The Asia Foundation Joins ASEAN Partners in Care Economy Conference and Launch of Malaysia’s Care Strategic Framework 

The Asia Foundation joins the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development and partners in the launch of Malaysia’s National Care Strategic Framework and Action Plan at the New Frontiers in the Care Economy Conference, November 4, 2025. 

KUALA LUMPUR, November 6, 2025 – The New Frontiers in the Care Economy Conference recently concluded in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, after bringing together more than 200 care champions and practitioners from across Asia to share perspectives on the theme “Exploring models of sustainable, inclusive, responsive, and equitable care for ASEAN and the region.” 

Organized by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development Malaysia, in partnership with the ASEAN Secretariat, the Government of Australia, and regional and international partners including The Asia Foundation, ASEAN Committee on Women, ESCAP, UN Women, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNDP, La Trobe University’s Care Economy Research Institute, and private sector partners, the conference marks an important milestone in advancing the regional care agenda. 

Read the conference report here

In conjunction with the International Day of Care, the event also marked the official launch of Malaysia’s Care Strategic Framework and Action Plan 2026–2030. The framework outlines national priorities to strengthen and professionalize the care sector, supporting coordinated action across government, the private sector, and communities to build a sustainable and inclusive care ecosystem. 

“This strategic framework and action plan strengthens the care ecosystem in Malaysia and ensures the provision of much-needed services for children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. It is built on five pillars: legislation and governance, capacity building and career pathways, advocacy, strategic collaboration, and technology and data,” said Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. 

Highlighting the broader value of care work, she added, “This sector is not one that can be automated, it reflects the values of humanity, compassion and responsibility.” Developed through a whole-of-nation approach, the framework responds to shared challenges and opportunities for investment and innovation. It aligns closely with the ASEAN Declaration on Strengthening the Care Economy and Resilience Toward the ASEAN Community Post-2025. 

The Asia Foundation played a central role in supporting the development of the framework. In 2023, TAF organized Malaysia’s first Care Economy Dialogue, which brought together experts to discuss national care priorities, including infrastructure needs, professionalization of care work, and public-private collaboration. In 2024, TAF coordinated multi-stakeholder consultations that contributed to the design of the National Care Industry Roadmap, ahead of Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship. 

“Malaysia is entering an important demographic transition as it approaches aging nation status by 2030, while female labor force participation remains low. These challenges are deeply connected to the care sector. We are committed to continuing our work in this space, facilitating partnerships and policy reforms that strengthen care systems and ensure care for all,” said Thomas Parks, TAF’s vice president for strategic partnerships. 

The care economy is a key focus under the Australia-Malaysia Reform Partnership, funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and coordinated by TAF in collaboration with the Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur. 

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