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, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Seoul, Taipei, and Yangon. The FNF regional team works with the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats, the Working group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism, 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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Thank you, President Aquino
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom mourns with the Filipino people and the liberal community worldwide for the untimely passing of Former Philippine President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. He led a “straight path” to ensure that lives were uplifted through honest and decent governance.
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All women are wonder women
For Rep. Josy Limkaichong, public service entails sacrifice, but it doesn't compare to the rewarding experience of being able to empower individuals and helping them uplift their lives.
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The noble cause
Dr. Zaliha Mustafa encourages everyone to take up their share in carrying the load - by volunteering or countering misinformation, by owning up their individual civic duty - that could help put an end in the pandemic.
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Of knowledge makers and smart learners
Prof. Hwang always highlights the importance of collaboration. It's the same concept that she applies in reurbanization, reviving cities through citizen engagement and innovation.
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The Practical Success
Pragmatic advice from Mrs. Hang: There will always be trade-offs. It’s a matter of making wise choices on whether the trade-offs are worth it. It's about taking responsibility for the consequences of our actions.
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Women have a choice
Sara is aware that a lot of complex issues face women today, including unequal pay as well as unpaid work, and child care. She highlighted that education is still the solution: continuous learning for one’s self and civic education for the society.
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Wisdom and compassion will prevent another infodemic
For Supinya, a double dose of vaccine is also necessary to curb misinformation: wisdom coupled with compassion. She hopes that the world achieves a level of equanimity where people would not resort to conspiracies and hate online and offline.
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A phenomenal song from a generation that speaks out
A song about breaking free from domestic violence, Born Free, earned the judges nod at the regional songwriting contest, Living Freedom. Composed by Aether, a group of young artists from Myanmar, Born Free was recognized for its authenticity – the relevance of the message given the rise of domestic abuse during the pandemic, and the heartfelt emotions expressed in the song.
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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. But even though there have been several rounds of discussions, an agreement is nowhere in sight. The road to an FTA between EU and ASEAN is long and bumpy. What are the reasons?
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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?
After eight years of discussion, the RCEP agreement was reached during the ASEAN virtual meeting in Hanoi. Many people have high hopes that it can become the solution for ASEAN’s economic recovery. However, some are skeptical about it.
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Naumann Foundation relocates Global Innovation Hub to Taipei
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.
Social Media
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Papua New Guinea (PNG) barely makes international news, despite being one of the most diverse and naturally rich nations in the world, with more than 800 languages spoken, 1,000 ethnic groups and an array of crude oil, natural gas, gold, copper, silver, timber, coffee and palm oil. Yet, more than half of the population are in need of humanitarian assistance. The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom in cooperation with CARE Germany invites you to reflect on the current crisis in PNG. Link - https://plus.freiheit.org/suffering-in-silence.
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“The youth of today are the leaders tomorrow.” Friedrich Naumann Foundation East and Southeast Asia office is planning to empower youth leaders through its regional alumni network. Stay tune for more information!
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You are welcome to join our forum with Craftora on the Human rights in ASEAN
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