ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Strategy

Urbanisation is a crucial driver of economic growth in ASEAN, yet rapid urbanisation can make it difficult for urban infrastructure development to keep pace, giving rise to issues such as economic inequality, congestion, and environmental and health problems. To maintain the benefit of urbanisation, ASEAN cities need to take a proactive, coherent approach in ensuring that adequate and sustainable urban infrastructure are in place. The ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Strategy (ASUS) is one of the initiatives under the strategic area of Sustainable Infrastructure of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025. It provides ASEAN cities with a framework of sustainable urbanisation based on six areas, namely civic and social, health and well-being, security, quality environment, built infrastructures, industry and innovation. It consists of this report as well as two accompanying toolkits that will assist local governments in ASEAN to advance sustainable urbanisation in their cities. Download the ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation...

ASEAN Investment Report 2018: Foreign Direct Investment and the Digital Economy in ASEAN

ASEAN’s digital economy has been growing rapidly, backed by the region’s fast expanding digital networks and numbers of mobile phone and Internet users. ASEAN has the third largest number of Internet users in the world after China and India. The region’s active participation in digital development and promotion of investment in information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure are major drivers of this growth. The Internet economy (transactions conducted online) was estimated to be worth $50 billion in 2017 and is expected to become a $200 billion economy by 2025. Fulfilling this potential, however, will require the right policy and regulatory framework to encourage further participation and investment by the private sector. It also requires addressing key challenges and potential drawbacks associated with rapid growth of the digital economy. The ASEAN Investment Report 2018 looks at the how digital economy, including e-commerce, fintech, venture capital and other digital activities influence the investment landscape in ASEAN. It also discusses policy options and digital economy strategy for the region, to help it transform itself into a competitive global digital hub. The report also includes a special section highlighting Australia investment development in ASEAN. It provides historical analysis of Australian foreign direct investment (FDI) and discusses presence of Australian Multinational Enterprises (MNE) in ASEAN. The report was prepared by the ASEAN Secretariat and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Download the report...

Vacancy Announcement: KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT ADVISOR

THE ASEAN SECRETARIAT INVITES ALL CANDIDATES TO APPLY FOR THE FOLLOWING VACANCY: KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT ADVISOR Tasks and Activities Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Secretary-General for Community and Corporate Affairs Department (DSG CCAD) and direct supervision of the Director of Corporate Affairs Directorate (DIR CAD), the Knowledge Management Advisor is part of the KM Core Team. KM Advisor will be responsible for fostering and managing relations with both the internal and external stakeholders on the knowledge and document management services, as well as advising ASEC in matters related KM as necessary. The KM Advisor shall perform the following tasks: KM Capacity Building Work closely with the KM Core Team to ensure that the systems are mainstreamed throughout ASEC in systematic and appropriate process; Provide training and coaching to the KM Core Team members on strategic KM framework and standards so that ASEC is able to achieve and maintain KM maturity level; Help promote knowledge sharing across all ASEC Departments; Liaise with KM Function Team, staff members and stakeholders to ensure that KDMS will be fully utilized; Provide policy advice related to KM; Provide inputs and support in the design and delivery of KM training programmes; Identify, analyze and prepare risk mitigation plan and manage anticipated resistance; KM Policy and Strategy Development Lead the development of corporate KM policy and document management sharing; Provide substantive inputs to shape the development of KM strategy, standard and tools; Contribute to relevant knowledge exchanges to promote KM objectives; In collaboration with Information Technology and System Division (ITSD) and the to-be-selected consultancy firm, provide inputs in the design, architecture, and creation of essential...

Tender Announcement – “Development of Financial Literacy Programmes for Growing Micro Enterprises” project

Needs and Objectives The goal of this project is to improve the financial literacy of micro-enterprises in order to increase the potential for growth and support their participation in the local economy. The project aims to establish a dataset for CLMV governments to promote financial literacy programmes to micro enterprises, and suggest approaches that would enable them to make informed, evidence based policy choices to improve financial literacy for micro-enterprises. Scope of Services The consultancy will be undertaken over a continuous effective period of 11 calendar months with approximately 50 person weeks. Work will commence immediately after contract signing. Qualifications In its proposal the bidder should demonstrate experience in: In-depth knowledge and proven experience in financial literacy core concepts; Extensive and relevant work experience in financial literacy, strengthening financial management in CLMV countries; Experience in working with business associations, preferably in CLMV countries; Experience in the analysis, design, implementation and evaluation of financial literacy strengthening/capacity building programmes; Proven track record in data collection and analysis; Proven experience in facilitating discussions/consultations; Extensive knowledge and experience in project development; and Proven skills in report writing and conversing in English. Bidding Interested consulting firms are invited to submit a proposal in response to these Terms of Reference. This proposal should be in two parts: Technical and Financial components. The Technical component should present the following information: A brief discussion indicating the bidder’s understanding of the needs of the project; A brief analysis of key issues; A methodological discussion of how the bidder proposes to address those needs including assessment of key issues, analytical strategies that will underlie the project, specific techniques to...

TENDER ANNOUNCEMENT: ASEAN Capacity Building Roadmap for Consumer Protection 2019 – 2025

Needs and Objectives The project aims to develop an ASEAN regional capacity building plan for consumer protection based on needs assessment under the ASAPCP 2025 as well as national priorities. The ASEAN regional capacity building plan will strengthen consumer protection regimes in the AMS as well as help ACCP and AMS in promoting awareness and garnering support for ASEAN’s consumer protection capacity development agenda. Scope of Services The consultancy will be undertaken over a continuous effective period of approximately seven (7) calendar months with approximately 60 days of professional services. Work will commence immediately after contract signing. Qualifications In its proposal the Consultant should demonstrate: Extensive knowledge in consumer rights, enforcement of consumer laws, and consumer demands for safe and sustainable consumption practices as well as current and emerging consumer concerns and related issues; Substantial work experience in the field of consumer protection preferably in ASEAN and AMS; Proven track record in assisting countries in establishing and enhancing their consumer protection programs and related initiatives; Extensive experience in the conduct of capacity and training needs assessment and design of capacity building programs; Research and survey design expertise; Thorough understanding of ASEAN and ASEC procedures is needed and willingness to adapt is required. Familiarity and having extensive professional contacts with consumer protection agencies in AMS; Familiarity with the prevailing condition and environment, particularly in consumer protection, in AMS; and English proficiency and good report writing skills are prerequisites Bidding Interested Consultant/Consulting team are invited to submit a proposal in response to these Terms of Reference. This proposal should be in two parts: Technical and Financial components. The Technical component should...