Society for Southeast Asian Communities, Inc

The Society for Southeast Asian communities is an incorporated organisation working to represent the collective voice and interests of SEAsian migrants and their communities in New Zealand.

Members of the Society are individuals who are currently in New Zealand and who have come from, or have affinity with, any of the ten Southeast Asian countries, namely, Brunei Darrusalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Members meet at regular meetings or at official work-related functions or meetings, as well as through informal networks and collaborative projects.

The Society for Southeast Asian Communities, Inc. aims to:

  • Foster partnerships and better understanding among Southeast Asian communities;
    Advocate programmes for the empowerment of Southeast Asian migrants and their communities;
  • Elevate the profile and status of Southeast Asian communities through constructive dialogues and socio-cultural involvement;
  • Network with other ethnic communities and organisations in promoting cultural diversity;
  • Work towards educating Southeast Asian communities and facilitate their integration into social mainstream; and,
  • Advance efforts toward promoting humanitarian agenda for Southeast Asia.

To accomplish our six key objectives, we will: 

  • Provide advocacy and policy representation;
  • Organise teach-ins, seminars and alternative education classes;
  • Network with government and the private sectors;
  • Promote emergency preparedness and encourage volunteerism;
  • Initiate socio-cultural events to showcase cultural understanding; and,
  • Conduct fund-raising activities and international humanitarian efforts.

Follow our activities on social media.

Projects 2012
Race Relations Day  Events  

The Society will participate in Race Relations Day 2012 activities in the region. Participation will include the organising of events, hosting of information stalls and talking to the public about our activities. Where appropriate,  cultural items will be presented as part of the overall programme.

Southeast Asian Electoral Participation Seminar

Political participation among migrants is important for many reasons.  First, political participation can be an important measure of integration – it demonstrates that migrants wish to participate in and contribute to political, social and economic decisions.  However, Asian voter turnout has been very low. A survey conducted between April 2008 and March 2009 found that there is a significant difference between Asian voter turnout (61%) and the mainly European group (82%). 

Fostering political participation is also important for encouraging individuals to take on public roles.  Since the advent of MMP in 1996, Asian representation in Parliament has increased.  Before 1996, there were no Asian MPs.  After 1996, the number has grown from 0.8% of all MPs in Parliament (1996) to 5% in 2008.  Though this is encouraging, the proportion of Asian representation in Parliament compared to the size of the Asian population in NZ is the lowest proportion compared to other ethnic groups.  The Asian population makes up 10% of the NZ population, yet only 5% of MPs identify as Asian.  This demonstrates that the type of electoral system in place can have an impact on Asian representation.

With this background in mind, the objectives of the seminar are:

  • To encourage all eligible Southeast Asian (SEA) voters (Permanent Residents and citizens) to enrol and vote;
  • To inform SEA migrants how MMP operates;
  • To explain to SEA migrants why the referendum on electoral system is taking place;
  • To educate SEA migrants on the different electoral systems;
  • To discuss how the different electoral systems may impact Asian representation in Parliament;
  • To discuss the importance of political participation.
Business Mentoring Programme for Southeast Asian Communities

With the desire of the Society to advance its socio-economic objectives, the business mentoring programme will be one of its long-term programme. The programme will encourage the creation of wealth by assisting migrants from the member-countries to learn about the intricacies of starting a business or expanding an existing business. Important business knowledge and skills such as taxation, accounting, marketing, importing, feasibility studies and much more will be discussed on a one-to-one session with a business mentor that also comes from the community. With the country still reeling from recession and with migrants difficulty of getting jobs, it is appropriate that we look for ways to contribute to the economy by establishing our own business and create employment rather than seek employment.

Cultural Event

The Southeast Asian communities, with support from with the ASEAN Diplomatic Communities in Wellington, Settling In, Ministry of Social Development, and Hutt City Council, are joining forces on Saturday 3 March to celebrate the ways their varied cultures mark the New Year. Come and celebrate with us. Enjoy a variety of cultural performances, authentic food, other cultural activities, information stalls from social service agencies and a closing ceremony that features the water festival that is integral to New Year in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. Prepare to get wet!!!

 It’s free entry, so bring your family along.

 Contact:  Matilde SEAC.Society@gmail.com

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