ASEAN Sparks: Ignite—Let the spark begin!

The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) is calling for aspiring innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs to shape the ecosystem energy around ASEAN countries.

Implemented by ACE and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), supported by JAIF (Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund), ASEAN Sparks is a comprehensive program to tackle the pressing matters of clean energy and contribute to ASEAN’s future energy by providing fundamental support in a gender-inclusive ecosystem.

Application deadline: 22 May 2025

Apply at: go.aseanenergy.org/ApplySPARKS

In the aftermath of the devastating magnitude 7.7 earthquake affecting Myanmar and Thailand, the AHA Centre mounted a full-scale emergency response in coordination with the affected ASEAN Member States, assisting member states, and partners.

The AHA Centre has deployed an In-Country Liaison Team (ICLT) to support DDM Myanmar-led emergency response operations and facilitated the deployment of ASEAN-ERAT Members to conduct rapid assessment and facilitate incoming assistance.

With the contributions of the Government of Japan through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), France, and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), as well as support from Changi RHCC, Republic of Singapore Air Force, and DHL, AHA Centre has deployed over USD 208K worth of Disaster Emergency Logistics System for ASEAN (DELSA) relief items thus far to support the immediate needs of earthquake-affected communities.
Situation Update 2

DELSA relief items worth USD 181,660.28 were deployed to Myanmar and is preparing for further deployment of relief items. 21 ASEAN-ERAT Members from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam deployed to support field-level operations in the affected areas, including rapid assessment, coordination, and facilitation of incoming relief assistance.

Situation Update 3

Two military aircrafts supported by Republic of Singapore Air Force arrive in Nay Pyi Taw, transporting DELSA relief items worth USD 26K supported by the Government of Japan through JAIF and France. ASEAN-ERAT to begin needs assessments in areas affected by the earthquake in Myanmar.

Situation Update 4

The ASEAN-ERAT Members are supporting the field-level operations in the affected areas, including rapid assessment, coordination, and facilitation of incoming relief assistance.

Situation Update 5: Relief Items dispatched from DELSA regional warehouse in Malaysia

On 5 April, the fifth batch of ASEAN relief items—tarpaulins and kitchen sets—arrived in Nay Pyi Taw to support communities affected by the earthquake. Dispatched from the DELSA regional warehouse in Subang, Malaysia, the items were transported by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). ASEAN-ERAT members from all 10 ASEAN Member States are currently on the ground in Myanmar.

Situation Update 9

From 12 to 14 April 2025, four (4) flights of DELSA relief items, consisting of personal hygiene kits and tarpaulin sheets, arrived in Myanmar. The total value of ASEAN relief items mobilised for the Mandalay Earthquake stands at USD 480,485.81 as of 14 April 2025.

More info: https://ahacentre.org/situation-updates/

The Disaster Emergency Logistics System for ASEAN (DELSA) Phase IV and Strengthening the Capacity of the ASEAN Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ASEAN-ERAT) – Phase III are supported by the Government of Japan through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).

Welcoming the participants of the ACE-LEDMP Middle Level – Second Batch 2025 to the on-site sessions in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Stay tuned for updates on their activities during this one-month learning journey to become future leaders in ASEAN disaster management.

The AHA Centre thank the Government of Japan for its continued support to the AHA Centre Executive Leadership in Emergency and Disaster Management Programme (ACE-LEDMP) through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).

The AHA Centre is proud to launch the on-site sessions of the AHA Centre Executive – Leadership in Emergency and Disaster Management for ASEAN (ACE-LEDMP) Middle Level – Second Batch on 22 April 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia!

The Opening Ceremony was officiated by Minister/Deputy Head of the Mission of Japan to ASEAN, CHUJO Kazuo, Deputy Executive Director of the AHA Centre, Krishna Putra Tanaja, and Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC), San Lwin, through recorded remarks. Esteemed representatives of the Mission of Japan to ASEAN, JAIF Management Team, the AHA Centre, and ASEAN Secretariat were also present to witness this momentous event.

Over the next month, 20 promising ACE-LEDMP participants from nine ASEAN Member States will embark on an intensive training journey, covering key topics such as system thinking, crisis communication, public-private partnerships, and leadership.

The programme will culminate in an enriching 7-day study visit to Japan, where participants will gain valuable insights from Japan’s disaster management systems and decision-making practices.

The ACE-LEDMP is supported by the Government of Japan through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).

The ASEAN Secretariat today announced its participation in the World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, during a press conference held at its headquarters. The Expo, themed “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” will take place from 13 April to 13 October.

The press conference commenced with opening remarks from Deputy Secretary-General (DSG) of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs and Commissioner-General of ASEAN Secretariat at the World Expo, Nararya Soeprapto, alongside Ambassador Kiya Masahiko, Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN. This was followed by a live report from the ASEAN Expo team in Osaka and a Q&A session with the media.

Ambassador Kiya Masahiko expressed Japan’s strong support for ASEAN’s participation in the Expo and encouraged people from ASEAN to take this opportunity to visit the Expo and explore the rest of Japan.

ASEAN’s participation, themed “Building Bridges,” aims to foster connections with participating countries, organisations, and the public. The ASEAN Pavilion will showcase the region’s diversity and dynamism, highlighting its role as a key trade and investment destination, and promoting its rich cultural heritage. The ASEAN Pavilion will be officially opened by Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr Kao Kim Hourn.

ASEAN’s participation in the World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan is supported through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).