ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the distinction between social security as a means and social protection as an end of policy, and draws on the role and purpose of formal and informal social security arrangements. It summarizes some of the main pressures that are presenting a challenge to social security in the Asian region. The chapter explores the available evidence on the relationship between economic growth, social protection and social security and draws out the implications for Asia. It provides an overview of social security developments in Asia since 1996 and identifies some of the main recurring themes. The role of provident funds in the social security for retirement landscape is greater in Asia than elsewhere. Most industrialized countries have mature social security systems that provide a solid framework within which policy challenges and reform issues can be codified, analysed and addressed.
