Speaking at the 42nd ASEAN Social Security Association (ASSA) board meeting held on Nov. 4 to 6, Veloso — who served as ASSA chair for the 2024–2025 term — said the group should move beyond administrative cooperation and align itself with ASEAN’s broader development priorities.
“ASEAN has a combined population that is half of China’s and represents a $1.3-trillion organization of long-term funds,” Veloso said. “We must ask ourselves if we are truly leveraging this collective strength.”
He urged member institutions to work together as a single economic bloc, particularly in areas tied to infrastructure, data, and food security. According to Veloso, aligning ASSA’s goals with regional projects such as the ASEAN highway and strategic economic initiatives would “ensure the long-term sustainability of funds for the benefit of all pensioners.”
“This is not just an organization that meets every year,” Veloso said. “This is a strong organization of individuals managing long-term funds. By helping to make ASEAN strong, we ensure that every fund we manage brings real and lasting protection to those who deserve it.”
The meeting, which gathered representatives from social security agencies across Asia, focused on strengthening collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. Veloso called on ASSA members to engage more closely with ASEAN finance ministers and policymakers to identify key areas where the association can make a tangible impact.
The ASSA serves as a forum for regional institutions to share best practices and collaborate on advancing social security systems across Southeast Asia. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
