Southeast Asia's Social Security Systems: Need for a System-Wide Perspective and Professionalism

Abstract

This paper provides an assessment of the social security arrangements in Southeast Asian countries, and suggests broad directions for reform. Noting the absence of functioning multitier social security systems in these countries, the analysis highlights wide variations in various characteristics of systems in Southeast Asia. The paper underscores the need to enhance professionalism in the performance of core functions of the provident and pension fund organizations in these countries; and to take a system-wide perspective. It recommends constituting a Provident and Pension Fund Authority (PPFA) in each of the Southeast Asian countries to undertake the above tasks.