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
-
After Trump 2024— What’s Next For Filipino Liberals?
“Dutertismo is to the Philippines what Trumpism is to America,” observes political economist Calixto Chikiamco. Like its American counterpart, the Duterte movement emerged as a populist backlash against entrenched elites and the failures of traditional governance. For many, Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency was a visceral rejection of a system perceived to prioritize the few over the many. As the Duterte family eyes a potential political resurgence in 2025 and 2028, Filipino liberals confront a stark challenge: how to counteract the enduring appeal of populism in a fractured political landscape.
-
AI in Elections in East and Southeast Asia
The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats has published a new policy paper: “AI in Elections in East and Southeast Asia: Opportunities, challenges, and ways forward for democrats and liberals”.
-
Regulatory Challenges for MSMEs in ASEAN
Malaysia´s Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) have launched the “ASEAN Integration Report 2024”. The seventh edition of this annual report focuses on barriers that micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) face in cross-border trade in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
-
Empowering Women in Politics in Southeast and East Asia “Women-Up Democracy” Conference
Read up on our "Women-Up Democracy" on October 28 at Chatrium Grand Bangkok! Together more than 150 leaders, activists, and students unite to share stories, foster solidarity, and drive change in politics.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
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.
-
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.*
