The ASEAN Secretariat recently released the ASEAN Development Outlook (ADO). Flip through the report to learn new perspectives in achieving inclusive and sustainable development. The ADO offers comprehensive lens in reviewing ASEAN’s progress, foresees development trajectories and provides recommendations for policy makers and ASEAN sectoral bodies.

The report is structured across four key thematic areas: Identity; Natural and Built Environment; Livelihoods, and; Social Welfare and Health. Under Identity section, it highlights the importance of heritage that provides a powerful symbol of the culture of a society. The importance of heritage in ASEAN deliberations can be pinpointed to key initiatives. In 2018, the ASEAN Cultural Heritage Digital Archive (ACHDA) was made possible under the auspices of the ASEAN Senior Officials for Culture and Arts, as supported by the Government of Japan through Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF). At the end of February 2020, the ASEAN Secretariat opened the ACHDA at ASEAN headquarters in Jakarta. The archive preserves the rich and diverse cultural heritage of ASEAN and showcases a veritable treasure trove of exemplary artefacts and history (see page 80-84 for more elaboration on ACHDA).

In Natural and Build Environment section under Disaster Management subsection (page 128-133), it examines about ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management (AADMER) which is at the centre of the ASEAN efforts for regional coordination of disaster management. The AADMER and its Work Programme 2021– 2025 is introduced and explored in the context of the needs of ASEAN and the pressures on the region arising from frequent natural disasters and vulnerabilities. The Development of AADMER Work Programme 2021-2025 is supported by the Government of Japan through JAIF.

JENESYS (Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths) online webinar will be convened to promote mutual trust and understanding among peoples of Japan and Lao PDR for future friendship and cooperation. This program is for undergraduate students, graduate students, working adults in Lao PDR. In the program, participants will be able to learn about recycling cans, bottles, and plastic bottles placed in recycle bins of vending machines in Japan. Participants will also be able to observe the recycling process in the factory.

The webinar will be held on Wednesday, 13 October 2021 at 2:00PM -3:30PM (Lao PDR time). Interested participant are invited to register through this link: https://jice-inex.smktg.jp/public/seminar/view/991?fbclid=IwAR1f-0AHHDPiWU_5xVvME94aAfayn6a-1qL9uEqOH-YHKlCHtl6bqyihf-k. The maximum number of participants is 40. Please note that the committee will accept applications in the order they are received and stop accepting applications when the limit is reached.

This online webinar is part of the Japan’s Friendship Ties Programs JENESYS2020 “Inbound, Outbound and Follow Up Project” supported by the Government of Japan through Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).

ASEAN-Japan Cybersecurity Workforce Survey 2021 has been conducted to identify cybersecurity workforce demand within ASEAN region with 14 questions.

The survey was available for 13 days from 27 July through 10 August 2021 and completed by 76 ASEAN-Japan Cybersecurity Capacity Building Centre (AJCCBC) alumni from every ASEAN Member State. The AJCCBC highly appreciates the participation from respondents for being part of creating a more robust cyber space together.

The AJCCBC was established with support from Government of Japan through Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).

 The 1st ASEAN Virtual Regional Conference of Public Librarians was held from 23 to 25 August 2021 with the theme “ASEAN Libraries, Arts, and Culture: Inspire, Innovate and Collaborate”. The main objective of this virtual regional conference is to provide a venue for learning and appreciation of the ASEAN libraries, arts, and culture as well as, their inspiring stories, initiatives, collaborations, and innovations.

On the second day, Ms. Punnapa Suksakorn, focal point of National Library of Thailand as well as one of the keynote speakers delivered her remarks on the Library Portal: Assessment of Library Advocacy Practices for Regional Cooperation. During her presentation, she introduced ASEAN Cultural Heritage Digital Archive (ACHDA) as an example of regional cooperation.

The ASEAN Cultural Heritage Digital Archive (ACHDA) is made possible with the support from the Government of Japan through Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).

The recorded version of the session is available on National Library of the Philippines’ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYDh-IaCrtw

His Excellency Awang Haji Mohammad Nazri bin Haji Mohammad Yusof, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC), attended the 19th ASEAN-Japan Senior Transport Officials Meeting (STOM) Leaders Conference on 13th July 2021 via video conference.

The 19th ASEAN-Japan STOM Leaders Conference was co-chaired by by Mr. Chheing Pich, Director-General, General Department of Logistics, Ministry of Public Works and Transport of Cambodia in his capacity as Chairman of the ASEAN Senior Transport Officials Meeting (STOM) in 2021 and Mr. Yamagami Noriyoshi, Director- General for International Affairs, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) of Japan.

The Conference is an annual platform for ASEAN and Japan to deliberate on priority transport related initiatives under the framework of ASEAN-Japan Transport Partnership (AJTP). The Meeting discussed the Report under Proof of Concept (PoC) on ICT Solutions for Overloaded Vehicle Control which is supported by the Government of Japan through Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).