The Threat of Information
1st October, 17:00-18:15
Internet users in ASEAN grew from less than 15% in 2005 to over 68% by 2020. Will increasing access to online social and news media increase political participation and improve democracy, or will it result in the spread of ‘fake news’, political propaganda, and public dissidence? Cases across the world have shown how uncontrolled media can spread chaos and misinformation. Is there a level of censorship or control necessary for ASEAN countries' cultures and society to thrive?
Hedged Between the Hedgemons
2nd October, 12:10-13:25
With the US-China relationship further deteriorating and their interests diverging, the ones at loss will be the relatively smaller (ASEAN) countries that are caught in the middle of this conflict – whose likelihood of not picking a side is narrowing. With the China-ASEAN cooperation soaring and becoming one of the most successful and vigorous examples of cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, the US must put substantial effort to increase its engagement and commitment in the ASEAN region before it loses out on its Southeast Asian partners. While ASEAN focuses on this third way and tries to remain neutral amidst the great power rivalries, how long can this last? If a trade war breaks out between the US and China, who will the ASEAN states choose to ally with? Or would the right decision be to lessen ASEAN’s dependency on the two major powers and start building effective ties with non-traditional partners; middle powers?
Democracy in Distress? Changing Leadership in ASEAN
2nd October, 15:00-16:15
ASEAN is a rapidly evolving region in which political structures and leadership have both endured and changed across member states, not the least in the last 12 months. How will ASEAN and its member states preserve the social stability that is so important for life and work while still centering the voice of its people? Moreover, when facing international pressure, how can ASEAN balance values of democracy, sovereignty, and non-interference as it pursues regional harmony and the good of its people?
Navigating the South China Sea
2nd October, 17:00-18:15
About one-third of global trade happens via the South China Sea. Both ASEAN States and China have massive economic stakes in the region, with contention making it a place of great geopolitical strategic importance. How can ASEAN set a course for members and policy to navigate the storm of stakeholders whilst still ensuring its own interests are met?