MEMBER COUNTRIES

Brunei Darussalam

Head of State : His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah
Capital : Bandar Seri Begawan
Language(s) : Malay, English
Currency : B$ (Brunei Dollar)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade of Brunei Darussalam Website: www.mfa.gov.bn

Cambodia

Head of State : His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni

Head of Government : Prime Minister Hun Sen
Capital : Phnom Penh
Language : Khmer
Currency : Riel
Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation of Cambodia Website: www.mfaic.gov.kh

Indonesia

Head of State : President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono

Capital : Jakarta
Language : Indonesian
Currency : Rupiah
Department of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia Website: www.deplu.go.id

Lao PDR

Head of State : President Choummaly Sayasone

Head of Government : Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong
Capital : Vientiane
Language : Lao
Currency : Kip
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR Website: www.mofa.gov.la

Malaysia

Head of Government : The Honourable Dato' Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak
Capital : Kuala Lumpur
Language(s) : Malay, English, Chinese, Tamil
Currency : Ringgit
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia Website: www.kln.gov.my
ASEAN-Malaysia National Secretariat Website: www.kln.gov.my/myasean

Myanmar

Head of State : President Thein Sein

Capital : Nay Pyi Taw
Language : Myanmar
Currency : Kyat
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar Website: www.mofa.gov.mm

Philippines

Head of State : President Benigno S. Aquino III

Capital : Manila
Language(s) : Filipino, English, Spanish
Currency : Peso
Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines Website: www.dfa.gov.ph

Singapore

Head of State : President Tony Tan Keng Yam

Head of Government : Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
Capital : Singapore
Language(s) : English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil
Currency : S$ (Singapore Dollar)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore Website: www.mfa.gov.sg

Thailand

Head of State : His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej

Head of Government : Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra
Capital : Bangkok
Language : Thai
Currency : Baht
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Website: www.mfa.go.th

Viet Nam

Head of State : President Nguyen Minh Triet

Head of Government : Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung
Capital : Ha Noi
Language : Vietnamese
Currency : Dong
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam Website: www.mofa.gov.vn

ASEAN Charter

The ASEAN Charter serves as a firm foundation in achieving the ASEAN Community by providing legal status and
institutional framework for ASEAN. It also codifies ASEAN norms, rules and values; sets clear targets for ASEAN; and
presents accountability and compliance.

The ASEAN Charter entered into force on 15 December 2008. A gathering of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers was held at
the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta to mark this very historic occasion for ASEAN.

With the entry into force of the ASEAN Charter, ASEAN will henceforth operate under a new legal framework and
establish a number of new organs to boost its community-building process.

In effect, the ASEAN Charter has become a legally binding agreement among the 10 ASEAN Member States. It will also
be registered with the Secretariat of the United Nations, pursuant to Article 102, Paragraph 1 of the Charter of the
United Nations.

The importance of the ASEAN Charter can be seen in the following contexts:
New political commitment at the top level
New and enhanced commitments
New legal framework, legal personality
New ASEAN bodies
Two new openly-recruited DSGs
More ASEAN meetings
More roles of ASEAN Foreign Ministers
New and enhanced role of the Secretary-General of ASEAN
Other new initiatives and changes

ASEAN SUMMIT

Eighteenth ASEAN Summit, Jakarta, 7-8 May 2011

Seventeenth ASEAN Summit, Ha Noi, 28-30 October 2010
Sixteenth ASEAN Summit, Ha Noi, 8-9 April 2010
Fifteenth ASEAN Summit, Cha-Am Hua Hin, Thailand, 23-25 October 2009
Fourteenth ASEAN Summit, Cha-am, Thailand, 26 February - 1 March 2009
Thirteenth ASEAN Summit, Singapore, 18-22 November 2007
Twelfth ASEAN Summit, Cebu, Phillipines, 9-15 January 2007
Eleventh ASEAN Summit, Kuala Lumpur, 12-14 December 2005
Tenth ASEAN Summit, Vientiane, 29-30 November 2004
Ninth ASEAN Summit, Bali, 7-8 October 2003
Eighth ASEAN Summit, Phnom Penh, 4-5 November 2002
Seventh ASEAN Summit, Bandar Seri Begawan, 5-6 November 2001
Fourth Informal Summit, Singapore, 22-25 November 2000
Third Informal Summit, Manila, 27-28 November 1999
Sixth ASEAN Summit, Ha Noi, 15-16 December 1998
Second Informal Summit, Kuala Lumpur, 14-16 December 1997
First Informal Summit, Jakarta, 30 November 1996
Fifth ASEAN Summit, Bangkok, 14-15 December 1995
Fourth ASEAN Summit, Singapore, 27-29 January 1992
Third ASEAN Summit, Manila, 14-15 December 1987
Second ASEAN Summit, Kuala Lumpur, 4-5 August 1977
First ASEAN Summit, Bali, 23-24 February 1976

ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM)

Established in 1967
Meets annually, with informal meetings and retreats in between
Last meeting : 43rd AMM, Ha Noi, 15-23 July 2010

ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)

Established: 1994, meets annually

Last Meeting: 12th ARF, 29 July 2005, Vientiane

Objectives:

The objectives of the ASEAN Regional Forum are outlined in the First ARF Chairman's Statement (1994), namely:
to foster constructive dialogue and consultation on political and security issues of common interest and concern; and
to make significant contributions to efforts towards confidence-building and preventive diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific
region.
The 27th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (1994) stated that "The ARF could become an effective consultative Asia-Pacific
Forum for promoting open dialogue on political and security cooperation in the region. In this context, ASEAN should
work with its ARF partners to bring about a more predictable and constructive pattern of relations in the Asia Pacific."

ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM)

Established in 2006
Meets annually
Last Meeting: 3rd ADMM, Pattaya, Thailand, 25-27 February 2009
The ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) is the highest defence mechanism within ASEAN. The annual ADMM
facilitates the ASEAN defence ministers to discuss and exchange views on current defence and security issues and
challenges faced. The ADMM also aims to promote mutual trust and confidence through greater understanding of
defence and security challenges as well as enhancement of transparency and openness.

Cooperation in the ASEAN defence sector has grown steadily since its inception in 2006 with the ASEAN Defence
Ministers adopting concept papers on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, linkages with extra-regional partners
and also on engagement with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

The Concept Paper on the Use of ASEAN Military Assets and Capacities in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief
(HADR) aims at accelerating ASEAN Militaries’ operational effectiveness in HADR, while the Concept Paper on
ADMMPlus: Principles for Membership, is a follow-up to the ADMMPlus Concept Paper adopted at the 2nd ADMM in
November 2007. The Concept Paper on Defence Establishments and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Cooperation on
Non-Traditional Security outlines the framework and guidelines for engagement with the CSOs on Non-Traditional
Security issues. The three Concept Papers were all adopted at the 3rd ADMM held in Pattaya, Thailand in February 2009.

The ADMM also continues to exchange views on addressing non-traditional security challenges and discusses the need
to strengthen and take more practical steps in defence cooperation in order to make further contribution to regional
peace and stability. The Meeting also reiterated its commitment to increase interactions at all levels and build a strong
foundation to support the establishment of the ASEAN Community as indicated in the ASEAN Political-Security
Community (APSC) Blueprint.

To better respond to non-traditional threats, the 3rd ADMM Joint Declaration on Strengthening ASEAN Defence
Establishments to Meet the Challenges of Non-Traditional Security Threats was signed in Pattaya, Thailand.

The 4th ADMM will be hosted by Viet Nam in 2010.

ASEAN Law Ministers Meeting (ALAWMM)

Established in 1986
Meets once in 36 months
Last meeting: 7th ALAWMM, Bandar Seri Begawan, 20 October 2008

ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC)

Established in 1997
Meets once in two years
Last meeting: 7th AMMTC, Siem Reap, Cambodia,16-19 November 2009

ASEAN Economic Community

The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) shall be the goal of regional economic integration by 2015. AEC envisages the
following key characteristics: (a) a single market and production base, (b) a highly competitive economic region, (c) a
region of equitable economic development, and (d) a region fully integrated into the global economy.

The AEC areas of cooperation include human resources development and capacity building; recognition of professional
qualifications; closer consultation on macroeconomic and financial policies; trade financing measures; enhanced
infrastructure and communications connectivity; development of electronic transactions through e-ASEAN; integrating
industries across the region to promote regional sourcing; and enhancing private sector involvement for the building of
the AEC. In short, the AEC will transform ASEAN into a region with free movement of goods, services, investment, skilled
labour, and freer flow of capital.

ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint

The ASEAN Leaders adopted the ASEAN Economic Blueprint at the 13th ASEAN Summit on 20 November 2007 in
Singapore to serve as a coherent master plan guiding the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community 2015.

ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM)

43rd ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting, Manado, Indonesia, 9-14 August 2011

ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA Council)

The ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA)

The ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) has now been virtually established. ASEAN Member Countries have made significant
progress in the lowering of intra-regional tariffs through the Common Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT) Scheme for
AFTA. More than 99 percent of the products in the CEPT Inclusion List (IL) of ASEAN-6, comprising Brunei Darussalam,
Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, have been brought down to the 0-5 percent tariff range.
[Figure 1]

ASEAN’s newer members, namely Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Viet Nam, are not far behind in the implementation of
their CEPT commitments with almost 80 percent of their products having been moved into their respective CEPT ILS. Of
these items, about 66 percent already have tariffs within the 0-5 percent tariff band. Viet Nam has until 2006 to bring
down tariff of products in the Inclusion List to no more than 5 percent duties, Laos and Myanmar in 2008 and Cambodia
in 2010.

Following the signing of the Protocol to Amend the CEPT-AFTA Agreement for the Elimination of Import Duties on 30
January 2003, ASEAN-6 has committed to eliminate tariffs on 60 percent of their products in the IL by the year 2003. As
of this date, tariffs on 64.12 percent of the products in the IL of ASEAN-6 have been eliminated. The average tariff for
ASEAN-6 under the CEPT Scheme is now down to 1.51 percent from 12.76 percent when the tariff cutting exercise
started in 1993.

The implementation of the CEPT-AFTA Scheme was significantly boosted in January 2004 when Malaysia announced its
tariff reduction for completely built up (CBUs) and completely knocked down (CKDs) automotive units to gradually meet
its CEPT commitment one year earlier than schedule. Malaysia has previously been allowed to defer the transfer of 218
tariff lines of CBUs and CKDs until 1 January 2005.

Products that remain out of the CEPT-AFTA Scheme are those in the Highly Sensitive List (i.e. rice) and the General
Exception List. The Coordinating Committee on the Implementation of the CEPTScheme for AFTA (CCCA) is currently
undertaking a review of all the General Exception Lists to ensure that only those consistent with Article 9(b)1 of the CEPT
Agreement are included in the lists.

ASEAN Member Countries have also resolved to work on the elimination of non-tariff barriers. A work programme on
the elimination of non-tariff barriers, which includes, among others, the process of verification and cross-notification;
updating the working definition of Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs)/Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) in ASEAN; the setting-up of a
database on all NTMs maintained by Member Countries; and the eventual elimination of unnecessary and unjustifiable
non-tariff measures, is currently being finalized.

In an effort to improve and strengthen the rules governing the implementation of the CEPT Scheme, to make the
Scheme more attractive to regional businessmen and prospective investors, the CEPT Rules of Origin and its Operational
Certification Procedures have been revised and implemented since 1 January 2004. Among the features of the revised
CEPT Rules of Origin and Operational Certification Procedures include: (a) a standardized method of calculating
local/ASEAN content; (b) a set of principles for determining the cost of ASEAN origin and the guidelines for costing
methodologies; (c) treatment of locally-procured materials; and (d) improved verification process, including on-site
verification.

In order to promote greater utilization of the CEPTAFTA Scheme, substantial transformation has also been adopted as an
alternative rule in determining origin for CEPT products. The Task Force on the CEPT Rules of Origin is currently working
out substantial transformation rules for certain product sectors, including wheat flour, iron and steel and the 11 priority
integration sectors covered under the Bali Concord II. Direction of Trade ASEAN’s exports had regained its upward trend
in the two years following the financial crisis of 1997- 1998 reaching its peak in 2000 when total exports was valued at
US$ 408 billion. After declining to US$ 366.8 billion in 2001, as a result of the economic slowdown in the United States
and Europe and the recession in Japan, ASEAN exports recovered in 2002 when it was valued at US$ 380.2 billion. The
upward trend for ASEAN-6 continued up to the first two quarters of 2003. Intra-ASEAN trade for the first two quarters of
2003 registered an increase of 4.2 and 1.6 percent for exports and imports respectively.

ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM)

The ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM), held in Langkawi in July 2003, called for intensified cooperation in the
development and exploitation of the energy resource potentials in the ASEAN region, as well as in attracting private
sector participation and investment in the ASEAN energy sector. The Ministers agreed to work collectively in moving
forward the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline (TAGP) and the ASEAN Power Grid Projects to provide greater stability and
security of energy supply in the ASEAN region. The Ministers also agreed to enhance the ASEAN Energy Business Forum
(AEBF) as an important platform for facilitating business interaction, technology exchange and project financing
opportunities between ASEAN energy authorities and the private sector.

The ASEAN Gas Consultative Council (AGCC) has been established to serve as an advisory body to the ASEAN Council on
Petroleum (ASCOPE) in the implementation of the TAGP Project. The ASCOPE Gas Centre (AGC), to be hosted by
Malaysia, will be established to serve as the strategic technical and information resource and capacity building center in
the facilitation and implementation of the TAGP and gas development programmes in ASEAN. ASEAN is updating the
1986 ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA) with a view to adopting strategic options to enhance petroleum
security in times or circumstances of both shortages and oversupply in the ASEAN region.

The Final Report of the ASEAN Interconnection Master Plan Study (AIMS), a reference document to guide the
implementation of the electricity interconnection projects, indicates that there are 11 potential power interconnection
projects for implementation up to 2020, which are expected to generate potential savings of about US$ 662 million (year
2000 prices) in new investment and operating costs resulting from such interconnections. There are currently eight
interconnection projects at various stages of implementation in ASEAN.

The ASEAN Ministers on Energy agreed to strengthen partnership with China, Japan and ROK to address mutual issues
and concerns in energy security, natural gas development, oil market studies, oil stockpiling and renewable energy. The
ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME) Plus Three Energy Policy Governing Group (EPGG) has been
established.

Within the ASEAN Plus Three framework, four forums of experts were convened and served as platforms for information
and best practices sharing towards greater understanding of global and regional issues in energy security, natural gas, oil
markets and oil stockpiles. These forums have agreed to develop an ASEAN Plus Three Energy Security Communications
System and to enhance cooperation in natural gas through infrastructure development, investment promotion, trading
arrangements and application of new technologies. The ASEAN Plus Three Energy Ministers will meet on the occasion of
the 22nd AMEM in June 2004 in Manila.

The ASEAN-Japan Framework for Comprehensive Economic Partnership provides for cooperation in the energy sector,
particularly in oil stockpiling, natural gas utilization and promotion of energy efficiency. ASEAN and Japan leaders, at the
Commemorative Summit in December 2003, called for enhancing cooperation in energy security under the overall
theme of “Consolidating the Foundation for Economic Development and Prosperity” with the following agreed actions:
(a) develop energy policy dialogue and support ongoing capacity building programmes under ASEAN-Japan cooperation
such as the Energy Supply Security Planning in the ASEAN (ESSPA) and the Promotion of Energy Efficiency and
Conservation (PROMEEC) to enhance energy security in East Asia; and (b) cooperate in developing infrastructure,
including energy facilities such as power stations, oil and gas pipeline network by using concessional loans, other
schemes or private finance.

The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) continued to serve a key role in the facilitation of regional energy programmes and
activities. ACE facilitated cooperation between ASEAN and its partner countries (e.g. EU, Germany, Japan, Australia and
Switzerland) and international organisations (e.g. UNESCAP, IEA, etc.). Through the ACE, ASEAN was represented as an
observer organisation in the Brussels-based Energy Charter Conference held in
December 2003.

The ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2004-2009, the successor plan to the APAEC 1999-2004, has
been finalized for adoption by the 22nd AMEM. The APAEC 2004-2009 will enhance the integration of the regional
energy infrastructures, promote energy security, create responsive policies to progressively enhance market reforms
and liberalisation, as well as on the sustainability of the environment. The Plan consists of sectoral plans of action and
roadmaps related to the ASEAN Power Grid; TAGP; Energy Efficiency and Conservation; New and Renewable Sources of
Energy and Regional Energy Policy and Planning.

A Ministerial Declaration on the ASEAN Coordinated Response Manual for Petroleum Security Emergency Preparedness
has also been finalized for adoption in June 2004. The proposed manual sets the standard operating procedures for
expeditious consultation and coordination amongst the ASEAN Member Countries during periods of petroleum
shortages and emergencies.

The 20th Meeting of the Heads of ASEAN Power Utilities/Authorities (HAPUA) was convened in Siem Reap, Cambodia on
3-5 May 2004. HAPUA reviewed the progress of implementation of its projects in the areas of (a) renewable energy; (b)
power interconnection; (c) research, development and engineering; (d) human resources management and
development; (e) geothermal energy; (f) rural and urban electrification; (g) Electric Power Information Centre; (h) use of
combined cycle power plants; and (i) deregulation and reform of power utilities.

ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF)

ASEAN cooperation in the agriculture sector dated back as early as 1968, with cooperation in food production and
supply. In 1977, the scope of cooperation was broadened to include the greater area of agriculture and forestry as the
needs have increased. Currently, the specific areas under the ASEAN cooperation in food, agriculture and forestry
includes food security, food handling, crops, livestock, fisheries, agricultural training and extension, agricultural
cooperatives, forestry and joint cooperation in agriculture and forest products promotion scheme.

Objective

The basic objective of the ASEAN cooperation in food, agriculture and forestry is to formulate and implement regional
cooperation activities to enhance the international competitiveness of ASEAN’s food, agriculture and forestry products
as well as further strengthen the food security arrangement in the region and joint positions in international fora.

Mandate and Policy Guidance

In line with the guidance of the Fourth ASEAN Summit in 1992 to strengthen regional cooperation in the areas of
development, production, and promotion of agricultural products, the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry
(AMAF) identified seven priority areas as reflected in the Ministerial Understanding (MU) on ASEAN Cooperation in
Food, Agriculture and Forestry signed in October 1993 in Bandar Seri Begawan. The MU acts as the umbrella of the
ASEAN cooperation in food, agriculture and forestry.
i. Strengthening food security in the region;
ii. Facilitation and promotion of intra- and extra-ASEAN trade in agriculture and forestry products;
iii. Generation and transfer of technology to increase productivity and develop agribusiness and silvo-business;
iv. Agricultural rural community and human resource development;
v. Private sector involvement and investment;
vi. Management and conservation of natural resources for sustainable development; and
vii. Strengthening ASEAN cooperation and joint approaches in addressing international and regional issues.

For the forestry sector, ASEAN, specifically developed five strategic thrusts, namely:

i. Sustainable forest management

ii. Strengthening ASEAN cooperation and joint approaches in addressing international and regional forestry issues
iii. Promotion of intra- and extra-ASEAN trade in forest products and private sector participation
iv. Increasing productivity and efficient utilisation of forest products
v. Capacity building and human resources development.

In response to the sharp increase in international food prices in 2007/2008, the Leaders pledged to embrace food
security as a matter of permanent and high priority policy and adopted a Statement on Food Security in the ASEAN
Region, which commits, among others, to the implementation of the ASEAN Integrated Food Security (AIFS) Framework
and the Strategic Plan of Action on Food Security in the ASEAN Region (SPA-FS) (2009-2013).

Implementation Mechanism

The SOM-AMAF is the main ASEAN body that oversees the overall ASEAN cooperation in food and agriculture, with the
guidance of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF). Sectoral working groups/ joint committee/ board,
and experts groups have been established to implement the respective cooperation sectors of food, and the various sub-
sectors of agriculture and forestry, as well as in the trade promotion of agriculture and forest products. In this
mechanism, the ASEAN Secretariat acts as the overall coordinator and provides necessary assistance in all aspects to
ensure successful undertaking of the cooperation programmes and projects in collaboration with sectoral working
groups, national focal points and relevant institutions.

Areas of Cooperation

ASEAN has implemented numerous cooperation projects in food, agriculture and forestry sectors, which cover a wide
spectrum of activities ranging from exchange of information, crop production, postharvest and handling, training and
extension, research and development as well as trade promotion in the areas of crops, livestock, fisheries, and forestry.

In order to respond to trade globalisation, ASEAN cooperation in food, agriculture and forestry is now more focused on
the enhancement of food, agricultural and forestry products competitiveness in international markets, while sustaining
agricultural production. Harmonisation of quality and standards, assurance of food safety, and standardisation of trade
certification are amongst the priorities being addressed, building upon the experience of some Member States and
existing international standards.

Most of the ASEAN programmes and projects are implemented under a networking arrangement, where cooperation is
implemented through the focal point in each ASEAN Member States and utilises national funds.

ASEAN Finance Ministers Meeting (AFMM)

REGIONAL COOPERATION IN FINANCE

ASEAN Finance Cooperation

ASEAN economies are now recovering from the global financial crisis, due to the effective economic stimulus measures
that the various ASEAN governments have implemented to support domestic demand, restore market confidence and
stabilise financial markets. As a result, ASEAN grew by 1.5 percent in 2009 and is expected to grow further by 4.9-5.6
percent in 2010. Going forward, the challenge for ASEAN is to sustain the economic recovery by implementing
appropriate monetary and fiscal policies and strengthening the various reform measures that have been in place since
the Asian financial crisis in 1997/98.

At the 14th ASEAN Finance Ministers Meeting (AFMM) in Nha Trang, Viet Nam, in April 2010, the Ministers committed
themselves to further promote financial stability in the region. Despite the region’s dynamism, robust financial system
and strong economic frameworks, the Ministers agreed to remain vigilant against the uncertainties in major advanced
economies and committed to maintain growth momentum in order to achieve a stable, efficient and resilient financial
system in the region. The Ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to implement policies that favour strong and
sustainable growth as well as promote domestic demand, boost productivity and enhance the integration of ASEAN’s
markets.

ASEAN Surveillance Process (ASP)

The ASP started in 1999 as a mechanism for peer review and exchange of views among the senior officials (central bank
and finance) and Finance Ministers on recent economic developments and policy issues in ASEAN. Since then, it has
evolved into an important mechanism in ASEAN on regional economic monitoring and surveillance.
Key achievements to date include: establishment of a dedicated unit at the ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC) to conduct regional
surveillance and facilitate regional cooperation activities in finance; establishment of national surveillance units in
selected countries (Indonesia, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam) to assist in building capabilities in
surveillance related work; capacity building training programmes for ASEAN finance and central bank officials on
regional economic monitoring and surveillance, conducted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB); conduct of technical
studies and policy papers on finance and economic issues (e.g., fiscal sustainability, banking and corporate restructuring,
and monitoring of capital flows).
At the Special AFMM in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in May 2010, the Ministers endorsed the Terms of Reference and initial
budget for the establishment of the high-level finance and macroeconomic surveillance office at ASEC, called the
Macroeconomic and Finance Surveillance Office (MFSO). The MFSO will be responsible for implementing surveillance in
ASEAN and monitoring regional economic integration initiatives such as financial integration. The MFSO is currently
being set up at ASEC and is expected to be fully operational in 2011.
Roadmap for Monetary and Financial Integration of ASEAN (RIA-Fin)

Endorsed by the AFMM in Manila in 2003, RIA-Fin consists of steps, timelines and indicators of activities in four areas: (a)
Capital Market Development, (b) Liberalisation of Financial Services, (c) Capital Account Liberalisation and (d) ASEAN
Currency Cooperation, with the ultimate goal of greater economic integration in ASEAN by 2015.

Capital Market Development: Intended to build capacity and lay the long-term infrastructure for development of ASEAN
capital markets, with a long-term goal of achieving cross-border collaboration between the various capital markets in
ASEAN. Key achievements to date include the adoption of a proposed “Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF)” to
guide the work of the Working Committee on Capital Market Development and to align capital market development to
the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint; enhancing market access, linkages and liquidity through such
proposed initiatives as ASEAN Exchanges linkages, Bond Markets linkages; and promoting credit ratings comparability
between domestic and international credit rating agencies. A Bond Market Development Scorecard is currently being
developed to identify market gaps and to develop a framework for ASEAN to take stock of the progress of its work in
relation to the agreed priorities.

Financial Services Liberalisation: Intended to achieve free flow of financial services by 2015. Liberalisation is carried out
based on a positive list approach modality, where Member States will prepare an indicative list of financial services sub-
sectors and modes for liberalisation. Negotiations are undertaken based on the combined unilateral and/or
request/offer mechanisms. To date, four rounds of negotiations have been completed, including the package of
commitments and offers. In April 2010, a new modality for financial services liberalisation which is based on pre-agreed
flexibilities was endorsed by the Finance Ministers. This modality will guide the negotiations for the fifth round of
financial services liberalisation to be completed by end-December 2010. The Working Committee is also involved in
negotiations of financial services with several ASEAN Dialogue Partners.

Capital Account Liberalisation: Intended to achieve freer flow of capital by 2015. Member States agreed to take stock of
current status of, and prepare, and implement national work programmes for capital account liberalisation, including
capacity building. The progress of implementation of national work programmes will be monitored annually. To date,
Member States have finalsed their self-assessment and identification of rules appropriate for liberalisation of regulations
related to foreign direct investment (FDI). The results of that assessment indicate that most Member States have been
open in their FDI regimes. Assessment and identification of regulations for portfolio flows is currently being undertaken.

ASEAN Currency Cooperation: Intended to explore ways that could further facilitate intra-regional trade and investment
and economic integration, including through some forms of currency arrangements. As preconditions for closer currency
cooperation, efforts would be made toward maintaining appropriate macroeconomic policies and foster greater
macroeconomic convergence.
ASEAN Plus Three (ASEAN+3) Finance Cooperation

Chiang Mai Initiative Multilaterisation (CMIM)

The Chiang Mai Initiative (CMI) was established by the ASEAN Plus Three Finance Ministers Meeting (AFMM+3) in 2000
as a network of bilateral currency swap arrangements to: (a) address short-term liquidity difficulties in the region and (b)
supplement the existing international financial arrangements. The CMI has two phases. In 2004, the AFMM+3 agreed to
have a more advanced framework for liquidity support that focuses on the multilaterisation of CMI (CMIM).
An enlarged US$120 billion swap arrangement under the CMIM took effect in March 2010. The CMIM signifies the most
significant collective response of ASEAN, China, Japan and the Republic of Korea to the global financial crisis. To support
the implementation of the CMIM, an independent regional monitoring and surveillance unit, called the ASEAN+3
Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO), will be established in Singapore in early 2011.
Asian Bond Markets Initiative (ABMI)

ABMI was launched in 2003 with two objectives: to (a) develop local-currency denominated bond markets, and (b)
develop more accessible and well-functioning regional bond markets both for issuers and investors.
Following the new ABMI Roadmap endorsed by the 11th ASEAN+3 Finance Ministers Meeting (AFMM+3) in Madrid in
May 2008, the four ABMI Working Groups have evolved into Task Forces addressing the four key areas namely: i)
promoting key issuance of local currency-denominated bonds; ii) facilitating the demand of local currency-denominated
bonds; iii) improving regulatory framework and iv) improving related infrastructure for the bond markets. The Technical
Assistance Coordination Team (TACT) has continued to provide technical assistance in bond markets to interested
members. One of the key initiatives under the ABMI framework is the establishment of the Credit Guarantee and
Investment Facility (CGIF) aimed at supporting the issuance of local currency-denominated bonds in the region. The CGIF
is expected to operate by the end of December 2010.
Under the new Roadmap, Task Forces have been streamlined to develop work programmes and focus on key priorities
under each area. ASEC has been assisting the ABMI as administrator of technical assistance programmes being
implemented by the Japanese Ministry of Finance under the Japan Technical Assistance Fund (JAFTA). The technical
assistance focus on building capacities of ASEAN countries in various aspects of bond market development (e.g.,
infrastructure support).
ASEAN+3 Research Group

To identify policy issues and support exchange of views among ASEAN+3 finance officials, the ASEAN+3 Research Group
has been undertaking policy-oriented studies since 2003. Since the establishment of the Research Group in 2004, a
network of 22 research institutes in ASEAN+3 countries has been established, resulting in the conduct of major studies
focusing on financial stability issues. In 2009/2010, the Research group has concluded research on two topics namely: i)
Ways to Promote Foreign Trade Settlements Denominated in Local Currencies in East Asia and ii) Regulation and
Supervision for Sound Liquidity Risk Management for Banks. For 2010/2011, the ASEAN+3 Research Group will tackle
three issues namely: i) Possible Use of Regional Monetary Units – Identification of Issues for Practical Use; ii) Lessons
from Asia’s Experiences with Sudden Capital Flows and iii) Fiscal and Financial Impacts of the Climate Change and Policy
Challenges in East Asia. These studies are expected to be completed and endorsed by AFMM+3 in May 2011. To further
access the Studies under the purview of ASEAN+3 Research Group, please click the following page.
To promote financial stability in ASEAN+3 countries, the Ministry of Finance of Japan has been providing Technical and
Research Assistance support (under the purview of ASEAN+3 Research Group) as well as capacity building programme
for ASEAN Member States through the Japan – ASEAN Financial Technical Assistance (JAFTA) Fund. To date, JAFTA has
provided technical assistance in Managing Capital Flows, Capacity Building for Macroeconomic Statistics and Developing
Bond Markets (Phase I – IV) as well as Promotion of Medium Term Note Programme. Moreover, Symposiums on
Development of the Corporate Credit Information Database and Credit Guarantee System were successfully held in Bali
and Manila in June 2009 and June 2010 respectively.
Other Finance Cooperation Initiatives

ASEAN Capital Market Forum (ACMF): Current efforts focus on projects to harmonise standards in capital market
regulations in ASEAN in two areas: (a) disclosure requirements for equity securities; and (b) distribution rules. Two other
projects on harmonisation of accounting standards and auditing standards, and mutual recognition of certification and
qualification of market professionals, have been concluded last year. Following the endorsement in April 2009 of the
“Implementation Plan to Promote the Development of an Integrated Capital Market”, disclosure standards for multi-
jurisdictional offerings of securities have been adopted in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. A Memorandum of
Understanding among six ASEAN Exchanges (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam) was
signed to establish an electronic link among ASEAN Exchanges and an ASEAN Electronic Board. Work on cross-border
offerings, particularly on the development of a mutual recognition framework for market professionals as well as cross-
border offerings of debt securities and collective investment schemes, is also underway.
ASEAN Insurance Cooperation: Current efforts by the ASEAN Insurance Regulators Meeting (AIRM) include sharing of
insurance statistics among countries with the end goal of achieving a unified form of statistics; exchange of views on
regulatory issues and observance of core principles related to insurance markets; consultations with private sector
(Council of Bureaux) to implement compulsory insurance for motor-vehicles under the Blue Card System; and conduct of
research and capacity building programmes for insurance regulators through the ASEAN Insurance Training and
Research Institute (AITRI).
Cooperation with APG on Anti-money Laundering: Since 2006, ASEC has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding
with the Asia Pacific Group (APG) Secretariat to coordinate training and capacity building programmes on anti-money
laundering and counter financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) for ASEAN countries that are also members of the APG. Both
ASEC and the APG Secretariat are in the process of exploring areas where coordination between the two secretariats can
be further strengthened in order to identify/develop regional programmes on AML/CFT.
East Asia Finance Cooperation (EAS): Cooperation in finance for the East Asia Summit (EAS) participating countries is still
at its early stage of development. Currently, such cooperation takes the form of an informal dialogue among the EAS
Finance Ministers and senior finance officials, where the Ministers and officials explore possible areas of cooperation
under the EAS. At the inaugural EAS Finance Ministers Meeting held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on 2 May 2010, the
Ministers discussed the work of the G-20, including how the region's economic development could better fit within the
framework for strong, sustainable and balanced growth established by the G-20 Leaders, as well as EAS regional
cooperation and capacity building. To date, two capacity building programmes under the EAS informal finance dialogue
have been co-organised by Australia and Malaysia: in 2009 in Cambodia and in 2010 in Lao PDR.

ASEAN Investment Area (AIA) Council

The goal of the ASEAN Economic Community is to establish ASEAN as a single market and production base that will make
ASEAN more dynamic and competitive. In this context, one of the five core elements of an ASEAN single market and
production base is the free flow of investments. A free and open investment regime is key to enhancing ASEAN’s
competitiveness and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) as well as intra-ASEAN investment. Sustained inflows of
investments will promote and ensure the dynamic development of ASEAN.

ASEAN cooperation in promoting investment flows was implemented through the 1998 Framework Agreement on the
ASEAN Investment Area (AIA) and the ASEAN Agreement for the Promotion and Protection of Investment 1987 or
commonly known as the ASEAN Investment Guarantee Agreement (IGA). In 2007, the 39th ASEAN Economic Ministers
Meeting agreed to review the AIA Agreement the ASEAN IGA, with a view towards consolidating these two agreements
towards creating a free and open investment regime to attract investments and to achieve ASEAN economic integration.

In February 2009, the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA) was signed. The Agreement is scheduled to
enter into force by the end of 2009. ACIA is a comprehensive agreement covering liberalisation, protection, facilitation
and promotion and includes new provisions as well as improvements to AIA/IGA provisions.

With the conclusion of ACIA, ASEAN is confident of remaining in the forefront as a major recipient of FDI flows. In 2008,
FDI flows to the region remained resilient even in the face of adverse global circumstances. Since the Asian financial
crisis, FDI inflows into ASEAN has regained its strength, tripling from its low of US$ 23 billion in 1998 to a high of US$ 69
billion in 2007. Despite the 2008 global economic and financial crisis, FDI inflows into ASEAN remained strong at US$ 59
billion.

In particular, intra-ASEAN FDI flows have proven more robust than anticipated, expanding by an exceptional 13.4% in
2008 to US$ 10.7 billion. The increase in intra-ASEAN flows reflects well on ASEAN integration efforts and the success of
trade and investment policies that promote intra-ASEAN liberalisation through strengthened rules for trade in goods,
services and investment.

The European Union remains ASEAN single largest investor in 2008, with a share of 21.9% or investment amounting to
US$ 12.9 billion, followed by Japan at 12.1% or US$ 7.1 billion. The United States was third with a share of 5.1% or US$
3.0 billion in 2008. FDI flows continued to predominate in the services and manufacturing sector, accounting for 51.0%
and 29.7% of total FDI flows into ASEAN or US$ 30.1 billion and US$ 17.5 billion in 2008 respectively. The mining and
quarrying sector is also becoming more important, with a share of 5.0% or US$ 2.8 billion in 2008.

A number of investment publications would provide further information on the investment situation on ASEAN. These
are:

ASEAN FDI Statistics

ASEAN Investment Report
ASEAN – Your Gateway to an Economic Community
ASEAN Facts and Figures 2008

ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Minerals (AMMin)

Established in 2005
Meets at least once in three years
Last Meeting : Inaugural AMMin, Kuching, Malaysia, 4 August 2005

ASEAN Mekong Basin Development Cooperation (AMBDC)

Established in 1996
Meets annually
Last Meeting : 11th Ministerial Meeting on AMBDC, Bangkok, 16 August 2009

ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting (ATM)

Established in 1996
Meets annually
Last Meeting : 14th ATM, Manila, 6 November 2008

ASEAN Telecommunications and IT Ministers Meeting (TELMIN)

The 3rd Meeting of the ASEAN Telecommunications and IT Ministers (TELMIN), held in September 2003, adopted the
Singapore Declaration - an action agenda to harness technological advances in Information and Communications
Technology (ICT) to create digital opportunities for ASEAN and to enhance ASEAN’s overall competitiveness.

The TELMIN has taken over the technological aspects of the e-ASEAN work programme from the auspices of the ASEAN
Economic Ministers. The Telecommunications Senior Officials Meeting (TELSOM) Working Groups are carrying out the
four objectives of the e-ASEAN Framework Agreement, namely (a) to develop, strengthen and enhance the
competitiveness of the ICT sector; (b) reduce the digital divide within and amongst ASEAN Member Countries; (c)
promote cooperation between the public and private sectors; (d) develop ASEAN Information Infrastructure.

Efforts to establish the ASEAN Information Infrastructure continued with a view to promote interoperability,
interconnectivity, security and integrity. A database of National Information Infrastructure profiles has been created to
encourage competition, rapid deployment of new technology and ICT investment in the region. The Ministers of
Telecommunications and IT decided that all ASEAN Member Countries develop and operationalise national Computer
Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) by 2005 in line with mutually agreed minimum performance criteria. A virtual
forum for ASEAN cybersecurity is being formed to develop a common framework to coordinate exchange of
information, establishment of standards and cooperation among enforcement agencies.

Intra-ASEAN trade and investment in ICT is being enhanced through identification and elimination of impediments,
fostering pro-business policies on ICT trade and investment and establishing regulatory environments which are
transparent, predictable, and non-discriminatory. The ICT products’ list and the tariff reduction schedule have been
updated. Creation of a database of trade and investment policy and regulatory practices is under consideration.

Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam have indicated their readiness to implement the first phase of the ASEAN
Telecommunications Regulators
Council Mutual Recognition Arrangements (ATRC MRA) in 2003. Bilateral MRAs were carried out between Brunei and
Singapore and between Indonesia and Singapore. ASEAN continued to develop the e-commerce legal infrastructure to
promote trust and consumer confidence.

ASEAN is building a network of ICT skills competency centers/agencies to promote collaboration amongst these centers
and agencies, including training of ASEAN SMEs to harness the benefits of ICT applications. ASEAN has developed a
Digital Divide Database to promote understanding of the dimensions of the ASEAN digital divide, exchange information
on Universal Service Obligation (USO) schemes and develop joint studies and projects.

An ASEAN-China Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Information and Communications Technology was

signed in October 2003. Among the areas agreed include China’s commitment to utilize its domestic training bases to
provide training for personnel of ASEAN Member Countries. ASEAN and China have agreed to cooperate in developing
MRAs for ICT Skills Certification. Furthermore, China will assist in the construction and development of information
infrastructure such as fixed/mobile communications networks, multimedia applications and Internet in ASEAN Member
Countries.

ASEAN submitted a joint statement to the World Summit on the Information Society, held in Geneva on 10 December
2003, which advocated the following: (a) the global strategy to realize the Information Society must be based on
concrete milestones rather than broad visions; (b) the Plan of Action should be adapted to each region’s unique and
diverse needs; and (c) existing regional initiatives such as e-ASEAN should be leveraged upon when implementing ICT
programmes.

ASEAN Tourism Ministers Meeting (M-ATM)

As one of priority sectors for ASEAN integration, ASEAN tourism performed an outstanding growth in 2010 with total
international arrivals of more than 73 million and increase of 11 per cent compared to 2009. Intra-ASEAN travel was the
major source market for the region with share of 47 per cent in 2010.
The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) continued to be the landmark of annual tourism event in the region. The ATF 2011 held
on 15-21 January 2011 in Phnom Penh with the theme: “ASEAN- a World of Wonders and Diversity” was attended by
more than 442 international buyers and more than 380 sellers with 512 booths in ASEAN.

Acknowledging the importance of tourism as an economic engine and a tool for development and change in the region,
the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan (ATSP) 2011-2015 was endorsed by the ASEAN Tourism Ministers at their 14th
Meeting as the successor of the Roadmap for Integration of Tourism Sector (RITS) which was completed in 2010.This
ATSP will contribute to the overall goals of the ASEAN Community by 2015 through promotion of growth, integration
and competitiveness of the tourism sector and at the same time deepen social and cultural understanding as well as
facilitating travel into and within ASEAN. The ATSP provides a balanced set of actions and activities to realise the
following vision:

“By 2015, ASEAN will provide an increasing number of visitors to the region with authentic and diverse products,
enhanced connectivity, a safe and secure environment, increased quality of services, while at the same time ensuring an
increased quality of life and opportunities for residents through responsible and sustainable tourism development by
working effectively with a wide range of stakeholders”

ASEAN adopted a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on tourism professionals that will increase the equality of
tourism human resource and will facilitate the mobility of tourism professionals within the region using the ASEAN
Minimum Competency Standards for Tourism as the basis.
In further enhancing ASEAN as a world-class tourism destination, the ASEAN Member States also adopted the
standardization of tourism services covering Green Hotel; Food and Beverage Services; Public Restroom; Home Stay;
Ecotourism and Tourism Heritage. The ASEAN Green Hotel Award was held in 2008 and 2010 to provide recognition to
hotels that fulfilled the ASEAN Green Hotel Standards.

The 4thASEAN Tourism Investment Forum (ATIF) was successfully held on 29-30 September 2010 in Hoi Chi Minh City,
Vietnam. The next ATIF will be held in Manado, Indonesia in 2012.

The ASEAN joint tourism promotion to create brand awareness and promote ASEAN as a region in major markets for
2010 was conducted by the ASEAN Tourism Promotional Chapter (APCT) in Australia through participation in major
tourism consumer shows in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. In further expanding the ASEAN joint marketing efforts in
major source markets, ASEAN is establishing APCT in Mumbai and Dubai in 2011.

ASEAN Member States currently developing a new ASEAN tourism marketing strategy that would review the
implementation of the Visit ASEAN Campaign and existing ASEAN tourism marketing activities, including the policy
framework of the marketing strategy, market review, brand strategy, and implementation and distribution strategy. The
outcomes of this exercise are expected to strengthen and renew the activities of Visit ASEAN Campaign activities in line
with the ASEAN Tourism Agreement signed by the ASEAN Leaders in 2002.

ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community

The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community aims to contribute to realising an ASEAN Community that is people-oriented and
socially responsible with a view to achieving enduring solidarity and unity among the peoples and Member States of
ASEAN. It seeks to forge a common identity and build a caring and sharing society which is inclusive and where the well-
being, livelihood, and welfare of the peoples are enhanced.

ASCC is focused on nurturing the human, cultural and natural resources for sustained development in a harmonious and
people-oriented ASEAN.

ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Blueprint

The ASCC Blueprint represents the human dimension of ASEAN cooperation and upholds ASEAN commitment to address
the region’s aspiration to lift the quality of life of its peoples. The goals of the ASCC are envisaged to be achieved by
implementing concrete and productive actions that are people-centred and socially responsible. This set of cooperative
activities has been developed based on the assumption that the three pillars of the ASEAN Community are
interdependent and interrelated and that linkages are imperative to ensure complementarity and unity of purpose.

The ASCC Blueprint was adopted by the ASEAN Leaders at the 14th ASEAN Summit on 1 March 2009 in Cha-am/Hua Hin,
Thailand.

ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Culture & Arts (AMCA)

ASEAN is a region of immense and colourful cultural diversity, one that shares common historical threads. ASEAN
Member States promote cooperation in culture to help build an ASEAN identity. They seek to promote ASEAN
awareness and a sense of community, preserve and promote ASEAN cultural heritage, promote cultural creativity and
industry, and engage with the community. ASEAN Leaders envision ASEAN as a community of caring societies, conscious
of its ties of history, aware of its cultural heritage and bound by a common regional identity.

One of the main bodies in ASEAN cooperation in culture is the ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information (COCI).
Established in 1978, its mission is to promote effective cooperation in the fields of culture through its various projects
and activities. The COCI comprises representatives from national institutions like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Ministries of Culture and Information, national radio and television networks, museums, archives and libraries, among
others. Together, they meet once a year to formulate and agree on projects to fulfil their mission.

Activities in the area of culture include the conservation and preservation of cultural heritage, promotion and
cooperation on cultural industry and the production of cultural showcases. To cite some examples, 2009 saw the
production of the coffee table book “Water: A Unifying Force in ASEAN”, a workshop that gathered experts from the
region to discuss the prevention of illicit transfer and illegal trafficking of cultural properties, a symposium involving
ASEAN Museum Directors and their engagement with the community, and the 3rd Best of ASEAN Performing Arts series
(Singapore production) to raise ASEAN awareness about the region’s rich and diverse cultures.

ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management (AMMDM)

The ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM) was established in early 2003 following the decision of the
ASEAN Standing Committee (ASC). The institutional mechanism (in the form of experts group) has existed since the ‘70s
but was only strengthened towards 2003 with the elevation of the experts group into a full-fledged committee. The
ACDM consists of heads of national agencies responsible for disaster management of ASEAN Member Countries. The
ACDM assumes overall responsibility for coordinating and implementing the regional activities. The ACDM met for the
first time in D ecember 2003.

The ASEAN Regional Programme on Disaster Management

In pursuing a region of disaster-resilient nations and safer communities, the ACDM has developed an ASEAN Regional
Programme on Disaster Management (ARPDM) to provide a framework for cooperation for the period of 2004-2010.
The ARPDM outlines ASEAN’s regional strategy on disaster management, as well as priority areas and activities for
disaster reduction.

The ARPDM is also used as a platform for cooperation and collaboration with ASEAN Dialogue Partners and relevant
international organisations. Ongoing partners of ACDM include: the United States Department of Agriculture Forest
Service, the Pacific Disaster Centre, the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), UN High
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), UNICEF, IFRC, Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC), etc.

The ARPDM consists of 29 activities, which are categorised into five major components. To spearhead with the
implementation, the ACDM has prioritised 5 out of 29 activities as priority projects: (i) Establishment of the ASEAN
Response Action Plan; (ii) Refresher Courses/ Expertise Development; (iii) ASEAN Disaster Information Sharing and
Communication Network (ASEAN DISCNet), i.e. Development of ACDM Website and NDMO Websites; and Publication of
ASEAN Disaster Management Information Network (ADMIN) Newsletter; (iv) Partnerships with Relevant Organisations
and NGOs; and Mobilising Financial Support and Resources; and (v) ASEAN Day for Disaster Management; and Enhancing
Disaster Management Public Education and Awareness Programmes.

One of the priority projects under the ARPDM is the Establishment of an ASEAN Regional Disaster Management
Framework. Under this, activities will include development of a regional agreement on disaster management and
emergency response; development of standard operating procedures to operationalise disaster response mechanism
under the agreement; enhancing quick response team of Member Countries; and conduct of simulation exercises.

ASEAN Education Ministers Meeting (ASED)

Education underpins ASEAN community building. Education lies at the core of ASEAN’s development process, creating a
knowledge-based society and contributing to the enhancement of ASEAN competitiveness. ASEAN also views education
as the vehicle to raise ASEAN awareness, inspire the “we feeling”, and create a sense of belonging to the ASEAN
Community and understanding of the richness of ASEAN’s history, languages, culture and common values.

At the 11th Summit in December 2005, ASEAN Leaders set new directions for regional education collaboration when
they welcomed the decision of the ASEAN Education Ministers to convene the ASEAN Education Ministers’ Meetings
(ASED) on a regular basis. The Leaders also called for ASEAN Education Ministers to focus on enhancing regional
cooperation in education.

As the collective entity to enhance regional cooperation in education, the ASEAN Education Ministers identified four
priorities that ASEAN cooperation on education would address, namely: (i) Promoting ASEAN Awareness among ASEAN
citizens, particularly youth; (ii) Strengthening ASEAN identity through education; (iii) Building ASEAN human resources in
the field of education; and (iv) Strengthening ASEAN University Networking. To this end, various projects and activities
have been/are being developed/organised to fulfil the directives.

In recognition of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization’s (SEAMEO) contribution to human resource
development in the region since 1965, the Education Ministers agreed that the existing ASEAN and SEAMEO forums on
education should integrate their respective programmes and activities in a complementary manner. The priorities of
ASEAN cooperation on education would be undertaken through collaboration with SEAMEO.

ASEAN cooperation on education is overseen at the Ministerial level by an ASEAN Education Ministers Meeting – which
meets annually – and the implementation of the programmes and activities for education matters is carried out by the
ASEAN Senior Officials on Education (SOM-ED), which reports to the ASEAN Education Ministers Meeting. SOM-ED also
oversees cooperation on higher education, which is coordinated by the ASEAN University Network (AUN). The AUN was
established to serve as an ASEAN mechanism to (i) Promote cooperation among ASEAN scholars, academicians, and
scientists in the region; (ii) Develop academic and professional human resource in the region; (iii) Promote information
dissemination among the ASEAN academic community; and, (iv) Enhance the awareness of regional identity and the
sense of ‘ASEANness’ among members. Visit the AUN website at www.aun-sec.org.

ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Environment (AMME)

Established in 1981
Last Meeting 11th AMME, Singapore, 29 October 2009
ASEAN’s environment and natural resource endowments are unique and diverse. Half a billion people in ASEAN depend
primarily on these natural resource endowments for economic and social development and livelihood. In many ASEAN
countries, land resources and terrestrial ecosystems are under increasing stress due to growing population and
extension of agricultural land into forest and other ecologically sensitive areas. This is compounded by pollution due to
accelerated industrialisation and urbanisation in ASEAN member countries. These environmental problems are complex
in nature and transcend national boundaries which call for increased regional and global cooperation.
The ASEAN leaders view the protection of the environment and the sustainable use and management of natural
resources as essential to the long-term economic growth and social development of their countries and the region. The
ASEAN Vision 2020 calls for “a clean and green ASEAN with fully established mechanisms for sustainable development to
ensure the protection of the region’s environment, the sustainability of its natural resources and the high quality of life
of its peoples”.

ASEAN recognises the synergistic benefits in addressing common environmental problems on a regional basis and has
since 1977 developed a series of ASEAN Sub-regional Environmental Programmes (ASEP I, II, and III), followed by the
Strategic Plan of Action on the Environment, 1999-2004 (SPAE). ASEAN Vision 2020 and the current Vientiane Action
Programme 2004-2010 (VAP), the successor to the Ha Noi Plan of Action 1999 – 2004 (HPA), has further elaborated 12
strategies and 55 programme areas and measures to achieve the twin objective of promoting environmental
sustainability and sustainable natural resource management.

The ASEAN Ministers responsible for Environment in November 2002 agreed to further synergise the regional
environmental cooperation by identifying the following ten priority areas based on the World Summit on Sustainable
Development Plan of Implementation as follows:

Global environmental issues,

Land and forest fires and transboundary haze pollution,
Coastal and marine environment,
Sustainable forest management,
Sustainable management of natural parks and protected areas,
Freshwater resources,
Public awareness and environmental education,
Promotion of environmentally sound technologies and cleaner production,
Urban environmental management and governance, and,
Sustainable development, monitoring and reporting/ database harmonisation.
As environmental issues are interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral in nature and have impacts at the regional and global
levels, concerted efforts have been made to coordinate activities with the relevant sectoral bodies of ASEAN, and other
regional and international institutions. Environmental considerations have been incorporated into the development
plans of other sectors to ensure that the goals of environmentally sound sustainable development are achieved. The
ASEAN Secretariat plays an important coordinating and enabling role in integrating environmental factors into other
development activities of ASEAN.

COP to AATHP (Conference of the Parties to the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution)

Established in 2003
Meets at least once every year
Last meeting: COP-6, Brunei Darussalam, 13 October 2010

ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting (AHMM)

Established in 1980
Meets once in two years
Last meeting: 10th AHMM, Singapore, 22-23 July 2010

ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI)

ASEAN Member States promote cooperation in information to help build an ASEAN identity. One of the main bodies in
ASEAN cooperation in information is the ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information (COCI). Established in 1978, its
mission is to promote effective cooperation in the fields of information, as well as culture, through its various projects
and activities. The COCI comprises representatives from national institutions like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Ministries of Culture and Information, national radio and television networks, museums, archives and libraries, among
others. Together, they meet once a year to formulate and agree on projects to fulfil their mission.

Activities in the information sector involve the development of an ASEAN Computer Game and implementation of the
ASEAN Quiz at national and regional levels in 2009. ASEAN awareness also is raised through the ASEAN-in-Action and the
ASEAN Television News programmes, which involves the exchange of news about the region among radio and television
broadcasters respectively for the last 15 years. ASEAN cooperation in digital broadcasting, including working towards an
analogue switch-off date, is another important activity of the information sector. The visits of ASEAN journalists to
China, India and the Republic of Korea and vice-versa help to establish networking among media practitioners.

ASEAN Labour Ministers Meeting

Background

To enhance the competitiveness of ASEAN, human capital holds a key role in driving the direction of the economy and
the social progress. With ASEAN’s massive labour force amounting to 285 million, ASEAN recognises the importance of
job creation, developing the quality of the workforce and providing social security to the workers.

Since 2000, ASEAN’s work on labour and human resources has been guided by the ASEAN Labour Ministers (ALM) Work
Programme. The Work Programme provides the framework to prepare the region’s labour force to face the challenges
of globalisation and trade liberalisation. The five broad priorities initially set in the Work Programme are in the areas of
employment generation, labour market monitoring, labour mobility, social protection, and tripartite cooperation. In
May 2006, the ASEAN Labour Ministers agreed in their Joint Statement of 2006 to add a sixth priority area, namely
occupational safety and health (OSH), in the ALM Work Programme.

Apart from the priorities set in the ALM Work Programme, ASEAN made a groundbreaking move to address the issue of
migrant workers on 13 January 2007, when its Leaders signed the ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion
of the Rights of Migrant Workers. The Declaration mandates ASEAN countries to promote fair and appropriate
employment protection, payment of wages, and adequate access to decent working and living conditions for migrant
workers. As a follow-up to the Declaration, an ASEAN Committee on the Implementation of the ASEAN Declaration on
the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers (ACMW) convened its first Meeting in September 2008.
The ACMW is currently in the process of drafting the ASEAN instrument on the protection and promotion of migrant
workers and started the first round of discussions in April 2009 in Bangkok.

ASEAN Labour Cooperation Structure

ASEAN’s effort on labour is led by the ASEAN Labour Ministers Meeting (ALMM) which is held every two years. The
historical 1st ALMM was held in April 1975 in Jakarta. Under the ALMM is the Senior Labour Officials Meeting (SLOM)
which monitors the progress of implementation of the ALM Programme. Since the continuous growth in labour
cooperation, SLOM has established four subsidiary bodies, namely:

1. Senior Labour Officials Meeting Working Group on Progressive Labour Practices to Enhance the

Competitiveness of ASEAN (SLOM-WG)

The Working Group was first established in 2006 as an Ad-Hoc Working Group and was reconstituted as a permanent
body under SLOM in 2008. SLOM-WG focuses its efforts on priority areas including Human Resource, Social Security,
Industrial Relations, Skills Development and Networking, Skills Recognition, Labour Law, Labour Statistics, and Decent
Work

2. ASEAN Committee on the Implementation of the ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of
Migrant Workers (ACMW)
The Committee was established as a follow-up to the ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights
of Migrant Workers. The Committee’s work focuses on four main thrusts as follows:

Thrust 1: Step up protection and promotion of the rights of migrant workers against exploitation and mistreatment
Thrust 2: Strengthen protection and promotion of the rights of migrant workers by enhancing labour migration
governance in ASEAN Member States
Thrust 3: Regional cooperation to fight human trafficking in ASEAN, in collaboration with the Senior Officials Meeting on
Transnational Crime
Thrust 4: Development of an ASEAN instrument on the protection and promotion of the rights of migrant workers

3. ASEAN Occupational Safety and Health Network (OSHNET)

The ASEAN OSHNET has been a longstanding subsidiary of SLOM, celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2009. ASEAN
OSHNET aims to promote cooperation in improving safety and health in the workplace in the ASEAN region. It also
serves as a platform to exchange experience and information in the field of occupational safety and health standards,
training, research, inspection and national framework. Further information can be found in the website
www.aseanoshnet.org .

4. SLOM Working Group on the HIV Prevention and Control in the Work Place

The Working Group was established in May 2008 with the general objectives to facilitate policy dialogue and
information sharing among Member States on good practices and strategic actions on issues and areas related to
HIV/AIDS in the Workplace and to be a platform for identifying ways forward, including enhancing regional collaboration
among ASEAN on HIV/AIDS in the Workplace. The Working Group’s specific objectives are to study the need for
legislative instruments on HIV and AIDS and the world of work based on the ILO’s Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS and the
World of Work and to assist in the development of an ASEAN-wide model HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy led by the lead
countries with technical support from the ILO, combining experiences, tools and approaches of the Member States.

In collaboration with ASEAN’s Dialogue Partners, a number of activities and various studies have been completed, are
on-going or being prepared by ASEAN. ASEAN has worked with Dialogue Partners in several areas such as Industrial
Relations, Social Protection, and Human Resource Development. In addition, joint activities are also being undertaken
under the purview of the ASEAN Plus Three Labour Ministers’ Meeting (ALMM+3), which was established in 2001 under
the framework of ASEAN cooperation with China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (Plus Three countries). The ALMM+3
is now convened back-to-back with the ALMM.

Relations between ILO and ASEAN have been ongoing since 2003 and have led to several joint initiatives and projects. A
Cooperation Agreement between the ASEAN Secretariat and the International Labour Office was signed in March 2007.

ASEAN Ministers Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (AMRDPE)

ASEAN’s efforts to attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the region continued unabated in the year under
review. At the 14th ASEAN Summit held in Thailand in March 2009, the ASEAN Leaders, in the Joint Declaration on the
Attainment of the MDGs in ASEAN, called for the development of a Roadmap on the MDGs. The Roadmap would serve
as a framework for collective action among ASEAN Member States to achieve the MDGs focusing on five key areas,
namely advocacy and linkages, knowledge, resources, expertise and regional cooperation and regional public goods.

To address the social impacts of the global financial crisis, the High-Level Forum on Reducing Vulnerability in the Face of
Crisis was held in February 2009 at the ASEAN Secretariat. Attended by relevant government officials from the ASEAN
Plus Three Countries and representatives from various international organisations, the Forum came up with a number of
recommendations to be undertaken at both regional and national levels. As a follow up to the Forum, the ASEAN
Assessment on the Social Impact of the Global Financial Crisis will be conducted in the second half of 2009 with the
support of AusAID.
In addressing issues pertaining to rural development and poverty eradication and in narrowing the development gap in
the region, a more concerted effort by Member States in the spirit of “ASEAN Help-ASEAN” has been stressed. Such
initiatives would include documenting best practices and challenges of ASEAN Member States in implementing their
respective policies and programmes on rural development and poverty eradication to facilitate information sharing
among Member States.

Various initiatives carried out under this sector mainly involve promoting community-driven activities and people-to-
people interactions aimed at narrowing the development gap in the region. These include (i) the ASEAN Rural Youth
Volunteers Movement to bring together youth professional volunteers from the region to support rural communities in
their development efforts, (ii) ASEAN Plus Three Village Leaders Exchange Programme in building the capacity of village
leaders among Member States in promoting development in rural areas through building of networks, enhancing
knowledge through study visits and exchanging of experiences, and (iii) the sharing of Thailand’s best practices on the
Baan Mankong Programme, which is a citywide “Cities without Slums” housing development programme, and other
grass roots economic development and poverty alleviation programmes, such the One Tambon One Product (OTOP),
Urban Community and Village Fund (UCVF) and the Sufficiency Economy Fund.

ASEAN Ministers Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (AMRDPE)

ASEAN’s efforts to attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the region continued unabated in the year under
review. At the 14th ASEAN Summit held in Thailand in March 2009, the ASEAN Leaders, in the Joint Declaration on the
Attainment of the MDGs in ASEAN, called for the development of a Roadmap on the MDGs. The Roadmap would serve
as a framework for collective action among ASEAN Member States to achieve the MDGs focusing on five key areas,
namely advocacy and linkages, knowledge, resources, expertise and regional cooperation and regional public goods.

To address the social impacts of the global financial crisis, the High-Level Forum on Reducing Vulnerability in the Face of
Crisis was held in February 2009 at the ASEAN Secretariat. Attended by relevant government officials from the ASEAN
Plus Three Countries and representatives from various international organisations, the Forum came up with a number of
recommendations to be undertaken at both regional and national levels. As a follow up to the Forum, the ASEAN
Assessment on the Social Impact of the Global Financial Crisis will be conducted in the second half of 2009 with the
support of AusAID.

In addressing issues pertaining to rural development and poverty eradication and in narrowing the development gap in
the region, a more concerted effort by Member States in the spirit of “ASEAN Help-ASEAN” has been stressed. Such
initiatives would include documenting best practices and challenges of ASEAN Member States in implementing their
respective policies and programmes on rural development and poverty eradication to facilitate information sharing
among Member States.

Various initiatives carried out under this sector mainly involve promoting community-driven activities and people-to-
people interactions aimed at narrowing the development gap in the region. These include (i) the ASEAN Rural Youth
Volunteers Movement to bring together youth professional volunteers from the region to support rural communities in
their development efforts, (ii) ASEAN Plus Three Village Leaders Exchange Programme in building the capacity of village
leaders among Member States in promoting development in rural areas through building of networks, enhancing
knowledge through study visits and exchanging of experiences, and (iii) the sharing of Thailand’s best practices on the
Baan Mankong Programme, which is a citywide “Cities without Slums” housing development programme, and other
grass roots economic development and poverty alleviation programmes, such the One Tambon One Product (OTOP),
Urban Community and Village Fund (UCVF) and the Sufficiency Economy Fund.

ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology (AMMST)

Science, technology and innovation can be powerful determinants and enablers of economic development, educational
programmes and protection of the environment. This view is shared by the ASEAN Leaders who have recognised science
and technology (S&T) as a key factor in sustaining economic growth, enhancing community well-being and promoting
integration in ASEAN. The Leaders have envisioned that by 2020 that ASEAN will be technology competitive, competent
in strategic and enabling technologies, with an adequate pool of technologically qualified and trained manpower, and
strong networks of scientific and technological institution and centres of excellence.

To push forward to build a strong S&T base for ASEAN as a single integrated economy, and to ensure ASEAN to remain
globally competitive, ASEAN Member Countries have to move up the technology ladder and focus on enhancing their
capability for technological innovation in many areas. This task, however, is not easy as ASEAN, a grouping of ten
developing countries with great variance in the level of science and technology capability, has to move the cooperation
forward more vigourusly and promote deeper integration. ASEAN must also promote greater awareness of its people of
the S&T activities and its roles and contributions towards sustainable economic development and provide ways and
means to innovate. The involvement of specific elements in ASEAN community such as private sector in S&T
undertakings, especially in research and technology development and commercialisation of technologies must also be
promoted.

To ensure that the S&T cooperation in ASEAN remains relevant and supportive to the directives of the ASEAN Leaders
and S&T Ministers, a series of Plans of Action in Science and Technology have been developed since the ASEAN
Committee on Science and Technology (COST) was established in 1978. The most recent Plan: The Action Plan of Action
on Science and Technology (APAST) 2007-2011 was endorsed by the ASEAN S&T Ministers in February 2007. The Plan
was developed taking into account the various directives and initiative of the ASEAN Leaders (e.g. Vientiane Action
Programme), and S&T Ministers, Committee on Science and Technology (COST) and the national S&T plans in the ASEAN
Member Countries. The Plan, which identifies 6 thrusts and 24 supporting actions, essentially provides appropriate
guidelines for identification and formulation of programmes and projects to achieve better coordination and
cooperation to strengthen the capabilities of S&T in ASEAN.

The current S&T cooperation in ASEAN focuses on nine programme areas, namely (i) food science and technology (ii)
biotechnology, (iii) meteorology and geophysics, (iv) marine science and technology, (v) non-conventional energy
research, (vi) microelectronics and information technology, (vii) material science and technology, (viii) space technology
and applications, and (ix) S&T infrastructure and resources development. To coordinate and implement activities in each
area, a Sub-Committee is established.

ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Social Welfare and Development (AMMSWD)

ASEAN recognises that despite its economic achievements, socio-economic disparities still exist. Much work has to be
done to uplift the quality of life of the socially vulnerable groups in the region. In this context, the Declaration of the Bali
Concord II by ASEAN Leaders during the ASEAN Summit of 2003 committed the ASEAN Community to fostering
cooperation in social development aimed at raising the standard of living of disadvantaged groups and the rural
population, and seek the active involvement of all sectors of society, in particular women, youth, and local communities.
ASEAN also puts emphasis on the need to address issues relating to the greying of populations in the region, as the
issues do not only need social responses, but could also have economic implications.

ASEAN cooperation in the area of social welfare and development continues its effort in addressing social risks faced by
children, women, the elderly and persons with disabilities. Under its social welfare and development work programme
of 2003 – 2006, ASEAN has completed some activities addressing concerns for older persons, early child care and
development, and people with disability; and in building GO-NGO partnership.

In December 2007, the work programme of the ASEAN cooperation in social welfare and development for 2007 – 2010
was issued. The new work programme highlights three strategies to bring together ASEAN member countries in a
regional context to address social welfare, family and children’s issues. These strategies include capacity building in
human resources, documentation of standards and benchmarks for quality services, and partnership and inter-sectoral
collaboration.
All activities undertaken under the ASEAN cooperation on social welfare and development come under the purview of
the Senior Officials Meeting on Social Welfare and Development (SOMSWD). The ASEAN Ministerial Meeting for Social
Welfare and Development (AMMSWD), which meets once every three years, oversees the overall work under the
cooperation. In addition, under the framework of ASEAN cooperation with China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (Plus
Three countries) the ASEAN Plus Three Meeting for Social Welfare and Development (AMMSWD+3) was established in
2004. The AMMSWD+3 is convened back-to-back with the AMMSWD and the SOMSWD+3 is convened back-to-back
with the SOMSWD.

ASEAN Committee on Women (ACW)

ASEAN leaders recognise and reaffirm the importance of women and their participation in development. ASEAN
Member Countries have been supportive of efforts to promote the status of women and have participated actively in
the regional and international arena pertaining to women’s advancement.

Efforts towards establishing an ASEAN involvement, as a region, in women’s issues began during the ASEAN Women
Leaders’ Conference held in 1975. The ASEAN Sub-Committee on Women (ASW) was established in 1976 and was
renamed the ASEAN Women’s Programme (AWP) in 1981. To give a fresh impetus to the on-going ASEAN cooperation
on women’s issues, this sectoral body was restructured into the ASEAN Committee on Women (ACW) in 2002. The
coordination and monitoring of the implementation of ASEAN’s key regional priorities and cooperation in women’s
issues and concerns are carried out by the ACW which meets regularly every year.

The recognition of women in ASEAN and the commitment to the advancement of women are clearly reflected in the
Declaration on the Advancement of Women in ASEAN which was adopted by the ASEAN Foreign Ministers in 1988. The
Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women in the ASEAN Region, adopted by the ASEAN Foreign
Ministers in 2004, is the second declaration recognising important concerns for women. It also marks the first time that
all ten ASEAN Member Countries are committed to this cause at the regional level.

ASEAN cooperation on women is guided by two operational documents:

The Work Plan for Women’s Advancement and Gender Equality (2005-2010), which has its roots in the 1988 Declaration
on the Advancement of Women in ASEAN.
The Work Plan to Operationalise the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women (2006-2010), which
builds on existing national efforts, moves forward the priorities of the other Work Plan and integrates all relevant
priorities and measures into a consolidated action plan on violence against women.
The strong link in government and non-government partnerships is illustrated in, among others, the close partnership
between the ACW and the ASEAN Confederation on Women’s Organisations (ACWO). The ACW has also established
close partnerships with a number of key international organisations in working for gender equality and advancement,
and eliminating violence and discrimination against women. These organisations include CIDA, UNDP and UNIFEM and a
framework of cooperation was signed with UNIFEM in 1996.

ASEAN Member Countries have achieved various accomplishments in addressing women’s issues. The ACW has
convened different regional workshops, seminars, training sessions and consultative meetings that provided platforms
for government officials, civil society organisations, professionals and other stakeholders to exchange views, share
experiences and build commitments and a common understanding on various gender issues.

The ASEAN-High Level Meeting on Gender Mainstreaming within the Context of CEDAW, BPFA and the MDGs which was
held in November 2006 is the most prominent example. During the High Level Meeting, the Joint Statement and
Commitment to Implement Gender Mainstreaming was adopted.

Various publications and periodic regional reports were also produced. These include:

The Thesaurus on Women in Development (1996);

The First Regional Report on the Advancement of Women (1997);
The Second Regional Report on the Advancement of Women (2002);
The Third Regional Report on the Advancement of Women (2007).

ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Youth (AMMY)

The 12th ASEAN Summit’s Cebu Declaration Towards One Caring and Sharing Community encourages greater
institutional collaboration in promoting ASEAN awareness particularly among the younger generation, and promotes the
increased involvement of ASEAN youth and students in national and regional activities to give them an opportunity to
make valuable contributions towards the achievement of the ASEAN Community. During the Summit, the Leaders
agreed to prepare ASEAN youth for regional leadership and to increase the competitiveness of the peoples of Southeast
Asia through education.

The Vientiane Action Programme (VAP) urges increased participation of youth in the productive workforce, and
encourages their entrepreneurship and employability, leadership and regional awareness. Priorities for youth
cooperation are highlighted in the VAP’s section on the ASCC, under the strategic thrusts for “Building a Community of
Caring Societies”, “Managing the Social Impact of Economic Integration” and “Promoting an ASEAN Identity”.

ASEAN cooperation on youth is overseen at the Ministerial level by an ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Youth which meets
once every two years. The implementation of the programmes and activities for youth matters is carried out by the
ASEAN Senior Officials on Youth (SOMY), which reports to the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Youth (AMMY). The last
Ministerial Meeting, the AMMY V, was held in Singapore on 26 April 2007.

Youth cooperation in ASEAN is directed by the Work Programme on Preparing ASEAN Youth for Sustainable
Development, which was considered and adopted during the AMMY IV in September 2003. The Work Programme serves
as the major channel for pursuing ASEAN cooperation in youth development, and outlines the following four priority
areas: (i) Policy Development; (ii) Promoting ASEAN Awareness and Civic Responsibility; (iii) Promoting Employability of
Youth, and (iv) Information Exchange / Promoting Partnership.

Many activities were conducted to implement the Work Programme. The ASEAN Youth Day Meeting (AYDM) and the
ASEAN Youth Day Award were held in past years. The following activities were organised in 2006:

The 13th AYDM was held in Kuala Lumpur on 6-7 November 2006, incorporating the theme “ASEAN and Young People”.
The second phase of the “ASEAN Youth Leadership Development Programme” was organized by Malaysia on 25-29
March 2007, promoting the concept of youth leadership, policy formulation and youth volunteers.
The “Regional Capacity Building Workshop to Promote Youth-Initiated (ICT) Enterprises” was organized by Myanmar in
Yangon on 7-9 March 2007 and was aimed at facilitating capacity building for government officials and young
entrepreneurs to promote youth entrepreneurship.
For sharing information, the Youth@ASEAN Website (www.aseanyouth.org) was set up to link country-based youth
websites.
The Youth Caucus held in Singapore in April 2007, provided the opportunity for youth representatives to present their
discussions to the Ministers on the topics of (i) Education, (ii) Environment, (iii) Employment & Entrepreneurship, and
(iv) Engagement in Community. The inclusion of the Youth Caucus in the AMMY V brought forth youth perspectives
through a dialogue with the Ministers.