JAKARTA, 21 November 2023 – The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) has taken a significant step toward strengthening its data-driven monitoring capabilities with the organisation of the Regional Workshop on the Development of the ASCC Database for Monitoring and Evaluation System (ADME System). The workshop, held via videoconference, signified a crucial stage in the development of the ADME System, which aims to enhance the ASCC’s ability to track and evaluate the implementation of the ASCC Blueprint 2025 and beyond.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Secretary General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Ekkaphab Phanthavong lauded the remarkable progress in data management within ASEAN, particularly in ASCC. He acknowledged the ASCC Blueprint 2025 as a guiding document in this progress and underscored the vital role of comprehensive and reliable data in fostering transparent decision-making, policy formulation, and nuanced understanding of regional dynamics.
The workshop aimed to present a comprehensive overview of the ADME System, including its developmental process and operational protocols. It provided a first-hand demonstration of the interactive feature of ADME system, and served as a forum for constructive discussions, incorporating insights from diverse stakeholders to refine and shape the ADME System to ASCC’s data needs and requirements before its launch in early 2024.
The discussion in the workshop generated critical areas that would further improve ADME system and streamline database management in ASCC such as integrating or linking existing database initiatives, incorporating socio-cultural indicators to better reflect ASCC landscape, and conducting capacity building on the use of the system which can also support its learning and sustainability.
The current phase of the ADME System includes the development of protocols for data management and the creation of a comprehensive web-based database and dashboard to be aligned with ASCC’s needs and objectives. It aims to bolster socio-cultural development at both national and regional levels. It further underscores ASEAN’s commitment to utilising data as a fundamental tool for monitoring progress, strengthening statistical capabilities, and fostering enhanced inter-member coordination.
