ASEAN-UNFPA Forum on Population Dynamics and Development 2025

Pictured from left: Mr Cheah Tuck Wing, Prof Teh, Prof Jean, Mr Chai, Olivia Quah and Assoc. Prof Wong

Roudtable table discussion among countries from Malaysia, Indonesia, Loas, Philippine, Timor Leste, Cambodia. 

On 10–11 November 2025, the ASEAN-UNFPA Forum on Population Dynamics and Development took place at the World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur, gathering policymakers, academics, and advocates from across the region to address one of ASEAN’s most pressing realities: our rapidly ageing populations.

Pictured from left: Mr Cheah Tuck Wing, YB Dato' Mohd Isam Bin Hj Mohd Isa, Olivia Quah, Prof Teh Pei Lee

Olivia, co-founder of iElder, represented the Malaysian Coalition on Ageing (MCOA) as its Secretary, alongside Mr. Cheah Tuck Wing, Chairman of MCOA. Together, they joined regional delegates to discuss how ASEAN can move from recognizing demographic change to taking concrete, coordinated action to support older persons and strengthen the care economy.

Building the ASEAN Care Economy

Pictured from left: Cheah Tuck Wing (Chairman MCOA), Dato' Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Menteri Kerja Raya, 

The Forum centered on ASEAN’s ongoing commitments, including the ASEAN Comprehensive Framework on Care Economy, the ASEAN Declaration on Strengthening the Care Economy and Fostering Resilience Towards the Post-2025 ASEAN Community, and the ASEAN Declaration on Strengthening Social Protection.

These aren’t just lofty policy documents. They represent a shared understanding that ageing populations are transforming our societies, economies, and families. The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Strategic Plan calls for “building age-friendly societies” and integrating ageing issues into national policies and programmes, recognizing that social protection, lifelong learning, and care services must evolve together.

Key Takeaways from the Breakout Session on Ageing

In the breakout discussions on “Ageing: Policy Innovations for Care, Inclusion, and Active Ageing,” participants examined how countries can adapt policies and practices to support healthy ageing and inclusion.

A central theme was “ageing in place”, enabling older adults to live independently, safely, and with dignity in their own homes and communities. To make this a reality, home improvement and modification are essential to prevent falls and accidents.

As care needs increase, the discussion turned to the continuum of care, from home care to institutional care,  and the urgent need to streamline licensing processes for care centers, as well as standardize caregiver training to ensure quality and professionalism.

YB Teresa Kok

YB Syerleena Abdul Rashid

The discussion also highlighted the importance of senior-friendly cities, where accessible infrastructure, public transport, and inclusive community spaces allow seniors to stay active and engaged. Equally vital is lifelong learning, giving older adults opportunities to remain mentally sharp, socially connected, and purpose-driven.

Towards an Inclusive, Resilient Future

The Forum underscored that population ageing is not just a health or welfare issue, it’s a development issue. Investing in the care economy, empowering caregivers, and promoting active ageing are not expenses, but long-term investments in social resilience and intergenerational solidarity.

As Mr. Cheah and Olivia represented Malaysia’s ageing advocacy community at this important regional dialogue, their participation reflects a growing momentum, a recognition that ageing with dignity must become a national and ASEAN-wide priority.

The conversations at the Forum reaffirmed what advocates have long known: ageing is everyone’s business. By strengthening families, reforming care systems, and fostering inclusive cities, ASEAN can turn demographic change into an opportunity, for growth, compassion, and shared prosperity across generations.

Closing Thoughts

Participating in the ASEAN-UNFPA Forum has left an optimistic yet resolutely realistic. The demographic shifts in ASEAN – ageing, fertility declines, mobility – are broad and interwoven. But also saw, glimpses of what proactive policy and community innovation could look like. For stakeholders in Malaysia and beyond, the mission is clear: build age-friendly societies, equip our care sectors, design cities for all ages, and view older persons not as passive recipients of care, but as active members of communities. If we succeed, the demographic transition becomes not a burden, but a springboard for inclusive growth, resilience and shared prosperity.