ASEAN reinforces regional capacity-building through the graduation of IAI Attachment Officers supported by Japan.
The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Kao Kim Hourn, officiated the graduation of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Attachment Officers at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat, marking the successful completion of the one-year programme by 15 officers from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Viet Nam, and Timor-Leste.
The graduation ceremony was held at the ASEAN Secretariat and formed part of ASEAN’s ongoing capacity-building efforts under the IAI framework. The programme aimed to enhance the competencies of participating government officials through direct exposure to ASEAN’s institutional work and cooperation mechanisms.
The IAI Attachment Programme was supported by the Government of Japan through the Japan–ASEAN Integration Fund. It provided Attachment Officers with practical experience across divisions within the ASEAN Political-Security Community, ASEAN Economic Community, and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Departments, strengthening their understanding of ASEAN policies, processes, and regional cooperation.
In his remarks, Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn described the IAI Attachment Programme as one of ASEAN’s flagship and longest-running capacity-building initiatives. He underscored its role in strengthening institutional capacity, nurturing future leaders, and narrowing development gaps among ASEAN Member States. He also conveyed ASEAN’s appreciation to the Government of Japan for its continued and long-standing support for the programme.
This year’s programme held particular significance with the participation of Timor-Leste, reflecting ASEAN’s continued commitment to supporting its effective integration into the ASEAN Community through sustained capacity-building initiatives. The Secretary-General noted that inclusive development and shared institutional strengthening remain central to ASEAN’s integration agenda.
Implemented under the IAI Work Plan IV (2021–2025), the programme reinforced ASEAN’s objective of promoting equitable development and deeper regional cooperation. The graduation marked the completion of a structured attachment period designed to equip officers with practical knowledge and professional networks within the ASEAN system.
The ceremony concluded with an expectation that programme alumni will contribute to enhanced regional cooperation and support ASEAN Community-building efforts in their respective administrations, further advancing ASEAN’s integration objectives.
Source: ASEAN
