AIT, 26 August 2026 — Six months after its establishment, the Faculty of Public Policy and Sustainable Development (FPSD) at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) has officially launched the FPSD Policy Dialogue Series. The initiative brings together high-profile politicians, parliamentarians, policymakers, researchers, practitioners, advocates, and emerging youth leaders to tackle pressing regional and global development challenges. Through multisectoral perspectives, the dialogues will confront critical issues including regional cooperation, climate and environment, health, education, peace and security, and inclusive governance.
The inaugural event took place on August 26 under the theme “ASEAN Collaboration: Policy Responses Amidst Global Uncertainty.” Filling AIT’s Milton Bender Jr. Auditorium to capacity alongside a strong virtual audience, the event drew nearly 150 participants to explore strategic responses to Southeast Asia’s geopolitical, climate, technological, and economic shifts.
In his welcome remarks, AIT President Prof. Pai-Chi Li stressed that technical solutions must be paired with sound policy to build regional resilience, emphasizing FPSD’s role in translating scientific research into actionable governance frameworks. Expanding on this vision, AIT Vice President for Academic Research Prof. Manukid Parnichkun noted that academic inquiry must move beyond laboratories and academic journals to directly serve regional decision-making. FPSD Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thi Phuoc Lai Nguyen delivered the inaugural address, stating that “in times of uncertainty, policy dialogue is not a luxury but a necessity.” She highlighted the series as a platform where diverse generations can convene, debate, and shape the future.
Keynote presentations featured insights from prominent experts:
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Hon. Dr. Surachet Pravinvongvuth (Member of the National Assembly of Thailand and Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Mega Projects) shared strategic perspectives on strengthening ASEAN connectivity amid global volatility.
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Senator Dr. Premsak Piayura (Thailand) discussed democratic governance, political stability, and institutional lessons relevant to the broader region.
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Prof. Siddharth K. Jabade (AIT Vice President for Administration and Development) outlined the need to reframe universities as resilience infrastructure through talent, technology, translation, and cross-border innovation.
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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sirisak Laojankham (Dean of the College of Public Affairs and Policy, Khon Kaen University) highlighted governance mechanisms for resilient and inclusive public policy.
A major highlight was the multisectoral panel discussion on “ASEAN Collaboration: Policy Responses to Global Uncertainties,” moderated by Dean Thi Phuoc Lai Nguyen. The session explored local, national, and regional responses across five interconnected sectors: education, public health, agriculture and food systems, environmental protection, and trade. Panelists examined how grassroots community adaptation policies could be scaled into ASEAN-wide initiatives to strengthen regional solidarity.
The panel brought together distinguished voices:
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Senator Dr. Premsak Piayura (Thailand)
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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sirisak Laojankham (Khon Kaen University)
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Assoc. Prof. Pham Khanh Nam (Head of Research-Development & Global Engagement, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City; Director, EEPSEA)
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Mr. Ramon San Pascual (Former Executive Director, Health Care Without Harm Southeast Asia)
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Assoc. Prof. Arman Hakim Nasution (Head of Industrial Development and Public Policy Center, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Indonesia)
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Prof. Yuheng Li (Northeastern University, China; Deputy Chair, Commission on Agricultural Geography and Land Engineering, International Geographical Union)
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Dr. Panjadach Singtho (Policy Practitioner and Advisor, Thailand)
Overwhelming interest—particularly among students and early-career researchers—sparked dynamic exchanges that continued well beyond the scheduled program. The FPSD Policy Dialogue Series marks a vital commitment to connecting research, policy, practice, and the next generation of leaders.
Details regarding upcoming sessions can be found in the attached poster and on the FPSD Website.
