Network of Asian Social Democrats

The Network would like to wish women everywhere a happy International Women’s Day (IWD).

After one century of celebrating the IWD, the United Nation IWD theme this year – Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress For All – invites us to pause, take an audit of our state of gender equality and return to the original spirit of the IWD.

As we celebrate the achievements of women around the world, not least women in Asia who have even broken the traditional glass ceilings to become heads of States in their respective countries, we are also aware of the fact that the majority of women, especially here in Asia, are still entrapped in a patriarchal framework of the society. Jobs are still categorized in traditional roles which are based on gender. Gender biases are still prevalent not least helped by the masculine regime of the Government.

Even as we ponder the accomplishments and deficiencies of the struggle for gender equality, we are reminded that we have a hundred years, and even more, of efforts behind us – we are standing on a firm foundation. Therefore, building on the legacies of those who had gone before us, we must realized that there is only one way forward, that is, moving ahead to complete the task to make equality a reality in the world.

There is no social equality without gender equality.

“Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress For All.”

Solidarity With All!

Steven Sim
Executive Secretary
Network of Social Democracy In Asia

Please refer to:

Steven Sim, Executive Secretary, scheekeong@gmail.com, +6012 5907 507

Thursday, 25 February, 2010 | Penang, Malaysia

The Network of Social Democracy in Asia, in collaboration with the Jakarta-based Institute for Welfare Democracy organized a roundtable discussion on the Asean-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) in Jakarta last Monday, 22 February 2010.

The discussion was titled: “Is A Win-Win Solution Possible?: The Pros and Cons of ACFTA”. The panelists were key Indonesia leaders in the discourse on ACFTA:

1. Ibu Rieke Diah Pitaloka, an Indonesia Member of Parliament (MP) from Partai Demokrasi Indonesia-Perjuangan (PDI-P),
2. Bapak Yanuar Rizky, an economist and the shadow Finance Minister of the Kabinet Indonesia Muda (Young Indonesia Cabinet)
3. Bapak Anton Supit, President of APINDO, the Association of Indonesian Entrepreneurs,
4. Bapak Timboel Siregar, Secretary-General of OPSI, the All-Indonesia Workers Organization,
5. Bapak Silmy Karim, Chairman II of HIPMI, the Association of Indonesia Young Entrepreneurs,
6. Mr. Charles Santiago, a Member of Parliament from Malaysia and director of Monitoring Sustainability of Globalization was invited to

1. Read more »

Please refer to:
Steven Sim, Executive Secretary, scheekeong[at]gmail[dot]com, +6012 5907 507

Thursday, 4 February, 2010 | Penang, Malaysia

THE NETWORK OF SOCIAL DEMOCRACY IN ASIA ESTABLISHES REGIONAL SECRETARIAT IN PENANG, MALAYSIA

The Network of Social Democracy in Asia is pleased to announce the establishment of our regional secretariat in Penang, Malaysia. The decision was made following the Network’s 2nd Regional Conference held in Penang November last year.

The Network’s Steering Committee meeting in Kuala Lumpur this week finalized the decision to select Penang as the location of our secretariat due to the state’s vibrant civil society and democratic culture. The State Government of Penang which was elected into office in the Country’s March 2008 General Election has also been commended both nationally and internationally for its progressive reform agenda.

The Network of Social Democracy in Asia is a group of political parties, pre-party formations, progressive politicians, scholars and activists in the region who share social democratic values and perspectives. Members aim to establish a permanent dialogue to exchange experiences and learning in advocating for reforms along social democratic lines and to encourage democratic and participatory party-building. Member-party from Malaysia is the Democratic Action Party, a partner in the People’s Pact which formed the main Opposition in the Malaysian Parliament.

The Steering Committee is also pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Steven Sim Chee Keong as the Executive Secretary overseeing the operation of the secretariat. Mr. Sim has many years of experience in local politics and has served as aide to Members of Parliament and more recently to the Penang State Government.

More information about the Network can be found in our website at www.socdem.asia

Steven Sim Chee Keong
Executive Secretary
Network of Asian Social Democrats
www.socdem.asia

Conference Paper:
Regional Conference of the Network of Social Democracy in Asia
November 19-22, 2009, Penang, Malaysia

Conference Programme

Conference Summary by Norbert von Hofmann

Conference Paper: Public Transportation – The Way to Go by Lim Mah Hui

Conference Paper: Social Protection by Maris dela Cruz

Date: 19 – 22 November 2009

Venue: Parkroyal, Penang, Malaysia

Draft Program

The conference continues the process of strengthening political groups in the region committed to the basic values of social democracy that started with the first meeting of the network in Manila in May 2009. At the conference, an exchange and  identification of  local governance practices that both shape the approach to participatory politics and the delivery of services and public goods will describe the sessions.  Sharing on how these local governance practices  contribute to the building of progressive political parties along social-democratic lines will also be facilitated.