Centre news

Civil Society Empowerment must be at the Centre of COVID-19 Recovery Efforts
On 9 December 2020, Asia Centre released its second baseline study “COVID-19 and Democracy in Southeast Asia: Building Resilience, Fighting Authoritarianism”. This report examines the

Women Lead 2019-20 Journalism for an Equitable Asia Awards
Women led at the Journalism for an Equitable Asia Award Ceremony on the 2nd of December 2020 at 2 PM – 3.30 PM (GMT+7, Bangkok).

Asia Centre’s Internship Programme
From 2016 to 2020, Asia Centre’s Internship Programme has hosted 33 interns, with a 2:4 male to female ratio for a total of 133 months.

3rd ASEAN-Japan Roundtable: The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
On 18 November 2020, Asia Centre, in partnership with the Japan Foundation, convened the 3rd ASEAN-Japan Roundtable on the topic of “ASEAN-Japan relations: The Impact

Asia Centre Convenes “Infodemic” Discussion
Asia Centre, in partnership with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand (TECO) and the Thai Media Fund, convened a discussion on “Countering the

5th Benedict Anderson Memorial Roundtable: COVID-19 & Vaccine Nationalism
Asia Centre will convene the 5th Benedict Anderson Memorial Roundtable entitled, ‘COVID-19 & Vaccine Nationalism’. The event, held in partnership with the Thai Media Fund,

5th International Conference (2020): Hate Speech in Asia: Challenges and Solutions
From 7 to 9 October 2020, Asia Centre convened its fifth International Conference on Hate Speech in Asia: Challenges and Solutions. Due to the ongoing

Hate Speech Solutions Require Multi-Stakeholder Approach
Hate speech in Southeast Asia has evolved into new forms and requires a multi-stakeholder approach for finding sustainable solutions. Civil society, governments and technology companies

Asia Centre and Oxfam Announce Journalism Award Finalists
Asia Centre and Oxfam in Asia are pleased to announce the finalists for the 2019 Journalism For An Equitable Asia Award. As thought leaders and

Hate Speech Echoes Government Speak
Hate speech in society towards vulnerable communities often reflects the discriminatory and prejudicial language by government officials and political leaders. In Southeast Asia, the spike

Hate Speech: Measures Shouldn’t Infringe Rights
Legal and non-legal measures to regulate hate speech should not infringe on freedom of expression. This was the cautionary advice arising from speakers and participants

Asia Centre resumes operations, strengthens online capacity
Introduction Asia Centre has resumed office operations and has taken steps to strengthen its online capacity. The Centre is re-starting activities following a requisite COVID-19

Asia Centre Builds Momentum for Malaysia Branch
Since 2016, Asia Centre’s has undertaken a series of Malaysia-related activities to build momentum for a new branch in Johor Bahru. To date the activities

Asia Centre’s Dr. Gomez Awarded 2020 Taiwan Fellowship
Asia Centre’s Regional Director, Dr. James Gomez has been awarded Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), 2020 Fellowship, to undertake research on disinformation operations, fake

Strengthening Relationships with Taiwanese Institutions, Think-Tanks and Universities
In December 2019, Asia Centre Directors Drs. James Gomez, Robin Ramcharan, and Partnership Coordinator, Charlotte Yuchun Tseng participated in a series of events and meetings

Malaysia Launch: Journalism for an Equitable Asia
The impact of media business sustainability and fear on journalists became the point of contention during the Malaysia launch event of the Journalism for an

Asia Centre Malaysia To Enhance Collaborative Experience
Asia Centre aims to enhance the collaborative experience of its partners at its second Centre in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The new Centre’s design, a multifunctional

Sumitomo Grant Aids Asia Centre’s Engagements in Japan
Asia Centre’s Regional Director Dr. James Gomez delivered 5 public lectures, signed 2 MOUs and met with academics, researchers, politicians, lawyers and civil society representatives

Asia Centre and Thai Media Fund Sign MOU
Dr. James Gomez, Regional Director, Asia Centre signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Mr. Wasan Paileeklee, CEO, Thai Media Fund (TMF) on 1 November

Asia Centre broadens USA networks
In October 2019, Dr. James Gomez, Regional Director, Asia Centre visited institutions in Washington, D.C. and New York to introduce the work of the Centre

Thailand Launch: Journalism for an Equitable Asia
The role of journalists in reporting on the scale of inequality came to the fore during the panel discussion convened on 8 November 2019 for

Asia Centre Presents Disinformation Research in Taiwan
Asia Centre presented its research on disinformation in Southeast Asia at the Executive Committee Meeting of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) in

Asia Centre’s Engagement with Diplomatic Missions
Asia Centre has built good relations with Bangkok-based diplomatic missions by attending embassy functions, meeting with embassy officials and hosting discussions with ambassadors. These embassy

Asia Centre’s Rohingya Refugee ASEAN Advocacy
Since 2017, Asia Centre has been actively advocating for solutions to the Rohingya refugee crisis. Drs. James Gomez and Robin Ramcharan, as Asia Centre’s resource

2nd ASEAN-Japan Roundtable: Competing for Influence in SEA
Japan needs to recalibrate and reevaluate its engagement with Southeast Asia (SEA) in view of China’s ascendency and the United States’ (US) uncertain engagement with

Asia Centre’s MOUs extend reach
On 27 September 2019, Asia Centre signed an MOU with the Faculty of Law, Thammasat University. Dean, Faculty of Law, Munin Pongsapan and Asia Centre’s

Asia Centre’s 2019 Taiwan Engagement
In 2019 Asia Centre undertook a series of meetings and interactions in Bangkok, Thailand, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Taipei, Taiwan to strengthen its relationship with

Asia Centre’s Expert Opinions in the Media
Asia Centre is often approached by different media outlets such as television news channels, radio stations and online news portals to either comment on current

Asia Centre co-hosts ASEAN Leadership Forum
Asia Centre co-hosted The ASEAN Community Leadership & Partnership Forum on 23th till 24th of June 2019 at Park Hyatt Bangkok. The event was held

4th International Conference (2019): Fake News and Elections in Asia
Asia Centre convened its 4th International Conference on Fake News and Elections in Asia which started from the evening of 10 July and went on

Asia Centre Strengthens South Korean Engagement
To strengthen relationships with South Korean academia, civil society and other supporting institutions and as part of Asia Centre’s efforts to engage with the Korean

Disinformation Accelerates Human Rights Abuses in Conflict Situations
Disinformation contributes to an acceleration of human rights abuses in situations. Discussing the case of Rwanda, former US Ambassador to Rwanda, Margaret McMillion argued that

Asia Centre signs MOU with Soochow University’s Human Rights Centre
Dr. James Gomez, Chair, Board of Directors, Asia Centre and Professor Jau-hwa Chen, Director, Chang Fo Chuan, Centre for the Study of Human Rights, Soochow

Orientation on Fake News and Disinformation in Southeast Asia
On Monday 29 April 2019, Asia Centre hosted Indonesian Embassy’s Education and Cultural Attaché Prof. Dr. Mustari M.Pd. and a group of International Relations students

Media Literacy As a Tool Against Fake News in Malaysia
Media literacy could be the new stratagem for Malaysia instead of the Fake News Bill, however the role of governments in such programmes needs to

IFC #5: Southeast Asia in the Age of Disinformation
On 21 March 2019, Asia Centre and Stenden Thailand co-hosted the fifth International Faculty Club which focused on Southeast Asia in the Age of Disinformation.

Asia Centre signs MOU with NSHM Knowledge Campus in Kolkata
Dr. James Gomez, Chair, Board of Directors, Asia Centre and Cecil Anthony, Chief Mentor, NSHM Knowledge Campus signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 8

Asia Centre seals MOU with Indonesia’s Satya Wacana Christian University
Dr. James Gomez, Chair, Board of Directors, ASIA Centre and Professor Neil Semuel Rupidara, Rector, Satya Wacana Christian University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

ASIA Centre inks MOU with Calcutta University
Dr. James Gomez, Chair, Board of Directors, Asia Centre and Professor Sonali Chakravarti Banerjee, Vice Chancellor, Calcutta University’s signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on

Asia Centre engages with Indian Universities and Think-Tanks
Over February to March 2019, Asia Centre will participate in several meetings organised by Indian universities and think-tanks in Kolkata. Kicking-off, Dr. James Gomez, Chair,

ASIA Centre Takes Fake News Discussion to Indonesia
Asia Centre and local partner – Indonesian alumni of Asian Public Intellectuals – co-organised two seminars on fake news or “berita hoax” in Jakarta on

4th Benedict Anderson Memorial Roundtable: Chinese Nationalism and Its Impact on Southeast Asia
China’s rise and its increasing assertive efforts to re-shape the world order have far-reaching consequences, in particular in Southeast Asia. In the age of information

Asia Centre on The SDGs, Climate Change and Human Rights: The Indonesian Palm Oil Industry
As states seek to address climate change resilience following the Paris Agreement by committing to ‘foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development’, they

Asia Centre Develops Partnerships in New Zealand
Asia Centre has built two partnerships around impact projects on Fake News and the Rohingya refugee crisis in Southeast Asia during its New Zealand outreach

Asia Centre Participates in Workshop on Freedom of Religion or Belief
3 November 2018 – Dr. Robin Ramcharan analysed the role of youth interaction with religious leaders in constraining religious extremism during a workshop on freedom

Asia Centre’s Japan Outreach
As part of Asia Centre’s regional outreach, Dr. James Gomez, Chair, Board of Directors, Asia Centre visited Tokyo, Japan during the first week of October

The Rohingya Crisis: A Long, Tortuous Road to Security and Justice
One year after the start of the latest mass exodus of Rohingya fleeing violence and persecution by the Myanmar Government and military, the prospects of

3rd International Conference (2018): Business and Human Rights: Holding Governments Accountable in Asia
The duty of the State to protect human rights and regulate the behaviour of business organizations was the focal point of discussions at Asia Centre’s

Dissecting the 2018 Election in Malaysia: The End of Cronyism?
The key challenge of undoing six decades of cronyism, patronage and money politics was a central point highlighted during Asia Centre’s roundtable discussion on the Malaysian

Asia Centre announces Malaysia branch
Asia Centre has initiated plans to establish a second branch in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The new branch will complement and extend the reach of programmes currently

Asia Centre recruits new talent at Webster University’s Career and Internship Fair
Asia Centre had the opportunity to showcase its internship programme at the annual Webster University Thailand Career and Internship Fair on 4 April 2018.

The Rohingya Crisis: Asia Centre Deliberates Solutions to the Crisis at Conference in Bangladesh
Asia Centre contributed to the search for solutions to the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar and Bangaldesh during the International Conference on the Rohingya Refugee Crisis:

3rd Benedict Anderson Memorial Roundtable: Gender and Nationalism in Asia
In discussions on contemporary South-East Asian politics, a gap exists between the growing discourse on nationalism and national leadership and the gendered perspective on Benedict

Asia Centre and Monash University co-host Roundtable on the Rohingya Crisis
Asia Centre and Monash University co-hosted a roundtable on the Rohingya Crisis on 15 December 2017, which was held at the National Centre for South

Ambassador of Bangladesh Highlights Rohingya Crisis in Human Rights Dialogue at Asia Centre
The desperate plight of the Rohingya people in Myanmar was raised by the Ambassador of Bangladesh, H.E. Ms. Saida Muna Tasneem during an address at

Innovative Initiatives for Sustainable Development at UN SDG Week
On Thursday 30 November, Asia Centre participated in the SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Week organized by UN’s Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the

IFC #3: Innovative Research on Display
Four speakers came forward to share their research interests in their respective fields at AsiaCentre’s third International Faculty Club (IFC) Night. They spoke on a variety of topics, including

Freedom of Religion and Belief in Southeast Asia: Evidence Based Research in Support of Regional Networks
The challenges to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) emanating from analysis of the Universal Periodic Review of Southeast Asia were outlined by Asia Centre’s

Check out our new Meeting Space video. Hurry up, space available NOW!
Check out our new Meeting Space video: Asia Centre Meeting Space Posted by Asia Centre ให้เช่า ห้องประชุม อบรม สัมมนา Meeting Room Rental on Tuesday, 7

Asia Centre Joins Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network (ADPAN)
Asia Centre is pleased to announce its membership in ADPAN, which works towards abolishing the death penalty in Southeast Asia and beyond, on the occasion

Impact of the UPR on the Protection of Human Rights in Southeast Asia
In its ongoing work on the impact of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the Human Rights Council on the protection of human rights in

Freedom of Religion or Belief Threatened in Southeast Asia
Reports jointly produced by Asia Centre and International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion (IPPFoRB) reveal serious challenges to religious freedom in Southeast Asia.

Bandung Revisited: Africa-Asia Relations in the 21st Century
The opportunities for greater engagement and exchange between Africa and Asia are numerous and can lead to mutual benefit for the regions. This was key-takeaway

Engaging the Vietnamese Diaspora on Human Rights Issues
Asia Centre, a neutral and independent think-tank, participated in the “International Youth Conference, Vietnam: Pathway to Humanity”, held in Sydney, Australia from 7 to 10

IFC #2: International Faculty Club Gathers Momentum
Asia Centre’s International Faculty Club gained momentum as people gathered for the second installment dedicated to interdisciplinary discourse and networking. Held on 1 Sep at

1st ASEAN-Japan Roundtable: Multipolar Asia-Pacific Century
After the Second World War, Japan’s search for a guiding framework for renewed relations with Southeast Asia led to the adoption, 32 years after the

China’s One Belt, One Road Initiative: What Role for Southeast Asia?
The role of Southeast Asia in China’s one belt, one road vision for its relations with Asia, Africa and Europe was the topic of discussion

2nd International Conference (2017): National Human Rights Institutions in Southeast Asia: Challenges of Protection
An effective national human rights institution (NHRI) requires a creative, purposive interpretation of the mandate, and a proactive approach to implementation, this was one of

ASIA Centre Lectures on Business and Human Rights in ASEAN at Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon (RMUTP)
Asia Centre’s Dr. Robin Ramcharan delivered a course to students at RMUTP on the political economy of human rights in the ASEAN area, from 3

Asia Centre delivers lectures on Women’s Rights in China
Asia Centre’s Dr James Gomez, delivered several key lectures at a one week course on the Study of Gender and Women’s Rights in China in Shanghai from 3-7

Nite for Rights: A Human Rights Open Mic Platform
Asia Centre’s first human rights open mic night was held on the 30 June 2017 with an audience of about 35 from various backgrounds including

Asia Centre’s Second Anniversary
After two years of operations, Asia Centre cast a confident gaze at its steady growth, program development, outreach and presence in Bangkok. As a testament

Asia Centre Leads Discussion on Human Rights and Conflict Prevention at ICIRD 2017
Applying human rights principles in the development of early warning systems and indicators can bolster internal – conflict prevention processes and mechanisms. This was the

Violations by Businesses Against Human Rights Defenders An Emerging Trend
In addition to States, increasingly the office of the UN Special Rapporteur for the situation of human rights defenders (HRDs) is using its mandate to

Asia Centre Human Rights Briefing for Georgia Tech, USA
Asia Centre held a briefing session on 22 May 2017, in Bangkok, for visitors from the Southeast Asia Study Abroad Program of the Sam

IFC #1: Asia Centre Launches International Faculty Club
On 12 May 2017, Asia Centre launched the International Faculty Club (IFC) with some 40 academics, researchers and graduate students in attendance. The

Civil Society Needs to Innovate to Combat Shrinking Space in Southeast Asia
Civil society needs to innovate if it wants to step up to the challenges of shrinking space, this was the crux of Dr James Gomez’s vision for the

Russia’s Grand Strategy in the Asia-Pacific revealed at Asia Centre
A rare public articulation of Russia’s grand strategy in the Asia-Pacific was expounded at Asia Centre by H.E. Kirill Barsky, Ambassador of the Russian Federation

Asia Centre at Webster University’s Career Fair
Asia Centre promoted its internship opportunities at Webster University’s Career Fair held on 29th March 2017. Asia Centre’s internships, which have been popular, attracted a

Celebrating Women in Law: Discussions on Access to Justice
A discussion on access to justice in Southeast Asia was undertaken by a panel of women lawyers on 29 March 2017 at the Asia Centre.

Asia Centre at FCCT discussion on Human Rights in Southeast Asia
Asia Centre’s Dr Robin Ramcharan was part of panel discussion on the topic

Asia Centre at the Asia Pacific Youth Exchange Career Fair 2017
Asia Centre’s operations as a social enterprise and its programmatic focus on education and human rights attracted considerable attention at the Asia Pacific Youth Exchange

Briefing on ASEAN to Korea University Students
Students from Korea University received a briefing at Asia Centre on Tuesday, 17 January 2017, on contemporary challenges facing ASEAN. Dr. Robin Ramcharan lectured the undergraduates

2nd Benedict Anderson Memorial Roundtable: Nationalism, Citizenship and Statelessness
The Benedict Anderson 1st Anniversary Memorial Roundtable was a tribute to the life and legacy of the late professor. Centring on the topic Nationalism, Citizenship

Asia Centre partners with Stenden University to teach ASEAN Studies
Asia Centre delivered a series of lectures on ASEAN and its international relations as the teaching partner of Stenden University’s, Thailand campus. Known as Stenden

Spark Sessions #1
Spark Sessions: An Alternative Networking Event proved to be Asia Centre’s most popular event to date with over 70 participants taking part. This is the

The 2016 US Elections: Change At Last?
On the eve of the historic vote, Asia Centre convened a roundtable to discuss perspectives and predictions on the outcome of the US Presidential Elections.

UN human rights review is largely toothless – but it’s giving a boost to Asian civil society groups
A United Nations initiative reviewing human rights records of countries around the world is indirectly strengthening civil society organisations in Southeast Asia by allowing them

Working with People-Centred Processes: Art, Education & Cross-Sector Collaboration
From October 14 to 17 2016, Asia Centre in partnership with International Forum for Inter-Media Art and Brack organised a cross-sector collaboration workshop. Conceptualised by Asia

Asia Centre Facilitates Focus On Life Discussion
New York-based Japanese photographer and anti-death penalty activist Toshi Kazama held a photo exhibition and discussion of his work on 11 October 2016 at The

Media & Communications Workshop 2016
From 19 to 30 September 2016, Asia Centre held a Media & Communications Workshop for students from the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh. The two

1st International Conference (2016): Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in Southeast Asia, An Evidence-Based Regional Assessment
The UPR has been an effective mechanism for putting human rights issues on the agenda and engaging states in conversation about critical issues. However, systemic
Southeast Asian Studies Series – Call for Manuscripts
GerakBudaya and Asia Centre are pleased to announce the launch of a joint regional publications series which aims to focus upon the politics, history and

Brexit: A Failure to Promote the European Union
UK voters were not properly informed by political leaders about the functions, institutions and powers of the EU, which has made a great contribution to
Asia Centre to Focus on Human Rights Policy Analysis
Having established a presence and network in Bangkok in its first year, in its second year Asia Centre turns to its programmatic focus. This will
Impunity waters down accountability in Southeast Asia
The provision of impunity to human rights violators is the biggest challenge for ensuring accountability. This was the general conclusion of the panelists at the
Asia Centre: Regional Representative for Malaysian Publisher Gerakbudaya
Asia Centre has signed a partnership with Malaysian Publisher Gerakbudaya to be its regional representative in Thailand. Moving forward, Asia Centre will commission, edit, launch

Cause Lawyering: Advocating For Justice
Cause lawyers set themselves apart in their profession by using the law as tool for social justice. They protect the rights of marginalised communities and
Entering Femininity: Reporting Rituals and Violations
Entering Femininity: Reporting Rituals and Violations seminar at Asia Centre attempted to open the topic of female genital mutilation (FGM) for a Bangkok audience. Organised by
Authoritarian Instituitions Help Najib Weather 1MDB Storm
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib has survived the fallout from the 1MDB scandal and is likely to continue in power despite the widespread feeling that it