2025 saw the implementation of five strategic priorities, which guided ASEF’s projects, enhanced financial stability, increased visibility, improved communication at different levels and will strengthen work on governance and sustainable development (GSD). Our projects were largely aligned with ASEF’s “2025 Topic of the Year”. Senior Management proactively engaged ASEF members on monetary contributions and in-kind support to ensure long-term operational stability. New activities, such as the “Asia-Europe Friendship Walk” and “ASEF Lecture Series”, were launched to encourage exchanges between ASEF stakeholders and raise ASEF’s visibility. We also hosted a sharing session to connect Olympic aquatic champions with young international school students. Online, we enhanced the user-friendliness of the ASEF and ASEM InfoBoard websites and added an ASEF Instagram account to our social media tools. “Dialogue with Senior Management” was started to strengthen internal communication and we created more opportunity to engage with the ASEF Board of Governors. For external communication, an “ASEF brand refresh” was initiated to renew and reaffirm the essence of ASEF’s identity and character, for implementation in 2026. The appointment of a new director is set to bolster our work in GSD.
Throughout the year, ASEF remained committed to its mission of strengthening Asia–Europe relations through people-to-people exchanges and completed 16 projects across its thematic areas. Notably, for Culture, ASEF strengthened cultural ties by connecting artists and institutions across Asia and Europe through digital platforms, residencies, festivals and dialogue, in partnership with key partners such as UNESCO. The programme for the 8th edition of the Asia-Europe Cultural Festival (AECFest 2025) is its largest to date. For Education, ASEF connected students, educators and policymakers through policy dialogues, capacity-building activities and bi-regional networks. We engaged over 2,000 participants from 50 countries, reaching more than 3.6 million people online. On GSD, ASEF facilitated dialogue on human rights and delivered capacity-building for diplomats and public officials in public diplomacy and gender equality. For Media/Communications, ASEF organised a Journalists Workshop to discuss the challenges of dealing with plastic waste, featured monthly topics on the ASEM InfoBoard and piloted a podcast series to tap perspectives on key issues from both regions. On Public Health, ASEF convened meetings of stakeholders through the ASEF Public Health Network to advance discussions on managing COVID-19 and emerging infectious diseases.
We deeply appreciate and look forward to the continued strong support and commitment from ASEF members and partners, which have made ASEF’s work and achievements possible.