H.E. Nararya S. Soeprapto, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs, delivered opening remarks at the ASEAN Autism Network Talk Show: Autism Is Not a Barrier, held at the ASEAN Secretariat on 22 May 2025. In his remarks, DSG Nararya highlighted the event’s alignment with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship theme of Inclusivity and Sustainability, emphasising the importance of removing barriers and creating meaningful opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum to access employment.

He reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to empowering persons with disabilities, through the ASEAN Enabling Masterplan 2025: Mainstreaming the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, through a whole-of-ASEAN approach. DSG Nararya also reiterated ASEAN’s commitment to ensuring that innovation serves to uplift communities and build resilience for generations to come.

The ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) is an Entity Associated with ASEAN, listed under Annex II of the ASEAN Charter. ASEAN currently has 81 accredited entities supporting its community-building efforts.