-term review will be submitted to the 37th ASEAN Summit in November.
The meeting also noted the establishment of the ASEAN TVET Council, marine © ASEAN Secretariat / Kusuma Pandu Wijaya © ASEAN environment cooperation, and the empowerment of women.
The ministers will hold the 24th ASCC Photo Credit: meeting in October 2020. 50 Snapshots ASEAN at 53 © ASEAN Secretariat/Kusuma Pandu Wijaya © ASEAN
ASEAN Photo Credit: AT 53 On 8 August 2020, ASEAN turns 53 with a virtual celebration, a first in its history.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced people to stay apart, but ASEAN’s spirit of unity and togetherness lives on.
This year, a special online programme of the new building that was constructed has been prepared to honor ASEAN’s right next to the original structure, now founders, and pay tribute to the called the Heritage building. frontliners and citizens who take risks every day to save the lives of others. The new ASEAN Secretariat is now housed in two 16-floor towers and Watch for announcements on ASEAN’s features a green concept, with only social media platforms, or write in to natural ventilation in the lobby. It is [email protected], for links to the live equipped with more than 20 meeting event. More details will be released rooms of various sizes, and each ASEAN after 4 August. Member State has its own country room.
Listen to inspiring messages from the Secretary-General of ASEAN Dato President of the Republic of Indonesia Lim Jock Hoi said the new building, From the top Joko Widodo, Viet Nam Deputy Prime in the long-term, will provide a sound Lobby of the ASEAN Secretariat’s Minister Phạm Bình Minh, and ASEAN’s foundation to deepen ASEAN’s community new building top diplomats around the world. Guests building efforts by creating more include Air Asia CEO Tony Fernandes and opportunities for meetings and interaction. Painting of ASEAN founding fathers the ASEAN Prize winners. Until the time comes for physical Indonesian President Joko Widodo Last year’s ASEAN Day celebration was gatherings, join the ASEAN Day online symbolically hands over the new also special as ASEAN marked its 52nd celebration this year. building’s key to the Secretary- anniversary in the new ASEAN General of ASEAN Secretariat building. President Joko Be one with the community. Widodo officiated the inauguration Be one with ASEAN. The Heritage building lobby
The ASEAN July 2020 Snapshots Konnect ASEAN 51
A June 2020 article in Singapore’s The Straits Times caused quite a stir amongst KONNECT ASEAN: international arts circles for publishing the results of a survey denouncing artists as Connecting through the Arts “non-essential workers.” As many of us have
© ASEAN Secretariat © ASEAN endured the global pandemic with books, BY BEN HAMPE music, film, and other art forms, we are PROJECT DIRECTOR, KONNECT ASEAN now more than ever acutely aware of ASEAN FOUNDATION how important it is for us to share in
Photo Credit: and understand our collective destinies. Investment in arts and cultural programmes ASEAN has, since its inception, facilitated people-to- is an essential element to realise regional people exchange in the arts sector across Southeast integration and goes hand in hand with security concerns. Many nations throughout Asia to encourage dialogue and debate. recent history have understood the societal need to facilitate arts and cultural activities This unique space for artistic discourse, especially following times of adversity. which fosters pluralistic notions of what constitutes a regional artistic identity and The ROK established Asia’s oldest biennale aesthetic, is one of ASEAN’s great legacies in the mid 90s to commemorate the 1980 and is widely acknowledged, researched, Gwangju Democratisation Movement, and discussed by a new generation of a tragic chapter in the nation’s history. art historians and curators. The Gwangju Biennale embodies the general value of human civilisation and Key projects in recent history include disseminates a message of democracy, the ASEAN Sculpture Symposiums human rights, and peace throughout (1981-1990), ASEAN Workshops, Exhibitions, the world and its local community. The and Symposiums on Aesthetics (1989- Gwangju Biennale is now recognised as 1995), and Phillip Morris ASEAN Art Awards amongst the world’s most important (1994-2006). In the last 15 years, ASEAN has biennales, influential Nigerian curator relinquished this role—an important aspect Okwui Enwezor being appointed as of its community building aspirations in the Artistic Director of the 7th edition in 2008. arts sector—encouraging the proliferation Geographically, both of us are in East Asia. Reflecting on his participation he remarked of nation specific biennales and art fairs, Historically, we share similar experiences. that, “…judging from the shape and turn of and allowing maturing cultural institutions Culturally, our values are almost identical” events, the clockwork convergence of Asia’s to serve this function in its stead. (The Jakarta Post, November 2019). polyglot cultures, the large and still-growing consumer society and middle class, and the In 2019, the Republic of Korea (ROK) As the post-Cold War reality of a new world rapidly changing technology that knits celebrated 30 years of diplomatic relations has taken shape and formed new directions them together, it may not be premature to with ASEAN. In the same year the ASEAN- and conversations, KONNECT ASEAN think that we are facing an Asian moment. ROK Cooperation Fund was doubled to heralds a new era for cultural diplomacy This emergence of global Asia, in fact, does 14 million US dollars and a new arts and and regional integration between ASEAN not benefit Asia alone; it creates a model cultural programme was established, Member States and ROK, signalling both for other societies in transition. (Invisible KONNECT ASEAN. A key driver of ROK’s an eagerness by ASEAN to revitalise its Culture, September 2010).” New Southern Policy to strengthen ties once integral role in the contemporary arts of friendship and cooperation with ASEAN and South Korea’s sincerity in establishing The work of artists connects us in tangible through the three pillars of people, closer ties with ASEAN. The programme and dynamic ways to the world, advancing prosperity and peace, KONNECT ASEAN will celebrate the arts with partner diplomatic efforts and building deep will serve as the ASEAN Foundation’s core organisations across the region, and in connections, mutual understanding, arts and cultural programme over the next the process explore and discuss social, and goodwill, which builds resilient three years. In the words of. Lim Sungnam, political, economic, and environmental communities and underpins our future Ambassador of Republic of Korea to ASEAN, issues. The artists’ works and activities prosperity. Cultural diplomacy initiatives “...diplomatic relations are like personal will engage and strengthen the public’s like KONNECT ASEAN are key to avoiding relationships. ASEAN-ROK relations could understanding of ASEAN and connect negative consequences of COVID-19. make rapid progress not only on the basis the three major stakeholder groups Now is the time for us to come together of common interests but also mutual trust of government, business, and civil and encourage dialogue amongst our and shared values. Indeed, ASEAN and society to achieve the vision of an myriad ethnicities, religions, and cultures Korea are natural partners in every sense. ASEAN Community. to build a better world for the future. 52 Snapshots ASEAN on a Plate
For the love of
BY NOVIA D. RULISTIA AND THE ASEAN EDITORIAL TEAM
Are you a foodie about to trek But first, here’s a fun fact about noodles. Through the millennia, noodle-making across Southeast Asia? Or The world’s oldest known noodles date obviously found its way into Southeast back to around 4,000 years ago! Chinese Asia and countries have created a variety simply an adventurer wanting archaeologists, in 2005, unearthed a bowl of noodle dishes to suit their own palates. to soak up Southeast Asian of well-preserved thin yellow noodles at Here are some that are must-try: culture through its cuisine? an archaeological site in northwestern Then read on to learn more China. The noodles were said to be made about the sumptuous noodle from millet grains. dishes from around the region!
Num Banh Chok Khmer (Cambodia) This Khmer noodle dish is usually served for breakfast and afternoon snacks. It is very popular among Cambodian people and they usually have this dish during a family gathering and party. In 2019, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen campaigned for it to be the country’s national dish. Soto (Brunei Darussalam) The rice noodle is made from Soto is a common soup name in Southeast fermented rice, ground with Asian countries with Malay influence, stone or wooden mills. It is including Brunei Darussalam. In Brunei, usually topped with Samlor the beef-based soto is usually consumed Proher, river fish-based soup with either rice or egg noodles. If you can’t that incorporates Prahok, decide which noodle to take, mixing both lemongrass, turmeric, noodles is also one of the best ways to fingerroot, garlics, peanuts and enjoy the dish. Locally, it’s called soto coconut milk. A fistful of
kawin (married). Soto Brunei does make banana blossom, cucumber, Secretariat © ASEAN a perfect marriage of its ingredients. water lily, bean sprout, green With shredded chicken, sliced fish cakes, beans, mint leaf and chilli, and and hard boiled eggs thrown into the voilà, Num Banh Chok Khmer
broth, soto Brunei is ready to be served. is ready to be enjoyed. Photo Credit:
The ASEAN July 2020 Snapshots ASEAN on a Plate 53
Mie Titi (Indonesia) Originating from Makassar, South Sulawesi province, this noodle dish is named after Char Kuey Teow (Malaysia) where the noodle is stir-fried at the the owner of a famous noodle stall in the Culinary researchers theorise that the dish highest heat with light or dark soy sauce, city back in the 1970s. The noodle is fried originally came from China’s province of chili, prawns, deshelled cockles, bean until it is dry and soaked with thick chicken Guangdong. The name itself is Hokkien for sprouts, chinese chives, and eggs. The broth. With some vegetables, prawns, lime flat rice noodle. Penang variant of the dish uses thinner juice, and other toppings of your noodles, omits the dark sauce, and at preference, the crunchiness of mie titi will The secret to a perfectly cooked char times, uses duck eggs instead of definitely satisfy every hungry tummy. kuey teow is a slightly charred noodle chicken eggs.
Pancit Palabok (Philippines) Palabok is one of the many types of Khao Poon (Lao PDR) pancit or noodle dishes available in the Also known as Lao laksa, khao poon is rich Philippines. Pancit—which comes from the in herbs, fragrant spices, and vegetables. Mohinga (Myanmar) Hokkien term pian i sit (food that is It is served on all occasions, but especially Mohinga is fish-based soup with rice convenient or cooked fast)—is usually during the last day of That Luang festival noodle that can be found in every corner served during birthday celebrations as it is in Vientiane. of the country. It is a national dish that believed to symbolise long life. locals enjoy anytime of the day. The rice is first fermented for three days Palabok consists of thin rice noodles; before cooking and pressing into noodles. Mohinga broth is made by using local sauce made up of shrimp or pork stock, Coconut curry broth, which consists of catfish meat with an assortment of local annatto powder, all-purpose flour, fish shredded chicken, fish, or pork seasoned spices such as lime, coriander, and sauce, and ground black pepper; and
© yohanes_setiyanto/Shutterstock ; © Sarina P/Shutterstock; © Ariyani Tedjo/Shutterstock ; © Kravtzov ; © ASEAN Foundation © yohanes_setiyanto/Shutterstock ; Sarina P/Shutterstock; Ariyani Tedjo/Shutterstock Kravtzov ASEAN with coconut milk, galangal, lemongrass, lemongrass, or other ingredients that suit toppings that include shrimps, pork lime leaves, and chili, is poured over the your liking. Garnishes range from hard- cracklings, fish flakes, hard-boiled eggs, noodles. Shredded cabbage, bean sprouts, boiled egg slices, to crispy fritters and fried scallions, and calamansi. Palabok’s other banana blossom, mint leaves, and shallots crullers. One rule: always use a soup spoon variant is pancit luglug which uses
Photo Credit: complete the topping. or a fork and spoon. No chopsticks, please. thicker noodles and has less toppings. 54 Snapshots ASEAN on a Plate
A Cookbook of ASEAN Noodle Dishes
Pad Thai (Thailand) Perhaps the most well-recognised noodle dish in the region, pad Thai is a mainstay in Thai restaurants around the world. Contrary to common misconception, pad Thai did not become a national dish Laksa (Singapore) until it was decreed and promoted by www.jakartapm.dfa.gov.ph PHMissionJakarta
The soul of Singapore laksa lies in its the government in the mid-20th century. PHMissionJakarta
Peranakan style that mixes local spices The then Thai governmentwww.jakartapm.dfa.gov.ph wanted to and Chinese noodles. The spicy curry create a unique dish that would invoke a noodle soup is made from coconut milk sense of national identity and at the same fused with thick vermicelli, bean sprouts, time, would preserve the rice stock of the SEM SEM BUT tofu, prawns, and fishcake. country at a time of shortage. NO SEM NOODLE
FESTIVAL
Laksa can be found in some other Pad Thai is made from rice noodles, Food Studio/Shutterstock; © Giulia M/Shutterstock; Joshua Resnick?Shutterstock ; © AS parts of Southeast Asia too, but the eggs, peanuts, shrimp, tofu, and bean
mouthwatering Singapore laksa’s broth sprouts. The flavour profile is enhanced Ten noodle dishes from ASEAN A Cookbook of ASEAN Noodle Dishes Pho (Vietnam) offers the perfect balance of spices and with fish sauce, palm sugar, tamarind pulp, Member States were showcased
coconut milk that will make you crave and coriander. Fresh from the smoking wok, at the Sem Sem But No Sem noodle Photo Credit: for more. the food is ready to treat everyone’s palates. dish mini festival on 18 March 2019, organised by the Philippines Mission to ASEAN in Jakarta. The Ambassadors of ASEAN Member States, collectively known as the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN, and their spouses showed how to cook the noodle dishes from their countries. Secretary-General of ASEAN Dato Lim Jock Hoi and his spouse Datin Chan Chin Ming, Ambassadors of ASEAN Dialogue Partners, and other members of diplomatic corps in Jakarta also attended the event.
The dishes presented at the festival are compiled in a cookbook, titled Sem Sem But Not Sem: A Cookbook of ASEAN Noodle Dishes. The cookbook features not only the Phở (Viet Nam) recipes and cooking instructions, In the beginning, this most well-known beef bones. To really bring out the but also some trivia about the dishes. Vietnamese dish was only sold in big flavour, various herbs and spices, The recipes featured in this book cities like Ha Noi before spreading across like ginger, coriander, cardamom, reveal the rich history and cultural the country. The flavours from one and onion leaves, are added. Save heritage of ASEAN countries. region to another may differ, but the some space in your tummy as The cookbook is available for secret to cooking phở is always in its one bowl of this rice noodle download on the ASEAN broth, usually made from simmering is never enough. Secretariat website.
The ASEAN July 2020 The ASEAN is deeply grateful to the Government of India, through the Indian Mission to ASEAN, for its support to the magazine.
This collaboration reflects the shared commitment of ASEAN and India to disseminate knowledge and information on socio-cultural development in ASEAN.
The A SEAN
Shwesandau Pagoda, Bagan, Myanmar © soft_light/Shutterstock Photo Credit: The ASEAN Secretariat ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Department Jalan Sisingamangaraja 70A, Jakarta 12110, Indonesia