4 November 2025
The 42nd ASEAN Social Security Association (ASSA) Board Meeting officially commenced today in Brunei Darussalam, hosted by the Employee Trust Fund (TAP). The opening ceremony was held at The Rizqun International Hotel, Gadong, and attended by over 160 delegates representing ASSA member institutions, international organisations, and invited guests.
The ceremony was graced by Yang Mulia Awang Salminan bin Haji Burut, Permanent Secretary (Security and Welfare), Ministry of Home Affairs, and Member of TAP’s Board of Directors, who officiated the event as Guest of Honour. In his officiating remarks, he highlighted the importance of strengthening regional collaboration to ensure inclusive and resilient social protection systems. He emphasised that the true challenge for social security institutions lies not in technology itself, but in how institutions manage the impacts of rapid digital transformation while seizing the opportunities.
He added that Brunei Darussalam’s ongoing initiatives under the Brunei Social Blueprint and Wawasan Brunei 2035 reflect the nation’s long-term commitment to building a secure and sustainable future for all citizens, anchored by institutions such as TAP which continue to drive innovation and inclusivity in social security.
Earlier, Mr. Jose Arnulfo A. Veloso, President and General Manager of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Philippines and ASSA Chairman (2024–2025), delivered the opening remarks.
This year’s meeting carries the theme “Collective Progress – Transformative Reforms Towards a Secure Future for All,” underscoring the importance of unity and knowledge-sharing among ASEAN’s social security institutions in strengthening resilience and ensuring that no one is left behind.
Following the opening ceremony, a series of plenary sessions were held featuring distinguished speakers from across the region, including: Whole-of-Nation Social Development: Strengthening the Foundations of Social Security through Social Blueprint presented by Yang Mulia Hajah Nor Ashikin Haji Johari, Permanent Secretary (Community), Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Brunei Darussalam; other sessions explored themes such as designing sustainable retirement schemes, leveraging artificial intelligence in healthcare for ageing societies, and learning from global social security practices shared by the International Social Security Association (ISSA).
In the afternoon, ASSA member institutions shared their Good Practices to showcase innovative and impactful initiatives in social security management.
Also present during the ceremony were senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and Economy, TAP Board of Directors Members, TAP Board Committee Members, and representatives from the ASEAN member institutions.
The two-day event will conclude on 5 November 2025, with the convening of the 42nd ASSA Board Meeting, marking another milestone in strengthening ASEAN’s social protection network through collaboration and shared purpose.