Six months after its establishment, the Faculty of Public Policy and Sustainable Development (FPSD) at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) has launched the FPSD Policy Dialogue Series, featuring high-profile politicians, parliamentarians, policymakers, researchers, practitioners, advocates, and the younger generation of future leaders to address some of the most pressing development challenges regionally and globally. The dialogues will confront a broad spectrum of critical regional issues, ranging from regional cooperation, development, climate and the environment, health, education, peace and security, to inclusive governance, viewed through multisectoral lenses.
The inaugural FPSD Policy Dialogue took place on 26 August, addressing the theme “ASEAN Collaboration: Policy Responses Amidst Global Uncertainty.” The event attracted almost 150 participants, with AIT’s Milton Bender Jr. Auditorium filled to capacity, alongside robust virtual attendance. It convened parliamentarians, policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and students to discuss strategic responses to geopolitical, climate, technological, and economic shifts across Southeast Asia.
AIT President Prof. Pai-Chi Li, in his welcome remarks, emphasized that technical solutions must be paired with sound policy to drive regional resilience, highlighting FPSD’s role in translating scientific research into actionable governance frameworks. Expanding on this vision, AIT Vice President for Academic and Research Prof. Manukid Parnichkun noted that academic inquiry must extend beyond laboratories and journals to directly serve regional policy and decision-making.
FPSD Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thi Phuoc Lai Nguyen delivered the inaugural address, highlighting that “in times of uncertainty, policy dialogue is not a luxury but a necessity.” She emphasized that the FPSD Policy Dialogue Series serves as a platform where policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and the younger generation can come together to meet, listen, debate, and shape tomorrow from today.
The event featured keynote presentations from prominent experts. It began with Hon. Dr. Surachet Pravinvongvuth, a member of the National Assembly of Thailand and Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Mega Projects, who shared strategic perspectives on strengthening ASEAN connectivity within an uncertain global landscape. The dialogue then moved to Senator Dr. Premsak Piayura of Thailand, who discussed Thailand’s democratic governance, political stability, and institutional lessons that could be relevant to the wider region.
Prof. Siddharth K. Jabade, AIT’s Vice President for Administration and Development, outlined the need for higher education to reframe universities as resilience infrastructure through talent, technology, translation, and cross-border innovation. Concluding the keynote session, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sirisak Laojankham, Dean of the College of Public Affairs and Policy at Khon Kaen University, highlighted governance mechanisms for resilient and inclusive public policy.
The highlight of the event was the panel discussion on “ASEAN Collaboration: Policy Responses to Global Uncertainties.” The Dean of FPSD, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thi Phuoc Lai Nguyen, moderated the multisectoral panel, exploring local, national, and regional responses across five interconnected sectors: education, public health, agriculture and food systems, environmental protection, and trade.
The panelists discussed how grassroots community adaptation policies could be scaled into ASEAN-wide initiatives while also strengthening regional solidarity and cooperation. The panel brought together Senator Dr. Premsak Piayura, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sirisak Laojankham, Assoc. Prof. Pham Khanh Nam (Head, Department of Research-Development & Global Engagement, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), Vietnam; and Director, Economic and Environment Partnership for Southeast Asia (EEPSEA), Mr. Ramon San Pascual (former Executive Director of Health Care Without Harm, Southeast Asia), Assoc. Prof. Arman Hakim Nasution (Head of the Industrial Development and Public Policy Center, Institute Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), Indonesia), Prof. Yuheng Li (School of Humanities and Law, Northeastern University, China; and Deputy Chair, Commission on Agricultural Geography and Land Engineering, International Geographical Union), and Dr. Panjadach Singtho (policy practitioner and advisor in Thailand).
Audience interest—particularly among students and early-career researchers—was overwhelming, driving dynamic exchanges and thoughtful dialogue that continued well beyond the scheduled program time.
The FPSD Policy Dialogue Series provides an important platform for bringing together diverse voices, perspectives, and generations to engage with the complex development challenges facing the region and the world. Through these dialogues, FPSD aims to foster meaningful connections between research, policy, practice, and the next generation of leaders.
Upcoming FPSD Policy Dialogues can be found in the attached poster.
More details about FPSD Policy Dialogue 2026 Series are available on the FPSD website: https://fpsd.ait.ac.th/
