Southeast and East Asia
The Foundation's work in Southeast and East Asia is aimed to support political, economic, and social developments. On a regional level, this is realized in cooperation with our partners like the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD), the Economic Network Asia (EFN), and the Working group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism. We bring together like-minded individuals in the region to promote the liberal principles of individual freedom, social market economy, and the protection of human rights.
News
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A phenomenal song from a generation that speaks out
A song about breaking free from domestic violence earned the judges nod at the regional songwriting contest, Living Freedom
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In Asia, democracy is tested by coronavirus and China
In Southeast Asia, where democracy has been sliding back in a number of countries, leaders have used the pandemic to boost their authoritarian rule in the name of a state of emergency. They have restricted freedoms, tightened law enforcement, and abused their emergency powers. But citizens are pushing back, a silver lining in these bleak times.
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Southeast Asia uses pandemic and spread of disinformation to restrict press freedom
The health crisis became an excuse to tighten restrictions on news coverage and harass journalists, sending chills to newsrooms in the region. This wave of repression came on top of authorities clamping down on ‘fake news,’ using the supposed spread of disinformation as a justification to attack the press.
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Why EU and ASEAN won’t seem to get a Free Trade Agreement anytime soon
In times of turmoil in international relations, the European Union has to find new regional trade partners - and ASEAN is a potential candidate for a fruitful Free Trade Agreement. But even though there have been several rounds of discussions, an agreement is nowhere in sight. ASEAN is EU’s third largest trading partner outside Europe, but the road to an FTA between EU and ASEAN is long and bumpy. What are the reasons?
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Naumann Foundation relocates Global Innovation Hub to Taipei
The Hub aims to serve as a catalyst for digital projects in order to strengthen democracy and open society, and to support FNF on its way to becoming a creative innovation platform for liberalism. With its political stability and its democratic, pluralistic and liberal society, Taiwan offers ideal conditions for the work of the Global Innovation Hub. Taiwan is an internationally recognized pioneer in the field of digitalization.
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Thailand takes lead in LGBT rights
Thailand is seen as a relatively LGBT-friendly place, but there is no legal partnership status to support LGBT couples. However, this might change soon. Thailand is close to allowing same-sex unions. The planned legislation could be a major breakthrough. If the bill passes the parliament, Thailand would be the first country allowing same-sex partnerships in Southeast Asia and the second one in Asia. Can full equality already be achieved?
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Democracy means balance: Do not deny governments authority to deal with pandemic
Liberals and democrats must be careful not to be seen to be opposing the role of the state. The challenge is heightening awareness, vigilance, and readiness to push back against attempts by autocrats to exploit the crisis; and the need for innovation and enterprise in pushing approaches that highlight the advantages of democratic norms and processes as successful democratic states have demonstrated.
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ASEAN needs to pull together to ensure economic recovery in 2021
This pandemic highlights the urgency for regional cooperation and the need to build institutions that strengthen regional integration of ASEAN as the region recovers from the pandemic.
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With RCEP, is post-pandemic recovery for ASEAN in sight?
Many people have high hopes that the RCEP can become the solution for ASEAN’s economic recovery. However, some are skeptical about it.
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30 Facts on 30 Years of German Unity
Many experiences after 1990 have allowed Germans to further grow together. The terms "East" and "West" are becoming increasingly blurred.
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US Election: ‘Democracy is on the ballot’
Democracy and the United States’ global leadership are at stake in the US presidential election in November. The results will have a far-reaching impact on Asia.
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Economic Freedom of the World 2020 Report is out
The report measures the economic freedom – the ability of individuals to make their own economic decisions – by analyzing the policies and institutions of 162 countries and territories.
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How These Two Filipino Millennials Are Fighting Online Misinformation Offline
Journalists Raisa Serafica and Vernise Tantuco are at the frontlines of the Philippines’ disinformation problem every day. Here’s why they’re taking the online problem, offline.
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Meet the Press Freedom Trailblazer
As misinformation permeates the region, prominent media-rights activist Supinya Klangnarong says a concerted effort is needed to fight the rising problem. Cofact, a group Supinya co-founded, hopes to stand as an independent fact-checker ready to grapple with “fake news.”
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The Rise of Thailand’s Youth
Thailand witnesses the rise of a fresh democracy movement powered by social media. The protestors, among them many students and pupils, demand more political participation and civil rights in a country, which many political scholars describe as a flawed democracy. More than that, some of the members of the new movements even call for a debate on the country’s most sacred most powerful institution: the monarchy, which, by law, nobody is allowed to criticize. Who dares to do so, risks long prison sentences.
Social Media
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Laws to combat disinformation is centered on authority of the state to decide what is false information. The provisions in these laws is vaguely-worded, and false information by government is not subject to these laws. They are punitive, and impact freedom of expression. Defending Freedom of Expression: Fake News Laws in East and Southeast Asia, published by Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats and Asia Centre is a toolkit for advocates who want to ensure that when laws and policies are enacted to respond to disinformation, they do not infringe on freedom of expression.
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Happening later at 2pm GMT+7! Join the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats and Asia Centre as they examine laws and policies related to disinformation in the region. You can still register here - http://bit.ly/2MtmM5G
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#FNFSEEAsia travels to Europe! Virtually for its online regional meeting 🚀
