Shared Horizons: Canada and ASEAN in a Changing World

This roundtable discussion, hosted by the Centre for Southeast Asia Research (CSEAR) at the Institute of Asian Research and co-sponsored by the Centres of Business Law and Asian Legal Studies at UBC Allard Law School, aims to explore critical issues shaping Canada-ASEAN relations in the context of a rapidly evolving global landscape. The event will feature distinguished experts and emerging voices and delve into bilateral trade, economic priorities, and geopolitical strategies. Attendees will gain diverse perspectives on strengthening ties between Canada and ASEAN while considering the region's challenges and opportunities.

This event is open to the UBC community and will be under Chatham House rules. Speakers will be sharing their own insights and opinions, which do not necessarily reflect and should not be construed to represent those of their employers. Light refreshments will follow the event in the Allard Hall lobby.

This event will be moderated by Sheila E. Suredja (CSEAR 2024-25 Research Fellow), with the following agenda:

• Mr. Luthfi Dhofier (Vice-President of Canada-Indonesia Chamber of Commerce): A New Chapter in Canada's Bilateral Trade with Southeast Asian Countries: Insights from the Indonesia-Canada CEPA
• Mr. Tommy Koh (Singapore Civil Service): Charting the Next Bound of ASEAN's Economic Integration while Advancing ASEAN-Canada Economic Cooperation through the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA)
• Dr. Hema Nadarajah (Program Manager - Southeast Asia, Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada): The Impact of New Leaderships in Southeast Asian Countries on Canada-ASEAN Relations
• Dr. Yves Tiberghien (Professor of Political Science and Konwakai Chair in Japanese Research, IAR): The Role of ASEAN-Canada Relations in Advancing Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy
• Dom Imnamkhao (CSEAR 2024-25 Research Fellow): Navigating the Great Power Competition: Southeast Asia's Foreign Policy Preferences and Canada's Strategic Role in the Region
• Zahrana Nadifa Ramadhanty (CSEAR 2024-25 Research Fellow): Alignment of ASEAN's New Chairmanship Priorities with Canada-ASEAN Relations

Distinguished External Guests

Mr. Luthfi Dhofier (Vice-President of Canada-Indonesia Chamber of Commerce):

Luthfi Dhofier is a Senior Policy Analyst for the Government of British Columbia and President of the Canadian International Council (CIC) Vancouver. At CIC, he develops strategic programs and events that engage the local community and foster meaningful dialogue on international issues. In addition to his leadership role at CIC, Luthfi serves on the board of the Canada-Indonesia Chamber of Commerce, where he supports initiatives to strengthen business ties between Canada and Indonesia. Luthfi is the co-author of the book Understanding Human Security and Climate Change, a frequent contributor to media outlets and think tanks, and has delivered lectures on Indonesian and ASEAN politics, as well as the intersection of climate change and security. He is also an alumnus of UBC's School of Public Policy and Global Affairs.

Mr. Tommy Koh (Singapore Civil Service)

Tommy is a civil servant currently posted to the Prime Minister’s Office Strategy Group working in the domains of socioeconomic policy and policy analytics. He was previously Senior Assistant Director at the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s ASEAN Division through Nov 2022 negotiating services commitments for the ASEAN Economic Community’s internal agreements as well as FTAs with ASEAN’s dialogue partners. Apart from trade negotiations, Tommy contributes to developing Singapore’s ASEAN strategy and shaping the contours of the post-2025 ASEAN Community Vision. Tommy is a firm believer that greater ASEAN economic integration will position the region well to seize opportunities in the future of work and address emerging challenges. Beyond work, Tommy contributes to local impact initiatives in Singapore, including through Chairing the St Gallen Symposium Singapore Chapter and collaborating with the National Youth Achievement Award Council. Tommy holds a Master’s in Public Policy and Global Affairs from the University of British Columbia Vancouver. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Psychology from The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore where he was a Woodrow Wilson and Social Policy Fellow.

Dr. Hema Nadarajah

Hema Nadarajah is a Program Manager for Southeast Asia at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. She also leads the thematic research programs on Arctic and Outer Space at the Foundation. She holds a Ph.D. in International Relations from the University of British Columbia, where her dissertation explored the interplay of politics and international law governing the Arctic, climate change, and Outer Space. She also holds degrees in climate change from the University of Toronto and the Australian National University.Hema has lectured at the University of British Columbia, teaching courses on diplomacy and global governance. She previously consulted for WWF on energy transition in Southeast Asia and has worked for the Government of Singapore in international relations pertaining to climate change and biodiversity conservation. She serves as mentor with the Canadian International Council and is a senior fellow at the Toronto-based think tank, Arctic360.