The National Social Assistance Fund (NSAF) has received a best practices award for the implementation of its cash transfer programme for poor and vulnerable households affected by Covid-19 from the 39th Board of the ASEAN Social Security Association (ASSA).

The award ceremony took place in the Lao province of Luang Prabang. NSAF director-general Chhour Sopanha led a delegation to the November 23 ASSA Meeting, which was attended by 70 officials from the ASEAN bloc.

The ASSA meeting is held annually, with the aim of enhancing cooperation and sharing experiences among ASEAN members, as well as serving as a forum for discussing challenges and directions for further development in the field of social security.

“The best practices award was presented by the chairman of the ASSA board to all ASEAN member countries who successfully provided social protection services to the people of their countries,” said Sophana.

He added that the award is a source of pride for the NSAF, which was established in March 2022 by Sub-Decree No 68.

An ASSA commission evaluated each social protection programme, focusing on their implementation mechanisms, results and the cooperation of relevant institutions.