The First ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) Executive Committee Meeting in 2022, 3 February 2022
ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) conducted its first Executive Committee Meeting of the year on Thursday, February 3, 2022. The meeting was held online.
Opening the meeting, Mr. Cason Tzse Chun Ong, AAN Chairman, discussed about the AAN Report that will be sent to the ASEAN Secretariat. Mr. Cason suggested making a Cover Letter and also a letter about the Fundraising Campaign for Myanmar.
Afterwards, each AAN Representatives gave an update on the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in their respective countries. Most of the countries experience a rise on the cases recently, especially due to the new Omicron variant.
Ms. Erlinda ‘Dang’ Koe, Chairperson of Public Relations and Information Committee, shared a review about the activities of Autism Society Philippines (ASP) during National Autism Consciousness Week (NACW), 24-30 January 2022. The events have been successfully held, and AAN Members are also involved in some of the webinars, such as “Autism-OK Employment in ASEAN” and “ASEAN Enabling Masterplan 2025” webinars.
Next, Ms. Siriporn Praserdchat, Logistics Officer, Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), shared about the APCD Agenda, one of which is to send feedback about the AAN Report. Ms. Siri also reiterated about the Ambassador of Mongolia to Thailand who is interested to be an observer on the next AAN Meeting.
Ms. Supaanong ‘NuNu’ Panyasirimongkol, Networking & Collaboration Officer, APCD, added that APCD Plan to hold a Workshop in Indonesia, but will consider the pandemic situation first. Ms. Nunu also reminded that since this is the last year of the Chairmanship of Mr. Cason, AAN has to start thinking about the next chairman and the AAN Congress to handover Chairmanship.
Last but not least, Ms. Candy Hernandez, Head of AAN Secretariat, led the discussion on updates needed regarding AAN Membership fees.
The First ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) Executive Committee Meeting in 2022, 3 February 2022
ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) conducted its monthly Executive Committee Meeting of the year on Thursday, February 24, 2022. The meeting was held online and it was talking about their country monthly progress reports and planning for future AAN Chairmanship.
This meeting was also featured the Ambassador of Mongolia to Thailand who observed the ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) Executive Committee Meeting, hosted by the AAN Secretariat.
Opening of the meeting, after a short time of non-formal exchange of current events in the participants’ respective countries, Mr. Cason Tzse chun Ong, Chairperson, AAN Malaysia, NASOM greeted all the participants.
Next, Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Community Development Manager, addressed H.E. Mr. Tumur Amarsanaa, Guest Observer from Ambassador of Mongolia to Thailand, to the meeting.
Mr. Cason Ong, Chairman of the AAN, welcomed as meeting observers H.E. Mr. Tumur Amarsanaa. Mr. Ong coordinated the meeting between AAN country representatives, the AAN Secretariat staff, and representatives from the APCD.
H.E. Mr. Tumur Amarsanaa introduced himself and expressed gratitude to APCD for inviting him to the meeting. He asked if Mongolia could be an observer/associate member to AAN, since AAN has worked with associate members from outside SEA like Japan (Autism Society of Japan) as well.
Ms. Erlinda (Dang) Uy Koe, AAN Philippines, Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP), gave the monthly activity report, with the recent ones including orientation programs and web shows about preparing children on the spectrum for face-to-face learning. Also in accordance with the Philippines “Magna Carta of the Disabled”, ASP has started taking action (including legal means) against politicians that use autism as a slur to denigrate their opponents in the coming elections. And each AAN country representative informed the group on their progress activities.
Last but not least, H.E. Mr. Tumur Amarsanaa provided input and asked pertinent questions.
ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) Executive Committee Meeting 31 March 2022
ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) conducted its monthly Executive Committee Meeting of the year on Thursday, March 31, 2022. The meeting was held online and it was as usual talking about their country monthly progress reports, as well as the plan for upcoming world autism day event each country respectively which will be held on the 2nd of April 2022.
Mr. Karnadjaya Panji Putra, AAN Indonesia, YAI shared Dr. Adriana Ginanjar’s presentation, containing an activity plan for World Autism Day, including webinars, interviews with CNN, collaborations, job training modules, and a hearing with the Ministry of Health. As for the pandemic, Indonesia has greatly loosened their restrictions about going outside, and there’ll be no more quarantine in the country.
Ms. Viengsam Indavong talks about the AfA Lao PDR has received 2 projects regarding inclusive education development, and explains the highlight of advocacy for the next 10 years.
Ms. Erlinda (Dang) Uy Koe, AAN Philippines, ASP reported that activities in ASP are in accordance with Autism Awareness Month, such as a web show about Inclusive Education Law, watercolor painting event, and using LED displays in SM Malls to promote the Autism Month.
Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, APCD asked Ms. Dang Koe about further details for the newly-signed Inclusive Education Law in The Philippines. Later Ms. Supanoong (NuNu) Panyasirimongkol, APCD reported that a video about Autism Awareness Month will be launched on 1 April, and later organize a training of self-advocacy for intellectual disabilities. As for the pandemic update in Thailand, the Omicron strain is still a serious situation, with cases remaining high. Beside, APCD also plans the HAPI-IE Guidebook to be translated to Uzbekistan.
Mr. Somchai discussed further details and progress of ASEAN Autism Mapping with Mr. Cason. Mr. Somchai also expressed plans to organize a meeting in Jakarta for the ASEAN Autism Mapping action plan in Jakarta with all executive board members, but the Omicron variant is still at large.
Last but not least, Ms. Candy proposed to send a letter of admission for Mongolia to join in the ASEAN Autism Network.
ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) Executive Committee Meeting 27 April 2022
ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) conducted its monthly Executive Committee Meeting of the year on Wednesday, April 27, 2022. The meeting was held online and it was as usual talking about their country monthly progress reports. The meeting was also accompanied by the Mongolian Autism Association.
The meeting started after a short time of non-formal exchange of current events in the participants’ respective countries, Mr. Cason Tzse chun Ong, Chairperson, AAN Malaysia, NASOM greeted all the participants, followed by other Executive Committee members and staff of AAN and APCD.
The Mongolian Embassy in Thailand assisted representatives from the Mongolian Autism Association with their self-introductions and initial dialogues during the ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) Executive Committee Meeting. Their names are Ms. Amarbuyan (Buya) Amar & Ms. Baasanjargal (Baska) Tugsgerel, 2 from 3 participants from Autism Association Mongolia, AAN’s newest Associate Member / observer member.
The monthly country report was delivered by Dr. Adriana Ginanjar, Honorary Chairperson of AAN, and representatives of Yayasan Autisma Indonesia. She discussed the possibility of collaborating with the government and other organizations to assist Indonesians living with autism and their families. In addition, Dr. Adriana Ginanjar also shared a presentation of YAI’s history, vision and missions, and recent activities, including Autism Walk, 2022 Autism Awareness Webinar, and collaboration with IOTI (Indonesian Occupational Therapy Association), IKATWI (Indonesian Speech Therapist Association), IFI (Indonesian Physiotherapy Association), and even cooperating with the government to create an autism-friendly airport.
Ms. Candy Hernandez, M. Si, LSPR/ LSCAA, Indonesia added that she wishes to set up an AAN General Assembly to meet with AAN associate members and other autism organizations around the world who are interested to join AAN. Everyone is also added to the AAN email list for proper coordination.
A group photo was taken with participants from several ASEAN countries, Mongolia, the AAN secretariat office in Indonesia, and the APCD.
ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) Executive Committee Meeting 26 May 2022
ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) conducted its monthly Executive Committee Meeting of the year on Thursday, May 26, 2022. The meeting was held online and it was as usual talking about their country monthly progress reports. The meeting was also accompanied by the Mongolian Autism Association.
After a short time of non-formal exchange of current events in the participants’ respective countries, Mr. Cason Tzse chun Ong, Chairperson, AAN Malaysia, NASOM greeted all the participants, followed by other Executive Committee members and staff of AAN and APCD.
Each participants in this meeting were talking about their current activities and the conditions as well the pandemic situations as several countries are experiencing the decrease numbers of new pandemic cases. Mr. Syvang Xayyavong, AAN Lao PDR, AfA reported that AfA will organize an event called “Move Together for Autism” in June, and they have also finished electing the chairperson for the next AAN Congress on 19 May.
Ms. Supanoong (NuNu) Panyasirimongkol from APCD was presenting the video of their UN-ESCAP partnership activity, “Self-Reliance of Self-Advocates with Intellectual Disabilities and Family Members in Thailand during the COVID-19 Pandemic”, training self-advocate persons exercise, agriculture and Thai culture.
Last but not least, Mr. Cason proposed that the AAN Congress’ conference will be held in early November at Kuala Lumpur, but the next ASEAN Autism Games is not finalized yet due to the tight time schedule with the local elections in Malaysia.
ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) Executive Committee Meeting 29 June 2022
ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) conducted its monthly Executive Committee Meeting of the year on Wednesday, June 29, 2022. The meeting was held online and it was as usual talking about their country monthly progress reports.
The meeting started with Dr. Samrerng (Sam) Virachanang, AAN Thailand, AU Thai. Dr. Sam reported that he has attended more meetings with UN ESCAP as an AAN Thailand representative.
Then continued to Mr. Nay Myo Naing, AAN Myanmar, MAA. Mr. Nay reported that AAN Myanmar initially planned to make a project called “Autism-friendly in home/place and special needs trust fund program”. The project that mentioned by Mr. Nay was also involving with the Ministry of Social Welfare of Myanmar. However, the plan was canceled when the dispute (also known as coup d’etat) in the country began, so that the conflict impacted to the country’s situation to became unstable.
Mr. Syvang Xayyavong, AAN Lao PDR, AfA reported that AAN Lao PDR’s World Autism event for this year went well, and also introduced the future chairperson of AAN Mr. Thatsana Phenglawong.
Next, Dr. Adriana Ginanjar, AAN Honorary Chairperson, YAI reported that YAI held a webinar about job empowerment for persons on the spectrum with Mr. Kevin Cook called “Transformation of accepting the works for autism disability through the advocacy process and community participants” that was held on Saturday, June 25, 2022. She also shared the experiences of autism homes in Indonesia.
Ms. Erlinda (Dang) Uy Koe, AAN Philippines, ASP reported their recent activities, including a sensory-friendly movie watch-along event in the SM City Mall called “LIGHTYEAR.” She has also planned a historical museum tour and picnic in the shrine of a Philippines national hero on 23 July.
Ms. Supanoong (NuNu) Panyasirimongkol, APCD reported that Mr. Somchai Rungsilp requested the exact date for the AAN Congress meeting in KL for booking the schedule, alongside a workshop for ASEAN Autism Mapping Phase 2 and an official launch for the ASEAN Autism Self-Advocate Network. However, Mr. Cason and others told Ms. NuNu that in order for AASAN to launch officially, it must be properly registered as an organization firsthand.
Last but not least, Mr. Cason planned to hold the the AAN Congress in KL and it will be confirmed to be held on November 6, 7, and 8.
Including Perspectives of Mental Well-being and Psychosocial Disabilities in Disaster Risk Reduction and Humanitarian Action
The University of Tokyo, in partnership with the UNITAR and UN Women, was facilitating a United Nations 15th Conference of States Parties to the CRPD Side Event: “Including Perspectives of Mental Well-being and Psychosocial Disabilities in Disaster Risk Reduction and Humanitarian Action,” on Friday 17 June from 11:30 am to 12:45 pm in New York time, through a pre-recorded online session. The session was also joined by the ASEAN AUTISM NETWORK (AAN) Team.
The event started with the opening speech from Prof. Takashi Izutsu from the University of Tokyo as the ‘Moderator’ of the event. He discussed about the UNITAR-University of Tokyo Global Forum on Diversity, Disability and Inclusion, UN Women and STEP together with the United Nations Secretariat and various organizations of persons with disabilities have organized series of events to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and to promote diversity and inclusion in peace and security, sustainable development and humanitarian action, since 2020.
The first session started with Dr. Abul Hasnat Monjurul Kabir from the Global Adviser and Team Leader, Gender Equality and Disability Inclusion, UN Women. He discussed about the disaster reduction and humanitarian action, lack of awareness on disability-inclusion. He also mentioned that State Parties will take all necessary measures to ensure protection and safety to all persons with disabilities in situation of risk, including the situation of armed conflict, humanitarian emergencies and the occurrence of natural disaster.
Next session was the special performance by May J with song title “I can carry on.” May J has a multi-national backgrounds including Japan, Iran, Turkey, Russia, Spain and UK. She also has a globally esteemed recognition as a singer and performer.
The next session was conducted by Prof. Atsuro Tsusumi from Kanazawa University. He gave some overview on the global normative frameworks on mental well-being and psychosocial disabilities in disaster risk reduction and humanitarian action.
Then, the next session was conducted by Ms. Bhargavi Davar as the ‘Executive Director’ of Transforming Communities for Inclusion (TCI) Global from India.
Ms. Bhargavi Davar shared the experience about a number of events of disasters and humanitarian crisis in Asia and Pacific region, particularly. Such as tsunamis, earthquakes, conflict, political, and civil conflict. She also mentioned that They are very concerned that building back better for persons with psychosocial disabilities, has meant building institutions or finding places for segregation of persons with psychosocial disabilities.
Next, Ms. Supaanong ‘Nunu’ Panyasirimongkol as the Networking and Collaboration Officer of the Asia-Pacific Development Centre on Disability (APCD), based in Thailand talked about the statement of persons with disabilities that always have a joke in the movement that says, “We are the first to be forgotten and last to be remembered”, especially for the autistic persons who work in the field of disaster risk reduction and humanitarian relief.
Next, Mr. Yuhei Yamada as the Executive Director of Porque and Board Member of Japan National Group of Mentally Disabled People from Japan, accompanied by Ms. Satoko Hagino as the Representative of UNiTe who would translated to English language from Mr. Yuhei Yamada who originally spoke in Japanese language. In this session, Mr. Yuhei Yamada talked about the inclusion of persons with mental health conditions or psychosocial disabilities is one of those. In particular, addressing the stigma is a key in including persons with mental health conditions or psychosocial disabilities in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).
Next, Ms. Sakurako Kishino, a former representative of UNiTe, a student organization at the university of Tokyo discussed about the engage in various activities aiming at a world where no one is left behind through arts and culture in collaboration with UN agencies and other partners. She also mentioned that the UNICEF and many other organizations are promoting “child friendly spaces” in and after emergency settings worldwide.
Next, Mr. Shun Kageyama from the EMPOWER Project gave the answer by mentioning several of the activities related to the question about “What do You do when You feel stressed out?” He mentioned that the Academic research has shown that people with strong connection with nature have better mental well-being and smoother recovery from distress. Lastly, he thought that promoting a new paradigm to include “emotional well-being” as a key global monitoring indicator, in addition to traditional ones, is a critical step in promoting the mental well-being as well as promoting and protecting the rights of persons with psychosocial disabilities.
Next, Ms. Abia Akram from STEP, Pakistan discussed about how women and girls with disabilities are completely left behind during the disaster and humanitarian response. She mentioned that They are engaging women with disabilities themselves to conduct the trainings for women with disability and other stakeholders.
Last but not least, Ms. Akiko Ito as the Co-chair, Secretariat for the Inter-agency Support Group on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the Sub-working Group on Women and Girls with Disabilities of the Interagency Network on Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women (IANGWE), United Nations, gave her closing remarks. She hoped that the event would bring momentum for us to move forward to take practical action, to tackle harmful practices and other obstacles for disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction and humanitarian action.
ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) Executive Committee Meeting 5 August 2022
ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) conducted its monthly Executive Committee Meeting of the year on Friday, August 5, 2022. The meeting was held online and it was as usual talking about their country monthly progress reports. This meeting was also presented by Autism Society of Pakistan (ASP). The meeting started with a brief about the “Indonesia – Japan Roundtable Discussion on Developmental Disorder” event that was held on Tuesday, August 2, 2022. In that meeting Mr. Somchai Rungsilp mentioned that he will visit Cambodia next week and also invite the AAN members the support on capacity building for the staff in Cambodia.
Ms. Dang Koe shared about the sensitivity training after 2 years, now it’s already go face to face. She mentioned that 290 or 302 tenants of SM last week were experiencing an incident in a parlor that involving the teenager spectrum and the mother due to the tenants couldn’t handle and treaten well. Additionally, she also said that on August 11, she and her team were invited by Philippines coast guard to treat 25 kids on a spectrum to a tour of the ship. Then on August 20, she tipped that ASP will conduct a “Townhall Meeting.” The meeting is for the leaders and the members and They will be launching the brand new logo and toolkit as well as explaining the new guidelines of membership.
Dr. Samrerng (Sam) Virachanang talked about situations in Thailand, especially people started to be afraid of the inflation effect. He explained the for the country plans for the next 5 years. He mentioned that next week on 12, 13 and 14, They will have a general meeting and the re-election for the new chairman.
Mr. Cason Ong explained the situations in Malaysia. He said that the NASOM will have a general meeting in September. The NASOM team also had some meeting with government and added some items to acknowledge that the people with disabilities in case of disasters to give the priorities and not to place at the last. Also the NASOM team brought the attention about the sponsorships where people with disabilities families should be also given the privileges as well.
Ms. Rukhsana Shah introduced the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Welfare Trust Pakistan which was established in 2015 in Lahore. She also introduced Dr. Salma khalil as the Chief Operating Officer in Karachi and Mobashrah Bajwa as the Chief Operating Officer in Lahore. Ms. Rukhsana Shah mentioned that They are mainly working with Teachers, Parents, Doctors and Childrens of Psychology as well as They are mainly focusing on awareness and trainings.
Then after the introducing of the ASD Welfare Trust Pakistan, Ms. Supaanong (NuNu) Panyasirimongkol from APCD explained about their activities, especially the training program that was held on 23-29 July 2022. The purpose of that program was on strengthening disability inclusive disaster risk reduction in ASEAN region. She mentioned the participants that involved were Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Then, Mr. Somchai Rungsilp from APCD reminded that he will visit Cambodia next week. He mentioned that the purpose is the preparation of community-based inclusive development congress in Phnom Penh in March next year and planned to meet Mr. Chan Sarin to discuss about any potential collaboration between Cambodia Autism Network (CAN), AAN and APCD to do the south to south cooperation. Last but not least, the whole of AAN team were discussing about the plan and the events for KL Conference which will be held on 6-8 November 2022.
Here are the group photos for the AAN Executive Committee meeting July 2022 version.
August 2022
Indonesia – Japan Roundtable Discussion on Developmental Disorder
LSPR Communication and Business Institute of Indonesia with Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia held an event called “Indonesia-Japan Roundtable Discussion on Developmental Disorder.” The event was held on 2 August 2022 at 9 AM Jakarta Time at the Auditorium Prof. Dr. Djayusman LSPR Sudirman Park Jakarta and was organised by the National Centre for Persons with Severe Intellectual Disabilities, Nozominosono of Japan and LSPR Communication and Business Institute of Indonesia. ASEAN Autism Network team (AAN) were also joined the event.
From Japan, H.E. Madam Michiyo Takagi (Former Secretary General of National Diet Members Caucus on Developmental Disorder of Japan / Former Member, the House of Representatives / Advisor, Japan Developmental Disorder Network) will preside over the Roundtable Discussion. As of May 2022, 175 National Diet Members from both the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors consist of the National Diet Members Caucus on Developmental Disorder of Japan. We also invited the representatives from the Government of Indonesia through the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Government of Japan through the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
The purpose of this Roundtable Discussion is to enhance understanding about the situation of persons with developmental disorders in Indonesia, and to strengthen the partnership between Indonesia and Japan by building a basis of exchange and dialogue by the representatives from both countries. We hope the discussions will bring a new perspective to everyone.
ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) Executive Committee Meeting 25 August 2022
ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) conducted its monthly Executive Committee Meeting of the year on Thursday, August 25, 2022. The meeting was held online and it was as usual talking about their country monthly progress reports. The meeting started with the committees from each country were discussing about the KL conference which will be held on November 2022. On that session, They discussed about the budget for the event, especially the flight airline, accommodation, tickets for flight, etc. Mr. Cason Ong stated that at the moment, They have a topic in hand to discuss the congress regarding the autism adults in job opportunities and employment for adults in the spectrum, then Ms. Dang Koe also added that it’s called “Economic Empowerment”.
Dr. Samrerng (Sam) Virachanang talked about the highlight of recent activites namely to set up the social enterprise system. Dr. Sam also stated that They are finding the budgets to support for the upcoming about 6 teenagers and adults with autism that had already become the members of social enterprise, for example, one of them has worked as barista (bartender), artist so They can go experiment themselves. He also mentioned that most of us as the participants had a bad economic in the next 6 months at least until the financial can be set up properly. He also said that everytime during the seminar, workshop and training camp either one of them said to Dr. Sam as a supporting big ties so They know that They are not going alone.
Ms. Viengsam Indavong said in Lao PDR for Covid-19 is getting better so that They opened the country and can travel the overseas, then mentioned that the members of association is still running as usual, supporting one another. Ms. Viengsam also said that They want to have a transition together to carry out the projects, focusing on the shows, advocacy, and economic empowerment, as well the next chairmanship for AAN. Ms. Viengsam also mentioned that she is responsible for education chapter, as well she said that the organization for the people with disability is willing to work with government for the implementation, so that in the future there will be a movement and Association for Autism (AfA) will focus on education partner.
Ms. Pham Kim Tam explained that after Covid-19, They were started again for 20 countryside offline courses. Ms. Pham Kim Tham later stated that on September, They will organize the childrens by conducting a “Mid-Autumn Festival” event. Then, she asked to share the model to study and develop the model of group home for young adult.
Ms. Dang Koe shared about how we manage the internal affairs of organizational development. Last week, They had a chapter leaders town hall to commemorate the 33rd years of Autism Society Philippines. Ms. Dang Koe said that it’s not just about 33 years old, but They were able to overcome the challenges of pandemic.
Ms. Dang Koe talked about the branding, then stated that these days because the social media represents in all, so that is very important that the branding is very very clear. In addition, the Autism Society Philippines (ASP) has just changed its logo. Ms. Dang Koe described about the new ASP logo design and she said that They add the orange colour so that They need to partner with other stakeholders and private public organization. She continued that she programmed for the remainder of the year so that They will always have a partner component. Then she discussed about the new member classifications terms and added that the registration form was no longer in paper and it’s fully online.
Ms. Supaanong (NuNu) Panyasirimongkol said the first point that Mr. Somchai and Mr. Watcharapol are at motif follow up the inclusive education project trainee. The main focus is on special and inclusive education professional and parents group that They conducted on 2021. Ms. Siriporn Praserdchat said the second point about APCD mission to Phnom Penh, Cambodia and then mentioned regarding the Asia-Pasific Community-Based Inclusive Congress which is to be conducted in March next year. Ms. Siriporn also mentioned that Mr. Somchai met with Mr. Chan Sarin regarding the collaboration of developmental disorder activities and she also said to encourage the AAN members to be the partner of the activities. The next point was, some of APCD members will go to the meeting to attend the high level Intergovernmental meeting on final review plan about APCD meeting in Jakarta on October.
Mr. Chan Sarin talked about the update that he had a meeting with Mr. Somchai to discuss about the future collaboration between AAN and Cambodia. Mr Chan Sarin hoped to working with the APCD and other AAN members in order to provide the training and provide the other information for people in Cambodia. Mr. Chan Sarin and Mr. Somchai discussed about the community building for the parents of autism and other people from government to learn about the autism development. Then, Mr. Chan Sarin was looking up for the potential of owner to support Cambodia on building construction.
Mr. Cason Ong gave an update about the situation in Malaysia, including the Covid, economic and government. Mr. Cason stated that basically They are trying to engage with the government again and fortunately, They already linked to minister of health. Other than that, They are still fighting, especially with the minister of education. He also mentioned that the Malaysia’s government country might be going to have an election soon as well.
Mr. Karna Panji gave an update about the situation in Indonesia. He reminded the recent activity that Yayasan Autisma Indonesia held and involved the Indonesia-Japan Roundtable Discussion which was held on the 2nd of August. Mr. Karna mentioned that They are still in preparation and trying to do some of the workshop for job coach for the autism.
Last but not least, Ms. Candy Tolosa discussed about the plan, the budgets, and the confirmation from each country respectively to join for AAN KL conference in November as well as the next contribution for the annual membership.
Here are the group photos for the AAN Executive Committee Meeting August 2022 edition.
High-Level Intergovernmental Meeting on 17-21 October 2022
Last week on 17-21 October 2022, ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) team joined an event called “High-Level Intergovernmental Meeting.” The event held for a week. It started from Monday, 17 October 2022, where Mr. Somchai and the AAN team went to visit Balai Latihan at LSBA Transpark Juanda, Bekasi, West Java. Then, Mr. Somchai visited the AAN Secretariat Office at Jakarta.
After a brief visit in AAN Secretariat Office in Jakarta, Mr. Somchai and the rest of AAN team held a meeting at Campus C LSPR. The meeting was talking about the “Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD)’s Direct of Experiences, Today’s Challenges and Future Direction.”
The second day, on Tuesday, 18 October 2022, AAN team joined the meeting with ASEAN Secretariat and Yayasan Autisma Indonesia (YAI) with Mr. Taufik Hidayat and Mr. Karna as the representatives of YAI. In the meeting, they were talking about the activities for the Persons with Disabilities (PwD), including autistic persons and the future activities for the developmental disorders. Then the AAN team held a meeting with Ibu Dr. Prita Kemal Gani, MBA, MCIPR, APR talking about the AAN’s activities and the autistic persons training and programmes alongside current world affairs.
The third day was held on Friday, 21 October 2022, the event was titled “ESCAP’s High-Level Intergovernmental Meeting Side Event.”
The event discussed about the opportunity, challenges and future direction for the Persons with Disabilities (PwD). The event joined by many participants from the AAN, including the executive committee, such as Dr. Adriana Ginanjar from Indonesia, Mr. Cason Ong from Malaysia. Ms. Dang Koe from Philippines, Mr. Chan Sarin from Cambodia, Ms. Viengsam Indavong from Lao PDR. Ms. Supaanong (NuNu) Panyasirimongkol from APCD, Ms. Rukhsana Shah from Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Welfare Trust Pakistan, Ms. Aiko Akiyama from UN ESCAP who was attended onsite, Mr. Somchai Rungsilp from APCD who was attended onsite, Ibu Dr. Prita Kemal Gani, MBA, MCIPR, APR, and several country participants who were attending onsite, including Thailand, Cambodia.
In this event, they held a presentation of several participants, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Cambodia and Thailand, then followed by Questions and Answers (QnA), and closing speech by Ibu Dr. Prita Kemal Gani, MBA, MCIPR, APR.
ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) Executive Committee Meeting 27 October 2022
ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) conducted its monthly Executive Committee Meeting of the year on Thursday, October 27, 2022. The meeting was held online and was discussing about the final preparation for the upcoming AAN Congress in Malaysia, which will be held on 6-8 November 2022.
Mr. Cason Ong gave the guidances for transportation, direction, rundown events and facilities for the hotel that the delegates will be staying during the AAN Congress. The hotel is called “AVANTÉ HOTEL.” Mr. Cason also mentioned the rooms for each delegates as well the additional rooms for several participants who will be joining along with the delegates for each country that will bring additional participants, including with the family and the disabilities. Mr. Cason also would like to distribute the T-Shirts when the delegates and participants will check-in the hotel. Mr. Cason also reminded the total durations for the each country presentations is 15 minutes maximum, including the country reports is 5 minutes maximum, as well the main event presentations, titled “Autism Adults Employment and Its Challenges” is 10 minutes maximum. Mr. Cason hoped that the first day of the event, they can come before 01.00 PM, due to they have so many programmes for the shuttle to those who landed at KLIA Terminal 2.
Ms. Malai Didi, from SMARTER Brunei mentioned that she will bring her eldest sister, Ayla to join the Congress. Ms. Malai stated that Ayla would be mind sharing. Ms. Malai mentioned that Ayla helped and founded the SMARTER Brunei, and Ms. Malai said that she and the team as well her eldest sister are trying their best to re-active the organization as much as possible.
Mr. Chan Sarin, from Cambodia Autism Network mentioned that he will bring 3 (Three) participants and asked Mr. Cason for the extra T-Shirts. Mr. Chan Sarin stated that he will bring laptop for country reports presentation and asked Mr. Cason to help sending the presentation to the NASOM Secretariat e-mail.
Mr. Cason Ong explained the rundown event from the first until the last day of AAN Congress, including the guideline of transportation, shuttle for arrival of delegates, hotel, eating time, as well the AAN Board Executive Meeting, annual fees collection, fundraising activities for AAN fund from each country, and etc.
Dr. Majeed Khader, from ANS Singapore, stated that he will only come on the second day of the Congress event and will leave earlier after the Congress is finished, due to other important matters that he has to attend back in Singapore.
Mr. Somchai Rungsilp from APCD explained about the AAN’s annual fees collection from each country is about 100 USD per year. Mr. Somchai Rungsilp was also discussing the fundraising and he suggested that if it’s possible, they can discuss about the aware to raise the fund from different sources, also he stated that they will submit to the AAN as the whole body and ensure to have allocate some time to discuss about that in detail. Later on, Mr. Somchai Rungsilp mentioned that last week, he went to Jakarta along with ambassador Piroon, and he worked with the AAN Secretariat to organize the UN ESCAP High-Level Intergovernmental Meeting side event, jointly organized by UN ESCAP and the government of Indonesia.
Ms. Supaanong (NuNu) Panyasirimongkol from APCD asked if AAN associate members like APCD, AAM, and ASP Welfare Trust should also pay mandatory membership fees, then Mr Cason answered that membership fees for AAN associate members is optional, and he wishes to discuss more about this matter in the congress.
Next, Ms. Siriporn (Siri) Praserdchat, from APCD asked about the flags of AAN for the handover ceremony. Then, Mr. Cason Ong stated that the flag has already been sent to Malaysia and will be washed and cleaned before the handover to Lao PDR. Lastly, Ms. Siri announced that she and APCD will be available for logistical arrangement support assistance for the event, especially for this upcoming AAN Congress.
Mr. Thein Oak Sein, from Myanmar Autism Association asked for the confirmation to Mr. Cason Ong about the hotel room, and he also stated that he will bring his brother. Then, Mr. Thein Oak Sein asked for membership fees, and later confirmed by Mr. Cason Ong that AAN membership fees are USD $100 per year and will be collected every 2 years, with a total amount of AAN membership fees for each country is USD $200.
Mr. Watcharapol (Khun Jib) Cheungcharoen, from APCD gave 3 (Three) points to make for the upcoming AAN Congress. The first one is to ensure that a key AAN activity report on achievements is presented to Congress (2020–2022). Secondly, as one of the Congress outputs, the AAN constitution should be referred to for brainstorming and updating to the current version after the Congress. And the last one is to make an updated financial report should be presented at the AAN EC meeting.
Here are the group photos for the AAN Executive Committee Meeting October 2022 Version.
ASEAN SPOT : “2030 SDG Goals, Where Are We Now?”
On Tuesday, 10th January 2023 at Prof. Dr. Djajusman Auditorium LSPR Jakarta, LSPR held the ASEAN SPOT event themed “2030 SDG Goals: Where Are We Now?” in collaboration with ASEAN Foundation, Forest Interactive Foundation, and Insan Bumi Mandiri. This event was focusing on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and progresses made to achieve them.
On this event, ASEAN Foundation has signed a “Friendship Agreement” with ASEAN Autism Network, alongside with LSPR Centre of Public Studies and LSPR SDGs Centre.
The event started with the participants were singing the 3 National Anthem Songs, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and ASEAN.
After the participants sang the 3 National Anthem Songs, it was followed by the short profile and the activities of each organizations from ASEAN Public Relations Network, ASEAN Foundation, Forest Interactive Foundation, and Insan Bumi Mandiri.
Next, Ms. Candy Tolosa provided the opening remark, replacing Ibu Dr. (H.C.) Prita Kemal Gani, MBA, MCIPR, APR, FIPR due to the poor health. Then, followed by the presentation of Mr. Johary Mustapha from Forest Interactive Foundation.
Mr. Johary Mustapha discussed about the technology development for the future titled “Future is Tech.” Mr. Johary talked about the problems and the issues for the current technology development and its challenges to achieve the SDG well in the future. Mr. Johary provided the solutions to focus more on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training).
Next, Ms. Zulfa Faizah from Insan Bumi Mandiri discussed about the programme activities of the organization. Ms. Zulfa explained the purpose of the organization is to focus on empowering remote areas of Indonesia, especially to get the equal access to education, health, and be economically empowered. Ms. Zulfa also talked the milestones and the projects of the organization, including the clean water, school boat, ambulance boat, and other projects.
Next, Dr. Yang Mee Eng from ASEAN Foundation explained the supporting of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development for ASEAN. Dr. Yang talked about the ASEAN Foundation profiles, updates, issues, as well the challenges for SDG in the future. Dr. Yang also discussed the projects of the ASEAN Foundation, including Community Building: “Empowering Youths Across ASEAN (EYAA),” Education: “ASEAN Data Science Explorers (ASEAN DSE), ASEAN Seeds for the Future (ASEAN STF), and ASEAN Digital Literacy Programme (ASEAN DLP).”
After all of the speakers provided their presentations, then it was followed by the Questions and Answers (QnA) Session, then followed by all of the guest speakers signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and handover the Plaque of Appreciation as a sign to have a “Friendship Agreement” between the ASEAN Foundation, Forest Interactive Foundation, Insan Bumi Mandiri organization, alongside with ASEAN Autism Network (AAN), LSPR Centre of Public Studies and LSPR SDGs Centre.
Then, Ms. Candy Tolosa, along with the other speakers launched the All New organization in LSPR called “LSPR SDGs Centre,” with the slogan “No One Left Behind.” Lastly, they held the group photo, and the event finished.
ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) Executive Committee Meeting 2 February 2023
ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) conducted its first Executive Committee Meeting of the year on Thursday, February 2, 2023. The meeting was held online, and it was discussing about the ASEAN Autism Mapping Phase II, and JAIF Project Proposal. The meeting started with the introduction of Mr. Sirisak (P’Mhee) Wiwatana, representative from AU Thai, and they held the ‘Minute of Silence’ in honour to Dr. Samrerng (Sam) Virachanang who had passed away on last December.
Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, from APCD explained the concept note of Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), then it’s followed by explanation of Ms. Dang Koe. Mr. Somchai said that last month, they had appointed a working group to develop the project proposal, and wanted to work in a small group in order to draft and send the proposal, as well to get the agreement from the other country in order to work and move forward for the ongoing project. Mr. Somchai also said that APCD commented about the expensive budget for the project. Mr. Somchai discussed the future activities of the project by giving the 3 models (All Coverage, Regional, and Self-Advocate) along with total budgets.
Ms. Dang Koe, from ASP explained the objectives of JAIF Project Proposal. Ms. Dang Koe said that she promises to help in terms of the language grammar. Ms. Dang Koe also gave the suggestions and comments about the objectives that have provided based on the proposal, especially for the small working group short distance. Ms. Dang Koe gave the input that they have to prioritize any desired projects to carry out and do any methods due to the high budget is not realistic to be achieved.
Mr. Somchai stated that they will conduct the hybrid meeting approach and asked the other country representatives to give their confirmation to join the JAIF Project Proposal. Mr. Somchai requested Mr. Syvang Xayyavong, Ms. Candy Hernandez, and Mr. Abijdzar Alghivari (Ghivar) to confirm, and verify if the other country could join the ASEAN Autism Mapping Phase II, and JAIF Project Proposal, including Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Brunei. Mr. Somchai requested and hoped that any Executive Board Members who cannot attend the meeting should send a substitute, so every country is not absent. Mr. Somchai also requested for the 2022 Financial Report of AAN to record the membership fees and expenses of the most recent AAN Congress 2022 in KL. Mr. Cason Ong, from NASOM asked Ms. Candy if any membership fees (save for Myanmar) are collected, and accounted in that year.
Mr. Syvang Xayyavong, from AfA said that he wants to implement every activities from JAIF Project Proposal by online and physically face to face by some countries to renew the expenditure, but he worried that it might be rejected due to the high expenditure. However, Ms. Dang Koe convinced Mr. Syvang’s organization to participate in the project. Mr. Syvang also requested Ms. Candy to send a confirmation email to the 4 countries that mentioned by Mr. Somchai.
Three country representatives, Mr. Chan Sarin, from CAN, Ms. Pham Thi Kim Tam, from VAN, and Mr. Taufik Hidayat, from YAI agreed and confirmed that they will also join for the JAIF Proposal Project. Mr. Taufik said that YAI can only do several activities that listed on the proposal, as well to clarify more clearly, and communicate for the proposal’s budget allocation with AAN Secretariat before being submitted to JAIF.
Here are the group photos of AAN Executive Committee Meeting January 2023 version.