FROM RESPONSE
TO RESILIENCE
The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami was a watershed moment that exposed the region’s vulnerability to large-scale disasters. It served as a catalyst for greater regional cooperation and the establishment of the AHA Centre. “From Response to Resilience” signifies a journey of continuous improvement. It acknowledges the region’s past experiences with disasters and showcases how lessons learned have led to enhanced preparedness and response mechanisms.
The theme is not just retrospective, but a call to action. It underscores the need for proactive measures to mitigate disaster risks, strengthen community resilience and adapt to the evolving challenges of climate change. The concept resilience itself resonates with all stakeholders and promotes a shared responsibility in building a safer and more resilient ASEAN region.
FOREWORD
“With professionalism and tireless effort, the AHA Centre team continues to drive forward the vision of a safer, more resilient ASEAN.”
Colonel (R) Muhd Harrith Rashidi Bin Hj Muhd Jamin
Chair of the Governing Board of the AHA Centre
Chair of the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management
As we reflect on the achievements and milestones of the AHA Centre in 2024, we are reminded of the collective strength and resilience of the ASEAN Community in Disaster Management. Under Brunei Darussalam’s Chairmanship of the Governing Board of the AHA Centre, we have continued to push boundaries, strengthen partnerships, and reaffirm our shared commitment to a safer and more disaster-resilient ASEAN.
In the face of immense challenges, including the devastation brought by Tropical Cyclone Yagi, ASEAN stood together. The AHA Centre played a pivotal role in facilitating a coordinated response, deploying In-Country Liaison Teams and mobilising DELSA Relief Items to support affected communities. This response embodied the One ASEAN, One Response spirit – an inspiring demonstration of solidarity, cooperation and collective action between ASEAN Member States, international partners and private sector entities to ensure timely and effective humanitarian assistance.
Beyond disaster response efforts, 2024 was a year of transformation and progress. The AHA Centre remained steadfast in advancing its vision of becoming a regional knowledge management hub. This was underscored by the endorsement of the AHA Centre’s Knowledge Management Strategy, a milestone in the pursuit of greater regional disaster preparedness and resilience.
Capacity building continued to be a cornerstone of the AHA Centre’s work in 2024. Under Brunei Darussalam’s Chairmanship, we were proud to have hosted the 15th ASEAN-Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ASEAN-ERAT) Induction Course, reinforcing ASEAN’s collective response capability. Other key initiatives included the ASEAN-ERAT Level 2 Specialist Courses and the localisation of ASEAN-ERAT training in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Viet Nam and Malaysia. Additionally, the ASCEND Project made remarkable strides, with the successful completion of the first competency assessment and the finalisation of the second edition of the ASCEND Framework.
This year also marked a poignant moment of remembrance and reflection as we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean Tsunami, held in Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia and Thailand. This solemn yet forward-looking event brought together all stakeholders, honouring the lives lost and reflecting upon two decades of disaster resilience, reaffirming ASEAN’s commitment to enhancing tsunami preparedness and regional cooperation.
Strengthening partnerships and collaborations was also a key priority in 2024. The AHA Centre renewed and expanded its engagement with strategic partners from the public, private and humanitarian sectors, reinforcing its ability to enhance disaster preparedness and response capabilities across ASEAN. New and extended Memoranda of Intents and Agreements with key stakeholders have enabled greater resource mobilisation, improved logistics support and stronger knowledge-sharing platforms. These partnerships will remain crucial in ensuring that ASEAN remains well-equipped to respond to future disasters with efficiency and coordination. I extend my appreciation to the Executive Director of the AHA Centre and his dedicated team, whose tireless efforts and professionalism have been instrumental in ensuring the success of these initiatives.
As Brunei Darussalam concludes its Chairmanship, I extend my deepest gratitude to all ASEAN Member States, the dedicated team at the AHA Centre, our dialogue partners, and all stakeholders for their unwavering commitment and contributions. Together, we have made 2024 a year of progress, resilience and hope, paving the way for a stronger, more disaster-resilient ASEAN Community.
Looking ahead, we warmly welcome Cambodia as the incoming Chair of the Governing Board in 2025. Cambodia has been a steadfast advocate of regional disaster resilience. With 2025 marking the end-term of several significant milestones in the disaster management field, we are confident that under Cambodia’s leadership, the AHA Centre will continue to advance its mission, expand its capabilities and strengthen ASEAN’s collective response to disasters. We stand ready to support Cambodia in furthering our shared vision of a safer, resilient ASEAN and as a global leader in disaster management.
“Together, we will continue to rise through every moment, stronger, smarter and
more united.“
Mr. Lee Yam Ming
Executive Director of the AHA Centre
The theme for this year’s annual report, ‘From Response to Resilience’, aptly encapsulates the two defining milestones marking our journey this year.
The first milestone was our emergency response to Tropical Cyclone Yagi, which impacted five ASEAN countries: Lao PDR, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam, This became the AHA Centre’s second largest coordinated response in the past decade, surpassed only by our 2018 deployment to the Central Sulawesi Earthquake. The operation showcased the strength of ASEAN solidarity and interoperability, as the ASEAN Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ASEAN-ERAT) and our operational partners worked hand-in-hand to ensure timely humanitarian assistance.
The second milestone was the regional commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean Tsunami. The 2004 tragedy, which claimed more than 230,000 lives, catalysed a fundamental shift in ASEAN’s approach to disaster risk management. It was this pivotal moment that led to the adoption of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) in 2005 and the establishment of the AHA Centre in 2011.
As we honoured the lives lost and reflected on the lessons learned, we also reaffirmed our shared commitment to build a resilient, inclusive and forward-looking ASEAN.
Internally, the AHA Centre continued to strengthen its institutional integrity and good governance. We engaged external auditors to review our operations, ensuring organisational compliance with international standards. Our team also benefited from a series of capacity-building initiatives designed to nurture leadership, deepen expertise and foster professional growth.
These achievements would not have been possible without the enduring partnership and support of ASEAN Member States, our donors, implementing partners and technical collaborators. Our special gratitude to Brunei Darussalam, who served as Chair of our Governing Board in 2024, for its guidance and trust.
As we look ahead to 2025, we welcome the stewardship of Cambodia in 2025 as we continue our collective mission.
On behalf of the AHA Centre, I extend my deepest appreciation to all who have contributed to our journey.
COORDINATION
RESPONSE TO
TROPICAL CYCLONE YAGI
The Destructive Path of Tropical Cyclone YAGI and Southwest Monsoon across ASEAN
A deadly and destructive cyclone swept across Southeast Asia in September 2024. Tropical Cyclone Yagi formed on 30 August 2024 as a low-pressure area, on the western-most island of the Micronesia region of the Pacific Ocean, Palau, and brought torrential rainfall over the Lao PDR, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam. As of 27 September 2024, Tropical Cyclone Yagi, combined with the enhanced Southwest Monsoon, had affected over 5 million people in the five countries, including 701 fatalities.
As the cyclone continued over Lao PDR, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NDMO) Lao PDR reported floodings in several provinces of Lao PDR, while in Thailand, widespread floodings were reported in 26 provinces.
In Viet Nam, the cyclone killed 333 people and an estimated total infrastructure damage of USD 2.5 billion. Meanwhile, Myanmar recorded 328 fatalities and infrastructure damages across Naypyitaw, Kayah, Kayin, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Shan and Ayeyawardy provinces.
Sixteen days after Tropical Cyclone Yagi made its first landfall, the AHA Centre maintained its Emergency Operations Center’s alert level at Red.
Following the flood needs assessment and early recovery meeting for Luangnamtha province, led by the NDMO Lao PDR and the UN Resident Coordinator Office (UNRCO) on 24 September, a national-led Joint Needs Assessment Team was organised to assess the districts of Namtha and Nalae from 26 September to 3 October 2024.
The team comprised representatives of the National Disaster Management Committee, in-country UN agencies, ASEAN-ERAT from the AHA Centre, and local authorities in Luangnamtha provinces. UN agencies, ASEAN-ERAT from the AHA Centre, and local authorities in Luangnamtha provinces.
On 27 September, the AHA Centre participated in the launching of the Joint Response Plan for Tropical Cyclone Yagi and Floods in Viet Nam. The response plan was focused on the needs of the 300,000 most vulnerable affected people across 11 northern Viet Nam provinces.
RESPONSE TO
THAILAND FLOODINGS
Southern Thailand Floods of December 2023: Relief and Recovery Efforts
In December 2023, torrential rains lashed Southern Thailand, triggering devastating floods that affected thousands of people. On 25 December 2023, The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) recorded 168.7 mm of rainfall in the Province of Yala. The relentless downpour, fueled by the strong Northeast Monsoon over the Gulf of Thailand and the Southern Region combined with the strong low-pressure area over Sumatra and the lower Andaman Sea, caused widespread damage and displacement across several provinces.
The persistent heavy rainfall, which began on 22 December 2023, led to flash floods and widespread flooding in the southern provinces of Satun, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. The flooding affected a total of 109,282 households (around 546,000 persons) and 268 schools.
In the face of this humanitarian crisis, a multi-agency response was swiftly mobilised. After issuing the first Flash Update on 27 December 2023, the AHA Centre worked closely with the Thai Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) to provide essential relief supplies. Over 7,000 family kits and 4,000 personal hygiene kits were dispatched from the DELSA satellite warehouse in Chainat, Thailand.
Local authorities, including the military, police, and local governments, joined forces with volunteers and NGOs to provide much-needed assistance to affected communities. Relief efforts included the distribution of food, water, and medicine. The Royal Thai Army’s Field Kitchen also provided thousands of meals to those affected.
The floods in southern Thailand serve as a reminder of the devastating impact of disasters and the importance of a swift and coordinated response.
ROAD TO ARDEX 2025
The First Exercise Planning Team (EPT) Meeting
The ASEAN Regional Disaster Emergency Response Simulation Exercise (ARDEX) was first implemented in 2005 to strengthen regional coordination of joint disaster relief and emergency response operations in ASEAN. The biannual exercise is designed to test regional processes and capabilities.
After a successful ARDEX-23 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia in 2023, the next ARDEX will be conducted in July 2025 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Jointly hosted by the Government of Cambodia, through the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) and the AHA Centre, the ARDEX-25 will provide opportunities to practice, evaluate, and review the ASEAN Standard Operating Procedures for Regional Standby Arrangements and Coordination for Joint Disaster Relief and Emergency Response Operations (SASOP), and other disaster response mechanism as necessary.
The upcoming ARDEX-25 is designed to cover both the strategic and tactical levels. At the strategic level, the exercise will focus on the practice, evaluation, and review of the current ASEAN Standby Arrangements (SASOP), the existing mechanisms to share and exchange information, the process of requesting and offering assistance, joint emergency rapid assessment as well as mechanisms for receiving response entities. On the tactical level, the ARDEX-25 will focus on disaster rescue and relief operations.
The upcoming ARDEX-25 will bring together the ASEAN Member States as well as UN agencies and other international organisations to work on two different simulation scenarios: Monsoonal Flooding and Tropical Cyclone Rumyoul.
As part of the planning process, the NCDM Cambodia and the AHA Centre as the co-organisers of ARDEX-25 organised the Exercise Design and Concept & Objectives Meeting on 22-25 July 2024 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The meetings were participated by the host country team comprising of NCDM Cambodia and relevant line ministries, BNPB Indonesia as the previous host of ARDEX-23, AHA Centre and ASEAN Secretariat.
The meetings discussed the ARDEX-25 exercise components, scenario, timeline and concept of operations. The meeting also resulted in the planning of a series of sub-exercises namely, Table- Top Exercise (TTX), Command Post Exercise (CPX), and Field Training Exercise (FTX).
To further review the plan and necessary arrangements, the first Exercise Planning Team (EPT) Meeting was conducted on 17-19 September 2024 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The meeting discussed participation of ASEAN Member States and partner organisations, logistic arrangements and other related issues of ARDEX-25.
ASEAN JOINT DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN (AJDRP)
One ASEAN One Response: Integrating Civil Society Organisations to Enhance Regional Disaster Response
A pivotal workshop to strengthen the region’s disaster response framework was held from 13 to 15 August 2024 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The workshop was attended by 56 representatives from National Disaster Management Organisations (NDMOs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) from 10 ASEAN Member States, the ASEAN Secretariat, and the AHA Centre. The event served as a platform to map the current landscape of disaster response capacity in the region and discussed the enhancement of existing mobilisation procedures and coordination mechanisms for a more effective joint collective response.
The 5th ASEAN Joint Disaster Response Plan (AJDRP) Workshop focused on mapping the capacities of CSOs, refining coordination mechanisms, and formalising coordination mechanisms, all of which are integral parts of the One ASEAN One Response Vision.
The workshop was structured as a three-phase consultancy session. The initial inception phase involved a thorough desk review and planning to set clear objectives and understand stakeholders’ needs, followed by a pre-departure briefing to connect CSOs and NDMOs. The final phase included a series of interactive sessions, panel discussions, and group exercises to explore different coordination models, map resources and identify gaps in the current disaster response mechanisms.
The series of sessions revealed a disparity in the capabilities of CSOs in the region, with some having the capacity for international responses and some can only operate domestically. This finding highlights the need to further enhance existing regional networks by improving communication and engaging a broader range of CSOs.
The event also highlighted the need to ensure a better understanding of disaster response procedures and humanitarian standards and the importance of integrating CSOs’ capabilities into the regional disaster response framework.
These findings were then presented at the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management Working Group on Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Meeting in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia on 28-29 August 2024.
EMERGENCY OPERATION CENTRE EXERCISE (EOCX)
Building synergy for regional preparedness
In 2024, AHA Centre conducted three (3) Emergency Operations Centre Exercise (EOCX) for AHA Centre’s personnel and representatives of the Emergency Operation Centre from National Disaster Management Organisations (NDMOs) in ASEAN Member States
Conducted on a quarterly basis, the initiative was designed to integrate briefing sessions with practical simulation exercises to enhance the synergy among different Emergency Operation Centres in the region to ensure preparedness and effective response coordination.
The 2024 EOC exercises introduced and reinforced the understanding of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of regional Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs), and to evaluate the effectiveness of the current SOPs and mechanisms to identify areas for improvements.
ONE ASEAN
ONE RESPONSE (OAOR)
Responding to Disasters Beyond ASEAN
In 2016, ASEAN Leaders agreed to demonstrate ASEAN’s commitment for a collective and unified response in disaster management as One ASEAN One Response. The declaration was founded on the spirit of solidarity and resilience within the ASEAN community to enable ASEAN to respond to disasters within and beyond the region.
The AHA Centre, as the operational engine of this commitment, spearheaded the implementation of the One ASEAN One Response approach, designed to be conducted in a sequential three-step approach: feasibility/scoping study, capacity building, and enhancement of ASEAN joint mechanism.
The scoping study was concluded in June 2024 with detailed baseline information, thorough analysis, and practical recommendations.
The study identified two heavy and one medium Urban Search and Rescue teams in the region with INSARAG External Classification (IEC) system, which is a globally recognised standard accorded to USAR teams with a mandate to deploy internationally.
ASEAN is also equipped with 14 trained and equipped United Nations Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team to initiate in-situ assessment and coordination and 422 ASEAN-ERAT members to set up the On-Site Operations Coordination Centre (OSOCC) and Joint Operations and Coordination Centre of ASEAN (JOCCA).
However, to ensure a well-coordinated and sustainable response outside the region, the study recommended expanding the existing training programmes to include specialised training modules for international ‘multi-hazard disaster response’ and regular capacity building activities to ensure ASEAN’s preparedness to respond to disasters outside the region.
As a multi-stakeholder initiative, enhanced coordination mechanisms are crucial to the effectiveness of the response. The study also highlighted the need to develop a robust funding mechanism, improve existing logistical support, strengthen the expertise in disaster risk reduction and management, and formalise international cooperation through formal agreements. It also emphasised the importance of promoting information sharing and collaborative efforts to enhance global disaster management capabilities for a successful implementation of One ASEAN One Response.
MILITARY
REPRESENTATIVE
TO THE AHA CENTRE
Welcoming the new ASEAN Military Representative to the AHA Centre 2025
On 31 January 2024, Colonel Khampheng Sonephachanh of Lao PDR passed the torch of the Military Representative to the AHA Centre to Brigadier General Azrin Iskandar Zukaply of Malaysia.
In his new role, Brigadier General Azrin Iskandar Zukaply will be working with the AHA Centre to coordinate the military’s response to disasters for a comprehensive response.
Deputy Executive Director of the AHA Centre, Krishna Putra Tanaja, in his opening remarks highlighted the importance of civil-military coordination in enabling the AHA Centre to provide and deliver assistance to affected Member States.
“Military contributions, including capabilities, resources, and assets, are vital, especially in complex operations such as search and rescue or the delivery of assistance to hard-to-reach areas,” Mr. Tanaja said.
Brigadier General Zukaply will serve as the ASEAN Military Representative to the AHA Centre for 2025.
ONE ASEAN
ONE RESPONSE (OAOR) ROADSHOW
One ASEAN One Response Roadshow
The One ASEAN One Response (OAOR) Roadshow series commenced in Brunei Darussalam on 6 June 2023, followed by Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Lao PDR, Cambodia, and Myanmar, before concluding in
Viet Nam later in 2025.
The roadshow aims to familiarise all national stakeholders with regional ASEAN disaster response mechanisms and increase their awareness of their respective involvement and role in the joint response.
Initiated by the AHA Centre with the support of the host countries, the ASEAN Secretariat, and UNOCHA, the OAOR roadshow serves as a knowledge exchange platform. It allows relevant stakeholders to share experiences and discuss challenges in implementing this regional disaster response mechanism. The roadshow is expected to enhance coordination and expedite disaster response times across the ASEAN region.
DISASTER
INFORMATION
MANAGEMENT
DISASTER BY
THE NUMBERS
1 JANUARY - 29 DECEMBER 2024
In 2024, the ASEAN region experienced widespread natural disasters, resulting in significant economic losses. The vast majority of these events occurred in Indonesia, Viet Nam, Thailand, and the Philippines.
IMPACT OF THE DISASTERS
These disasters had a major human impact, affecting millions across the region, with large numbers of people displaced, injured, or reported dead or missing.
DISASTERS
BY TYPE OF HAZARD
Flooding was the most common type of disaster, followed by wind-related events, storms, landslides, and droughts—reflecting the region’s vulnerability to hydrometeorological hazards.
STRENGTHENING ASEAN’S DISASTER INFORMATION, MONITORING, AND RESPONSE SYSTEMS FOR GREATER REGIONAL RESILIENCE
RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT
60 TRAINED
PROFESSIONALS
graduated from The AHA Centre Executive-Leadership in Emergency and Disaster Management Programme (ACE-LEDMP) by the end of 2024, building ASEAN’s future disaster management leaders.
ACE-LEDMP
FIRST REGIONAL ASSESSMENT COMPLETED
marked the successful certification of disaster management professionals from seven ASEAN countries under the ASCEND framework in 2024.
ASCEND
REGIONAL INCLUSION ADVANCED
through activities in Lao PDR that strengthened protection, gender, and inclusion capacity and validated new regional disaster scenarios.
ASEAN-PRIME
422 TRAINED
RESPONDERS
formed the ASEAN-ERAT network by the end of 2024, supported by new localised training in Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Viet Nam.
ASEAN-ERAT
USD 2.000.000+
IN RELIEF DEPLOYED
across ASEAN in 2024, delivering essential aid to countries affected by major disasters, including Tropical Cyclone Yagi.
DELSA
4 YEARS OF IMPACTFUL PARTNERSHIP
with the EU concluded in February 2024, leaving behind stronger institutional systems and regional cooperation frameworks.
LACER Project
REGIONAL FRAMEWORK IN DEVELOPMENT
following the 2024 workshop in Malaysia that gathered experts to shape ASEAN’s approach to resilient recovery.
Disaster Recovery Initiative
ROADMAP 2025–2030
LAUNCHED
under New Zealand’s support, introducing 18 new e-learning courses and a strategic framework for ASEAN’s disaster management capacity building.
SICAP
PARTNERSHIP
In 2024, the AHA Centre formalised several collaborations with its partners, reflecting its strong commitment to strengthening regional and international partnerships in disaster management. These initiatives serve as an important step in advancing the shared vision of ASEAN as a disaster-resilient region, where collective action, knowledge exchange, and coordinated efforts are key to addressing the growing scale and complexity of disasters.
DIALOGUE, SECTORAL, AND DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS
AHA Centre’s collaboration with dialogue partners further improves the Centre’s disaster management capabilities and strengthens AHA Centre’s role in coordinating and facilitating regional cooperation in disaster management within the ASEAN region.
Australia
Australia
European Union
France
Germany
India
Japan
New Zealand
Republic of Korea
Romania
Swiss
United Kingdom
United States of America
DISASTER MANAGEMENT PARTNERS
AHA Centre’s disaster management partners provide the Centre with opportunities for collaboration and networking at the regional, national and international levels. These collaborations fosters knowledge exchange, joint initiatives and the sharing of resources, leading to improved coordination, innovation, and more comprehensive disaster management approaches.
KNOWLEDGE
& OUTREACH
EMPOWERING ASEAN’S DISASTER LEADERS
The AHA Centre continued to nurture ASEAN’s next generation of disaster management leaders through flagship initiatives such as the Strategic Policy Dialogue on Disaster Management (SPDDM 2024) and the Senior Executive Programme in Disaster Management (SEPDM 2024). These high-level platforms fostered policy exchange, regional collaboration, and leadership development across sectors. Complementing these was the Secondment Programme, which enabled personnel exchanges between the AHA Centre and national agencies—strengthening mutual understanding, operational insight, and a shared sense of ASEAN solidarity.
SPDDM 2024
Held in Singapore, SPDDM 2024 gathered nearly 200 leaders and experts under the theme “It Takes a Village.” The dialogue explored inclusive approaches to disaster resilience, highlighting the importance of local wisdom, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and community engagement. Discussions focused on integrating technology, empowering vulnerable groups, and building cross-sector partnerships for a more inclusive ASEAN disaster management landscape.
SEPDM 2024
The 10th SEPDM continued to serve as a premier platform for senior ASEAN disaster officials to enhance leadership, strategic foresight, and crisis management skills. Conducted in hybrid format, it combined virtual modules with in-person sessions in Singapore. The programme explored themes of crisis leadership, innovation, and emerging risks, equipping participants with tools to navigate complex challenges in a rapidly evolving regional context.
The AHA Centre Secondment Programme 2023–2024
Through the Secondment Programme, personnel from ASEAN Member States worked alongside AHA Centre staff to exchange expertise and strengthen regional coordination. With 18 participants from across ASEAN, the initiative promoted inclusivity, mutual learning, and operational alignment. The programme exemplifies ASEAN’s commitment to investing in people, deepening institutional collaboration, and building a truly interoperable disaster management community.
STRENGTHENING COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION
Recognising that effective communication is key to disaster preparedness, the AHA Centre advanced regional coordination through Crisis Communication and Social Media Utilisation Trainings in Thailand and Viet Nam. The Knowledge Management Strategy initiative also helped unify ASEAN’s knowledge platforms, while the launch of the ARMOR 4th Edition and ATLAS Portal highlighted the Centre’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking and transparency. Together, these efforts bridged information gaps and fostered a more informed and connected ASEAN community.
Strengthening ASEAN’s Crisis Communication
Two regional trainings on crisis communication and social media use strengthened the capacity of disaster management officers across ASEAN. Participants explored digital tools, AI applications, and misinformation management through simulations and storytelling frameworks. The sessions promoted effective crisis response and digital resilience—empowering ASEAN Member States to communicate swiftly and accurately during disasters.
Strengthening The AHA Centre’s Knowledge System
Through a two-phase initiative, the AHA Centre assessed and enhanced its knowledge management systems to reduce fragmentation and foster collaboration. The new strategy—validated by ASEAN Member States—establishes a unified framework for knowledge creation, platform integration, and impact measurement. This effort supports data-driven decision-making and aligns with ASEAN’s long-term vision for a more informed and connected disaster community.
The Launch of ARMOR 4th Edition
In Surabaya, the AHA Centre launched the ASEAN Risk Monitor and Disaster Management Review (ARMOR) 4th edition and introduced the ATLAS Portal, a transparent platform for partnership and grant management. Both initiatives strengthen research, innovation, and accountability in regional disaster management. ARMOR continues to shape policy and highlight lessons learned, while ATLAS streamlines collaboration with donors and partners.
STRENGTHENING EMERGENCY CONNECTIVITY THROUGH ICT
Driving ASEAN’s digital transformation, the AHA Centre strengthened its technological backbone through the Emergency Telecommunications Network (ETN) training with Télécoms Sans Frontières (TSF), ensuring readiness in times of crisis. The inaugural ICT Advisory Group Meeting set new directions for AI, data intelligence, and regional interoperability. Meanwhile, a hands-on Microsoft Skills Enhancement Training empowered staff with practical digital competencies—ensuring the Centre remains agile, data-driven, and future-ready.
ETN Maintenance & Training with TSF
To maintain readiness during disasters, AHA Centre and TSF conducted equipment maintenance and hands-on training on satellite-based communication systems. Staff gained practical experience with VSAT and portable connectivity tools, strengthening operational confidence and ensuring that the Emergency Telecommunications Network remains mission-ready for rapid deployment in emergencies.
First Meeting of the ICT Advisory Group
Held in Da Lat, Viet Nam, the first ICT Advisory Group meeting charted ASEAN’s digital future. Discussions revolved around AI, blockchain, data analytics, and cross-sector integration under the ICT Roadmap pillars. The meeting established clear pathways for enhancing interoperability, advancing early warning systems, and promoting regional digital resilience in disaster management.
Building Digital Competence
In partnership with GIZ Indonesia, the AHA Centre delivered Microsoft 365 training to upskill staff across key digital tools. The three-day session covered Teams, SharePoint, and Excel (Intermediate–Advanced), resulting in significant improvements in technical proficiency. The training reinforced a culture of continuous learning and supported the organisation’s commitment to efficiency, innovation, and digital transformation.
HONOURING A TURNING POINT:
ASEAN MARKS 20 YEARS SINCE THE INDIAN OCEAN TSUNAMI
Two decades after the devastating Indian Ocean Tsunami of 26 December 2004, the ASEAN region united in solemn remembrance, shared reflection, and renewed commitment to resilience through a series of high-level commemorative events in 2024. Spearheaded by the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM) and supported by the AHA Centre and the ASEAN Secretariat, the commemorations provided a powerful platform to acknowledge the past, celebrate recovery progress, and galvanise future action on disaster risk reduction and recovery.
ASEAN MARKS 20 YEARS SINCE THE INDIAN OCEAN TSUNAMI
On the morning of 26 December 2004, Marlina was preparing breakfast for her family on the coast of Aceh, when the ground shook and the trees swayed violently. “It was the biggest earthquake I have ever felt in my life,” Marlina recalled.
Twenty minutes later, she heard screams that the seawater was rising and neighbours calling for everyone to run. She grabbed her family and ran toward the mosque, but the wave was faster. Swept onto a rooftop, Marlina and her family were trapped between the roof and a truck as they clung to life. They waited for help, but that night, Marlina lost her husband, her parents, and her daughter.
Thousands of kilometres away in Thailand, fisherman Banlue Chosin was out at sea when he saw a massive wall of water. It swallowed his boat and hurled him onto a house near the shore. “I climbed up to the second floor of the house and tried to help as many women and children as I could,” he remembered.
The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami claimed more than 230,000 lives across 14 countries and left over 1.7 million people homeless. Survivors like Marlina and Chosin also carried invisible scars of grief, trauma, and the struggle to keep going. “Many nights, I stayed awake thinking about different scenarios where my family could have survived. But then I realised I am alone now. I need to survive for my son. He was still young and still needed me,” Marlina said.
Yet amid the grief, their stories also reflect resilience, hope, and preparedness. “After the tsunami, we established a community watch team with support from the government and private agencies,” Chosin explained. “This has made our community stronger, with evacuation plans to move vulnerable people such as children and persons with disabilities to higher ground.”
COMMEMORATIVE VIDEOS:
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”We are closer and stronger now.
We know what to do if the sea rises again.”
Marlina
Indian Ocean Tsunami Survivor
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
EMPOWERING PEOPLE, STRENGTHENING TEAMWORK:
Building a Skilled and Resilient AHA Centre Workforce
Throughout 2024, the AHA Centre prioritised human resource development and staff well-being through a comprehensive series of trainings and team-building initiatives. Programmes on tax compliance, financial literacy, administrative procedures, and safety preparedness enhanced staff capacity and accountability, while wellness sessions and ASEAN Day activities promoted mental health and inclusivity. Complementing these were sports and social events—including badminton, Iftar gatherings, and team-building workshops—that strengthened camaraderie and morale. Together, these efforts fostered a resilient, skilled, and motivated workforce committed to the Centre’s humanitarian mission.
VIP VISITS
In 2024, the AHA Centre had the honour of hosting several distinguished guests, reflecting its growing role in regional and global disaster management. The Fiji Delegation, led by H.E. Sakiasi Raisevu Ditoka, explored ASEAN’s disaster management mechanisms, while H.E. Janez Lenarčič, EU Commissioner for Crisis Management, reaffirmed the EU’s strong partnership with ASEAN. Indonesia’s H.E. Prof. Dr. Pratikno and Lt. Gen. Suharyanto also visited, underscoring Indonesia’s steadfast support. Additionally, ASEAN ministers joined a Royal Audience with Brunei’s Crown Prince, celebrating Brunei Darussalam’s humanitarian leadership and long-standing commitment, including its contributions during the 2018 Central Sulawesi disaster.
2024 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
As of 31 December 2024 (Audited)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION IN 2024
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE IN 2024
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (Audited)
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