2023 Summit Agenda
Thursday, December 7, 2023
6:30 - 7 p.m.
Opening Reception
7 p.m.
Opening Dinner
Welcoming remarks by Dong-Bin Shin, Chairman; Asia Society Korea
Keynote remarks:
His Excellency Philip Goldberg, United States Ambassador to the Republic of Korea
Remarks by Asia 21 Fellow:
Natalie Christine Jorge (Class of 2009), Trustee, Bato Balani Foundation; Chief of Party, Youth Leadership for Democracy (YouthLed)
9 p.m.
Dinner Concludes
Friday, December 8, 2023
Venue: Garnet Suite, 37th Floor, LOTTE Hotel Seoul
8:30 a.m.
Welcome Remarks
Philipp Ivanov, Chief Programming Officer, Asia Society and Senior Fellow, Asia Society Policy Institute
8:45 - 9:30 a.m.
Session 6: Leadership for a Shared Region
Asia today is distinctly different from over 16 years ago when the Asia 21 was launched. The world today is marked by fragmentation and geopolitical tensions; fragile and less connected economy; deteriorating climate challenges; and rapid cultural, technological and societal changes. Against this backdrop, Asia continues to be peaceful, economically dynamic, innovative and influential in its cultural power. What mindset and competencies are required for the region’s new leaders keep Asia secure, peaceful, and thriving in the 21st century?
Session Lead:
Penny Low (Class of 2007), Founder, Social Innovation Park
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Session 7: Security in the Modern Era: Applying Insights from Past to Current Security Challenges
This session will delve into the complexities of war and peace, drawing insights from three significant historical conflicts: the Vietnam War, the Korean War and the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Israel. We will illuminate factors that contribute to both conflict and reconciliation, offering valuable lessons for the pursuit of lasting peace in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Discuss how historical experiences of conflict and reconciliation can inform responses to contemporary security issues, shedding light on effective preventive measures and conflict resolution strategies
Speakers:
H. E. Dmytro Ponomarenko, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Korea
H. E. Akiva J. Tor, Ambassador of Israel to the Republic of Korea
Moderator:
Melissa Jardine, PhD (Class of 2017), Board Chair, Australia-Vietnam Leadership Dialogue
10:30 - 10:45 a.m.
Coffee Break
10:45 - 11:30 a.m.
Session 8: Technology for a Better Future: New Challenges and Opportunities
While technology has made many aspects of our lives simpler and more efficient, it also has its fair share of disadvantages. This session will focus on new challenges and opportunities presented by technological advancements and their role in creating a more inclusive future as well as ways to mitigate risks associated with technology’s disruptive potential. How can we ensure that technology is being developed and leveraged in an ethical and responsible manner? How do we ensure humanity stays ahead of rapid technological advancements? How is technology contributing to equity in the workplace?
Speakers:
Duncan Clark (Class of 2006), Chairman, BDA; Global Trustee, Asia Society
Dyan Shinto E. Nugroho (Class of 2012), Chief Policy and Government Relations, GOTO
Eugene Yi (Class of 2017), Co-founder & CEO, Loci
11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Session 9: Navigating Economic Challenges in a Changing World
Featuring Korean participants in the Asia Society Policy Institute’s Emerging Female Leaders program, this session focuses on the future challenges in international trade, addressing the intersection of trade and security, clashes with global trade rules, and challenges posed by the digitization of trade and the nexus between climate and trade. Additionally, it discusses Korea's economic growth strategies, revealing the secrets behind its development, and drawing lessons for other nations. The session examines demographic factors impacting Korea's economic forecast, including policies to address a persistently low birthrate. It also considers the role of the U.S. in global economic leadership and reflects on opportunities for middle states like Korea to step up. Concluding with insights into career development, the session emphasizes essential attributes, skills, networking, mentorship, and reflections on career aspirations for the next decade.
Remarks by:
Ambassador Gheewhan Kim, President, Korea Foundation
Ms. Joy M. Sakurai, Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy in Seoul, Republic of Korea
Speakers:
Wendy Cutler, Vice President, Asia Society Policy Institute
Ji Yeon Song, Attorney, Kim & Chang
Ara Cho, Manager, International Cooperation Department, Korea International Trade Association
Eun-Young Jeong, Economic Specialist, U.S. Embassy Seoul
Jung Yoon Kim, Senior Deputy Director, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE)
12:45 - 2 p.m.
Lunch Break
2 - 3 p.m.
Session 10: Leadership Lessons for the Age of Uncertainty
One-on-one interview/conversation focusing on leadership skills that are required to navigate through uncertainty, manage through crisis, build resilience and how communities such as Asia 21 are important part of the leadership toolkit.
Speaker:
Lieutenant General (Ret.) In-Bum Chun, Former Commander of the ROK Special Warfare Command
Moderator:
June Park, PhD (Class of 2017), Visiting Fellow and Political Economist, Middle East Council on Global Affairs / Georgetown University in Qatar
3 - 3:45 p.m.
Mindfulness Meditation
Penny Low (Class of 2007), Founder, Social Innovation Park
5 - 6:30 p.m.
Site Visit: Culture and Society
Tour of the National Museum of Korea
7 – 8:30 p.m.
Dinner
Saturday, December 9, 2023
Venue: LOTTE Academy
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Session 11: Deep-dives (Breakout Sessions)
Breakout sessions will explore issues of relevance to the region and will ask the overarching questions: How do these issues help and/or hinder security, prosperity sustainability of countries, organizations and communities? What qualities and competencies do Asia’s next generation leaders must develop to shape an inclusive, prosperous, and peaceful Asia?
Topic 1: Climate Change
Even though there is a general consensus about the devastating impact of climate change, our collective efforts to address this global existential threat continue to fall short. Unfortunately, the concerns have not always translated into actions required to manage the challenges of climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. In the opening remarks for his Climate Ambition Summit 2023, United Nations General Secretary Antonio Gutierrez said "humanity has opened the gates of hell" warning we are heading toward a "dangerous and unstable world." What can we do as individuals, but more importantly as Asia 21 Fellows do to proactively cultivate a culture of sustainability?
Discussion Leaders:
Hao Chen (Class of 2023), Head of Sustainability, Asia Symbol (Guangdong)
Calvin Chua (Class of 2022), Founder, Spatial Anatomy
Topic 2: AI & Society: Ensuring Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy AI
The breakneck pace at which artificial intelligence (AI) has permeated every aspect of our daily lives has forced us to recognize its transformative impact on our society, economy, and global affairs. Innovations in AI have augmented our ability to think, reason, learn and therefore, simply our lives. On the other hand, AI has also exposed us to new vulnerabilities and risks that we did not have to worry about before due to its pervasive use.
How can we ensure to get empowered, not overpowered by AI? What safeguards can help us manage the potentially catastrophic societal risks of AI while maximizing its positive influence? How should public sector work with private companies and civil society to manage the opportunities and risks of AI?
Discussion Leaders:
Nikhil Pahwa (Class of 2019), Founder and Editor, MediaNama
Chen Qiufan (Class of 2023), Associate Research Scholar in East Asian Studies, Yale University
Topic 3: Media freedom, social media and truth
The media landscape has been drastically revolutionized with the advent of social media and other digital platforms, changing forever how news and information are disseminated, and consumed. The ease with which one can access news in real time and share his/her thoughts instantaneously has proven to be both a boon and a curse—it has democratized the spread of information and on the other hand, it has also given rise to fake news and disinformation. What are some of the lessons learned from Asia-Pacific that have proven effective in combating the massive amounts of misinformation, propaganda, and fake news circulating online? Where do we draw the line between freedom of expression and hate speech?
Discussion Leaders:
Haya Fatima Iqbal (Class of 2023), Co-Founder, Documentary Association of Pakistan (DAP)
Sue-Lin Wong (Class of 2023), South-East Asia correspondent, The Economist
10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Designated rapporteurs summarize key takeaways from the three breakouts.
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Session 12: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Teaching & Learning
This panel discussion will explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the realm of teaching and learning. It will bring together experts and practitioners in AI and technology to delve into the ways AI can enhance teaching and learning experiences, personalize education, and bridge the gap between students and educators. The conversation will also address the ethical considerations and challenges posed by the integration of AI in education, such as data privacy and the digital divide. Join us for an enlightening conversation on how AI is shaping the future of education, preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow, and creating a more equitable and inclusive learning environment.
Speakers:
Neelam Chowdhary, Vice President, Education, Asia Society
Armen Orujyan (Class of 2008), Founding CEO, Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology
Eugene Yi (Class of 2017), Co-founder & CEO, Loci
12 - 12: 30 p.m.
Lunch Break
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Session 13: Taking Korean Pop Culture Global
Speakers:
Bernie Cho, President, DFSB Kollective
Chris S. Lee, Founder/CEO, B&C Content
Moderator:
Yvonne Kim, Executive Director, Asia Society Korea
1:30 - 2:15 p.m.
Next Steps in the Fellowship
The concluding session is to brief the class on the next steps in the Fellowship program, how to keep in touch and participate and contribute to Asia Society’s programs and activities.
Philipp Ivanov, Chief Programming Officer, Asia Society; Senior Fellow, Asia Society Policy Institute
Paresh Patel (Class of 2007), Senior VP for Partnerships and Advisory Board Member, Climate Bonds Initiative
2:15 - 2:30 p.m.
Q&A and goodbyes