SUPPORTING THE ASEAN COMMUNITY Think, Feel and #BeASEAN

Transcription

1 SUPPORTING THE ASEAN COMMUNITY 2015 Think, Feel and #BeASEAN ANNUAL REPORT 2014 i

2 This report provides an overview of the ASEAN Foundation activities undertaken in year The report also covers the projects, achievements and initiatives of the ASEAN Foundation in gearing-up for the establishment of the ASEAN Community by Photo Credits: The ASEAN Foundation Courtesy the ASEAN CSR Network

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEE WHO WE ARE 2 6 MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE ASEAN 4 FOUNDATION WHAT 7 WE DO PROMOTING ASEAN AWARENESS AND IDENTITY THROUGH ENHANCING INTERACTION AMONG STAKEHOLDERS DEVELOPING HUMAN RESOURCES AND BUILDING CAPACITY TO ADDRESS SOCIO ECONOMIC DISPARITIES AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION RESOURCE MOBILISATION INFORMATION DISSEMINATION FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS OUR DONORS THE ASEAN FOUNDATION MICROSOFT ( ): 10 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP INTRODUCING ICT TO THE PEOPLE ORGANISATION DEVELOPMENT THE ASEAN FOUNDATION GOING FORWARD OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES OUR TEAM 1

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5 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEE As Chair of the Board of Trustees of the ASEAN Foundation, I am pleased to present the 2014 ASEAN Foundation Annual Report which summarises the ASEAN Foundation s ongoing progress and significant achievements of various projects throughout Entering its 17 years of existence, the ASEAN Foundation continued to provide significant contribution towards supporting the ASEAN Community I also would like to congratulate Ms. Elaine Tan, the ASEAN Foundation s Executive Director for the remarkable achievements thus far and the continued success leading the Foundation to fulfilling its mandate. The year 2015 will mark the beginning of an important journey for the Southeast Asian Nations as it is entering a notable milestone towards the establishment of the ASEAN Community. It will bring both opportunities and challenges in the new era. Therefore, I truly appreciate the ASEAN Foundation s continued efforts in strengthening the institution and mechanism as well as improving the programmes quality as its strategic responses to the newly changing environment. Throughout the year 2014, under the leadership of the Executive Director, the ASEAN Foundation has strongly contributed to the broad ASEAN Community vision through promoting greater awareness about ASEAN as well as actively participating in the area of development cooperation across the region. I genuinely believe that the ASEAN Foundation will be an adequately resourced organisation with stakeholders confident of its ability to strengthen partnership and coordination to enable the people of ASEAN to actively participate and benefit from the process of ASEAN integration by building an ASEAN Community based on diverse cultures and heritage of the region. THE ASEAN FOUNDATION HAS STRONGLY CONTRIBUTED TO THE BROAD ASEAN COMMUNITY VISION THROUGH PROMOTING GREATER AWARENESS ABOUT ASEAN AS WELL AS ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING IN THE AREA OF DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION ACROSS THE REGION I commend the ASEAN Foundation in continuing its effort towards the creation of a prosperous ASEAN community by undertaking new strategic direction that covers key strategic areas. These include strengthening the Foundation s brand through the promotion of greater ASEAN awareness; enhancing partnership and coordination with ASEAN stakeholders; widening diversification of donor based as well as increasing commitment from the ASEAN Member States; and strengthening its organisational capacity as a solid foundation to implement these strategies. As the current chair of the Board of Trustees, I strongly believe that the ASEAN Foundation can continuously play its important role in promoting greater ASEAN awareness and raising ASEAN profile s in the region as well as to facilitate stronger collaboration and partnership between the different ASEAN bodies, in order to provide positive contribution towards regional integration and sustainable prosperity for the people of the region. Lastly, I would like to thank The Board of Trustees and staff members at the ASEAN Foundation, our dialogue partners, namely, the Government of Japan, the Government of the Republic of Korea, the Government of the People s Republic of China and the Government of the Philippines, as well as the private sectors for their invaluable contributions, all of whom have helped the ASEAN Foundation throughout 2014 in its initiatives. H.E. Mr. LATSAMY KEOMANY Lao PDR Permanent Representative to ASEAN 3

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7 MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE ASEAN FOUNDATION The year 2014 has been an incredible year. Throughout the year, the ASEAN Foundation has consistently contributed to the establishment of ASEAN Community 2015 by carrying out various exciting initiatives and innovating its programmes in order to actively promote ASEAN. To welcome the ASEAN Community in 2015, the ASEAN Foundation remains focus in its development of key programmes towards increasing ASEAN awareness and strengthening ASEAN identity across the region. In 2014, the ASEAN Foundation has completed a series of programmatic activities including various events that engaged the youth community who is an important stakeholder for ASEAN. Activities such as the SPOT ART Annual Festival 2014, the ASEAN Puppetry Exchange 2014 and Reporting ASEAN: 2015 and Beyond have brought a new excitement for the young generation to understand more about the importance of the ASEAN Community. In addition to that, the Foundation remains consistent in its efforts to promote people to people exchange and peer learning. For instance, the ASEAN Foundation Scholarship Programme and the ASEAN+China Business School Network s International Summer University Programme, showed the Foundation s commitment to promote cross learning and collaboration among the youth, in addition to creating a pool of talented resources for the region to move towards a prosperous regional community. This year, the ASEAN Foundation also marked its 10 th year partnership with Microsoft. Since 2005, the partnership has enabled different community groups, especially small medium enterprises in ASEAN to benefit from the advancement of information and communication technology (ICT). Enhancing ICT Skills on SMEs programme has benefited about 20,000 beneficiaries in four THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, THE ASEAN FOUNDATION HAS CONSISTENTLY CONTRIBUTED TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ASEAN COMMUNITY 2015 ASEAN Countries: Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam. In the future, we hope that the ICT skills acquired continue to grow for the beneficiaries to contribute and improve the lives of ASEAN people. Besides implementing thematic programmes, the ASEAN Foundation also underwent a number of institutional restructuring that started with clearly articulating strategic directions towards the establishment of the ASEAN Community in 2015 and moving towards developing a robust organisational structure to support the realisation of these new strategies. In 2014, the ASEAN Foundation has developed a new communication strategy that aims to strengthen its outreach as well as increasing awareness about ASEAN through better messaging of results and accomplishments. Beside the area of communication, the Foundation also revised its human resources and finance policy as part of organisational strengthening is the year of the ASEAN Community and the ASEAN Foundation has the mandate to contribute towards its success. Besides all the excitement of being a unified community, ASEAN Community might also poses critical challenges for the region to overcome. Challenges such as mobility of people and ASEAN as a highly competitive region, are some of the many other challenges that need further attention. In 2015, the ASEAN Foundation will proudly launch two new initiatives, namely the Model ASEAN Meeting and Internship Programmes. I sincerely hope that these programmes will enable the young ASEAN generation to be excited about issues concerning ASEAN and also promote people to people interaction and engagement to create a regional community. Ms. ELAINE TAN Executive Director of The ASEAN Foundation 5

8 WHO WE ARE THE ASEAN FOUNDATION AT A GLANCE The ASEAN Leaders established the ASEAN Foundation on 15 th December 1997 at their 30 th Anniversary Commemorative Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The ASEAN Foundation aims to promote awareness through people to people interaction and collaboration with ASEAN stakeholders in order to bring about shared prosperity and a sustainable future for the peoples of all ASEAN Member States. In carrying out its activities, the ASEAN Foundation is committed to adhere to its two main objectives: z To promote greater awareness of ASEAN, and greater interaction among the people of ASEAN, as well as their wider participation in ASEAN s activities, though inter alia, human resource development that will enable them to realise their full potential and capacity to contribute to progress as productive and responsible members of society; z To contribute to the evolution of a development cooperation strategy that promotes mutual assistance, equitable economic development, and the alleviation of poverty Throughout its 17 years journey, the ASEAN Foundation has continuously evolved towards the ASEAN vision of building a caring, peaceful, cohesive and equitable society throughout the region The ASEAN Foundation was enshrined in Article 15 of the ASEAN Charter and stipulated as: The ASEAN Foundation shall support the Secretary-General of ASEAN and collaborate with the relevant ASEAN bodies to support ASEAN community building by promoting greater awareness of the ASEAN identity, people-to-people interaction, and close collaboration among the business sector, civil society, academia and other stakeholder in ASEAN, and; The ASEAN Foundation shall be accountable to the Secretary-General of ASEAN, who shall submit its report to the ASEAN Summit through the ASEAN Coordinating Council The Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of the ASEAN Foundation was revised that resulted in a formal legal status for the ASEAN Foundation as non-profit organisation serving the peoples of ASEAN The ASEAN Foundation was formally established by five ASEAN Leaders at the ASEAN s 30th Commemorative Summit held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in September The Foundation is being mandated to promote greater ASEAN awareness through greater interaction among the peoples of ASEAN as well as greater participation in ASEAN s activities. In addition, the Foundation also aims to contribute to the evolution of a development cooperation strategy that promotes mutual assistance, equitable economic development and poverty alleviation The ASEAN Foundation has implemented a total of 155 projects of which 135 projects were closed, 12 projects remain active until the end of In addition to that, 11 project concept proposals were undergoing internal review. Since its establishment, the Foundation has been working with over 100 local and regional partners that comprised of government institutions, non-government institutions, and private sectors. In addition, the ASEAN Foundation has been engaging a number of donor institutions to actively contribute in various activities, such as training and workshops, scholarship grants, regional forums and meetings, promotions, as well as peer learning and knowledge exchanges. To date, the Japan-ASEAN Solidarity Fund (JASF) remains the main contributor of many of the activities implemented by the Foundation The revised Memorandum of Understanding of the Establishment of the ASEAN Foundation came into force upon ratification by all ten ASEAN Member States ASEAN Leaders emphasised the importance of two ways collaboration among ASEAN bodies. All ASEAN bodies were encouraged to use the ASEAN Foundation to support activities and social development programmes aimed in addressing issues of unequal economic development, poverty and socio-economic disparities and to support the ASEAN Foundation s activities with other available resources and mechanism to promote ASEAN awareness among its people. 6

9 WHAT WE DO THE ASEAN FOUNDATION WORK PROGRAMMES AND ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2014 Since its inception in 1997, the ASEAN Foundation has successfully managed projects in ten ASEAN countries across the region that ultimately contributes in enhancing ASEAN identity, especially in the light of upcoming ASEAN Community in During the period under review, the ASEAN Foundation had implemented projects on trainings and workshops to build better human capacity in the region in different sectors; extended outreach and issued publications that were 12 On-going Projects aimed at raising awareness about ASEAN; and promoted greater people to people interaction and mobility across the region to build ASEAN as a centre of excellence. In light of the ASEAN Community 2015, the ASEAN Foundation played a crucial role in building people s awareness about ASEAN as well as strengthening ASEAN identity across the region. Throughout 2014, the ASEAN Foundation strongly leveraged on the Foundation s visibility and outreach through its on going programmes and a number of new upcoming initiatives. The ASEAN Foundation also gave more strategic weight to engage more ASEAN youth in various activities in order to promote stronger ASEAN awareness and identity. In 2014, eight (8) projects have been successfully closed 1, four projects were completed 2, and 12 projects remain ongoing 3. In addition, 11 project concept proposals are in development stage. 1 Funded projects that have been formally closed 2 Funded projects that have completed activities, but pending final reporting 3 Funded projects that remain active PROMOTING ASEAN AWARENESS AND IDENTITY THROUGH ENHANCING INTERACTION AMONG STAKEHOLDERS Enhancing awareness and strengthening ASEAN identity across the region is the ASEAN Foundation s main priority and is extremely crucial in shaping the pathways to the ASEAN Community In articulating its priorities, the ASEAN Foundation continuously promotes deeper mutual understanding among ASEAN Member States to jointly collaborate and align various programmes and activities to further The ASEAN Foundation Project Activity increase public Status (2014) awareness about 8 Closed Projects 11 Concept Note Developed 4Completed Projects ASEAN. The ASEAN Foundation realises that to promote awareness and to strengthen identity among ASEAN countries requires strong collaboration with other stakeholders. A number of activities highlighting high commitment of ASEAN Member States in achieving these objectives were successfully implemented throughout the year. And to continue the on going successes of the Foundation s achievements in enhancing awareness and strengthening collaboration, the ASEAN Foundation together with various partners strongly synergises activities and synchronises its different programmes throughout Furthermore, in 2014 the ASEAN Foundation consistently taps into the youth community as one of the key actors in building the ASEAN Community Through promoting greater interaction among the young people across the region and increasing youth participation in various activities, the ASEAN Foundation aims to engage the new generation by increasing awareness about ASEAN and building the spirit of regionalism. In addition, by sharing creative ideas and energy, youth can play a leading role in moving a forward looking ASEAN Community Therefore it is important for the ASEAN Foundation to facilitate stronger networking among the youths across the ASEAN countries to build up the we feeling of ASEAN in boosting regional integration. 7

10 ASEAN Contemporary Art and Its Talents in SPOT ART Annual Art Festival The ASEAN Foundation supported an international contemporary art festival titled SPOT ART 2014 on November 2014 that took place in Singapore. In collaboration with the National Art Council of Singapore and the Singaporean Tourism Board, this event involved more than 48 young artists, below 30 years, from 12 countries that presented more than 100 art works, of which 95 art works were by 43 ASEAN young artists. At the event, exhibited artworks included paintings, sculptures, photography, installations, and videos. This event aimed to achieve viable platform for cooperation amongst fine arts universities and young artists within THANK YOU SPOT ART, FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW MY WORK. IT MEANS A LOT TO ME REPRESENT MY COUNTRY AS AN INDONESIAN PHOTOGRAPHER. ANDRI HILARY, PHOTOGRAPHER, INDONESIA SPOT ART IS NOT ONLY ABOUT SELLING MY WORK, IT ALSO HELPS ME TO CONNECT AND NETWORK WITH OTHER FELLOW YOUNG ARTIST FROM SOUTHEAST ASIA. NOW I KNOW, I AM NOT ALONE ROLF CAMPOS, PHILIPPINES I AM SO EXCITED BECAUSE IT IS MY FIRST TIME TO TRAVEL TO SINGAPORE AND SHOW MY PHOTOGRAPHS TO AN INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCE. I NEVER IMAGINE I WOULD BE PART OF THIS AMAZING GROUP WITH SO MANY TALENTED YOUNG ARTISTS. THROUGH SPOT ART, I HAVE LEARNED A LOT ABOUT SOUTHEAST ASIAN ART AND ALSO ABOUT MYSELF. I HOPE THIS EVENT WILL CONTINUE IN THE FUTURE. SOPHAL NEAK, PHOTOGRAPHER, CAMBODIA ASEAN for global exposure and to profile a regional contemporary art event. Through the SPOT ART 2014, the ASEAN Foundation provided spaces and opportunities for young artists to obtain more international world art exposure by engaging them with wide supporters in youth, education and arts. Participating artists expressed their gratitude to be part of this event that enabled them to build strong networks among youth artists within the region to further strengthen cultural cooperation. Some young artists, such as Sopal Neak from Cambodia, traveled to Singapore for the first time. Others like Rolf Campos from the Philippines and Andri Hilary from Indonesia, showcased their first experience in an international setting displaying their artworks and building networks among fellow young artists in South East Asia. For many of the participants, the arts event was an invaluable experience that exposed them to the international art scene. 8

11 ASEAN Puppetry Exchange Programme Creates Excitement from the Youth Community about Traditional Culture ASEAN is home to more than 150 million young people around the age of years across the region 4. The ASEAN Foundation believes that the young generation is key to building stronger ASEAN identity and awareness. Therefore it is crucial for the youth to actively participate in this dynamic process. Following up on the successful event in 2012, Celebration of ASEAN Traditional Puppetry, the ASEAN Foundation together with ASEAN Puppetry Association (APA) have committed to further promoting ASEAN traditional heritage to the young generation, among others, through puppetry activities. In the light of ASEAN Community 2015, both the ASEAN Foundation and APA believe that puppetry targeting young generation is an important cultural vehicle to raise ASEAN awareness across ASEAN countries. To further improve knowledge and expertise sharing among the ASEAN Member States, a new initiative of bilateral exchanges between puppet artists from six ASEAN countries was launched in October 2014 under an activity initiated by the Artsolute Singapore, a member of the APA, namely, the ASEAN Puppetry Exchange (APEX). This exchange programme aimed to 4 Population Reference Bureau, The World s Youth Data Sheet 2013, 2013, Washington, D.C., USA AS PART OF THE ASEAN PUPPETRY ASSOCIATION EXCHANGE, WE HOPE TO UNDERSTAND MORE OF EACH CULTURE AND TRY TO FORM ONE ASEAN WITH DIFFERENT PUPPETS CHARACTERS, MUSIC, AND VOICE BECAUSE STORY IS THE EASIEST WAY FOR PEOPLE TO KNOW EACH OTHER AND FEEL CONNECTED. JODI THIELE, PUPPET EXCHANGE FACILITATORS, SINGAPORE 9

12 promote peer learning and technical knowledge exchanges among regional puppetry practitioners from six ASEAN countries as well as developing management scheme for APA s intra ASEAN collaboration in the near future. This initiative included exchanges of young puppet artists from Brunei Darussalam, Singapore, Lao PDR, Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysia; as well as develops a network of peer to peer learning among these young people. On November 2014, the ASEAN Foundation together with Vulnerable Youth Development Association from Laos and the Joe Louis Puppet Theatre from Thailand hosted the first APEX programme in Laos involving 10 young puppet artists from these two countries. The first APEX successfully provided a platform for these young puppet artists to exchange knowledge about their respective cultures and other forms of arts such as dancing and music. This event closed with an amusing collaborative dance and song performance featuring classic Thai and Lao tradition. In December 2014, the Brunei Arts Enthusiasts Association (PESTAB) hosted the second APEX held in Brunei Darussalam involving 30 young puppet artists. There is emerging excitement about puppetry among the young people in these countries. The experiences from these exchanges also captured local media attention triggering interest among the young people to learn more about ASEAN s cultural traditions in Brunei Darussalam. Engaging Young Journalists to Report about ASEAN Community 2015 and Beyond Not only engaging the young generation, involving the media is also crucial in promoting greater public awareness about ASEAN. Throughout 2014, the ASEAN Foundation has actively engaged with both traditional and social media in supporting the ASEAN Community A number of initiatives supported by the Japan ASEAN Solidarity Fund (JASF) have been launched to actively engage young journalists from the ASEAN Member States to play an active role in informing the public about ASEAN. As a kick off, partnering with KBR68H (Radio News Agency 68H), the ASEAN Foundation hosted a Roundtable and Public Discussion, ASEAN On The Move: The Role of Broadcaster Towards the ASEAN Community 2015 on February 2014 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Key discussion topics around media cooperation, reporting diversity in ASEAN, the media landscape after ASEAN Community 2015, and preparing the newsroom to accurately report on the ASEAN Community 2015 were discussed by representatives from 17 media outlets from 10 ASEAN Member States. The engagement with ASEAN journalists continued through a project co funded by the JASF and hosted by the IPS Asia Pacific, namely, Reporting ASEAN: 2015 and Beyond programme launched in October Through this initiative, the ASEAN Foundation aimed to COVERING ASEAN IS LIKE DOING THE TANGO YOU NEED A GOOD DANCE PARTNER AND EXCITING MUSIC, BUT IF EITHER OF THESE TWO ARE NOT PRESENT, IT S UP TO THE JOURNALIST TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. KAVI CHONGKITTAVORN, THAI JOURNALIST. WE LIKE TO BE PART OF THE ASEAN BECAUSE THIS IS THE GROUP THAT WE HAVE PARTICIPATED IN. WE HAVE BEEN COVERING ASEAN FOR A LONG TIME BECAUSE THIS IS AN IMPORTANT ISSUE. ZEYA THU, DEPUTY CHIEF EDITOR OF THE VOICE, MYANMAR 10

13 Measuring youth perception towards awareness through ASEAN Survey 2014 One of the two fold mandates of the ASEAN Foundation is to promote greater awareness of ASEAN throughout the region, especially to young people as assets to build the ASEAN Community Following the previous ASEAN Survey conducted in 2007, the ASEAN Foundation saw the need to update the survey because of the changing landscape of youth perception, attitude and awareness about ASEAN as a whole. Therefore to understand the current level of awareness and perception among ASEAN youth, the ASEAN Foundation together with the ASEAN Studies Centre of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS Singapore) carried out surveys across 10 ASEAN countries in Considering that the youth population is an important stakeholder, the 2014 survey is also aimed to provide evidence based results about the current state of knowledge and orientation towards ASEAN for the policy makers. The survey employed 20 questionnaires and gathered in country data collection from around 4,400 students with the average age of 20.5 years old from 21 reputable universities in ten ASEAN Countries. Understanding the diverse background of respondents, this research utilised nine other national languages in addition to English as the main working language. Currently, the data collection has been completed and the research team is performing statistical analysis of the gathered data. It is expected that the result of this survey will be available in 2015 and will be presented to the public. provide a collaborative avenue for media practitioners across ASEAN countries, to exchange experience and views on covering ASEAN issues. In collaboration with the Inter Press Service (IPS) Asia Pacific, the ASEAN Foundation launched a media fellowship programme to encourage journalists from 10 ASEAN Member States to report more about ASEAN Community 2015 and beyond. This initiative covered two main categories, 40 media fellowships, comprising of 20 slots for print and photo journalists and the other 20 for TV journalists and the organisation of a media congress where the media fellows will have the opportunity to network with selected senior journalists. This Media Congress is scheduled from 31 March to 3 April 2015 in Bangkok, Thailand. Promoting Corporate Social Responsibility in ASEAN Through ASEAN Corporate Social Responsibility Network The ASEAN Foundation puts greater efforts to strengthen public private partnership to promote ASEAN awareness and identity through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The ASEAN Foundation acknowledges that the business sector (corporate foundations, corporations, and business groups) has significant potential to strongly contribute in the efforts of poverty reduction through promoting people to people interaction and greater ASEAN awareness. Key notable initiative was the establishment of the ASEAN CSR Network (ACN) in 2011 being tagged to promoting ASEAN CSR network in the region with a secretariat based in Singapore. In 2014, continuing success of its first phase, the ACN carried out its second phase project Strengthening Collective Action and Cooperation on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in ASEAN. This new initiative aims to leverage dialogues with diverse CSR groups at the national, regional and international level to further promote and raise awareness about international CSR framework and principles across the region. 11

14 Throughout 2014, the ASEAN CSR Network through the ASEAN Foundation has supported a number of prominent activities, especially in the area of CSR advocacy, raising awareness and capacity building. Among the accomplishments were launching of a 3 year project entitled ASEAN CSR Vision 2020 in June 2014 that aims to mainstream CSR practices across the region in supporting ASEAN s goal of sustainable, equitable and inclusive socio economic development. Following to that, on 18 September 2014, together with Integrity Initiative (Philippines), Indonesia Business Links (Indonesia), International Chamber of Commerce (Malaysia), Singapore Compact for CSR, and Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Viet Nam), ACN signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to pave way towards formalising regional cooperation to develop common strategy against corruption in the ASEAN business communities. This MoU legitimised this partnership to collaborate in sharing information, best practices and technical resources about strengthening efforts towards improved CSR practices. In addition, the ASEAN Foundation also supported the ACN in conducting Forum for Responsible Business that was held in Phnom Penh on 14 October This forum highlighted the opportunities of ASEAN integration to create shared economic growth through ensuring equitable, inclusive and sustainable growth through CSR. Other forums that put up ASEAN as its main theme participated by the ACN were Regional Cooperation against Corruption held on 19 September 2014 in Manila, Philippines, and the Thai CSR Forum on 12 November 2014 in Bangkok, Thailand. The ACN in carrying out its mandate as stipulated in the ASEAN Socio Cultural Blueprint, continuously enhances efforts in ensuring that corporate social responsibility is included in the agenda of ASEAN corporations. Promoting the Role and Participation of Foreign Policy Study Groups in ASEAN Member States for ASEAN Community Building Through Multi Channels Dialogue The ASEAN Foundation and its partners remain committed to raise awareness on ASEAN identity in creating sustainable pathways towards ASEAN Community The ASEAN Foundation supported the initiative of the Indonesian Council on World Affairs (ICWA) to conduct a roundtable discussion involving 60 representatives from 10 institutes of foreign policy study groups of ASEAN Member States on 3 4 April This initiative provided a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange to enhance awareness among the grass root as well as at policy level on the action lines of the ASEAN Community blueprints as well as the ASEAN Connectivity. The discussion concluded that stronger programme alignment between foreign policy study groups and CSOs was required to better foster multi channel dialogues leveraging on ASEAN s profile to deepen people to people engagement. The forum recommended that foreign policy study groups in 12

15 ASEAN synergise efforts to build the ASEAN Community by strengthening grassroots people engagement. The forum also recommended that a follow up forum be conducted in 2015 to be hosted by the Foreign Policy Study Group of Malaysia. Consolidating Efforts to Maintain Peace and Stability in Southeast Asia with the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (AIPR) Throughout the years, ASEAN has been looking for effective ways to create and maintain peace and stability in the region by maintaining its commitment to conflict reconciliation. Together with the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (AIPR) and supported by the Government of the Philippines through The Philippines Project Fund and the Government of Japan through JASF, the ASEAN Foundation conducted a regional symposium, entitled AIPR Symposium on Peace and Reconciliation Processes and Initiatives on 7 8 April 2014 in Manila, Philippines. The symposium aimed to enrich the capacity of AIPR Governing Council Members and their staff members to understand various mechanisms of peace settlement and reconciliation processes. By involving around 70 participants from AIPR Governing Council Members, the Advisory Board Members and AIPR staffers, the symposium provided spaces for engagement between various notable resource persons, research institutes and think tanks to unpack issues on justice, peace and reconciliation in the region. Throughout the three days symposium, participants had the opportunities for knowledge sharing and learning from regional experts and practitioners about different practices in conflict reconciliation and peace settlement. In conclusion, the symposium highlighted the importance of dynamic multi stakeholder collaboration in maintaining peace and reconciliation processes that involve governments and public in general, which the ASEAN Foundation through its mandate can encourage. Following to the successful symposium, the ASEAN Foundation also facilitated a study visit for the ASEAN Inter governmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) supported by JASF and hosted by the Japan International Cooperation Centre (JICE) on 6 12 April 2014 in Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan. This visit was aimed to deepen understanding on maintaining and promoting human rights as well as enhancing regional cooperation between Japan and ASEAN Member States through sharing experiences. Thematic focuses of this visit were around women s right, rights of persons with disabilities and victims of human rights trafficking. Through the study tour, ASEAN Member States and Japan established a network of partnership among AICHR, Japan s relevant governmental institutions, civil society and academia. 13

16 DEVELOPING HUMAN RESOURCES AND BUILDING CAPACITY TO ADDRESS SOCIO ECONOMIC DISPARITIES AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION Since its inception, the ASEAN Foundation has been consistent in its effort to develop human resources and enhance capacity of ASEAN people. As the majority of ASEAN population resides in the rural areas, where the level of poverty remains relatively high, the ASEAN Foundation realises that developing quality human resources would also contribute in reducing socio economic disparities across the ASEAN Countries and alleviating poverty. Not only that, fostering knowledge exchanges and creating network among the ASEAN people would also strongly contribute in bridging the regional human resources pool. In 2014, the ASEAN Foundation together with its partners initiated and carried out a number of activities that aimed to develop a pool of qualified human resources and strengthen the capacity of community in rural and urban areas across ASEAN countries in preparing for the establishment of the ASEAN Community Highlights of implemented activities are as follows: The ASEAN Foundation Promotes Sustainable Aquaculture Practice and Community based Resource Management in Coastal and Inland Fisheries through Knowledge Sharing Together with the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Centre (SEAFDEC) and with funding support from JASF, the ASEAN Foundation hosted three key activities in 2014 that contributed to the realisation of its commitment to capacity building and promoting good practices and knowledge sharing among ASEAN Member States. Furthermore, being aware that the region is currently one of the major contributors of aquaculture production globally, these activities underlined the importance of the aquaculture sector as a key livelihood component in Southeast Asia. In February 2014, the ASEAN Foundation successfully hosted the ASEAN Regional Workshop for Facilitating Community based Resource Management in Coastal and Inland Fisheries in Phnom Penh, Cambodia that aimed to share key success factors for community based resource management for coastal and inland fisheries and THE ROLE OF THE ASEAN FOUNDATION IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT IN PROVIDING SUPPORT IN AQUACULTURE SECTORS, ESPECIALLY THROUGH CAPACITY BUILDING AND FUNDING H.E. MR. CHAN SARUN, SECRETARY OF STATE OF MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES OF CAMBODIA FISHERIES COMMUNITIES, FARMERS AND AGRICULTURAL WORKERS ARE IMPORTANT STAKEHOLDERS IN SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THE REGION. THESE COMMUNITY GROUPS ARE ENTITLED TO BENEFIT FROM THE ASEAN COMMUNITY 2015 ELAINE TAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, THE ASEAN FOUNDATION at the same time to promote its model. About 40 participants comprising representatives from the fishermen organisations and government agencies from ten ASEAN Member States and Japan attended this regional workshop. This workshop provided an avenue for the participants to understand that enhancing coordination among fishermen organisations and cooperatives, towards community empowerment, are crucial towards the sustainable use of natural resources. In addition, strengthening engagement between fishermen communities and the government is pivotal in co managing this resource management model. The success of the previous event led to another 14

17 follow up workshop in March 2014 in Vientiane, Lao PDR entitled ASEAN Regional Workshop for Enhancement of National Support Officer System to Improve Autonomous Resources Management and Fisheries Communities. Forty regional representatives attended the Regional Workshop and agreed to strengthen fishermen organisations at the community level through capacity development in managing coastal and inland fisheries in order to ensure sustainability of their livelihood. THROUGH THIS FORUM, WE COULD FIND SOLUTIONS TO TACKLE VARIOUS PROBLEMS IN AQUACULTURE PRACTICES IN OUR RESPECTIVE COUNTRIES THROUGH SHARING EXPERIENCES DR. VU ANH TUAN, MINH HAI SUB INSTITUTE FOR FISHERIES RESEARCH, VIET NAM Lastly, to wrap up the series of promoting sustainable aquaculture practices in Southeast Asia, the ASEAN Foundation and SEAFDEC hosted a Regional Technical Consultation in December 2014 with a specific focus on Development and Use of Alternative Dietary Ingredients or Fish Meal Substitutes in Aquaculture Fish Formulation in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. SEA Network Facility on Technology for Sustainable Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, an ICT based solution to improve access for smallholders Agriculture remains one of the most important sectors in Southeast Asia since the majority of rural population in the region continues to depend on the agricultural sector to improve their socio economic condition. Despite the importance of the agricultural sector for the region, most smallholders in ASEAN countries still face enormous NOW, I HAVE E MAIL AND FACEBOOK ACCOUNTS AND KNOW HOW TO USE BROWSING TOOLS LIKE GOOGLE. FOR ME, THE WORLD IS NOW WIDE OPEN AND FULL OF KNOWLEDGE. THIS CARNIVAL HELPS ME TO ELEVATE MY KNOWLEDGE ABOUT NEW FARMING TECHNIQUES THROUGH THE INTERNET AND SOCIAL MEDIA AS WELL AS BROADENING MY NETWORK WITH OTHER FELLOW FARMERS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES. NATNICHA (10 YEARS), YOUNG FARMER AND STUDENT, THAILAND This two day regional forum gathered 40 experts on aquaculture from ASEAN Member States to share expertise and knowledge exchange among aquaculture practitioners about practices in different countries and the challenges. By participating in this event, the ASEAN aquaculture practitioners were able to establish stronger network of practices in driving the regional priorities and future direction on the development of fish feeding. This avenue has also highlighted the use of alternative feed ingredients or protein source substitutes, taking into account environmental concerns and consumer demand for safe and high quality farmer aquatic product. challenges in accessing information. Therefore, their opportunity to expand their market remains relatively limited. To address this challenge, the ASEAN Foundation together with the Southeast Asian Council for Food Security and Fair Trade (SEACON), a Malaysian based organisation, developed an interactive online platform SEA Network Facility on Technology for Sustainable Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition (SAFSeN) supported by JASF. This ICT platform is designed to provide a wide range of information related to the agricultural sector, targeted at smallholders in rural areas. 15

18 ALTHOUGH I CAN T READ ENGLISH, BUT NOW I KNOW HOW TO USE FACEBOOK AND LINE MESSENGER TO SELL MY PRODUCT ONLINE. THIS ONLINE TOOLS HELP ME TO CONNECT PEOPLE VIRTUALLY AND BECAUSE OF THAT MY DAILY INCOME NOW HAS INCREASED. SIRIPORN LAOSANG (50 YEARS), RURAL FARMER, THAILAND I COULD NEVER IMAGINE TO BE HERE IN THAILAND. THIS IS MY FIRST EXPERIENCE GOING OUT FROM INDONESIA. IN THIS EVENT, I MEET NEW PEOPLE FROM OTHER COUNTRIES AND ALSO SHARE MY EXPERIENCE ABOUT FARMING WITH MY BROKEN ENGLISH. IF THERE WILL BE SIMILAR EVENT IN THE FUTURE, I HOPE THAT MY SON COULD ALSO ATTEND, SO HE COULD GAIN THIS EXPERIENCE. SALEH, RURAL FARMER, INDONESIA This platform has two main features that would be able to provide a wider access to information as well as market access for the small scale farmers. The first feature is the data bank that comprises various datasets such as seeds, pest, and price of agricultural products. This feature utilises text messages system (SMS) that is linked to the SAFSen Website ( farmnet.org) and enables farmers to be kept updated with the latest information. The second feature is that estore to provide a virtual space for smallholders to promote their products to fellow users as well as a wider audience. In the near future, the estore will include a payment gateway system that enables the small scale farmers to do business transaction easily to increase their market access. To ensure the platform runs smoothly and to disseminate this new initiative among the rural farmers as the main users, the ASEAN Foundation and SEACON together conducted a system test and a series of two days training in 2014 in five countries, namely, Indonesia (13 14 August), Lao PDR (28 29 August), Malaysia (17 18 September), Thailand (10 11 September) and Viet Nam (3 September). After a series of testing and socialisation to the smallholders, the SAFSen website was finally launched with a tagline of SAFSeN ASEAN Smart Farmers Regional Carnival on January 2015 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The Regional Carnival also provided an avenue for smallholders from ten ASEAN countries to share experiences, information as well as expertise in the agriculture sector in the region. In this event, a total of 120 participants comprising farmer and rural communities, community cooperatives, government agencies, inter governmental organisations and UN Agencies, corporate sectors, academics and civil society organisation also gained grounded experience through field visits to organic farming and the Agri Cooperative Ltd, both at the Mae Rim District in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Strengthening Partnership between the ASEAN Foundation and China to Promote People to People Exchanges The ASEAN Foundation and the People s Republic of China continue to strengthen their partnership in the education field in order to promote student mobility and people to people exchanges supportive of the ASEAN Community In 2014, supported by the People s Republic of China, the ASEAN Foundation supported two activities that focus on youth involvement in the culture and education fields. Under the ASEAN + China Business School Network (BisNet) programme that was launched in April 2013, the ASEAN Foundation supported the initiative of the Faculty of Economics and Business of Universitas Gadjah Mada to include the university s annual International Summer University Programme as part of the BisNet s activities. The programme was held in Yogyakarta on August 2014 involving 67 students 16

19 THIS IS THE BEST PROGRAMME THAT I EVER PARTICIPATED IN HELENE, INTERNATIONAL SUMMER UNIVERSITY PROGRAMME PARTICIPANT FROM CAMBODIA from ASEAN Member States and China. This programme aimed to promote and encourage student mobility between ASEAN and Chinese university students, to broaden their business knowledge and also to provide international exposure to diverse social and cultural experiences. The summer programme selected ASEAN Business Environment as its main theme and also brought a number of resource experts, such as representatives from the Asian Development Bank and Indonesian Stock Exchange to engage with participants and discuss about economic and business development in ASEAN. The year 2014 was highlighted by the inauguration of the China ASEAN Cultural Exchange Year where the organisation of cultural events between ASEAN China was intensified. In September 2014, the ASEAN Foundation was invited to attend the 9 th China ASEAN Cultural Exchange Year Forum in Nanning, China. It was well noted that cultural exchange forums can have a tremendous impact for creating better understanding about ASEAN China socio cultural relationship. Building Regional Knowledge Pool through the ASEAN Foundation Scholarship Programmes Since its inception in 2000, the ASEAN Foundation has awarded scholarship at post graduate level for ASEAN students. In intensifying support for the ASEAN Community building process, the ASEAN Foundation and its University Partners remain committed to increase human capacity through promoting knowledge exchanges among youth in ASEAN s reputable education institutions. Supported by the JASF, a facility under the administration of the ASEAN Foundation, by the end of December 2014, the ASEAN Foundation has managed over one million USD scholarship grants that benefitted 88 ASEAN nationals from eight countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam. Aligned with its mandate to promote people to people interaction and to enhance greater awareness about ASEAN, the ASEAN Foundation is also building strategic alliance and partnership with the business sector. To support this objective, the ASEAN Foundation attempts to partner with various corporate foundations to support a number of scholarships to enable students from ASEAN countries to study in reputable universities in the country where the sponsoring corporate foundation is located. The second phase of the ASEAN Foundation Scholarship Programme is specifically designed to promote public private partnership with business sector through co funding arrangement with corporate foundations in ASEAN. Co financing arrangement between the ASEAN Foundation and the corporate foundations include travel and related expenses (airfare, airport taxes, visa, research grant, book allowance and other local expenses) of the scholars will be borne by the ASEAN Foundation, while the identified corporate foundation will fund tuition 17

20 Thailand The Philippines Viet Nam The ASEAN Foundation Scholarship Recipients 6% 7% Myanmar 18% 27% Cambodia 15% 12% 14% Lao PDR 1% Malaysia Indonesia DEALING WITH PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT CULTURES, EXPANDING MY INTERNATIONAL NETWORK, DEEPENING MY RESEARCH AND ACADEMIC SKILLS. THOSE ARE JUST A FEW THINGS THAT I DID WHEN I WAS IN THAILAND, AND THOSE EXPERIENCES HAVE DEFINITELY ASSISTED ME TO BE A BETTER HUMAN BEING. I COULD SAY THAT PURSUING A DEGREE IN THAILAND HAVE CHANGED THE WAY I THINK AND ACT. IN TERMS OF PROFESSIONAL LIFE, THESE EXPERIENCES BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE CLASS WILL INCREASE MY PROFILE. MARIO WIBOWO, SCHOLARSHIP HOLDER FROM INDONESIA WHO STUDIED IN THAILAND fee, monthly allowances and other related expenses. To date, the Foundation has already initiated discussion with a number of notable corporate foundations in the region to implement the second phase of the programme such as the Metrobank Foundation in the Philippines and Maybank Foundation of Malaysia. In its effort to expand impact of regional promotion of ASEAN, the ASEAN Foundation initiated to touch base with the alumni of its Scholarship Programme to get them to be involved in the promotion of ASEAN through networking and social media links. As a kickstart, the ASEAN Foundation hosted the first alumni gathering in December 2014 in Yangon, Myanmar. The alumni of the ASEAN Foundation Scholarship programme testified that the scholarships shaped their career paths by providing them with better opportunities for professional advancement. To date the ASEAN Foundation has an active alumni database MY EXPERIENCES DURING MY STUDY AT MASTER OF ARTS IN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES AT CHULALONGKORN UNIVERSITY IN BANGKOK WAS INCREDIBLE AND PRICELESS. I HAVE LEARNT NOT ONLY THE CONTEMPORARY CONCERTS AND THEORIES OF DEVELOPMENT IN THE FORMAL CLASSROOM WITH PROFESSORS AND CLASSMATES BUT I ALSO HAVE GAINED A LOT OF WORKING AND LIFE EXPERIENCES THROUGH SCHOOL FIELD TRIPS AND FIELD RESEARCH FOR THE MASTER THESIS. I HAVE ALSO GAINED PRECIOUS TREASURES FROM THE BOND OF FRIENDSHIP AND NETWORK ACROSS THE GLOBE FROM THE PROGRAMME. NANG SHINING, SCHOLARSHIP HOLDER FROM MYANMAR WHO STUDIED IN THAILAND 18

21 I HAVE WORKED AS A RESEARCHER FOR THINK TANK ORGANISATION, AS A PROGRAMME OFFICER FOR A DEVELOPMENT AGENCY, AND CURRENTLY AS REGISTRATION ASSISTANT FOR UNHCR. IN MY LINE OF WORK, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO HAVE KNOWLEDGE ON ALL ASPECTS OF EACH ASEAN COUNTRY, NAMELY GEOGRAPHICAL, POLITICAL, SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND CULTURAL. STUDYING AT NUS AND DOING RESEARCH ON MIGRATION IN/BETWEEN ASEAN ALLOWED ME TO UNDERSTAND THE ASEAN COMMUNITY AND CONNECTIVITY WHICH BOTH CAN FACILITATE AND LIMIT DIFFERENT TYPES OF MIGRATION. IT ALSO HELPED ME WITH REGARDS TO POLICY RECOMMENDATION, DEVELOPMENT PROJECT DESIGN, INTERNATIONAL LAW ISSUES. RATTANA JONGWILAIWAN, SCHOLARSHIP HOLDER FROM THAILAND WHO STUDIES IN SINGAPORE the Control of Avian Influenza (CISCAI) project in 2008 that covered Lao PDR, Indonesia and Viet Nam. It aimed to improve surveillance mechanism against Avian Influenza through ICT. This project has four main components: 1 Establish the information and communication requirement of livestock and public health agencies; 2 Design and develop an integrated web based geographical information system (GIS) including mobile reporting to build a centralised database; 3 Undertake research and design commission for stable, broadband wireless networks to enable the implementation of national Avian Influenza control plans; 4 Carry out field testing and follow up with performance analysis of the wireless technology As the project s terminal output, a publication on the CISCAI project has been produced and is now being disseminated to the ASEAN Member States. of 33 scholars and continues to grow. Through this programme, the ASEAN Foundation remains committed to tapping the great potential of its scholarship alumni in the continuous efforts to build a prosperous region and to welcome the ASEAN Community The first alumni meeting was the first step towards the establishment of the ASEAN Foundation Scholarship Alumni Network that is expected to further contribute to promoting exchanges, building networks, and also people to people learning across the ASEAN region. Through the scholarship programme, the ASEAN Foundation has partnered with 18 institutions comprising of reputable universities in ASEAN, education networks, and research institutions. Establishing ICT Based Surveillance Mechanism and Control for Avian Flu through the CISCAI Project The outbreak of Avian Influenza in the late 1990s in many Asian countries brought public attention of the critical needs to establish a comprehensive surveillance mechanism that includes early detection, early warning and early response. To support this urgent need, the ASEAN Foundation launched the Communication and Information System for 19

22 THIS IS MY FIRST TIME DELIVERING A TRAINING TO MICRO ENTREPRENEURS. IN THE BEGINNING IT WAS QUITE CHALLENGING, BECAUSE THESE PARTICIPANTS HAVE LIMITED IT SKILLS. THROUGH THIS PROJECT, NOT ONLY I LEARNED HOW TO DELIVER A GOOD TRAINING, BUT IT ALSO INCREASED MY EMOTIONAL CAPACITY BY UNDERSTANDING THE NEEDS OF THE TRAINING PARTICIPANTS. KRISTIANTY, TRAINERS, INDONESIA THE ASEAN FOUNDATION MICROSOFT ( ): 10 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP INTRODUCING ICT TO THE PEOPLE Information Communication Technology has become a critical component that can contribute to the establishment of ASEAN Community For years, ICT has been an important sector in enhancing growth and prosperity in the region through rapid technology advancement that supports significant increases in regional wealth that can bring massive improvement on human capacity. For ten years, the ASEAN Foundation and Microsoft partnership have contributed to improving ASEAN small and micro enterprises by enhancing their Information Communication Technology based skills. The ASEAN Foundation developed the ICT core modules comprising of five main tools of the Microsoft Office application that are important for running small businesses. They are: 1) Operation and Management; 2) Financial Tools; 3) Communication Tool; 4) Marketing Tool; and 5) IT Security Aspect. The ASEAN Foundation also organised training workshops, and provided mentors to promote the use of ICT to the broader community in Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Viet Nam. Through these activities, the ASEAN Foundation Microsoft partnership improved the knowledge of ICT among 20,000 beneficiaries across the four ASEAN Member States. In implementing this project, the ASEAN Foundation and Microsoft utilised three capacity building approaches to achieve the ultimate goals in improving ICT skills for the small and micro entrepreneurs. The three main methods are described below: NOW I DON T HAVE TO HIRE ANYONE TO MAINTAIN MY WEBSITE. THROUGH THIS TRAINING, I AM NOW CAPABLE OF DOING IT ON MY OWN AND I CAN SAVE MORE NOW. GIFT, SMALL BUSINESS OWNER, THAILAND 1 Training of Trainers (ToT) Throughout the project life, the project conducted eight ToT sessions in four countries that involved 200 trainers. Consequently, these trainers would deliver training sessions to the micro and small entrepreneurs to improve the success of their business activities. 20

23 MICROSOFT OFFICE PRODUCTS CAN HELP ME TO EXPAND MY COMMUNITY BUSINESS. NOW I KNOW HOW TO MANAGE MY BUDGET AND CREATE MARKETING TOOLS THROUGH THIS APPLICATION. ZAI, TOT PARTICIPANTS, THAILAND ICT TRAININGS HAVE HELPED ME TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS ABOUT TRADITIONAL CERAMICS. BY PARTICIPATING IN THIS PROGRAMME, I AM CAPABLE TO PLAN IN EXPANDING MY BUSINESS, NOT ONLY IN VIET NAM BUT ALSO OTHER COUNTRIES. HOP, CERAMIC PRODUCER, VIET NAM Countries Trainings of Trainers # of ToT Sessions # of trained trainers # of sessions Basic Trainings Participated young entrepreneurs ICT Incubators participants Indonesia Philippines Thailand Viet Nam Basic Training In addition to the ToT, the ASEAN Foundation and Microsoft also carried out 32 basic trainings sessions that benefitted 800 young micro entrepreneurs across the four countries. 3 ICT Business Incubator The business incubator was an intensive mentoring and coaching activity provided to selected participants of Basic Training sessions. These sessions were organised to provide one on one mentorship and direct technical assistance to expand the market of these SMEs to a wider community as well as to the global level. To date these sessions have benefitted eight young entrepreneurs from four participating countries. 21

24 RESOURCE MOBILISATION The ASEAN Foundation recognises the importance of building strong networks and partnership to realise its mandates, in which to increase awareness about ASEAN, to enhance stronger ASEAN identity and to actively contribute in developing fruitful development cooperation across the region. As clearly articulated in the ASEAN Foundation Work Plan , the Foundation made resource mobilisation as one of its main priorities. Throughout 2014, the ASEAN Foundation has established network of partnerships engaging state and non state agencies across the region in supporting its activities. Significant contributions, both material and in kind, have enabled the Foundation to continue its great works. To kick off in 2014, the ASEAN Foundation carried out a donor mapping exercise that is aimed to expand its donor s outreach. This has resulted in a donor database comprised of 60 corporate donors and 40 non traditional donors that will help enable the ASEAN Foundation to realise its strategic objectives. Children s Village in Medan, Indonesia. To complement this donation, through the support from Techsoup, the small ASEAN entrepreneurs are also able to enjoy access to softwares from Microsoft free and affordable such as Oracle, SAP, Norton and Adobe. Furthermore, emerging partnership with AirAsia significantly indicates growing interest to continuously support the ASEAN Foundation s activities, starting with in kind airfare contribution for ASEAN Puppetry Exchange Programme. INFORMATION DISSEMINATION In carrying out its innovative programmes, the ASEAN Foundation requires an intensive outreach mechanism utilising a wide range of communication channels to inform its key stakeholders, government officials of the ASEAN Member States, its partners, media, academics, and civil society members about the Foundation s activities, upcoming events, projects and other updates. Therefore in creating more public excitement and Throughout the year, the ASEAN Foundation has successfully raised significant financial support from various institutions through regularly engaging different donors to ensure repeat commitment and continuous funding from ASEAN Member States. Notable support from Japan ASEAN Solidarity Fund (JASF), People s Republic of China, Republic of Korea and the Philippine Project Fund continues to provide significant financing for the ASEAN Foundation to carry out its activities targeting youth in people to people exchanges in education, art and culture. Major activities aiming at enhancing awareness and strengthening ASEAN identity are some of many commitments supported through this financing modality. In addition, the ASEAN Foundation also received support from UNDP under Provincial Governance Strengthening Programme that contributes to strengthen the capacity of government for better public service delivery in the light of ASEAN Community The Foundation has over the years been able to attract funding sources from private sectors and other donors to implement activities that are supportive of its mandate. Notable ten years of engagement with Microsoft Indonesia under the initiative to enhance the usage of ICT for SMEs has resulted in significant achievement from this multi year programme scheme. Besides financial contribution, the ASEAN Foundation has obtained in kind contribution from various donors. To name a few, the Foundation received 50 desktop computers from the World Bank Computer Donation Programme that aims to provide young people s access to technology and increase levels of ICT proficiency and expertise. These computers have been distributed to Indonesian Network Friends of Women Homeworkers (MWPRI) through SOS ASEAN Foundation Web Statistic % Others 2% Cambodia 29% Indonesia 2% Lao PDR 1% Brunei Darussalam 27% Indonesia ASEAN Foundation E News Distribution % Cambodia 2% Viet Nam 12% Thailand 5% Malaysia 1% 2% Lao PDR Myanmar 1% Brunei Darussalam 2% Myanmar 11% Malaysia 18% The Philippines 7% Singapore 17% The Philippines 9% Viet Nam 14% Thailand 12% Singapore 22

25 The ASEAN Foundation E-News 1,600 subscribers The ASEAN Foundation Website 110,871 visitors Linked In 190 subscribers Facebook Fanpage 2,930 subscribers Twitter 5,000 followers also in disseminating information to a wider audience, the ASEAN Foundation uses a number of media to stimulate public awareness and understanding about its programmes and current updates. Over the year, the ASEAN Foundation has increasingly utilised information and communication technologies (ICT) for its communication and outreach activities. To support this, the ASEAN Foundation initiated to expand its outreach to the social media accounts such as Facebook Fanpage, Twitter and LinkedIn page, which by the end of 2014 were joined in by around 8,000 subscribers compared to 2,750 in An increased interest in the ASEAN Foundation activities has been demonstrated by relative high volume of visits to the ASEAN Foundation s website, where it received 110,871 visitors in 2014 compared to 103,037 in In addition to that, the Foundation s E News were also distributed to 1,600 global subscribers this year compared to 1,250 from last year. Key Visits During 2014 In order to strengthen strategic collaboration and enhance partnership with a wide range of major institutions, throughout 2014 the ASEAN Foundation continued expanding its network with various institutions, not only governmental organisations but also non government and private sectors. These visits aimed to introduce the ASEAN Foundation, including its work in promoting ASEAN awareness and facilitating people to people engagement. During these visits, both the ASEAN Foundation and various visiting groups have benefitted from the information exchanges, especially in understanding about the Foundations projects that could further benefit different stakeholders in the light of supporting the ASEAN Community building. Throughout 2014, the ASEAN Foundation received ten visits from various government and non governmental agencies, including media representatives, diplomats, civil society organisations, cultural group, academics institution, as well as youth groups, among others are: 1 Myanmar CSO Representative 28 January Chinese People s Institute of Foreign Affairs 21 March ASEAN Traditional Textile Arts Community 2 April Myanmar s CSO Representatives 2 June Myanmar s Journalist 23 June Attachment Officer CLMV 3 Jul ASEAN Puppetry Association 15 August Chinese Institution of International Studies 15 Sept China Federation of Literary & Arts 22 Sept ASEAN Community 24 September

26 THE ASEAN FOUNDATION GOING FORWARD In 2015, the ASEAN Foundation will launch its two flagship programmes to better tap into ASEAN youth communities as the main assets in welcoming the ASEAN Community Focusing its strategy into engaging the young generation across ASEAN countries, the ASEAN Foundation attempts to increase understanding and interest from the young people of ASEAN and strengthening identity through the following programmes: The Model ASEAN Meeting Programme The Model ASEAN Meeting Programme is a new initiative that will be launched in This programme attempts to tap university students to better understand about the regional diplomacy arena held in the ASEAN Summits and other regional ASEAN Meetings; and how ASEAN Member States decision makers address a wide range of regional and international issues and socio economic trends. As a continued effort to promote ASEAN awareness, this programme is expected to stimulate young peoples interest and participation in regional and international diplomacy and relations. The ASEAN Foundation, in this regard, is at its best position to host this programme due to its longstanding experience in engaging youth community in its various programmes. The Model ASEAN Meeting Programme objectives are 1) to promote students interest on diplomacy and how the ASEAN Member States decision makers address regional issues; 2) to provide students with a hands on experience and better understanding of ASEAN affairs; and 3) to teach students vital skills in negotiation, public speaking, problem solving, conflict resolution, research and communication through team work and leadership development. The ASEAN Foundation Internship Programme for University Students In the light of the ASEAN Community 2015, the region will increasingly become connected through vast capital and resource mobilisation, especially people mobility as the main driver of regional connectivity. By launching the ASEAN Foundation Internship Programme for University Students, the ASEAN Foundation offers a wide array of opportunities for both corporations and students to reciprocally benefit from the available pool of regional talents as well as practical professional experiences. Ultimately, this Internship Programme expects to bring about sense of belonging, consolidate unity in diversity and enhance deeper mutual understanding among ASEAN Member States about their culture, history, and civilisation. The ASEAN Foundation Internship Programme will serve five main objectives as follow: 1) to encourage a greater number of intra ASEAN people mobility, particularly among the youths of ASEAN, deepening intra ASEAN social and cultural understanding through their experience of interning with an ASEAN corporation; 2) to develop ASEAN mind set and values amongst the youth in ASEAN; 3) to enhance skills and knowledge that can be leveraged to contribute towards economic development of ASEAN companies and member countries; 4) to deepen employee engagement and job satisfaction of employees in the ASEAN corporations; and 5) to enhance greater brand awareness of the ASEAN companies involved. ORGANISATION DEVELOPMENT The year 2014 also marked the ASEAN Foundation s achievements in the area of organisational development and internal capacity building. This year started with the development of the ASEAN Foundation Work Plan that was approved by its Board of Trustees, providing guidance and framework to the Foundation to carry out its mandate within the next three years. The Foundation s planning process started with a visioning exercise to make the ASEAN Foundation an adequately resourced organisation with stakeholders confident of its ability to strengthen partnerships and coordination to enable the people of ASEAN to participate and benefit from the process of ASEAN integration by building an ASEAN community based on diverse culture and heritage of the region, by As a result of the planning process, the ASEAN Foundation would focus its work around four key areas as follow: z Building the Foundation s brand through the promotion of greater ASEAN awareness. In this area, the Foundation will focus on strengthening its brand through at least four flagship programmes by z Strengthening partnership and coordination with various ASEAN stakeholders. To achieve this objective, the Foundation attempts to actively develop networks and collaborate with key ASEAN stakeholders over the next three years, especially in implementing the flagship programmes. z Diversification of donor base and repeat commitment from ASEAN Member States. To optimise resource mobilisation, the Foundation aims to enlarge donor diversity by encouraging increase in contribution from current financial supporters as well as inviting new private sector donors. z Strengthening organisational capacity. Efforts in strengthening organisational capacity include improving process and procedures in project 24

27 management, finance, human resources and administration. In addition to that, the Foundation also attempts to revamp and develop communication materials as well as develop a robust M&E system. The ASEAN Foundation also underwent a number of significant improvements in the financial management and human resources areas, especially related to rules and procedures. A number of external consultants were hired to carry out comprehensive analysis regarding the gaps and potential risk associated with the two areas, followed by a series of recommendations. In the area of financial management, emphasis was put on six key areas namely: budgeting, financial control, receipt and payment, procurement and payment, procurement and acquisition, assets management, and accounting and auditing. In the area of human resources, a number of recommendations were provided to improve the human resources mechanisms that include: recruitment and appointment, salary allowances, and performance appraisal. On top of that, several additional human resources policies are also proposed to be in place in order to improve the Foundation s human resources system. Additional recommendations include conflict of interest policy, equal opportunity policy, and harassment in the work place, HIV/AIDS in work place, and IT System and Internet Use. 6% Operational Fund 48% Endowment Fund ASEAN Foundation Funds Compotition as of 31 December 2014 (in USD) 46% Project Funds Operational Funds as of 31 December 2014 (in USD) Endowment Funds as of 31 December 2014 (in USD) $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $500,000 $500,000 $100,000 $20,000 Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Singapore The Darussalam Philippines Friends of ASEAN FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS The ASEAN Foundation maintains three types of accounts: the Endowment Fund, the Operational Fund, and the Project Funds. $150,000 $195,402 The Endowment Fund The Endowment Fund is the restricted fund that cannot be utilised and currently invested in time deposit instruments. It was one time contribution from 5 ASEAN Member States and one institution, Friends of ASEAN, named TIFA Foundation. The earnings from the investment instrument defrays the operation cost of the ASEAN Foundation. Donation Interest Income $40,040 Project Contribution/ Other Revenue The Operational Fund The Operational Fund comprises of contribution of 10 ASEAN Member States, the earnings of the Endowment Fund and the project support fee. It finances the day to day operations of the organisation. Project Funds Balance as of 31 December 2014 (in USD) $2,499,108 The Project Funds The Project Funds provides funding for regional projects/activities. The Project Funds comprises ASEAN Dialogue Partners and private sectors. Japan-ASEAN Solidarity Fund (JASF) $27,263 People s Republic of China $23,518 Republic of Korea $260,161 The Phillippines 25

28 26

29 THE ASEAN FOUNDATION STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION For The Years Ended December 31,2014 and 2013 (Expressed In United States Dollar) ASSETS NOTES CURRENT ASSETS Cash and Cash Equivalents 2b & 3 708, ,040 Interest Receivables 2h 13,352 16,204 Prepaid Expenses 2h 3,636 2,473 Advances 4 830, ,359 Accounts Receivable 3,540 2,489 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 1,559,718 1,778,565 NON CURRENT ASSETS Restricted Bank Accounts 2e & 5 1,499,108 1,620,337 Restricted Time Deposits 2e & 6 3,585,392 4,667,828 Restricted Accounts Receivable 278 Fixed Assets Net of Accumulated Depreciation of USD 171,228 and 2d & 7 21,121 39,335 USD 148,379 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively TOTAL NON CURRENT ASSETS 5,105,621 6,327,778 TOTAL ASSETS 6,665,339 8,106,343 LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS CURRENT LIABILITIES Accrued Expenses 2h 1,015 1,040 NET ASSETS Restricted Funds 2e & 8 3,749,420 4,741,048 Unrestricted Funds 2f & 9 (205,096) 244,255 Endowments 2g & 10 3,120,000 3,120,000 TOTAL NET ASSETS 6,664,324 8,105,303 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS 6,665,339 8,106,343 See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements which are an integral part of these Statements THE ASEAN FOUNDATION STATEMENTS OF ACTIVITIES AND NET ASSETS For The Years Ended December 31,2014 and 2013 (Expressed In United States Dollar) Notes Unrestricted Restricted Endowments Total Total REVENUES Grantors 2h & 8 11, , , ,783 Donations and Contributions 2h & 9 150, ,000 Interest Income 2h 195,167 2, , ,379 OtherIncome 2h & 11 6,092 22,523 28,615 27,459 TOTAL REVENUES 362, , , ,621 EXPENDITURES Managerialand General 2h & ,793 34, , ,640 Depreciation Expenses 2h & 7 22,849 22,849 27,610 Project Costs 2h & 13 81,588 1,201,130 1,282, ,697 Exchange Rate Difference 2c 357, , ,595 TOTAL EXPENDITURES 797,862 1,235,164 2,033,026 1,129,542 CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (435,118) (1,035,910) (1,471,028) (562,921) CORRECTIONS 14 (14,233) 44,282 30,049 10,225 NET ASSETS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR 244,255 4,741,048 3,120,000 8,105,303 8,657,999 NET ASSETS AT END OF YEAR (205,096) 3,749,420 3,120,000 6,664,324 8,105,303 See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements which are an integral part of these Statements 27

30 THE ASEAN FOUNDATION STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For The Years Ended December 31,2014 and 2013 (Expressed In United States Dollar) CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Changes in Net Assets (1,471,028) (562,921) Adjustments to Reconcile Changes in Net Assets to Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities: Correction 30,049 10,225 Depreciation 22,849 27,610 Disposal of Fixed Assets (177,492) Decrease (Increase) in: Interest Receivables 2,852 (5,442) Prepaid Expenses (1,163) (440) Advances 13,685 90,915 Accounts Receivable (1,051) (2,147) Increase (Decrease} in: Accrued Expenses (25) 375 Other Payables (209,262) NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTVITIES (1,403,832) (828,579) CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Decrease in Restricted Bank Accounts 121, ,602 Decrease in Restricted Accounts Receivable ,733 Acquisitions of Fixed Assets (4,635) (19,728) Disposal of Fixed Assets 177,492 Decrease in Restricted lime Deposits 1,082, ,928 NET CASH PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES 1,199, ,027 NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (204,524) (105,552) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING 913,040 1,018,592 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, ENDING 708, ,040 See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements which are an integral part of these Statements 28

31 OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES The ASEAN Foundation Board of the Trustees (BoT) comprised of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN of 10 ASEAN Member States, the ASEAN Secretary General and the ASEAN Foundation Executive Director as ex officio members. The BoT is the highest policy making body of the ASEAN Foundation and is responsible for the management of all funds, project approvals of all projects seeking financial support from the Foundation, and approving the annual operational budget of the Foundation. The BoT regularly meets twice a year to hear updates about project implementations, to consolidate upcoming work plans and to discuss management issues. In addition, the Foundation Team that comprises of dedicated personnel is responsible to ensure the Foundation s programmes benefit ASEAN people. The Foundation Team is led by an Executive Director that is responsible in developing initiatives and overseeing the implementation of organisations strategies. 29

32 CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES H.E. Mr. LATSAMY KEOMANY Lao PDR Permanent Representative to ASEAN VICE CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES H.E. DATO HASNUDIN HAMZAH Malaysia Permanent Representative to ASEAN MEMBERS H.E. Ms. EMALEEN ABDUL RAHMAN TEO Brunei Darussalam Permanent Representative to ASEAN H.E. Mr. TAN HUNG SENG Singapore Permanent Representative to ASEAN H.E. Mr. KAN PHARIDH Cambodia Permanent Representative to ASEAN H.E. Mr. CHOMBHALA CHAREONYING Thailand Permanent Representative to ASEAN H.E. Mr. RAHMAT PRAMONO Indonesia Permanent Representative to ASEAN H.E. Mr. VU DANG DZUNG Viet Nam Permanent Mission to ASEAN H.E. DATO HASNUDIN BIN HAMZAH Malaysia Permanent Representative to ASEAN H.E. Mr. LE LUONG MINH Secretary General of ASEAN H.E. Mr. MIN LWIN Myanmar Permanent Representative to ASEAN Ms. ELAINE TAN Executive Director of The ASEAN Foundation H.E. Ms. ELIZABETH P. BUENSUCESO Philippines Permanent Representative to ASEAN 30

33 OUR TEAM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE ASEAN FOUNDATION Ms. ELAINE TAN SECRETARY TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Ms. Citra Montagna Ms. Septania Kadir Head of Programmes Ms. Piranti Savitri Head of Finance and Administration Mr. Niko Atmadja Programme Officer/ E News Production Manager niko@aseanfoundation.org Ms. Prima K. Sari Programme Officer prima@aseanfoundation.org Mr. Ajie Akhmad Wahidin Programme Coordinator ajie@aseanfoundation.org Ms. Yussy Agastuty Purnami Senior Finance Officer yussy@aseanfoundation.org Ms. Uni Prayuti Senior Programme Officer/ E News Editor in Chief uni@aseanfoundation.org Ms. Asri Budiarti Accounting Officer asri@aseanfoundation.org Photo Credits The ASEAN Foundation The ASEAN CSR Network 31