SOCIAL security leaders in Southeast Asia are urged to formulate a regional framework that would integrate systems, allowing people to move from one country to another with their social security benefits intact.

Speaking at the Philippine-hosted 41st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Social Security Association (ASSA) conference, board and secretariat meetings on Nov. 25, 2024, Malaysia's social security agency Perkeso Deputy CEO Edmund Cheong Peck Huang said Asean should "lead the world in social protection that transcends borders."

"We live in a world that is more connected than ever, and with Southeast Asia becoming increasingly mobile, millions of our workers are crossing borders to pursue better opportunities," he said.

"As they move, they deserve to know that their social security benefits move with them – it's time we seriously consider in ASSA the portability of social security benefits," he added.

Delivering his presentation titled Navigating the Future of Social Security, he emphasized the need for social security institutions to future-proof their systems— one that is resilient and capable of absorbing shocks.

"Our world is changing fast. From economic disruptions, health crisis to climate shocks, the question is not if we face these challenges again, but when," he said.

"Our social security systems must be resilient and adaptable, capable of absorbing shocks and empowering recovery," he added.

The Asean Declaration on Portability of Social Security Benefits for Migrant Workers in Asean was adopted in November 2022 at the 40th and 41st Asean Summits in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

At the end of the summit, ASSA is hoping to come up with a "sustainability pledge" to reflect the group's collective resolve to address evolving challenges in the region, including climate change, rapidly aging population, and high informal sectors.

"With the strong leadership demonstrated by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), I'm optimistic that ASSA will continue to drive transformative change benefiting both current and future generations, that is, move forward with renewed determination to build a more secure, inclusive, and resilient future," said former ASSA Chairman Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn in a separate press conference.

The three-day conference at the Seda Manila Bay Hotel in Parañaque City featured panel discussions, interactive sessions, and keynote messages from leading experts and Asean leaders.

It was attended by members of the Philippine Social Security Association, composed of GSIS, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Social Security System, Philippine Health Insurance Corp., Home Development Mutual Fund and Employees' Compensation Commission.