Thailand, Singapore to cooperate on care during first 1,000 days of children’s lives

Bangkok — Thailand and Singapore have agreed to enhance their collaboration on social development, particularly focusing on the care and development of children during the crucial first 1,000 days of life. On August 25, Thailand's Cabinet approved a draft memorandum of understanding between the Thai Ministry of Social Development and Human Security and Singapore's Ministry of Social and Family Development.

This agreement seeks to foster the exchange of information, knowledge, experience, policies, and best practices in areas such as social welfare, community development, and child development and protection. A central emphasis will be placed on the first 1,000 days of a child's life, with the two nations exchanging knowledge and experiences related to early childhood development and child protection.

The insights gained from this cooperation could be instrumental in refining social policies and services suited to each country's unique requirements. In addition to the aforementioned areas, the cooperation will encompass staff exchanges, study visits, training programs, conferences, and joint seminars aimed at bolstering expertise and disseminating strategies in social welfare and development.

A joint working group will be created to plan, coordinate, monitor, and evaluate the partnership, with regular meetings scheduled at least once a year or as required. Captain Phatdarasmi Thongsaluakorn, a spokesperson for the Thai government, highlighted that this collaboration offers Thailand and Singapore the opportunity to learn from one another, especially in the domains of child development and protection, as well as care during the first 1,000 days of a child's life.

The memorandum is set to be officially signed on September 6 during the sixth Thailand-Singapore Leaders' Meeting, where it is anticipated to be a key result of bilateral cooperation.