33rd ASCC Council Meeting happening in Kuching from April 22 to 26, 2025

KUCHING, 24 April 2025: The 33rd ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) is currently being held in Kuching, Sarawak from April 22 to 26, 2025, bringing together representatives from 11 ASEAN countries, namely Brunei Darussalam, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.

The ASCC Council Meeting is a scheduled ministerial-level meeting organised twice a year to discuss key socio-cultural issues in the ASEAN region and advance their agenda through regional projects, cultural exchange and partnerships with international organisations. As the ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025 is held by Malaysia, 5 priority areas for ASCC includes: Arts & Culture, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digitalisation & Green Jobs, Youth & Sports, Health and Climate Action under the theme ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’.

The Opening Ceremony of the 33rd ASCC Council Meeting was held earlier today at Sheraton Hotel Kuching, which was graced by the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg and Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, Dato Sri Tiong King Sing.

“There is immense potential for us to grow further as a region by deepening our investment in arts and culture-based tourism. By strengthening cross-border collaborations, curating immersive arts and cultural experiences, and integrating storytelling into our tourism strategies, we can offer the world something truly unique — an ASEAN experience rooted in authenticity and unity in diversity. Together, let us champion a tourism model that not only attracts visitors but also uplifts the soul of our nations and sustains our arts and cultural legacies for generations to come,” said Tiong in his opening speech. 

For more information on ASCC Council Meeting 2025, check out https://ascc2025.motac.gov.my/