Kleine-Brockhoff: Times call for innovation

“Some things are not going to change. In spite the challenges that we’re facing in the region, the Foundation will remain committed to the same principles of freedom, human rights and rule of law, and free market,” said Moritz Kleine-Brockhoff, who assumed the role of FNF Regional Director for Southeast & East Asia in a ceremony on 1 December 2018 in Bangkok, Thailand.

When asked what would be different in the region under his leadership, Kleine-Brockhoff was quick to respond: “We have to be innovative in our approach. We have to make use of technology to reach out to more people, and make them appreciate liberal values.”

Kleine-Brockhoff was country director of FNF Indonesia and FNF Malaysia before his appointment as regional director. He also became head of FNF’s Asia Department and Human Rights Department. Prior to that, he was project director of FNF Myanmar, Malaysia, and Cambodia. Kleine-Brockhoff began his career as a journalist at Deutsche Welle (DW). In 2000, he moved to Indonesia to be the Southeast Asia Correspondent for German Newspapers Frankfurter Rundschau, Tagesspiegel and Stuttgarter Zeitung.

He succeeded Siegfried Herzog who is moving as Regional Director of FNF Latin America.

Herzog headed FNF Southeast & East Asia for four years. FNF Thailand Country Director Katrin Bannach described Herzog as a history buff. “If there is anyone in the Foundation who can speak about our work and our history, it is you. But it’s not only about your knowledge that makes you credible, it’s about you being a real devotee of freedom.

Dr. Sriprapha Petcharamesree, co-chair of the Working Group for an ASEAN Human Rights Mechanism thanked Herzog for the support FNF has extended to the Working Group. “After the establishment of the two ASEAN human rights commissions [ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and ASEAN Commission on Women and Children (ACWC)], many people said that the Working Group would be not be relevant anymore. But Siggi understood that having a mechanism was not an end in itself, hence he continued to support our activities,” pointed out Petcharamesree, who was also the first Thai representative to AICHR.

The event was also held to gather partners and friends on the occasion of FNF’s 60th anniversary. The Foundation has organized celebrations worldwide to mark six decades of defending, strengthening, and increasing freedom. FNF Offices in Southeast & East Asia, including Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, and Thailand had their festivities where Kleine-Brockhoff participated.