Event Archive

Our Vice President of Research and Strategy, Vina Nadjibulla, is a discussant during a session titled, China’s Long-term Global Strategy.
 

Join APF Canada for a discussion with Representative Harry Tseng of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Canada, on the topics of Taiwan's strengths in supply chain resilience, automotive chip technology, and AI advancements.

Dr. Harry Tseng is the Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Canada, a role he has held since August 2022. Dr. Tseng has a long history of serving in high-level diplomatic positions within Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

He was Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2020 to 2022, Deputy Secretary General of the National Security Council (2016-2017), and Deputy Secretary General of the Office of the President (2016). He has also served as the Representative to the European Union and Belgium, Representative to Palau, Representative to Ireland, and Director General of MOFA's Department of North American Affairs.

The event will be held in Downtown Vancouver. Register your interest (subject to capacity) here.

The Vancouver Taiwanese Film Festival (VTWFF) is back this September! 

This live event will allow audiences to enjoy some of the latest, high-calibre Taiwanese films. 

2024 TWFF brings Taiwan to local audiences through four carefully curated films that span multiple topics and genres exploring the diversity of Taiwanese culture.

On behalf of the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE), APF Canada is pleased to invite all Canadian Kakehashi Project alumni to the first virtual event of the 2024-25 program year: Lights! Drama! Action! – The Kuji Autumn Festival.

Dating back over 650 years, the festival is the largest in Iwate Prefecture and features large, highly decorated handmade floats paraded through the streets of Kuji. The event includes an introduction to Kuji City and the Autumn Festival, showcasing past festivals and floats. There will also be a live broadcast from the float decoration site, where you can see the intricate prep work in action.

This is an invitation-only event open to Japan-Canada Kakehashi Project alumni.   

This discussion, with Canadian Minister of Defence, The Hon. Bill Blair, will focus on Canada’s partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region, highlighting its strategic approach and collaborative efforts in this geopolitically vital region. 

The discussion aims to provide a platform for a robust exchange of ideas and perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of the regional security dynamics and enhancing co-operation between Canada and regional actors.

Encore Livestream Presentation:

ABAC Canada/APF Canada, in partnership with ABAC Singapore and SG Tech, is co-hosting a digital innovation event on the sidelines of the third APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) meeting in Tokyo, Japan. 

The event brings together ABAC members, business leaders from 21 APEC economies, and members of the Digital Trust Advisory, a consortium of global visionaries, thought leaders, and luminaries who provide expert insights on technology, digital policy, and governance. Together they will discuss issues of digital trust, particularly in relation to AI regulation, commercialization, and its impact on people, business, and prosperity in APEC.  

Guests will hear a keynote address from The Hon. Minister Taro Kono, Japan’s Minister for Digital Transformation, participate in an expert AI-themed panel discussion, and a roundtable discussion with ABAC and Advisory Members to deliberate on critical digital ‘now and next’ priorities for APEC. 

The event will conclude with a statement to APEC Leaders and Ministers Responsible for the Digital Economy.

 The North Pacific is of considerable strategic importance to Canada and its allies. Canada has been present in the region for many years, contributing to regional peace and security through various forms of engagement. As the North Pacific region undergoes significant strategic changes due to geopolitical, environmental and technological factors, Canada must strengthen its cooperation with its allies in the region.

This event is being held in conjunction with the annual planning conference organized by Maritime Forces Pacific, which aims to coordinate future operations with counterparts from the "Five Eyes Plus" navies.  

The panel will bring together foreign policy experts and defense practitioners from government, the military and academia to discuss Canada's defense and security contributions to the North Pacific, and strategies for continued engagement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has returned to a historic third consecutive term in office – albeit with a weaker mandate. Modi 3.0 will encounter many opportunities and challenges as India strives to maintain a pre-eminent role in its neighbourhood and advances its geopolitical stature amid escalating great power competition. 

Notwithstanding its developmental challenges, the country also seeks to harness its demographic dividend and become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027. Join us as we decode these and other complex issues and unpack how Modi’s diminished victory will shape India’s trajectory as a rising power. 

Speakers:

Dr. Rahul Mukherji, Professor & Head of the Political Science Department,   South Asia Institute, Heidelberg University

Dr. Aparna Pande, Research Fellow & Director of the India Initiative, Hudson Institute

Moderator:

Vina Nadjibulla, Vice-president, Research & Strategy,   Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada

Image credit: X via Bharatiya Janata Party (under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license)

Video Encore Presentation

Changing geopolitical environment and competitions among the great powers present new challenges for Mongolia’s pursuit of its third neighbour strategy, which aims to develop close political, economic, and cultural ties with developed democracies. 

The purpose of this dialogue, which started last year focusing on Indo-Pacific strategies and Mongolia, is to create a platform for members of the academic and policy communities of Mongolia and Third Neighbours to exchange views on the changing geopolitical environment and critically review challenges and opportunities.  

The first dialogue (June 2023) welcomed participants from Australia, Canada, France, Poland, South Korea, and the United States. This year's focus is on geoeconomics.

APF Canada's Vice-President Research & Strategy Vina Nadjibulla will be speaking at the event.

The Ulaanbaatar Dialogue on Northeast Asian Security (UBD) has been held regularly since 2014 to contribute to the establishment of a dialogue mechanism within the region. However, due to the pandemic, the conference was canceled in 2020 and 2021 and resumed in 2022. 

The international conference is not only in line with the Foreign Policy Concept of Mongolia but also highlights Mongolia’s historical tradition of multilateral co-operation efforts. The conference has been co-organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Institute for Strategic Studies of the National Security Council of Mongolia. 

UBD2024 will be held in Ulaanbaatar from June 6-7, 2024. The conference consists of the following sessions:

Session One: Northeast Asian Security Challenges and Opportunities 
Session Two: Multilateral Cooperation in Northeast Asia 
Session Three: Climate change and Security challenges in Northeast Asia 
Session Four: Secure and affordable energy transition in Northeast Asia 
Session Five: Developing Sustainable and Resilient Value Chains for Critical Energy Transition Minerals

APF Canada's Vice-president Research & Strategy Vina Nadjibulla will be speaking at Session Two. 

Organized by the Canada-ASEAN Business Council, this briefing session aims to delve into Canada's evolving geopolitical strategies and foreign policies, particularly focusing on its engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) within the broader context of the Indo-Pacific region.

REGISTER HERE

The discussion, on the sidelines of the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore, will explore Canada's interests, challenges, and opportunities in the Indo-Pacific and its commitment to fostering partnerships with ASEAN countries. The event seeks to provide insights into Canada's geopolitical priorities, its approach to multilateralism, and the significance of ASEAN in its foreign policy agenda. Through expert analysis and dialogue, participants will gain a deeper understanding of Canada's role in the Indo-Pacific and the prospects for enhancing cooperation with ASEAN member states.

APF Canada's Vice-President Research & Strategy, Vina Nadjibulla, will be speaking at this event.

Key Topics:

• Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy: An overview of Canada's strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region, including economic opportunities, security concerns, and diplomatic initiatives.
   
• ASEAN's role and importance: Understanding ASEAN's role as a regional organization and its significance as a key player in shaping the Indo-Pacific dynamics.
   
• Canada-ASEAN Relations: Examining the historical context of Canada's engagement with ASEAN and analyzing current diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between Canada and ASEAN member states.
   
• Challenges and Opportunities: Identifying the challenges and opportunities in deepening Canada's engagement with ASEAN within the Indo-Pacific framework, including economic integration, security cooperation, and cultural exchange.
   
• Multilateral Cooperation: Exploring avenues for enhanced multilateral cooperation between Canada, ASEAN, and other regional stakeholders to address common challenges such as climate change, maritime security, and economic development.

This briefing promises to delve into crucial geopolitical dynamics shaping our world today. We invite you to seize this opportunity to broaden your understanding, engage in insightful discussions, and expand your professional network among industry leaders. Your presence at this event is highly anticipated, and we look forward to welcoming you for an enriching and thought-provoking experience.

Tentative Agenda:

1:00 - 1:05 PM: Opening remarks by Wayne Farmer, CABC President

1:05 - 1:45 PM: Discussion on Canada's evolving geopolitical strategies and foreign policies on ASEAN in the context of the Indo-Pacific Strategy

1:45 - 2:10 PM: Q&A with audience

2:10 - 2:30 PM: Open networking

Presenters:

Vina Nadjibulla
Vice-President, Research & Strategy, Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
(Moderator)

Indu Saxena
Senior Fellow and Chief Operating Officer, Consortium of Indo-Pacific Researchers, New Jersey, USA
(Volume Co-Editor)

Stephen Nagy
Professor, International Christian University (Japan) and Senior Fellow, Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
(Volume Co-Editor)

Event Overview:

The May 23 webinar, titled “Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific Construct,” featured insights from Dr. Indu Saxena and Dr. Stephen Nagy, moderated by Vina Nadjibulla. The discussion focused on the two scholars’ newly published book, which examines Southeast Asian countries’ roles within the Indo-Pacific, considering the competition in the region between the U.S. and China. Dr. Saxena highlighted the book’s goal of capturing diverse regional perspectives and emphasized Southeast Asia’s economic aspirations and strategic independence. The book explores how these countries balance their relationships with both the U.S. and China to maintain independence and meet national interests, using examples like China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the U.S.’s Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). 

Dr. Nagy discussed the main findings of the book, emphasizing the region’s diversity and the importance of understanding local dynamics. He noted that while public statements often reflect neutrality, there are private concerns about Chinese influence. He stressed the value of smaller partnerships like the Quad and AUKUS in providing regional security and public benefits. He used Vietnam’s balanced engagement with multiple global powers and the Philippines' trilateral summit with the U.S. and Japan to show how these countries are navigating their strategic positions. 

The Q&A session covered several regional issues, including ASEAN’s multilateral engagements and the strategic importance of smaller partnerships. Dr. Saxena talked about the proactive stance of the Philippines in the South China Sea and the challenges ASEAN faces in maintaining unity due to diverse member interests. Dr. Nagy addressed South Korea’s New Southern Policy and its increasing presence in Southeast Asia, as well as the complex impacts of the Middle East conflict on U.S. relations with Muslim-majority Southeast Asian countries. Both speakers highlighted the region’s focus on economic security and resilience, advocating for sustainable and reliable partnerships, particularly in energy security and critical minerals. The discussion concluded with a look toward future research, including a planned second volume addressing multi-alignment strategies and structural trends in the region. 

Video Encore Presentation

Panellists:
 

• Dr. Kai Ostwald, Director of the Institute of Asian Research at the University of British Columbia; Senior Fellow, APF Canada 
• Dr. Karthik Nachiappan, Research Fellow at the Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore; Senior Fellow, APF Canada
• Derek Grossman, Senior Defence Analyst at RAND
   

Moderator:
 

• Vina Nadjibulla, Vice-president Research & Strategy, APF Canada 

As a champion of a ‘free and open Indo-Pacific,’ India is rapidly emergency as a vital partner to Southeast Asian nations. While historical and cultural ties buttress this relationship, strategic imperatives stemming from the need to counterbalance China, growing economic relations, and maritime cooperation bolster the present moment of closeness. Recently enhanced defense ties, such as arms deals with Indonesia, Philippines, and Vietnam; the ASEAN-India maritime exercises co-hosted by India and Singapore; and New Delhi’s pledge to support the Philippines amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea, highlight a proactive foreign policy approach in the face of China's assertiveness in the region. Of note is also New Delhi’s shift from ‘Look East’ to ‘Act East’ and its evolving maritime strategies which place a much greater emphasis on the ‘Indo-Pacific.’ 

Video encore presentation

As India seeks to enhance cooperation with Southeast Asian countries through various bilateral, minilateral, and multilateral platforms, this panel of experts, convened jointly by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and Simon Fraser University, will delve into the complexities of forging robust partnerships in the Indo-Pacific against the backdrop of expanding great power rivalries. The objective will be to unpack and explore the intersections of security, economic interests, and the pursuit of a rules-based international order.

The panel discussion will also offer a chance to explore how Canada and other Western powers can gain from investing in India as a bridge to the Indo-Pacific region. India's growing economic might, strategic influence in the Indian Ocean region, and historical and cultural ties with Southeast Asian nations place it in a unique position.  In addition, Western powers share interests and values with India in promoting peace and security across the Indo-Pacific and in strengthening opportunities for economic growth and prosperity. 

Join us for a townhall meeting and discussion with human rights delegates from Myanmar's government in exile, the National Unity Government (NUG). 

Presented in partnership with the University of B.C.'s School of Public Policy and Global Affairs (Institute of Asian Research), UBC Myanmar Initiative, and Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC). 

Speakers:

Aung Myo Min - Minister of Human Rights, NUG

Aung Kyaw Moe - Deputy Minister of Human Rights, NUG

Moderator:

Dr. Ardeth Thawnghmung - Professor, Political Science, University of B.C. 

Discussant:

Dr. Htet Thiha Zaw - UBC Myanmar Initiative Fellow 

In collaboration with the Centre for International Policy Studies, its Asian Studies Network, and the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada

Beginning April 19, India will hold its largest national election that will likely keep Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP in government for a third term. The last decade and two previous terms have witnessed dramatic transformations and this election promises to be as consequential for India’s economy, its role in the Indo-Pacific, and how it engages with countries like Canada. This talk will cover the 2019 campaign and what expected outcomes could portend for India’s immediate future.

Our Vice-president Research & Strategy, Vina Nadjibulla, will be moderating this session. 

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in North America is hosting its 2024 CILTNA Annual Spring Outlook Conference Conférence de printemps de L’IALTAN 2024 "Adapting to a Changing World: Challenges in Transportation, Energy, Environment and Geopolitics."

Agenda:
 

Our Vice-president Research & Strategy, Vina Nadjibulla, will speak at the breakfast session. 

As the Indo-Pacific region witnesses dynamic shifts in geopolitics and economic landscapes, closer ties between Canada and the Philippines hold significant promise. This year, Canada and the Philippines celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations. 

From a memorandum of understanding on defence co-operation signed in January 2024 to the currently negotiated Canada-ASEAN free trade agreement, Canada and the Philippines have demonstrated a commitment to fostering closer ties and enhancing co-operation for the collective prosperity and stability of the Indo-Pacific. This panel aims to explore avenues for mutual benefit, address common challenges, and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

About Enrique A. Manalo, Philippines Secretary for Foreign Affairs 

Seasoned career diplomat Ambassador Enrique A. Manalo took his oath of office before President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on July 1, 2022, as the new Secretary for Foreign Affairs. During his more than four decades of service in the Department of Foreign Affairs, Secretary Manalo was appointed Undersecretary for Policy twice. As Undersecretary for Policy, he also served as the Philippines’ Senior Official in the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting, the working-level mechanism for ASEAN policy formulation and priority-setting. 

Secretary Manalo is an expert in multilateral diplomacy, having served as the Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York immediately prior to being appointed as Secretary for Foreign Affairs. 

Encore Video Presentation

In Southeast Asia, human security threats are apparent in the domains of health, labour, climate and environment, and trade and economic development. This conference will consider these emerging human security questions in the region. It will examine the role of both state and non-state actors in addressing these challenges, including the relevance of the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals.

Our Vice-President Research & Strategy, Vina Nadjibulla will be speaking at this event.