Southeast and East Asia
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) promotes democracy, human rights, economic freedom, and curbing climate change. In Southeast and East Asia, we have offices in Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta, Manila, Seoul, Taipei, and Yangon. We also work in Malaysia. The FNF regional team works with the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats, the Working group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism, the Asia Centre, and the ASEAN Prosperity Initiative, which is part of the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs. Should you have questions or suggestions about our work, please contact us. You can also meet our team here.
News
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Thai journalist in Israel: "It was very quiet and sad"
The October 7 Hamas terror incident extended the Middle East conflict to Thailand, claiming 39 lives and taking 32 hostages from the distant kingdom. Despite the risks, some Thais stay in Israel. Journalist Thapanee Eadsrichai, who interviewed victims' families, shares her impressions with freiheit.org. She expresses concern that the incident might incite anti-Muslim sentiments in Thailand.
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Advancing ASEAN´s Regional Integration
Discover the latest "ASEAN Integration Report 2023" exploring the youth-centric priorities outlined in the AEC Blueprint 2025. Unveiling insights on Labour Mobility, TVET, MSMEs, and the Digital Economy, this report, a collaborative effort by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom and IDEAS, paints a vivid picture of ASEAN's progress and challenges.
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AI Frontlines: China’s PLA evolution vs. NATO's counterplay
This paper delves into the transformative strategies of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) within its maritime and aerial defenses, reflecting on the shift towards "intelligent warfare" as outlined in China's 2019 Defense White Paper.
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Webinar: When Globalisation Meets Geopolitics in the Semiconductor Supply Chain
Join us for the online publication launch event as we unveil a deep dive into the global semiconductor industry's intricate supply chain dynamics. Date and Time: 2023/11/30 17:00-18:30 (GMT+8)
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Thailand Talks 2023: Fostering Dialogue for a Resilient Society
Embark on a journey through the dynamic discussions and thought-provoking dialogues at Thailand Talks 2023, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation's flagship event. Dive into the diverse perspectives on issues ranging from marijuana legalization to the moral compass of politicians. Discover how this event transcends traditional boundaries, shaping a path towards a more united society.
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Making Cities Smarter and Safer: Lessons from Korea and Japan
The Joint Symposium "Making Cities Smarter and Safer: Lessons from Korea and Japan", held in Seoul on November 2nd, 2023, brought together experts from Korea and Japan to delve into the complexities of smart city data governance. Through insightful presentations and lively discussions, the symposium provided a unique platform for knowledge exchange, highlighting the shared journey towards creating smarter and safer urban environments.
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“Men earn respect much more easily”
Women face tough challenges in Korea’s business world. Start-up Entrepreneur Ara Goh, a partner of FNF Korea, is aiming for a change. Freiheit.org speaks with her about chauvinistic investors, Korea’s MeToo Movement and why she believes in Korea’s female leaders.
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Navigating the Entrepreneurial Seas: The ABCs of Entrepreneurship Event in Hanoi
Embark on a transformative journey through the entrepreneurial seas with the ABCs of Entrepreneurship Event in Hanoi. This gathering, spearheaded by FNF alumni Samantha Kapunan and Tharin Sethi, brought together visionaries, distinguished guests, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Our theme for the fourth episode of FNF ABCs of Entrepreneurship is showcasing Vietnam's inspiring founders and investors.
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Celebrating Entrepreneurship: The 'ABCs of Entrepreneurship' Event EP4 in Vibrant Vietnam
Join us in Hanoi as the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom and WOWS Global unite to inspire and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs. Dive into the 'ABCs of Entrepreneurship' on Nov 18, 2023, and gain insights from experts, celebrate female founders, and explore the future of fundraising. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and network with industry leaders. Your journey into the world of entrepreneurship begins here.
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Thailand Talks: A Platform for Discussions
Amidst the current political climate, it's all too easy to find ourselves confined within our own political echo chambers. Thailand Talks serves as a vital bridge, offering individuals with diverse viewpoints a space to engage in open and meaningful discussions, share their thoughts, beliefs, and unique perspectives. We are gearing up for the next Thailand Talk which will occur on the 26th of Nov 2023.
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Taiwan's Vice President at CALD's 30th Anniversary
The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) celebrated its 30th Anniversary in Taipei. Taiwan's Vice President William Lai and CALD-Leaders signed a joint statement on the Future of Democracy in Asia.
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A Decade of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration
This brief by Edmund Bon Tai Soon and Umavathni Vathanaganthan traces the development of human rights institutions in Southeast Asia and shows how limited the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration´s impact has been
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Navigating a Prolonged Funding Winter: Strategies for Startups
Discover how entrepreneurs tackle funding hurdles in an evolving landscape. Join us in revisiting the impactful event featuring Gagan Singh, Tharin Sethi, and Samantha Kapunan. Held as part of the ABCs of Entrepreneurship series, this collaborative initiative by Friedrich Naumann Foundation, WOWSGlobal, and The Great Room addressed the funding crunch in sync with a 56% decline in Southeast Asian startup funding.
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Thailand's New Prime Minister: Srettha Thavisin
Thailand´s new Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, and his Phue Thai Party will form a broad, but controversial government coalition. The coalition includes conservatives, who had lost the election. Excluded is the Move Forward Party, which had won the election. Freiheit.org´s Sky Chatuchinda spoke with Dr. Pimrapaat Dusadeeisariyakul, Program Manager Thailand at the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom´s Thailand Office in Bangkok.*
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Historic summit at Camp David
US President Joe Biden, South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will meet at Camp David on 18 August. The recent rapprochement between the two Asian liberal democracies paved the way for the meeting. The improved relationship between Japan and South Korea is also in the interest of the USA and the EU. Deeper cooperation has long been a goal of American foreign policy and an important pillar of Biden's Indo-Pacific strategy. However, Beijing views the rapprochement of the three democracies with scepticism and even speaks of a "mini-Nato".
