The Future of the ASEAN SME Academy Website
April 1, 2024
(Washington, DC) – The US-ASEAN Business Council (US-ABC), through its charitable arm the US-ABC Institute (US-ABCI), has announced the forthcoming transition of the ASEAN SME Academy platform following a strategic review of operational priorities and economic constraints.
Since its inception in 2016, the ASEAN SME Academy (the Academy) platform has been a cornerstone of a public-private partnership between ASEAN – through the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on MSME (ACCMSME) and the ASEAN Secretariat – and the United States, providing crucial support for ASEAN Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in collaboration with the US Mission to ASEAN and USAID. With over 9,000 users to date, the platform has served as a vital learning hub for ASEAN MSMEs, showcasing the commitment to economic development in the region. US-ABCI has been providing constant support in co-administering the platform alongside the Philippines’ Department of Trade and Industry and the Philippine Trade Training Center – Global MSME Academy.
Regrettably, due to a shift from remote to in-person activities post-pandemic, US-ABCI will cease operation of the Academy platform from March 31, 2024. The platform will enter a hiatus starting April 1, 2024. US-ABCI's strategic plans require a review of operational priorities, and its independent management of the platform (which includes IT infrastructure and manpower support) is no longer viable due to economic constraints.
In response, US-ABCI along with its other co-administrators seeks partnerships with relevant stakeholders possessing the necessary resources to sustain platform operations. This transition is vital for preserving valuable materials, especially for ASEAN MSMEs. US-ABCI will maintain the platform during the hiatus period to facilitate a seamless handover process in the future.
US-ABCI remains committed to supporting a long-term strategy for the Academy platform, aligning with ASEAN's vision to empower and upscale its MSMEs while enhancing the United States' presence in the region through human capacity development. Collaborating with ASEAN stakeholders, the Academy aims to come back as a more inclusive and sustainable platform for ASEAN MSMEs to upscale their businesses.
In the meantime, US-ABCI will continue to deliver in-person training for ASEAN MSMEs.