Implemented as part of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI), the Attachment Programme dispatches young government officials from CLMV countries (Cambodia, the Lao PDR, Myanmar, Viet Nam) to the ASEAN Secretariat for one year to enhance their administrative capacities. Japan has supported the Attachment Programme since its inception in 2001 to assist ASEAN’s efforts to narrow the gap between the CLMV and the other ASEAN Member States.

Strengthening support for the functions of the ASEAN Secretariat is one of the sectors covered by 130 cooperation items of the Implementation Plan of the Joint Vision Statement on ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. Japan is committed to working together with ASEAN as Trusted Partners to implement measures to realise the Joint Vision Statement and further strengthen cooperation.

Attachment Programme is supported by the Government of Japan through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).

From 16 to 19 December 2024, a hybrid Training Workshop, “Development of Stock Assessment Methods and Strengthening of Resources Management Measures for Tropical Anguillid Eel in Southeast Asia,” funded by JAIF, was successfully held at SEAFDEC/IFRDMD (Inland Fishery Resources Development and Management Department) in Palembang, Indonesia. This workshop attracted over 50 participants.

The outcomes of the workshop included:

1. Improved technical capacity in DNA analysis for eel stock assessment among participants.
2. Enhanced data collection on the biology and genetics of tropical anguillid eels.
3. Formulation of resource management measures based on comprehensive stock assessments.

Featuring interconnected curves which represents the colors of ASEAN and embody the spirit of unity and cooperation, along with graphic elements that capture ASEAN and Japan’s cultural symbolisms, this branding vision is a vibrant manifestation of our commitment to Building Bridges across Southeast Asia and beyond.

The ASEAN Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 Osaka is supported through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).

The ASEAN Secretariat is excited to announce ASEAN’s participation at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan from 13 April to 13 October 2025.

During the Expo, ASEAN will highlight its regional cooperation efforts and showcase the diversity and dynamism of the region.

“Expo 2025 provides ASEAN a unique platform to share our story of unity, progress, and sustainability with a global audience,” said Nararya Soeprapto, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Corporate and Community Affairs and Commissioner-General of Section of ASEAN Secretariat at the World Expo 2025. “We look forward to welcoming visitors to the ASEAN Pavilion, where they can learn about our rich cultural heritage, economic development, and commitment to a shared future.”

Embracing the theme “Building Bridges”, the ASEAN Pavilion will feature various exhibits, informative displays, interactive activities, cultural performances, and thematic programmes that underscore the region’s strengths and aspirations in fostering connections rather than divisions.

Other ASEAN Member States, such as Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam, will also participate in the upcoming Expo.

The World Expo is a global gathering of nations dedicated to finding solutions to the pressing challenges of our time by offering a journey inside a universal theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”. Held every five years, ASEAN participated at Expo Dubai 2020, attracting over 300,000 visitors from the region and beyond.

ASEAN’s participation at the World Expo 2025 Osaka is supported by the Government of Japan through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).

The Eighth Meeting of the Ad Hoc Working Group to Develop the ASCC Post-2025 Strategic Plan was held on 11-12 November at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The meeting was co-chaired by the Director General of International Cooperation Department at Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of the Lao PDR, Khamphou Phiasackha and the Under Secretary of International Relations Division (Culture) at the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia, Dr. Christina Yeo Ken Yin.

Khamphou Phiasackha expressed his appreciation for the substantial progress made in the development of the ASCC Post-2025 Strategic Plan and underscored the importance of finalising the draft strategic plan on time. Dr. Christina Yeo Ken Yin also commended the rigorous work of the Ad Hoc Working Group during the drafting sessions of the ASCC Post-2025 Strategic Plan and leading the stakeholder engagement initiatives which gathered important insights and recommendations on the ASCC Post-2025 agenda.

The meeting is part of the activities to support the Development of the ASCC Post-2025 Strategic Plan Project under the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) 3.0.