Page 35 - EU_ASEN Relations: Perspectives From Malaysia

Another aspect of ASCC is engagement with civil society to create a common

ASEAN identity. ASEAN nations and ASEAN itself have several projects that
involve the media and events (i.e., cultural events or competitions) to create a

kind of regional identity amongst its people. Although not specifically an
ASEAN-sponsored event, the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) held

recently in Kuala Lumpur (19–30 August 2017) is one such example, where

the region with all its diversity nonetheless feels a sense of unity. Such events
undoubtedly fan the feelings of common regional identity. The ASEAN

Foundation, as an ASEAN body, has been instrumental in bringing this sense

of identity. This foundation is working with strategic partners to promote
awareness about ASEAN through its varied culture and heritage.

ASCC goals are achieved through the cooperation in the areas of education,

sports, culture and arts, information, labour, youth, women, civil service,

science and technology, and providing for the region’s human capital needs.
Plans are worked out for region-wide cooperation and implementation in the

areas of social welfare and development health, disaster management,
transboundary haze pollution, the environment, rural development, and

poverty eradication. There is a regional agreement, for example, on disaster

management and emergency response and the Peatland Management Initiative
for the sustainable management of peatlands in addressing the haze problem.

The implementation of the first ASCC Blueprint (2009–2015) saw significant
progress in the advancement of human development, social justice and

protection, environmental sustainability, and a general reduction in the human
development gap. Policy and legal frameworks for the elimination of violence

against women and children and a declaration on non-communicable diseases
have seen increased commitment. During these years, the ASEAN nations saw

a rapid decline in poverty levels, an increase in primary education enrolments,

and a decrease in maternal mortality rate, among others. The ASCC Scorecard
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