ASEAN member states have been urged to intensify their preparedness and response capabilities for chemical incidents, aligning with the ASEAN Political-Security Community Blueprint 2025. This call to action was underscored by Malaysia’s Deputy Health Minister, Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni, during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Chemical Incident Preparedness for Hospitals (Hosprep) programme.
Held from 18 to 24 June, the Hosprep 2025 programme brought together healthcare professionals from across the region for intensive training on chemical emergency response. The initiative, jointly organised by the National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Health, featured nine comprehensive modules covering the identification, treatment, and management of chemical exposure.
“This programme goes beyond theory—it equips participants with hands-on skills in personal protective equipment usage and emergency medical procedures, both on-site and in hospital settings,” said Lukanisman. “It also reinforces our commitment to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and promotes international cooperation in emergency preparedness.”
Malaysia’s leadership in this initiative reflects its broader commitment to regional safety and security. The country has hosted the Hosprep programme for three consecutive years, supported by the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), which has trained over 38,000 participants from 144 countries since its inception.
Looking ahead, the MTCP will integrate emerging global priorities—including artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and climate financing—into its training agenda to ensure the Global South remains actively engaged in shaping global development.
About Hosprep 2025
Hosprep is a flagship regional training programme designed to enhance ASEAN’s collective capacity to respond to chemical emergencies. It supports the implementation of the CWC and strengthens cross-border coordination in line with ASEAN’s strategic security goals.
