ASEAN launches disaster management programme

The ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA) announced the start of the second batch of the AHA Centre Executive (ACE) Programme in Jakarta , Indonesia on February 22.
The ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA)announced the start of the second batch of the AHA Centre Executive(ACE) Programme in Jakarta , Indonesia on February 22.

Sixteen disaster management officers from ASEAN Member States'National Disaster Management Offices (NDMOs) from Cambodia , Indonesia, Laos , Malaysia , Myanmar , the Philippines , Thailand , andVietnam are participating in the programme.

ASEANSecretary-General, Le Luong Minh reiterated the importance of the ACEProgramme, saying that through the Programme, ASEAN is enhancing thecapacity of NDMOs in the region by developing their skills andcompetencies and preparing them for future challenges.

The ACE Programme, which is a testament of intergovernmentalcooperation and that when it comes to disasters, the people come firstand by far, the most intensive disaster management training programme inthe region is designed to prepare 60 future leaders of disastermanagement in ASEAN.

It will run in three six-monthbatches until 2016, covering various disaster management and leadershiptopics, from hands-on experience working at the AHA to trainingcourses and workshops in various topics, as well as comparative studiesto disaster-affected areas in Japan, New Zealand, and Indonesia.

In addition to support provided by the Government of Japan throughJapan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), the ACE Programme is also supportedby other organisations, including NDMOs of the ASEAN Member States, theASEAN Secretariat, the Governments of Australia and New Zealand, the UNOffice for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the UN World FoodProgramme, the International Organisation for Migration, and theInternational Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Society.

The AHA was established in November, 2014 with its headquarterslocated in Jakarta . It aims to promote cooperation and coordinationamong the ASEAN member countries, UN agencies and internationalorganisations in disaster management.-VNA

See more

The RoK's Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok speaks at a trilateral meeting with his Japanese and Chinese counterparts in Georgia. (Photo: Yonhap)

ASEAN+3 to create new financing facility against regional crises

The Republic of Korea (RoK), China and Japan agreed on May 3 to reinforce the regional financial safety net, along with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), by launching a new financing facility programme meant to extend greater support in case of a financial crisis.

Thailand to apply VAT on imports sent via post

Thailand to apply VAT on imports sent via post

The Customs Department of Thailand is scheduled to commence the collection of value-added tax (VAT) on imported goods sent via postal services, regardless of the goods value, starting in May.
Malaysia asserts pioneering role in halal industry

Malaysia asserts pioneering role in halal industry

Malaysia should harness the collective expertise and resources to drive sustainable growth and development of the halal industry, according to Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
ASEAN Future Forum 2024 enters first session

ASEAN Future Forum 2024 enters first session

The first session of the ASEAN Future Forum 2024 (AFF 2024) in Hanoi on April 23 focused on fast and sustainable growth for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
ASEAN youth empowered to unleash potential: ASEAN chief

ASEAN youth empowered to unleash potential: ASEAN chief

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn reaffirmed ASEAN leaders' commitment to empowering the youth to unleash their full potential when he had a dialogue with ASEAN youth in Hanoi on April 22 on the sidelines of the ASEAN Future Forum (AF 2024).
ASEAN bolsters intellectual property cooperation

ASEAN bolsters intellectual property cooperation

The 72nd meeting of the ASEAN Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation (AWGIPC) and related meetings are being held by the Ministry of Science and Technology’s Intellectual Property Office (IPO) of Vietnam in the central city of Da Nang on April 22-26.