The ASEAN civil service plays a pivotal role in the region, responsible for government policy implementation, public service delivery, regulation and oversight, policy advice and human resource development, said ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn.
He said this during the plenary session of the Heads of Civil Service Meeting of the 22nd ASEAN Cooperation on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM) yesterday.
He added, “To advance ASEAN socio-economic development, it is essential that the ASEAN civil service upholds the highest standards of professionalism, efficiency, effectiveness, transparency, and accountability.”
With smart economic policies, strong global trade connections, and a young, tech-savvy population, ASEAN is growing rapidly. Economic growth is expected to hit 4.6 per cent in 2024, and this growth could make the region the fourth-largest economy by 2030 or sooner, said the secretary-general.
ASEAN, he said, “also continues to be a major player in global trade, sitting as the third largest with total trade valued at USD3.8 trillion, or 7.8 per cent of global trade. Moreover, ASEAN maintains its status as one of the most preferred global investment destinations, attracting USD228.9 billion of foreign direct investments in 2023, the highest amongst developing economies”.
The meeting will touch upon civil service modernisation, mental-health and well-being of civil servants, human resource development, and cross-sectoral collaboration, he added.
The secretary-general also applauded the Sultanate, the Chair of the 22nd ACCSM, for choosing the theme ‘Strengthening ASEAN Public Sector: Fit for the Future’.
“The theme is pertinent as we confront global challenges in the digital age. It is imperative that our civil service and public sector adapt and innovate to effectively address emerging challenges and capitalise on new opportunities.
“The efficiency and resilience of our civil service are pivotal in driving sustainable development across ASEAN.” – James Kon
