In an era characterised by the rapid exchange of information and the dynamic nature of global development, having easily accessible data and information is paramount. The complexity of the ASCC’s goals and the diversity of issues it addresses have resulted in data and information being scattered across various sources. This situation poses a significant obstacle to policymakers, including the ASEAN Secretariat who support the work of the ASEAN policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders who seek accessible and consolidated information to inform decision-making and track progress within the socio-cultural sphere.
It is within this context that the ASCC Knowledge Hub is born, designed to provide timely and relevant social-cultural data, insights and knowledge products in a format that is visually appealing and easily understandable by various stakeholders including policy makers, academics and the general public. Access the KnowASCC.
Acknowledging this, the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community began building a robust repository of information and research that can help ASEAN to develop and implement holistic solutions through the ASCC Research and Development (R&D) Platforms. Though these platforms, ASEAN seeks to: i) develop a robust body of research output, ii) identify and develop a pool of experts who are better sensitised to ASEAN context. In addition, the envisaged forums will be an important tool for ASEAN not only to undertake peer reviews of the body of research works, but also level up expertise of those involved on these platforms.
Launched in 2020, currently, the following platforms have been completed or currently being implemented with the support of various Dialogue Partners:
a. ASCC R&D Platform on Climate Change
b. ASCC R&D Platform on Disaster Management
c. ASCC R&D Platform on Public Health Emergencies
d. ASCC R&D Platform on Future of Work (ongoing)
e. ASCC R&D Platform on Future of Education (ongoing)
f. ASCC R&D Platform on Media, Culture, and Arts (ongoing)
g. ASCC R&D Platform on Poverty Action (ongoing)
h. ASCC R&D Platform on Care Economy (upcoming)
The recommendations and insights from the ASCC R&D Platforms are used for policy makers to fully understand the fault lines and underlying causes of socio-economic problems, and to develop relevant solutions. The ASCC R&D platforms would also strengthen ASEAN Secretariat’s advisory role on supporting the ASCC Blueprint implementation and fill in the gaps and supplemented required information in the ASCC Results Framework in the absence of the baseline figures.
The reports and policy briefs from each of these platforms are available in the KnowASCC
Other relevant documents include:
The ASEAN Magazine offers insightful analyses on issues impacting the ASEAN region, presenting them in an accessible manner without compromising on editorial excellence. Beyond providing a nuanced perspective on key topics, the magazine highlights the programs and achievements of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) pillar and the broader ASEAN Community.
Launched in May 2020 with support from the ASEAN-India Fund, The ASEAN Magazine has since been regularly published. It serves as a catalyst in fostering better understanding of ASEAN’s work among people in the region and beyond, with a particular emphasis on building ASEAN awareness and promoting intercultural understanding.
Published online and now on its 3rd phase, The ASEAN Magazine has garnered positive feedback and earned recognition within the ASEAN community. Its continuous production serves our readers and ASEAN Member States, contributing to the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community’s mission of building greater understanding of our work within the region and beyond.
All editions of The ASEAN magazine are available here.
- ASCC in Facts and Figures
The ASCC in Facts and Figures is an annual publication that aims to provide in concise and visually engaging manner information on key socio-cultural trends in the ASEAN region. Covering a spectrum of topics, including culture, women’s empowerment, labor, education, sports, disaster management, and the environment, the publication offers a snapshot of significant developments. It aims to provide easily digestible insights into the dynamic landscape of the ASCC, offering a comprehensive overview of the region’s social progress.
- ASEAN Development Outlook
The ASEAN Development Outlook (ADO) is an annual publication aimed at providing a comprehensive assessment of the current state, challenges, opportunities, lessons learned, best practices and outlook of inclusive and sustainable development in ASEAN, in particular within the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. Its inaugural edition was published in 2021 and placed emphasis on discussions on identity, the natural and built environment, livelihoods and social welfare and health. The publication is available here.
Other thematic publications include the following:
All editions are available here.
