Webinar: Exploring US-China Dynamics in Academia | Fri. August 9, 2024 | 11:00am-12:00pm EDT

We often hear about the relationship between the US and China in a diplomatic or strategic setting, but less often discussed is how US-China relationships affect the world of academia and the exchange of ideas. Join us as we welcome academics to discuss the impact of US-China relations on research and cross-cultural collaboration. 

[West Coast Forum] Empowering AANHPI Voices: Facing Challenges and Moving Forward | Tues. July 2, 2024 | 5:00-7:30pm PDT

In honor of USAI’s 45th anniversary, we hosted our West Coast Forum celebrating the voices of the AANHPI community. The event aadressed the progress and resilience of the community, acknowledged individual contributions, and provided opportunities to network through discussions, delicious food, and lively performances.

Deep Sea Mining: Policy Considerations and Implications for the United States | Tues. June 25, 2024 | 1:00-2:30pm EDT

This briefing is an opportunity to dive into the current state of deep-sea mining, national and international regulations, and policy recommendations for the United States. As a potential new, abundant and secure source of critical minerals, progress towards commercial deep-sea mining is underway. This briefing will provide a brief background and focus on relevant legislation. Our panel will offer perspectives on the geopolitics of deep-sea mining, international collaboration, and environmental, social and techno-economic considerations in policy making.

[Northeast Asia in Focus] Subnational Diplomacy: Examples from China and Japan | Tues. June 11, 2024 | 1:00-2:00pm EDT

The 16th installment in USAI's Northeast Asia in Focus webinar series, this webinar featured experts and practitioners who discussed the impact of subnational diplomacy on domestic and foreign policy relating to China and Japan.

[Southeast Asia in Focus] The Road to Sustainability in 2024, What’s in Store for Southeast Asia? | Weds. April 24, 2024 | 9:00-10:00am EDT

The 17th installment of USAI's Southeast Asia in Focus series, this webinar features discussion of the implications of ASEAN's sustainability and green energy initiatives. From critical minerals to clean energy, ASEAN's fight against climate change has been a key aspect of development policies.

[Northeast Asia in Focus] Exploring China-Africa Cooperation Through the Lens of the 2035 Vision | Thurs. March 28, 2024 | 1:00-2:00pm EDT

The 15th installment of USAI's "Northeast Asia in Focus" webinar series, this session features experts who explore the nuance of partnerships and exchanges between China and Africa. From economic development to geopolitical influence, delve into the complex narratives of this collaboration and its far-reaching impact on the global stage.

[Southeast Asia in Focus] Democracy Dialogues: Indonesia's Election Outcomes and Analyses | Thurs. February 22, 2024 | 12:00-1:00pm EST

This virtual discussion was held soon after Indonesia’s 2024 presidential election, giving our panel of regional experts a chance to speak on the importance and implications of these recent political developments.

[Northeast Asia in Focus ]Taiwan’s Elections: Results, Takeaways, and Implications for Regional Geopolitics | Thurs. January 18, 2024 | 12:00-1:00pm EST

Taiwan’s highly anticipated presidential and legislative elections have just taken place, resulting in the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) winning the presidency but losing the parliamentary majority. These results have drawn reactions from around the world, with some leaders congratulating President-elect Lai Ching-te and others reasserting their nations' stances on the political and territorial status of Taiwan. This virtual discussion allowed this panel of regional experts to provide their fresh analyses of the election results and reactions to the ongoing international developments that have followed.

[Southeast Asia in Focus] Defense Pacts: The Future of Philippine Security Relations with the United States and Japan | Thurs. December 7, 2023 | 8:00-9:00am EST

As the 15th session of the US-Asia Institute's Southeast Asia in Focus series, this webinar brings together regional experts to discuss Philippine security relations with the United States and Japan. Panelists provide insights into topics such as trilateral cooperation, recent developments in the South China Sea, the landmark Philippines-United States patrols, and the Reciprocal Access Agreement with Japan.

The US-ROK Nuclear Consultative Group: Future Implications in Light of Warming DPRK-Russia Ties | Tues. December 5, 2023 | 9:00-10:00am EST

On December 5th, USAI hosted this webinar in collaboration with the National Committee on North Korea (NCNK). In the four months since its establishment, the newly minted US-ROK Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) has already been put to the test. This virtual discussion provided an overview of the NCG and its place in US-ROK Alliance. Our panel of regional experts also offered their analyses of the NCG’s future, especially in light of recent developments such as those involving North Korea, Russia, and Hamas.

A Digital Boom: Discussing the Political Climate of Southeast Asia in the Age of Social Media | Thurs. November 3, 2023 | 9:00-10:00am EDT

The fourteenth session of the US-Asia Institute's Southeast Asia in Focus Series brings together regional experts to discuss the political implications of widespread social media use. This virtual discussion provides an understanding of internet behavior among governments, non-state actors, and individuals in the region. Our panelists also cover the prevalence of misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms, its consequences, and what some countries are doing to combat it.

Political Developments in Southeast Asia: Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam | Tues. February 28, 2023 | 2:00-3:00pm EST

The thirteenth session of the Southeast Asia in Focus Initiative, featured Andrew Wells-Dang, Ph.D, Senior Expert at the United States Institute of Peace, and Ben Dolven, Specialist in Asian Affairs, Congressional Research Service, joined Mega Valentina, Senior Manager at the US-ASEAN Business Council, discussing the recent political developments in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. The resignation of Vietnamese President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc and the potential ramifications for U.S. business interests, the upcoming election in Thailand in light of illiberal forces challenging the autocratic military regime, and the rise of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as well as the upcoming elections in Indonesia and its possible parallels to the recent elections in the Philippines, were among the topics discussed.

Impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act on Northeast Asia: Energy, Trade, and Investment | Thurs. March 02, 2023 | 1:00-2:00pm EST

The thirteenth session of the US-Asia Institute's Northeast Asia in Focus Series brings together regional experts to discuss the impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on Northeast Asian partners. This virtual discussion provides an overview of the legal implications of the IRA, the importance of cooperation with Asian counterparts over matters of financial regulation, and the current and potential lasting impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act on Northeast Asia and the United States.

Myanmar Unpacked: The Political, Economic, and Military Landscape | Thurs. December 15, 2022 | 3:00-4:00pm EST

The US-Asia Institute hosted its twelfth installment of the Southeast Asia in Focus series, which unpacked the current state of Myanmar through key political, economic, and security layers. This briefing brought together regional experts, Priscilla Clapp, Ambassador Scot Marciel, and Professor William Wise, to discuss the dynamics of Myanmar and the role to be played by the United States.

Crises and Contingencies on the Korean Peninsula, Is Congress Ready? | Wed. December 7, 2022 | 2:00-3:00pm EST

On December 7, USAI and the National Committee on North Korea hosted a hybrid public event featuring experts Chad O'Carroll, Colin Zwirko, and Andrei Lankov. This discussion brought together regional experts to discuss escalating events on the Korean Peninsula and North Korea's potential motives. Speakers discussed ways for the United States and South Korea to reduce tensions in the Korean Peninsula, as well as prospects for negotiations in 2023.

Northeast Asia in Focus: Outlook for US-Asia Investment | Wed. November 15, 2022 | 3:00-4:00pm EST

This discussion features Wayne Morrison, Kiyoshi Tanigawa, and Riley Walters. They discussed the status of foreign direct investments (FDI) between the United States, China, and Japan. Mr. Walters guided the conversation and discussed the policy intersections that FDI has with national security, while Mr. Morrison and Mr. Tanigawa addressed FDI status and issues involving China and Japan respectively.

Southeast Asia in Focus: The Impact of Climate Change on Diplomacy, Food Security, and the Environment | Thurs. October 27, 2022 | 2:00-3:00pm EDT

This discussion features Brian Eyler, Kate Logan, and Christian Man. They discussed the increasing floods, heatwaves, and food insecurity in Southeast Asian countries, as well as future trends and solutions in climate change. With Ms. Logan guiding the conversation, Mr. Eyler examined the specific effects of Climate Change on the Mekong Delta and it’s waterways leading to the seas, while Mr. Man provided overarching low-cost nature-based solutions for problems that were mirrored in the Mekong Delta.

Northeast Asia in Focus: The Influence of Culture on Northeast Asian Policy and Diplomatic Engagement | Wed. September 7, 2022 | 1:00-2:00pm EDT

This discussion features Sociology Professor Kiyoteru Tsutsui of Stanford University and Rui Zhong, a Program Associate at the Wilson Center. Professor Tsutsui discusses Japanese culture’s effect on policymaking and Japan’s historical victim narrative in the Post-War Period, and how that has influenced domestic and international engagement. Ms. Zhong outlined the People’s Republic of China’s political culture and rising ethno-nationalism, while also explained the wolf-warrior style of diplomacy in China being tied to political culture.

Changing of the Court: Mongolia’s Recent Political Reforms | Thurs. August 11, 2022 | 3:00-4:00pm EDT

This special public briefing featured Ambassador Piper Campbell, former United States Ambassador to Mongolia, and focused on recent political developments and reforms that have taken place in Mongolia. Ambassador Campbell provided an overview of the circumstances leading up to Mongolia's 2021 election and political reform, current tensions within Mongolian politics, and their impact within Mongolia's international relations.

Sri Lanka Crisis: Implications for the Indo-Pacific and US Interests in the Region | Thurs. August 04, 2022 | 10:00-11:00am EDT

In this special public briefing, hosted by the US-Asia Institute featured Dr. Deepa Ollapally, Professor of International Affairs at the Elliott School at George Washington University and Ms. Lisa Curtis, Senior Fellow and Director of the Indo-Pacific Security Program at the Center for a New American Security to discuss the economic and political crises in Sri Lanka since the April 2022 economic default. This session provided an overview of the circumstances leading up to the turmoil and discussed the geopolitical implications for the Indo-Pacific and American interests in the region.

Southeast Asia in Focus: The Future of the Digital Economy | Mon. July 11, 2022 | 10:00-11:00am EDT

In this year’s second session of Southeast Asia in Focus, the US-Asia Institute brought together Southeast Asian experts for our session titled: The Future of the Digital Economy in Southeast Asia. This briefing provided an overview of issues surrounding the digital economy, including potential opportunities for development as well as challenges in promoting inclusive growth and ensuring the free flow of data. Speakers also covered the impact of regional trade agreements and frameworks, such as the RCEP, CPTPP and IPEF.

Impacts of Population Aging in Northeast Asia | Tue. June 28, 2022 | 12:30-1:30pm EDT

In this year’s third session of the Northeast Asia in Focus Series, the US-Asia Institute brought together Northeast Asian experts for our session titled: Impacts of Population Aging in Northeast Asia. Falling birth rates and longer life expectancies have resulted in aging populations across Northeast Asia. This briefing covered the economic, social and security impacts of this trend, ranging from a declining workforce to a shift in gender dynamics. Speakers also discussed potential solutions to issues caused by population aging, including immigration and the use of technology.

Semiconductor Supply Chains in Northeast Asia | Fri. May 6, 2022 | 12:30-1:30pm EDT

In this briefing the US-Asia Institute is bringing together regional experts in technology and cybersecurity to discuss pertinent issues in global technology supply chains in this webinar entitled Semiconductor Supply Chains in Northeast Asia. Since its invention by engineers in the United States in the 1950s, the semiconductor chip has become a focal point of trade relations between the United States and East Asian powers. As the demand for high-end semiconductors intensifies in the 21st century, The semiconductor industry has become geopolitically significant in East Asia and Asian powers such as Japan, South Korea, and China are competing for dominance in the industry. Furthermore, Pandemic-induced shortages have already affected the global economy and potential conflicts in the region would deeply impact supply.

Impact of Russo-Ukrainian Conflict and the South Korean Presidential Election on Northeast Asia | Wed. April 27, 2022 | 10:00-11:00am EDT

In the second session of the Northeast Asia in Focus Series, the US-Asia Institute brought together Northeast Asian experts for our session titled: Impact of Russo-Ukrainian Conflict and the South Korean Presidential Election on Northeast Asia. Right now, the Russian invasion of Ukraine is dominating all major media platforms due to the uncertainty of the situation and the challenges affected nations face as a result. Although the conflict is occurring in Ukraine, it has had major implications on countries in the Northeast Asia region. In addition, with the recent election of Yoon Suk-yeol to become South Korea’s 13th president, there are uncertainties regarding how North Korea will react. This briefing covered topics including the impact of the conflict on Japan and South Korea both geopolitically and economically, the important role of China, and predictions about the future of South and North Korea relations.

Southeast Asia in Focus: Postwar Legacies and Cooperation in Southeast Asia | Thurs. April 21, 2022 | 2:00-3:00pm EDT

In the ninth session of the Southeast Asia in Focus Series, the US-Asia Institute is brought together Southeast Asian experts for our session titled: Postwar Legacies and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. After the Vietnam War, US relations with nations in the affected regions remained uncertain. However, over the next five decades, they began to reconcile and establish strong diplomatic relations. While the war may have ended over 50 years ago, the impacts still remain and are evident politically, economically and socially.

Northeast Asia in Focus: Understanding Northeast Asia in 2022 | Wed. February 23, 2022 | 1:00-2:30pm EST

The US-Asia Institute is launching a brand new briefing series dedicated to Northeast Asia—in order to provide congressional staff, US executive branch officials, foreign diplomats, and members of the policy and business communities an avenue to gain insight into the US relationship with China, Korea, and Japan on a variety of topics from upcoming elections, diplomacy, trade, and more. This opener session will serve as an overview and update on trade, security, and political issues in the region with a focus on US relations with China, Korea, and Japan, featuring an expert on each region. This briefing is part of USAI’s Northeast Asia in Focus webinar series. At the turn of a new year, this Northeast Asia in Focus webinar series seeks to provide unique insight into the US relationship with Northeast Asia and specific nations on a variety of topics including, energy, diplomacy, trade, etc.

2022 Virtual Lunar New Year Celebration | Thurs. February 10, 2022 | 7:30-8:30pm EST

On Thursday, February 10, 2022, the US-Asia Institute was joined by friends from the diplomatic, academic, Congressional, and corporate communities in celebrating the Year of the Tiger at this year’s Lunar New Year Virtual Celebration. Distinguished guest speakers gave messages of reflection of the past year and of hope towards the new year, while performances by the Brooklyn-based Taiko Drum Dojo and the Hung Tao Choi Mei Lion Dance Troupe showcased some of the vibrant Lunar New Year traditions of Asian culture.

US-Asia Energy Series: A Congressional and Academic Perspective on the US-Asia Energy Relationship | Wed. January 19, 2022 | 9:00-10:00am EST | Zoom Webinar

In the first session of the US-Asia Energy Series, Surya Gunasekara, Principal Consultant and Founder at Section VII Strategies, was joined by Congresswoman Carol Miller of West Virginia’s Third Congressional District, Congressman Lou Correa of California’s 46th Congressional District, and Dr. Kenneth Medlock, the James A. Baker, III, and Susan G. Baker Fellow in Energy and Resource Economics at the Baker Institute, for a conversation on expanding US energy exports to the Asia region and exploring alternative energies while supporting the development of our Asian trade partners. In her remarks on strengthening energy partnerships with US allies, Congresswoman Miller explained that US energy exports have the potential to connect developing communities while strengthening the domestic economy. Congressman Correa highlighted the challenge of solidifying the US as a dependable energy exporter while balancing objectives of important environmental and economic issues. He further explained that leveraging energy and trade relationships is crucial for avoiding conflict and keeping the world on a steady economic growth pattern. Dr. Medlock emphasized the need for finding alternative energies, the diversification of US investment and energy resources, and the responsibility of major energy actors to increase access to energy imports to accommodate Asian growth. He underscored the congressional perspectives by re-emphasizing the expansive intersection between energy and the economic, environmental, and national security interests. In the Q&A session, there was discussion on the feasibility of energy alternatives, implications of crude oil exports on the domestic economy, and potential concerns with future energy policy. 

Navigating the Future of US-China Relations | Wed. December 15, 2021 | 1:00-2:15pm EST | Zoom Webinar

In the eighth session of the Southeast Asia in Focus Initiative, Ellen Frost, Senior Advisor and Fellow at East-West Center and Dr. Pek Koon Heng-Blackburn, Assistant Professor at American University joined Ben Dolven, Specialist in Asian Affairs at Congressional Research Service, for a conversation on the future strategies Southeast Asia should take in place to navigate future US-China relations, along with needs in developing independent relationship with both the US and China. Ellen highlighted the importance of US' action in SE Asia for reasons in defense and security, economics, and culture. She explained further that the region is an important partner of the US and the US is in competition with dominating influences with China. Dr. Pek Koon Heng-Blackburn reached out further into Indo-Pacfic region, saying that ASEAN and the US need cooperation to strengthen ties and influences. In the Q and A portion, there was discussion on tensions in South China Sea and Taiwan, how the pandemic has affected US businesses’ relations with the region, and what a new normal will be for the region and the globe.

Confronting COVID-19: Perspectives from Singapore and Indonesia | Tues. November 16, 2021 | 9:00-10:15am EST | Zoom Webinar

In the seventh session of the Southeast Asia in Focus Initiative, Marc Mealy, Senior Vice President of Policy at the US-ASEAN Business Council, Dr. Fajar B. Hirawan, Researcher at the Center of International and Strategic Studies at Indonesia, and the Honorable Cindy Wee, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) of the Embassy of Republic of Singapore, joined Javade Chaudhri, Of Counsel at Jones Day, for a conversation on how Southeast Asia is fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, along with specific perspectives from Singapore and Indonesia. Mealy highlighted the adjustments that governments made regarding strategies against the pandemic. He explained further that the region is seeing COVID-19 as an endemic situation that is something all people will live with. Dr. Hirawan gave an overview of Indonesia’s response to the virus, saying that the government adjusted well after the second pandemic wave, and higher awareness of health protocols helped raise the vaccination rate in Indonesia, providing stability in economic growth. DCM Wee explained Singapore’s response against the virus and the responsibilities of the citizens there with confronting the virus. She highlighted that Singapore’s strategy is one that will prepare the country for living with the virus. In the Q and A portion, there was discussion on how the pandemic has affected the global supply chain, how the pandemic has affected US businesses’ relations with the region, the acceleration of the development of the digital economy, and what a new normal will be for the region and the globe.

The Mekong Basin: Southeast Asian Cooperation Along Shared Waterways | Tues. October 19, 2021 | 1:00-2:15pm EDT | Zoom Webinar

In the sixth session of the Southeast Asia in Focus Initiative, Brian Eyler, Senior Fellow & Director of the SE Asia Program at The Stimson Center, and Romina Bandura, Senior Fellow of Project on U.S. Leadership in Development at CSIS, joined Michael Martin, Ph.D, former Specialist in Asian Affairs at the Congressional Research Service, for a discussion on the Mekong Basin as a shared resource in Southeast Asia and evaluating Southeast Asian nations ties in the environmental, economic, and labor sectors and more. Brian discussed the major role that Thailand, Vietnam and China play in energy development in the region due, but also analyzed their limitations. Romina dove further into the challenges posed by COVID-19 and labor issues, and she explained that cooperation is the key to navigating these challenges through an advantageous labor market. In the Q and A portion, both speakers further discussed what the United States can do to help Southeast Asia’s position in the Mekong Basin and potential partners in the region to engage with to advance effective trade policies and strengthen US-Southeast Asia relations.

TANIP 2021 Webinar: Thai-American Youth Empowerment | August 6, 2021 | 5:00-6:00pm EDT | Zoom Webinar

This webinar caps off the 2021 Thai-American National Internship Program (TANIP), a youth empowerment and professional development program created to provide an opportunity for Thai-American young adults to gain a firsthand look at the American government and political system in Washington D.C., and to reflect on the role they, as future leaders, might play in strengthening Thai-U.S. relations.

This event includes opening remarks from H.E. Manasvi Srisodapol, Ambassador of Thailand to the United States; and Mary Sue Bissell, President of the US-Asia Institute; keynote remarks from Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE); as well as reflections from this year's TANIP cohort on their experiences from this summer.

2021 US-Asia Institute AAPI Heritage Month Forum | May 26, 2021 | 12:00 am - 1:00 pm | Zoom Webinar

In this panel, Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), Dr. Apichai Shipper, adjunct professor of Asian Studies at Georgetown University, and Christine Chen of APIA Vote discussed current issues facing Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Congresswoman Chu focused on her personal journey towards becoming the first Chinese-American woman elected to Congress, the history of AAPI contributions to American history, and current legislation to address AAPI issues, particularly in the light of recent hate crimes targeted at AAPIs. Dr. Shipper focused on the ways that AAPIs at the State Department and those who hold dual-citizenship directly and indirectly impact US foreign policy, while Ms. Chen described the voting and political engagement trends of AAPIs, as well as key areas in national and local government where it is necessary to have more AAPI representation. Opening remarks were followed by a brief question and answer session moderated by Ben Wu, President and CEO of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation.

Tackling the Climate Crisis: Transitioning to a Global Green Economy | April 22, 2021 | 8:30 am - 10:30 am | Zoom Webinar

Titled “Tackling the Climate Crisis: Transitioning to a Global Green Economy”, this joint webinar by USAI/AQA was meant to take place alongside the President’s Leaders’ Summit on Climate, and featured Parliamentarians from across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East, who discussed how the American Green New Deal and similar Green Economy bills in other countries present key opportunities for addressing climate change, mitigating its effects, and preserving the environment while building our economies.

Conflict in the South China Sea: Southeast Asian Perspectives on Maritime Security Challenges | March 19, 2021 | 3:00 pm - 4:15 pm | Zoom Webinar

In the fifth session of Southeast Asia in Focus titled, "Conflict in the South China Sea: Southeast Asian Perspectives on Maritime Security Challenges," experts in U.S.-Southeast Asia relations and security affairs provided a broad overview of the current state of the defense partnerships and alliances between the U.S. and this diverse region. This conversation aimed to provide information on how the U.S. can work with the region and its specific nations to understand these security challenges in the South China Sea and how the U.S. can adapt to emerging threats given the perspectives and desires of the nations of Southeast Asia in the defense realm.

Deciphering Areas of International Economic Opportunity | March 9, 2021 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Zoom Webinar

The fourth session of USAI’s Southeast Asia in Focus series featured two experts in trade and U.S.-Southeast Asia relations. Wendy Cutler, the Vice President of the Asia Society Policy Institute, and John Goyer, the Executive Director of Southeast Asia in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, had a conversation moderated by Amy Searight, the Senior Associate for Asia at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, regarding the current state and future trajectory of economic affairs and resource management within the diverse region of Southeast Asia. A variety of topics were discussed, including the potential for bilateral free trade agreements with specific nations, the diversification of supply chains in light of COVID-19, the priorities of the Biden administration, and the impact of RCEP on U.S. business interests.

The US-Asia Institute’s 2021 Virtual New Year Celebration | February 25, 2021 | 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm | Zoom Webinar

On Thursday, Feb 25, 2021, the US-Asia Institute successfully hosted its 2021 Lunar New Year Virtual Celebration, welcoming the Year of the Ox. The celebration included messages of reflection and gratitude towards the past year and hopes for the new year ahead - which could not be possible without the support of our friends from the diplomatic, administrative, congressional, and corporate communities.

As in past years, diplomats from various Asian nations attended, as well as Members and staff of Congress, Administration officials, and leaders in business and academia. There also was a performance by Taiko Masala and the traditional Lion Dance!

Bridging the Asia-Pacific for Young People | February 10, 2021 | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm | Zoom Webinar

The webinar ‘Bridging the Asia-Pacific for Young People' featured two experts in Asian-Pacific affairs, Rui Zhong and Wayne Morrison, who provided a broad reflection and overview of the current state and future trajectory of U.S. engagement in the region and the ways in which youth can conceptualize the impacts of regional issues at a personal level. This webinar focused on various topics - such as trade, intellectual property rights, and human rights - discussing how these issues affect all nations involved in the region and the ways in which young people should conceptualize and understand these issues to advance the interests of both the United States and the Asia-Pacific region as global citizens.

Energy Sectors of Southeast Asia: Growth and Opportunities in Indonesia | January 26, 2021 | 8:00 am - 9:15 am | Zoom Webinar

The third session of USAI’s Southeast Asia in Focus series featured three leaders and experts in the Indonesian energy sector. Tanri Abeng, the former chairman of Pertamina, Bij Agarwal, President and GM of ConocoPhillips Indonesia, and Dr. Kurtubi, Director of the Center for Petroleum and Energy Economics Studies and former member of Parliament, discussed a wide range of issues concerning the continued significance of oil and gas in the Indonesian economy, the financial and systemic barriers to green energy development, and the need for advancements in technology and education in Indonesia. In addition, the speakers answered questions from our audience regarding the impact of COVID-19 on Indonesia’s energy industry, as well as U.S.-Indonesia partnership for the future of green energy development.

An Election Debrief: The 2020 US Presidential Election and Its Implications for Southeast Asia | December 14, 2020 | 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm | Zoom Webinar

In this session, three prominent experts in the field of Southeast Asian Affairs provided insights into the implications of the US election in Southeast Asia and how U.S. engagement in the region might evolve in the coming years under a new Biden Administration. The conversation centered around a variety of important issues in the region, including trade, security, international development, and climate change policy, how these policies have been handled in previous and current administrations, and how we can see certain layers of change and continuity in US policy toward the region after the Trump Administration given the state of global politics—beginning with a Biden Administration focused on multilateral exchange in many of these issue areas next year.

The Future of U.S. Leadership in the Region | October 20, 2020 | 10:00 am - 10:55 am | Zoom Webinar

The opening session of USAI’s new initiative, Southeast Asia in Focus, featured Dr. Amy Searight, Senior Associate for Asia at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Thomas Parks, Thailand Country Representative at the Asia Foundation, and Mike Orgill, Director of Asia-Pacific Public Policy at Airbnb. The speakers discussed a wide range of issues related to U.S. engagement in Southeast Asia: popular and elite attitudes towards U.S. leadership within the region, the likely trajectory of cooperation and competition in the region, and the implications of all of this on U.S. foreign policy. In addition, the speakers answered questions from our international audience, who were specifically concerned about U.S.-Indonesia relations, U.S.-Vietnam relations, the impact of the COVID pandemic on U.S.-Southeast Asia relations, and Chinese actions in the South China Sea. 

Economic Forecast for Asia: Restructuring the Economy after COVID-19 | September 9, 2020 | 10:00 am - 10:55 am | Zoom Webinar

In this webinar about the Asian economy's recovery prospects after the inevitable global economic damage caused by COVID-19, Adam Posen, Ph. D President of the Peterson Institute for International Economics and Yasuyuki Sawada, Ph. D, Chief Economist of the Asian Development Bank discussed the ways in which COVID-19 has restructured the global economy, the impacts on long and short term economic growth in Asia, and the ways in which the outlook for Asia’s economy changed and has not changed in the wake of COVID-19.

Hong Kong Protests and COVID-19: The Future of Hong Kong’s Autonomy | July 29, 2020 | 9:00 am - 10:45 am | Zoom Webinar

In this telebriefing on Hong Kong Protests and COVID-19, the speakers carried a lively conversation moderated by Alejandro Reyes, Director of Knowledge Dissemination at the Asia Global Institute, The University of Hong Kong. The speakers discussed the new national security law and its enforcement and the pandemic’s impacts on locals and businesses. The focus of the conversation lay in US interests in involvement in the region, one country, two systems, and self-censorship. Lau voiced her strong concern about the enforcement of the national security law, while Chan urged the audience to wait to see the application of the newly set laws. Chen emphasized the limitations of the law.

China 101 Session 8| Feeding the Dragon: The Role of Cultural Diplomacy | July 27, 2020 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Zoom Webinar

The eighth and final session of the China 101 Congressional Briefing Series hosted Chris Fenton, CEO of Media Capital Technologies and Trustee of the US-Asia Institute, and Zak Dychtwald, Founder and CEO of Young China Group. The briefing focused on “young China” and understanding their intent and directions as well as the role US media can play in shaping Chinese perceptions of the US.

China 101 Session 7| US-China Relations: Rebuilding Trust | July 20, 2020 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Zoom Webinar

The seventh session consisted of a dialogue among Shao Yuqun, Ph.D., Director of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau Studies, Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, Senior member of Center for American Studies, and Susan Thornton, Visiting Lecturer, Yale Law School, Senior Fellow, Paul Tsai China Center. The panelists discussed the misunderstandings and conflicts that lead to the rising tensions between US and China. They agreed that rebuilding trust between two countries requires more diplomatic conversations and frequent exchange of ideas. It is in the interests of both US and China to have beneficial bilateral relationship.

COVID-19 Lessons Learned: Perspectives from Singapore, South Korea and Vietnam | May 13, 2020 | 9 - 10:20 am | Zoom Webinar

During this webinar, public health experts - Professor TEO Yik-Ying, the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Professor LEE Hoon Sang, Yonsei University of Public Health, and Professor Luong Ngoc KHUE, Vietnam Ministry of Health, discussed their respective countries’ best practices, and shared the advice they would give to US leadership. These experts recommended the US to be cautious about any reopening measures and to improve the US’ virus surveillance system. Find their biographies HERE

The Coronavirus: Facts, Fiction, and What’s Next? | February 26, 2020 | 11:00 am - 12:30 pm | 2253 Rayburn

During this briefing, Dr. Leana Wen, Dr. Jennifer Nuzzo, and Steve Clemons briefed Congressional staff on the origins of COVID-19, the public health impacts of the outbreak, best practices for prevention, US and global efforts to contain the virus, and the outlook for COVID-19 going forward.

US-Vietnam Relations 25 Years of Normalization: What's Next? Challenges & Opportunities | February 19, 2020 | 1- 3pm | 2044 Rayburn

In the US-Vietnam Relations briefing, panelists commemorated the beginning and continuity of the US-Vietnam relationship and shared their diverse perspectives on the main drivers of it. Discussions centered around economic opportunities and challenges, partnership leverage, and historical legacies between the two countries.

Bui Huy Son from the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam expressed his optimism about the future of the relationship in his special remarks.

Destiny and Discontent: The Outlook for Hong Kong | October 8, 2019 | 8:30am - 10:00am | 232 East Capitol

During the Hong Kong Briefing hosted by the USAI on October 08, 2019, Alejandro Reyes, Director and Associate professor at the Asia Global Institute of the University of Hong Kong, who until recently was a senior policy advisor in the Canadian foreign ministry in Ottawa, offered an on-the-ground perspective on the protests and the outlook for Hong Kong going forward.

2020 and 2021 Congressional 101 Briefing series are available upon request for Members and staff of the US Congress only.  To request past telebriefs please contact usai@usasiainstitute.org.