SELANGOR, 8 October 2025 – The 34th Meeting of ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council and Related Meetings were successfully concluded today.
The ASCC Council Meeting brought together Ministers and representatives of ASEAN Member States to exchange views on opportunities and strategic directions for the ASCC, review key cross-pillar initiatives, and commence implementation of the ASCC Strategic Plan. The meeting was chaired by The Honourable Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture and Chair of the ASCC Council. Timor-Leste also joined the meeting as an Observer.
Minister Tiong King Sing expressed deep appreciations to ASEAN Member States for their support for the realisation of Malaysia’s Chairmanship priorities under the theme of Inclusivity Sustainability, particularly in advancing creative industries, promoting equitable education, leveraging technological advancement, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, underscored the importance of strengthening institutions and cross-pillar mechanisms in advancing ASEAN’s community-building efforts and realising the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. He further highlighted the critical role of stakeholders in scaling up and innovating approaches to ensure that ASEAN’s socio-cultural priorities remain responsive to the evolving needs of the people.
At the meeting, the ASCC Council endorsed in principle five outcome documents for adoption and 14 documents for notation by the ASEAN Leaders at the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit.
The meeting also included the ASCC High Level Forum 2025 along with the Arts and Crafts Bazaar which served as a platform for the ASCC to exchange views on the ASCC’s post-2025 agenda, as well as showcased ASEAN’s rich cultural heritage and diversity through exhibitions, demonstrations, business matching and pocket talks.
In his opening remarks at the Forum, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn underscored the importance of a shared identity as the cornerstone of ASEAN. He congratulated the ASCC for the Forum and the Arts and Crafts Bazaar which not only showcased the region’s diverse cultures, and promotes the region’s heritage and values, but also fosters the pride and a sense of belonging and ownership among the ASEAN peoples.
Minister Tiong King Sing highlighted the importance of the Forum, nothing that it marks the beginning of ASCC’s collective and inclusive journey towards implementing the ASCC Strategic Plan, and- realising the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
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Photo Credit: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture of Malaysia
