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
-
How Public Participation Can Improve AI Governance: vTaiwan’s Initiatives
The civic tech project vTaiwan has gained international attention for its design of effective public participation mechanisms, which has led to the facilitation of over 20 legislative reviews in Taiwan. Most notably, in 2019, the platform hosted an online deliberation leading to regulatory adjustments for the ride-hailing platform Uber in Taiwan. In 2023, vTaiwan was relaunched as a community-based project. Now, they use their proven participatory approach to tackle the challenge of inclusive AI governance.
-
Business, Human Rights, and Unexpected Laughs in Gummersbach (and Cologne and Berlin)
From Sept 15-27, our IAF seminar on Business & Human Rights featured Ms. Umavathni Vathanaganthan from Malaysia, sharing regional insights. Read her full reflection here.
-
Women-Up Democracy Speakers
Our Women-Up Democracy event on October 28th, 2024, will bring together inspiring speakers who are making a significant impact in the fields of gender equality and democratic leadership.
-
FNF’s Global Innovation Hub is looking for new colleague - join us!
FNF’s Global Innovation Hub is looking for new colleague - join us!. We are looking for- Programme Officer Digital Transformation
-
What Trump Could Mean for Korea – and for the Balance of Power in East Asia
A new policy paper by the foundation analyzes the possible Korea policy of former President and current candidate Donald Trump. Author Mason Richey considers a rapprochement between Trump and Kim likely – and warns of a nuclear arms race in East Asia.
-
Thailand Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage
Thailand´s King Maha Vajiralongkorn has endorsed the Marriage Equality Bill. The new legislation comes into effect on January 22nd, making Thailand Southeast Asia’s first nation to adopt same-sex marriage.
-
We are Human Rights Defenders
Today is Human Rights Day. It is a marker of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which was proclaimed by the United Nations on December 10, 1948. The day also reminds us that democracy and freedom cannot be taken for granted - we must defend them. The commitment of human rights defenders is required in all countries of the world.
-
Creating Value Through Human Rights in Business
-
Why countries should not restrict internet freedom
-
4 Industries in Southeast Asia That Benefit the Most from Migrant Workers
-
Best Practices from Asia’s Best School Systems
-
3 Challenges in Addressing LGBTI Rights in SEA
-
Three Ways Southeast Asia can deal with Brain Drain
-
Musical collaboration of Southeast Asian artists conveys optimism amidst the pandemic
-
3 Ways Asia Can Better Protect its Migrant Workers
