The New Frontiers in the Care Economy Conference 2025 was a regional platform convening policymakers, experts, and partners from across ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific to advance inclusive, sustainable, and equitable care systems. Organized by the Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development (MWFCD), Malaysia, in collaboration with a wide network of partners - including government agencies, the private sector, academia, civil society organizations, and international partners such as the Australian Government, TAF Malaysia, La Trobe University’s Care Economy Research Institute (CERI), ASEAN Secretariat, ACW/ACWC, and UN agencies (ESCAP, UN Women, etc.) - the Conference aimed to strengthen regional cooperation and shared strategies for a resilient care economy.

Under the theme “Exploring models of sustainable, inclusive, responsive, and equitable care for ASEAN and the region,” the three-day Conference featured plenary sessions, focus group discussions, networking events, a technical visit, and an exhibition. Participants had shared good practices, identify opportunities for investment and innovation, and advance collaboration aligned with the ASEAN Declaration on Strengthening the Care Economy and Resilience towards the ASEAN Community Post-2025.

Key highlights included the launch of Malaysia’s Strategic Framework and Action Plan for the Care Industry 2026-2030, the celebration of International Care Day on 29 October, and the launch of the Timor-Leste Case Study on Valuing and Investing in Unpaid Care and Domestic Work.