MoU signing ceremony with Social Work Professions Council of Thailand
Closing remarks by Prof. Ben KU (Director of the China and Global Development Network and Professor at APSS)
Keynote speech by Prof. Eric CHUI (Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology and Head of APSS)
Main Organisers and Keynote Speakers of The Conference
The 2nd International Conference of The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Social Work and Social Development, themed "Social Work Horizons: Charting the Path with Research and Practice," was successfully convened in Bangkok between 9 and 10 January 2025, attracting over 210 participants from across the ASEAN region.
This conference served as a vital platform for exchanging innovative ideas and fostering collaboration on pressing issues such as sustainability, poverty alleviation, elderly care, and youth empowerment. A keynote speech by Prof. Eric CHUI, Chair Professor of Social Work and Criminology and Head of APSS, entitled "Safeguarding Vulnerable Children in Hong Kong: The Role of Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting & Innovative Practices in Small Group Homes" emphasised the ongoing need to promote child protection initiatives.
The conference began with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Durham University, setting the tone for collaboration. It culminated with a separate agreement with The Social Work Professions Council of Thailand, further solidifying partnerships among institutions to enhance collaboration in social work research, training, and practice, and fostering a more integrated approach to addressing social issues in the region.
Prof. Ben KU, Director of the China and Global Development Network and Professor at APSS, delivered the closing remarks and emphasised the theme of solidarity and mutual support within ASEAN social work, highlighting the importance of cultivating a culture of love, collaboration, and care. He expressed a vision for ASEAN social work to shine brightly, offering light and hope to the world amidst challenges.
Organisers, including the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, ASEAN Training Centre on Social Work and Social Welfare, and Social Work Professions Council of Thailand and Faculty of Political Science of Chulalongkorn University expressed their appreciation for the contributions of participants and speakers, which contributed to the event's success. Participants left inspired and equipped with new knowledge and connections to drive impactful change in their communities.
Online Coverage:
News on Royal Thai Government website: https://www.thaigov.go.th/news/contents/details/92207 News on The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security website: https://www.m-society.go.th/news_view.php?nid=41581 News on Social Work Professions Council of Thailand website: (MoU) https://swpc.or.th/news_detail.php?id=6822 (Child protection workshop) https://swpc.or.th/news_detail.php?id=6823 Thailand Local News: https://pimthaionline.com/?p=105595 https://www.thailandplus.tv/archives/892443
(Conference) https://swpc.or.th/news_detail.php?id=6821
