Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia will focus on five main priority areas under the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) pillar during the ASEAN Chairmanship period in 2025 in efforts to strengthen regional unity through social and cultural cooperation.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), International Cultural Relations Division assistant chief secretary Khairiah Kamaruddin stated that the five main areas include arts and culture, artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation, youth and sports, health, and climate action. MOTAC, as the ASCC chair, has held engagement sessions with 15 sectoral bodies and established these priorities for the ASEAN chairmanship. The responsibilities are divided among various ministries, with MOTAC handling arts and culture, the Ministry of Human Resources overseeing AI and green jobs, the Ministry of Youth and Sports focusing on youth and sports, the Health Ministry managing health, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment driving climate action.
Khairiah mentioned that over 120 meetings involving the ASCC are scheduled for 2025, covering various levels, including senior officials and ministerial meetings. All Malaysian states, including smaller ones like Perlis and the Federal Territory of Labuan, will participate in organizing meetings and programs, aligning with the inclusivity and sustainability goals emphasized by the Prime Minister.
Since January, MOTAC has organized three meetings, including the ASEAN Creative Economy Symposium 2025. This event brought together experts and policymakers from ASEAN countries and the United Kingdom to discuss the regional creative economy’s future direction. The symposium highlighted the creative economy as a key agenda for Malaysia under the ASCC, particularly in arts and culture.
Sarawak has been selected to host the 33rd ASCC Council Meeting next week due to its international-standard facilities and recognition as the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in Malaysia. International delegates will have the opportunity to experience the rich culture and ethnic diversity of Sarawak through tours of the Sarawak Cultural Village and Annah Rais longhouses.
As part of cultural diplomacy efforts, MOTAC is planning several side events, including the ASEAN Korean Music Festival in Kuala Lumpur on June 21 and 22, featuring artists from South Korea and ASEAN countries, including Malaysia’s DOLLA and Marsha. Additionally, the Best of ASEAN Performing Arts showcase will take place during the ASEAN Summit, presenting traditional art performances for the ASEAN heads of state.
Khairiah further commented that Malaysia’s active involvement in ASCC serves as a platform for the early launch of Visit Malaysia 2026. The aim is for attending delegates to return with their families to explore Malaysia’s cultural and heritage tourism offerings.
Malaysia last held the ASEAN Chair in 2015 and is now leading the regional bloc again with a focus on a people-centered approach, cultural empowerment, and long-term sustainability.