Jakarta, 6 September 2026 — The ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre), through the ASEAN Centre Leadership in Emergency and Disaster Management Programme (ACE-LEDMP), is conducting a study visit to Japan from 7 to 11 September 2026. The visit brings together 22 (twenty-two) middle managers from National Disaster Management Offices (NDMOs) and other related officials from all 11 (eleven) ASEAN Member States (AMS) to not only learn from Japan’s best practices in disaster risk reduction and management but also exchange experience on the subject.

The Study Visit marks the culmination of an intensive learning journey under the ACE-LEDMP Middle Executive Level – Third Batch, a leadership programme supported by the Government of Japan through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF). Prior to their visit to Japan, participants completed one month of online learning and one month of on-site sessions in Jakarta, where they strengthened their understanding of disaster leadership, emergency management, humanitarian coordination, and regional disaster management mechanisms.

Co-organised by the AHA Centre and Kobe-based Asia Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC), the Study Visit provides an opportunity to translate classroom learning into practical insights through direct engagement with institutions and practitioners at the forefront of disaster management. During the week-long programme, participants will engage with leading Japanese disaster management agencies and experts, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cabinet Office of Japan, and Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) among others.

The programme this year also includes a visit to Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) to learn about cooperation with media for effective disaster information sharing, as well as with Plus Arts Kobe for a sharing session and learning exchange on community-based disaster risk management implementation in Japan and ASEAN.

“As disasters become more complex and interconnected, ASEAN needs leaders who are prepared to anticipate risks, adapt to changing circumstances, and work across borders,” said Lee Yam Ming, Executive Director of the AHA Centre. “ACE-LEDMP helps develop that next generation of leaders, and this study visit is a valuable part of that journey.”

The study visit will conclude with participant presentations on their individual lessons learnt during the week-long visit, highlighting key takeaways and their relevance to ASEAN, reinforcing ACE-LEDMP’s goal of developing a new generation of disaster management leaders who can advance regional cooperation and support the vision of One ASEAN, One Response.

 

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About the AHA Centre

The AHA Centre is an intergovernmental organisation established by the ASEAN Member States with the aim to facilitate cooperation and coordination of disaster management amongst ASEAN Member States. In operationalising its mandate, the AHA Centre primarily works with the National Disaster Management Organisations (NDMOs) of the ASEAN Member States. Furthermore, the AHA Centre also partners with international organisations, private sector, and civil society organisations, such as the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the United Nations, and the AADMER Partnership Group.

 

About the ACE-LEDMP Phase II

The AHA Centre Executive: Leadership in Emergency and Disaster Management Programme (ACE-LEDMP) is a capacity-building initiative primarily supported by the Government of Japan through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund, that aims to strengthen the capabilities of disaster management professionals from ASEAN Member States and prepare future-oriented leaders who can address evolving and complex disaster management challenges. For more information, please visit https://aceledmp.ahacentre.org/.

 

For more information, please contact:

• Moch Syifa Masduqi, Communications Officer, AHA Centre | E: moch.syifa@ahacentre.org
• Gladys Respati, Communications Officer, AHA Centre| E: gladys.respati@ahacentre.org
• Dr. Mizan Bustanul Fuady Bisri, Asian Disaster Reduction Centre (ADRC) | E: mb-bisri@adrc.asia