The Project for Human Resource Development in Social Welfare in the ASEAN Region was launched in August 2025. This project is a technical cooperation project implemented by the ASEAN Training Center for Social Welfare and Social Work (ATCSW), the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security of Thailand (MSDHS), and JICA.
As a core training center in the ASEAN region, ATCSW aims to strengthen its infrastructure to provide higher quality training and expand practical learning opportunities for social workers and social service personnel in the region.
Diverse perspectives gather to consider local disaster prevention
On April 16-17, 2026, ATCSW participated in a workshop on “Community Resilience and Disaster Management” at the Joy Foundation in Thun District, Chiang Rai Province, Northern Thailand.
The workshop was organized by Professor Tan Ngo Tiong, President of the Joy Foundation and President of the Global Institute of Social Work (GISW), in cooperation with the Peaceland Foundation, an international NGO, and the Hong Kong-based non-profit Social Workers Across Borders Ltd.
A total of 30 participants, including social workers, professionals, volunteers, and local residents from China, Singapore, Myanmar, and Thailand, engaged in a lively exchange of views that transcended national, regional, and sectoral boundaries.
Sharing expertise to enhance social resilience
During the workshop, ATCSW shared its expertise on the role of social services in crisis management.
ATCSW Executive Director Chingchai Chicharun explained the critical role of social work and human services in each phase of disaster response – from emergency response to long-term recovery. In particular, she presented a comprehensive perspective on strengthening social resilience, including strengthening community networks, focusing on those in need, and psychosocial preparedness.
JICA expert Akiko Yokoyama, who works for ATCSW, also introduced Japan’s experience in fostering citizen volunteers in the field of disaster prevention and mitigation. Her presentation attracted a great deal of interest from the participants, who were able to see how volunteer activities led by local residents have greatly contributed to mitigating damage and speeding up recovery efforts in the event of a disaster.
Deepening Understanding through Site Visits
– From Theory to Practice
In addition to the seminar, participants visited Mae Sai District, located on the border between Thailand and Myanmar, which has recently been severely affected by flooding. The participants deepened their understanding of the complexity of disaster response, which has cross-border impacts, and the importance of inter-governmental and inter-regional cooperation on the ground.
Furthermore, we visited flood risk areas in two villages in Toong District, Nong Son Boon and Baan Xuan, to confirm the current status of support activities and disaster preparedness by local residents.
ATCSW also exchanged views with the Chiang Rai Provincial Disaster Management Office and the Office of Social Development and Human Security to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation and build an integrated response system in preparation for disasters.
Initiatives to develop the next generation of human resources
It is expected that the findings and practical experiences gained from this workshop will be applied to ATCSW’s future activities in line with the ASEAN Regional Guidance on the Role of Social Workers and Social Service Human Resources in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Resilience.
JICA will continue to work with ATCSW to develop human resources who can effectively respond to climate-related issues. JICA will continue to promote the development of social welfare human resources rooted in the community in cooperation with ATCSW.
© Source JICA