ASIA UNDERCURRENT WEBINAR

Asian Prosperity Fostered by Human Exchange: The Next 50 Years of ASEAN-Japan Relations

Asia’s remarkable economic and geopolitical transformation is reshaping our world. Shifting demographics and ever-advancing industrialization make the region more complex and dynamic than ever before. At a time when economics, politics, and ideology are both converging and competing, a deep understanding of Asia’s trends and trajectory is an indispensable asset.

ASIA UNDERCURRENT SEASON3
- SESSION 19 -

In December 2023, the Member States of ASEAN and Japan delivered their joint vision through a statement at the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. One of the pillars of this statement was “Heart-to-Heart Partners across Generation”.

It is important for ASEAN and Japan to promote people to people exchange across generations and sectors, to strengthen mutual trust, respect, and connection between the regions. As the international landscape becomes increasingly complex, such exchanges can significantly contribute to peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced the launch of an intensive 10-year exchange initiative, “Partnership to Co-Create a Future with the Next Generation: WA Project 2.0”. This undertaking aims to benefit more than 10 million people, especially the next-generation leaders in both ASEAN and Japan.

Leading experts in various fields are already making their mark through ASEAN-Japan exchange programs and study abroad in Japan. The successes of such programs and the deep bonds formed along the way, demonstrates their importance and necessity.

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To look closer at this topic, we have assembled a team of experts to further explore and discuss human exchange between Japan and this growing regional group. Our panel will be moderated by Prof. Kei Koga (Associate Professor, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University), featuring Prof. Kitti Prasirtsuk (Professor, Faculty of Political Science at Thammasat University), Angeline Tan (Analyst, Institute of Strategic & International Studies [ISIS]), and Prof. Maria Monica Wihardja (Visiting Fellow at ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute).

This 60-minute seminar, one of the sessions of the Nikkei Forum’s “Future of Asia”, will include commentary, debate as well as live Q&A from the audience. We hope that you can join us for what is sure to be a lively and insightful discussion about the achievements and future challenges of building and maintaining human networks between ASEAN and Japan.