SUMMARY

DAY1

5 June[MON]

16:15 - 17:55

Changing global situation and the roles of ASEAN and Japan

SPEAKERS

  • Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry
    ChairmanWaseda University
    Professor Emeritus

    URATA Shujiro

  • ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute
    Director & CEO

    Choi Shing Kwok

  • Faculty of Political Science,Thammasat University
    Professor

    Kitti Prasirtsuk

  • Kanagawa University Graduate School Graduate School of Law Course of Law (International Political Studies)
    Professor

    OBA Mie

  • International Relations at Chulalongkorn University’s faculty of political science
    ProfessorInstitute of Security and International Studies
    Senior Fellow

    Thitinan Pongsudhirak

  • ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute
    Senior Fellow

    Sharon Seah

  • ASEAN Secretariat
    Director, Political and Security Directorate

    Tang Siew Mun

  • Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry
    Consulting FellowKeio University Faculty of Economics
    ProfessorEconomic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia(ERIA)
    Chief Economist

    KIMURA Fukunari

  • Kyushu University
    Professor, Faculty of Economics, Department of International Economy and Business,

    SHIMIZU Kazushi

  • Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)
    Senior Economist

    Dionisius A. Narjoko

  • Jeffrey Cheah Institute for Southeast Asia, Sunway University
    ProfessorInstitute for International Trade, University of Adelaide
    Professor

    Shandre M. Thangavelu

SUMMARY

In this session, experts from both Japan and ASEAN discussed the roles that Japan and ASEAN should play on the global stage amidst changing global dynamics, including the U.S.-China tension and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. They emphasized the significance of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) for future economic development, highlighting the challenges of member states’ implementation and expansion. They also noted the potential for upgrades and stressed the need for ongoing discussions.
The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) was recognized to have a profound impact on RCEP, necessitating the evolution of the AEC itself.
Additionally, the digitization following the COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to challenges beyond trade, calling for considerations regarding human resource development, resilience, and digitalization. Furthermore, the viewpoint was presented that a stable geopolitical order based on rules is essential for business. ASEAN’s role in this regard has grown, with the recognition that multi-layered approaches like AUKUS and QUAD are becoming more relevant for ASEAN as well. It was highlighted that ASEAN should make daily choices rather than opting for a single path, and enhancing ASEAN’s resilience is crucial for countering major powers. The importance of ASEAN’s voice has increased, emphasizing the need for an equal partnership rather than a donor-recipient relationship to address climate change and energy issues.

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