Virtual Event at the Doha Second World Summit for Social Development

About 65 people participated online at this discussion on 4 Nov 2025 (Tuesday) from 2pm to 4pm Doha time and in Malaysia from 7pm to 9pm. This was hosted by the Bishop Dennis Ng Victory Ministries, MySDG Academy and the Society for Asian Solidarity Economy (ASSEC).

Dr Eri Trinurini, the Chairperson of ASEC & ASSEC commented that the virtual meeting “was a productive discussion for both themes. Presenters for Women Empowerment have shared richly all aspects, from the strategy and government advocacy and social protection to local government roles with the case of China. ASEC plans to strengthen the gender commission in the near future, and these speakers could be part of it. Bravo for the moderators, James and Sue Ann. You did a great job”.

Program, speakers & visuals

There were two panels of speakers during the virtual meeting. These are inspiring speakers from Pakistan, Hong Kong, China, Philippines and Malaysia. They shared grassroots innovations, harmony-driven solutions, and SDG-based progress in local communities.

Panel 1 Community Harmony & Social Development

This was a discussion on the harmony photos and the relevance of peace and harmony for social development.

Panel 1 slides:

(click at speaker name to see slides)

Bishop Prof Dr Dennis Ng (Hong Kong-China) | Ms Hirzawati Mohd Tahir (Malaysia) | Prof Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria (Malaysia)

Panel 2 Women Empowerment & Social Development

These were largely grassroots stories especially from China, Malaysia and Philippines.

The enclosed poster gives the details of the speakers and six presentations are enclosed for further review and study.

Panel 2 slides:
(click at speaker name to see slides)

Prof Michelle H.Y. Shum & Ms Nabi Kate S.L.Ng (Hong Kong, China) | Ms Jeanet Lempislk (Sabah, Malaysia) | Ms Tish de Vera Vito Cruz (Philippines)

Concluding Comments

James Raj one of the two moderators for the virtual meeting concluded with 5 key points: –

First, harmony and social development, adapting an inclusive approach, documenting the voices and participation of grassroot communities

Second, women empowerment is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic driver of social and economic development

Three, effective policy framework moves beyond symbolic inclusion to ensure equitable access to education, health care, finance and political participation

Four, SSE modal as way to bridge harmony and an effective vehicle to address poverty and promote a just and fair economic modal

Fifth, APPGM SDG modal in engaging grassroot communities, bottom-up approach linking local needs and issues to district federal and high-level policy intervention and change through policy makers. This becomes a modal at the global level as best practices of localising SDGs

source : assec.com.my