SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM TO SUIT INDIVIDUAL ASEAN COUNTRIES

KUCHING (Malaysia), March 4 (Bernama) -- Asean member countries should
design a social security system that best suits the individual country, Asean
Social Security Association (Assa) chairman Liew Heng San said Tuesday.

Citing an example, he said the Malaysian government gave one lump sum
payment from the retirement scheme -- Employees Provident Fund (EPF)-- to
workers upon retirement.

However, Singapore's Central Provident Fund (CPF) was working towards
implementing an annuity scheme by 2013, he said.

"I hope the Asean countries will find their own solutions (social security
system) to members because our solution may not fit yours," he told reporters
after the opening ceremony of 23rd Asean Social Security Association Board
Meeting by Deputy Chief Minister Dr George Chan here Tuesday.

The biannual Assa board meeting hosted by EPF and the Social Security
Organisation (Socso) provides an avenue for international and local experts in
the field of social security to get together to share ideas and experiences on
social security.

Earlier, in his speech, Dr Chan said the government requires a holistic and
integrated approach instead of partial or piecemeal approach in efforts to
reform, renew or improve the social security system.

"I think this is where Assa members can play a critical role by
providing
input to the government through policy research," he said.

Assa was established in 1998 with the objective of promoting the development
of social security in the region in line with the aspirations, laws and
regulations of its eight member countries.

-- BERNAMA