JAKARTA, March 2025 – ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn officially inaugurated the latest cohort of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Attachment Programme at the ASEAN Secretariat today, marking a historic milestone with the participation of Timor-Leste for the first time.
Supported by the Government of Japan through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), the programme is designed to enhance the capacity of government officials from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Viet Nam (CLMV), and Timor-Leste. By immersing Attachment Officers (AOs) in the work of the ASEAN Secretariat, the initiative aims to strengthen institutional capacities and foster regional integration.
In his opening address, Dr. Kao underscored the programme’s significance in equipping government officials with practical knowledge and experience, enabling them to contribute more effectively to their home countries. He also expressed gratitude to Japan for its enduring commitment to narrowing development gaps within ASEAN.
Japan’s Ambassador to ASEAN, H.E. Kiya Masahiko, reaffirmed Tokyo’s support for ASEAN’s integration efforts, emphasizing the crucial role of human resource development in enhancing regional competitiveness and sustainability. He reiterated Japan’s dedication to inclusive development and capacity-building initiatives.
The one-year programme provides Attachment Officers with hands-on experience across the ASEAN Political-Security Community, ASEAN Economic Community, and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community departments. This exposure allows them to gain deeper insights into ASEAN’s policies, processes, and cooperation mechanisms. The initiative is part of the broader IAI Work Plan IV (2021-2025), which seeks to bridge development gaps within the region.
For full remarks by Secretary-General Dr. Kao, download the document here.
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