Strengthening Indo-Pacific Collaboration for Development
Workshop for Think Tank and Academia Opinion Leaders from Quad and ASEAN countries
In conjunction with the inauguration of DCN's East Asia Hub, a workshop on Indo-Pacific cooperation, encompassing digital transformation alongside other areas of social and economic development, will be hosted by World Learning in collaboration with DCN on June 7-8, 2024.
As part of a Quad exchange program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Office of Citizen Exchanges, the final phase broadens participation beyond the initial fellows to include young scholars and researchers from ASEAN country think tanks, with a dedicated emphasis on development.
Background
Over the past year, the Quad exchange program, aimed at fostering collaboration among young scholars and researchers from the United States, Australia, India, and Japan, has traversed various nations and sectors. From the U.S. to Japan, India, and now Australia, the program has explored critical themes encompassing national security as well as collaboration on emerging technologies, climate, healthcare, supply chain resilience, and infrastructure. Throughout these phases, the focus has been on raising awareness, building common ground, and laying the groundwork for concrete cooperation.
Bali segment
As the final event following programs in all four Quad countries, the Bali segment aims to broaden the program's geographic and thematic scope. It seeks to integrate young scholars and researchers from ASEAN, with a focus on social development priorities and actions for regional impact.
Key fields of interest in Bali can include development cooperation frameworks, environment, energy transition, critical technologies, infrastructure, supply chain, digital public services, maritime security and law enforcement, and public health. The program aims to brainstorm areas of cooperation yielding tangible outcomes benefiting the wider Indo-Pacific populace. The two-day event will be structured as a conference comprising talks, panel discussions, and interactive working sessions.
Collaboration
The Bali gathering will include initial exchange participants from Quad countries, and representatives from ASEAN think tanks or academia, aged 25-40, specializing in the mentioned topics. ASEAN countries represented are Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Following these exchanges, participants intend to collaboratively produce newsletters, reports, and podcasts, and organize events at their respective think tanks. These initiatives aim to foster ongoing discussions and potential collaborations among the broader participant networks.
SCHEDULE
JUNE 7
June 7, 2024
Welcome and Introduction
First-day hosts: Lucas Myers and Saya Kiba
Indo Pacific Multilateralism Framework in the Context of Quad – ASEAN Relations
Exploring the evolving dynamics of Indo-Pacific multilateralism within the Quad – ASEAN framework, this session delves into the intricacies of regional cooperation and the challenges faced in navigating geopolitical complexities.
Moderator: Lucas Myers, Senior Associate for Southeast Asia, U.S.
Speakers
- Muhamad Haripin, Researcher, National Agency for Research and Innovation, Indonesia
- Gaurav Saini, Co-Founder Fellow & Lead, Operations and Strategy, Council for Strategic and Defense Research, India
- Haruko Satoh, Specially Appointed Professor, Osaka University, Japan
- Yohanes Sulaiman, Associate Professor in International Relations, Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani, Indonesia
Coffee Break
Panel Discussion: Maritime Security Challenges and Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific
This panel addresses the evolving maritime security landscape in the Indo-Pacific, exploring the challenges posed by non-traditional security threats and the prospects for regional cooperation in ensuring maritime stability.
Moderator: Jennifer Hong, Senior Director, The Project 2049 Institute, U.S.
Speakers:
- Don McLain Gill, Lecturer, De La Salle University, The Philippines
- Senia Febrica, Knowledge Exchange Associate, One Ocean Hub, University of Strathclyde, Scotland
- Tharishini Krishnan, Senior Lecturer, National Defense University Malaysia, Malaysia
Panel Discussion: Emerging Technologies and Social Development
This panel explores the transformative potential of emerging technologies in addressing social challenges and advancing inclusive development agendas, highlighting the opportunities and risks associated with technological innovation.
Moderator: Haruko Satoh, Specially Appointed Professor, Osaka University, Japan
Speakers:
- Sodanid Phuong, Young Research Fellow, Future Forum, Cambodia
- Lalita Bounleuth, Fellow, American Center Vientiane, Laos
- Nadia Payo, Lecturer, Yala Rajabhat University, Thailand
Lunch Break
Panel Discussion: Health and Disaster Management for Social Development
This panel explores the intersection of health and disaster management in promoting social development and resilience. It will analyze strategies for enhancing preparedness and response mechanisms to mitigate the impacts of disasters on vulnerable communities.
Moderator: Akilnathan Logeswaran, International Tech Engagement Lead, Doctors Without Borders
Speakers:
- Jae Han Tan, Senior Officer, Doctors Without Borders, Malaysia
- Ueamduean Salvador, Senior Officer, Doctors Without Borders, Thailand
- Sania Elizabeth, Digital Communications Officer, Indonesia
Facilitating an Open Dialogue on Realities, Perceptions, and Opportunities for Collaboration Regarding the Quad
Moderated by Lucas Myers and Saya Kiba, engaging the whole audience
June 8, 2024
Ηosts: Gaurav Saini and Liz Morrison
Panel Discussion: Climate Change and the Security Narrative
This panel explores the intersection of climate change and social support mechanisms, analyzing the vulnerabilities exposed by environmental crises and strategies for building resilience and adaptive capacity.
Moderator: Liz Morrison, Climate Initiatives Lead, The Australia Institute, Australia
Speakers:
- Vrameswari Omega Wati, Assistant Professor, Parahyangan Catholic University, Indonesia
- Dessy Rosalina, Climate Change Communication Researcher, Monash Climate Change Research Hub, Indonesia
Critical Infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific Region
This session examines the significance of critical infrastructure in promoting regional connectivity and resilience, emphasizing the need for sustainable and inclusive development strategies.
Moderator: Gaurav Saini, Co-Founder Fellow & Lead, Operations and Strategy, Council for Strategic and Defense Research, India
Speakers:
- Kevin Chen, Associate Research Fellow, The S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Singapore
- Keith Paolo Landicho, Associate Research Fellow, The S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, The Philippines
Coffee Break
Panel Discussion: The Role of Nongovernmental Voices in Contributing to Indo-Pacific Cooperation
This panel examines the role of think tanks and other civil society organizations in fostering social development through research, policy advocacy, and knowledge dissemination-- emphasizing their contribution to informed decision-making and inclusive growth.
Moderator: Saya Kiba, Associate Professor and Research Committee Member, Research Institute for Peace and Security (RIPS), Japan
Speakers:
- Melinda Martinus, Lead Researcher, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute Singapore, Singapore
- Tin Mung Htwe, Researcher, Chiang Mai University, Myanmar
- Ava Kalinauskas, Research Associate, United States Studies Centre, Australia
Panel Discussion: Energy Security in the ASEAN Region
This panel examines the complexities of energy security in the ASEAN region, analyzing the geopolitical dynamics and policy imperatives shaping the energy landscape and their implications for regional stability and development.
Moderator: Shu Uchida, Associate Professor, Waseda University, Japan
Speakers:
- Julie de los Reyes, Assistant Professor, Kyoto University, The Philippines
- Devyani Chaturvedi, Research Analyst, National University of Singapore
- Takahiro Kamisuna, Visiting Fellow, CSIS Indonesia
Lunch Break
Panel Discussion: Envisioning a 'Quad Plus': Path to Grander Cooperation or Competition?
This panel delves into the complexities of Indo-Pacific cooperation amidst great powers competition, analyzing the strategic imperatives and challenges faced by regional stakeholders in navigating geopolitical dynamics.
Moderator: Eerishika Pankaj, Director and Head of Research, Organisation for Research on China and Asia (ORCA), India
Speakers:
- Aletheia Kerygma Burgos Valenciano, Assistant Professor, University of the Philippines, The Philippines
- Angeline Tan, Analyst, ISIS Malaysia, Malaysia
- Jaewoo Choo, Professor, Kyung Hee University, South Korea
- Manoj Harjani, Research Fellow, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Singapore
Open Discussion on Opportunities for Collaboration. Participants will briefly discuss their current work and explore collaborative initiatives.
Moderated by Gaurav Saini and Liz Morrison, engaging the whole audience
Speakers
