WADA signs three-year memorandum of understanding with ASEAN

Today, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to collaborate on a range of anti-doping program development activities.  

Formed in 1967, ASEAN is an intergovernmental organization established by the ASEAN Charter that is committed to intensifying community building through enhanced cooperation and integration by its 11 member states. 

Building on the MOU formalized in March 2022, the new agreement was signed by WADA President Witold Bańka and Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, and will run for an initial term of three years with the objective of bolstering the efforts of ASEAN’s member states in the protection of clean sport in South-East Asia.  

As part of the MOU, ASEAN, in collaboration with WADA, will support its member states in implementing the updated World Anti-Doping Code (Code) and International Standards; harmonizing national anti-doping policies and legislation; and supporting the operational independence of National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs) in the region. 

WADA President, Witold Bańka, said: “WADA is pleased to continue its productive collaboration with the Association of South-East Asian Nations. The original MOU set the foundation for ASEAN to support the development of robust and compliant Anti-Doping Organizations in the region, and for member states to take tangible steps forward in strengthening and harmonizing their anti-doping programs.  

“ASEAN will have a key role to play in the region with regards to the implementation of the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards, and WADA, in cooperation with the South-East Asia Regional Anti-Doping Organization (SEARADO), will support in this important endeavor. We look forward to continuing to work with ASEAN in the years to come to continue to build up anti-doping capacity in South-East Asia, to ensure that athletes can be confident they are competing on a level playing field.” 

Dr. Kao Kim Hourn said: “ASEAN is ready to further its commitment to the protection of clean sport as a key regional priority and the continued development of its member states’ anti-doping programs. Through our cooperation with WADA, we have taken strides in the region, and we are optimistic that over the next three years, our continued cooperation will reinforce a coherent regional sports integrity framework through anti-doping compliance and ethical governance.” 

In addition, the MOU includes a plan for ASEAN to conduct education activities in the region, support and promote the work of WADA’s Asia/Oceania office, and engage regional public authorities and sporting federations in the development of strong anti-doping policies and programs. 

Meanwhile, WADA will continue to support regional ASEAN initiatives and implement common projects for its members, while assisting with the technical implementation of Code requirements and anti-doping practitioners’ development. ASEAN will continue to be invited to regional and international WADA events, including the upcoming Asia/Oceania Region Intergovernmental Ministerial Meeting on Anti-Doping in Sport and Regional Symposium for Asia/Oceania, which will take place in Beijing, China, between 1-3 June 2026.