ASSA establishment – A long-term strategy

Given the rising trend in life expectancy and rapid population growth in Southeast Asia, the establishment of a social security organization is seen as a long-term solution to help countries exchange views and experiences relating to social security issues. ASSA was founded in 1998. Over the course of nearly 20 years of establishment and development, up to now ASSA has 19 members which are social security organizations operating in 10 countries in Southeast Asia: Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

On February 13, 1998, the MOU established the ASEAN Social Security Association officially was signed by the leaders of social security organizations which include: Prof. Dr.Avaloedin Djamin (Association of Social Security Indonesia); Mr. Tan Sri Sallehuddin bin Mohamed (Malnutrition Fund for Malaysian Workers); Renato C. Valencia (Philippine Social Security System); Mr. Cesar N.Sarino (Philippine Government Insurance System); Leong Lick Tien (Singapore Central Fund) and Chamlong Sriprasart (Thai Social Security Agency). The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Minister of Labor and Social Welfare of Thailand. Representatives from Laos and Vietnam also attended the signing ceremony as observers. The Memorandum of Understanding marks the founding of ASSA as the first Social Security Association for regional cooperation in ASEAN. At this conference, the parties discussed and agreed to the first ASSA Presidential position of GS-TS. Avaedin Djamin - President of the National Association of Social Security Indonesia.

Viet Nam Social Security delegates at 34^th ASSA Board Meeting in Thailand

With the aim of promoting the social security development in region in accordance with the aspirations, laws, and regulations of all members; promoting regional cooperation in all areas of social security; exchanging experiences and information on social security field; cooperating with other social security organizations in Southeast region and all over the world, having 34 board meetings, ASSA has successfully completed the training and seminars, consultancy, dialogue and other activities as the targets set.

Viet Nam Social Security - 20 years with ASSA

ASSA 35^th Board Meeting marks a milestone in social security in Vietnam. This is an opportunity for Vietnam's social security sector to promote images, integration, and international cooperation while our country affirms the position of Vietnam in its activities in ASEAN region.

With the approval of Prime Minister, Viet Nam Social Security has officially joined ASSA since 1998. During the process of accompanying with ASSA, VSS has always been actively involved in all activities of this association; which contributes to the building of the cultural and social pillar of the ASEAN Community. Strengthening the development of cooperative relationships and exchanging information and sharing experiences with other ASSA members have helped VSS fully supplement the knowledge and international experience. Therefore, it is the purpose to improve the management of the social security area and to propose and recommend the improvement of the legal policy on social insurance and health insurance in Vietnam.

Up to now, VSS has held the chairmanship of the association three times and chaired the successful organization of four ASSA Board Meetings in 1999, 2002, 200, and 2010. All these conferences were organized effectively and impressed all social security organizations as members of ASSA; which contributes to enhancing the role and position of Vietnam at all national and international levels. According to ASSA's rotational principle, in 2018 VSS will take over the role of ASSA President for 2018 - 2019, presiding over the 35th ASSA Board Meeting and marking 20 years of ASSA development.

Vice Minister, Director General Nguyen Thi Minh of VSS in the short introduction movie of ASSA 35^th Board Meeting in Vietnam, September 2018

ASSA 35^th Board Meeting will be held from 18 – 19^th September 2018 in Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province with the theme "Opportunities and challenges of ASEAN social security systems in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Free flow of Labor". The theme would focus on our desire for an innovative approach and long-term vision against the backdrop of a new period of development for the ASEAN social security system, wherein new opportunities and challenges from the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the free movement of labor in the region require effective coordination, unity in diversity and the full play of the respective strengths of ASSA members in order to create synergy for the Association as a whole; in the interest of sustainable social security for all citizens of the ASEAN community.

The conference was attended by ASSA President, Secretary General of the ASSA, senior members of ASSA's social security associations, reputable speakers from international organizations, and other international partners who have cooperated with VSS; Government leaders of Vietnam; relevant ministries, sectors. The conference will focus on promoting social security in the region, and exchanging experiences and information among groups all around the world.

The joint orientation of cooperation within ASSA members with international social security organizations towards a modern, sustainable, reliable, transparent and comprehensive social security system that ensures everyone's access, in particular workers in the informal sector, through good governance and cooperation, will help drive economic, societal and cultural development; promote integration and innovation, and reduce the gap between regional and international social security organizations; and contribute to the effort towards a Prosperous, Advanced, Civilized and Developed ASEAN Community in the spirit of the ASEAN Vision 2025.

Organizing the ASSA 35^th Board Meeting is a valued opportunity for VSS to promote foreign propaganda and to contribute to building and promoting the professional image in the sustainable development of social welfare in Vietnam, towards the satisfaction of national citizens and businesses. At the same time, this national event will help to affirm the position of social security in general activities at regional and international stages.

International Cooperation Department