This Seminar is presented by leading experts from Kyushu Japan; Bangkok Thailand ; and from Wellington and Auckland New Zealand

Welcome remarks from His Excellency Mr Koichi Ito, Ambassador of Japan to New Zealand

Followed by opening remarks by Sir Maarten Wevers

Japan has been the largest investor and donor in Southeast Asia for over a half century. Throughout that entire time Japan has been a steadfast partner for New Zealand in its regional engagement. In the 2020s Japan, the most trusted major actor in the region, remains a critical player in the increasingly polarised politics of the Indo-Pacific. This seminar highlights the factors shaping Japan's Southeast Asia policies, the ways in which those policies may be influenced by other powers in the region, and the implications and opportunities for New Zealand’s own regional diplomacy.

SPEAKERS:

Associate Professor Nobuhiro Aizawa, Kyushu University, Japan (via Zoom)

Professor Thitinan Ponsudhirak, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand (via Zoom)

Professor Natasha Hamilton-Hart, NZ Asia Institute & University of Auckland Business School

Moderator: Professor David Capie, Centre for Strategic Studies: New Zealand

Reception to follow

PLEASE NOTE: Online participation is also available on Zoom (pre-register here for your unique Zoom link)