New initiative aims to strengthen families in the ASEAN region through data sharing and collaborative research.
ASEAN member states are coming together to foster knowledge exchange and data-sharing on families within the region. Under the new initiative, Collaboration on Understanding the State of ASEAN Families, the countries aim to produce a cross-country survey, culminating in an ASEAN Report on Families. This initiative, discussed during the Asian Family Conference held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre on November 6, is expected to inform family-centred policies in Singapore and enhance practices across Asia.
The collaboration was endorsed by ASEAN countries at the Special ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Social Welfare and Development on November 5. Minister for Social and Family Development, Masagos Zulkifli, highlighted the significance of governments supporting families in the face of demographic changes like aging populations, evolving family structures, and declining birth rates. The region is also working toward developing a research repository and academic partnerships to support this effort.
The Stephen Riady Foundation has donated $1 million to support the project, with the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) as Singapore’s research partner. Mr. Masagos also mentioned Singapore’s own efforts, such as the ComLink+ program and the KidStart initiative, which proactively offer support to families before crises arise.
In addition to the regional collaboration, ASEAN nations like Malaysia and the Philippines are also implementing family-centric policies, such as Malaysia’s National Social Policy 2030 and the Philippines’ 4Ps conditional cash transfer program, both aiming to improve family welfare and strengthen relationships. The initiative reflects a commitment to creating a stronger foundation for families across the region.
