Current reports and views in the international media on Asia-Europe relations are predominantly focussed on the Eurozone’s present debt difficulties and the potential adverse impact on Asia. While some European voices have expressed hope that Asians would mobilise to buoy them up, the Asian response has been reserved so far.
The ASEF 15th Anniversary panel presented insights from ASEF’s ongoing perceptions research and valuable commentary on the current state of Asia–Europe relations, as well as perspectives on what paths lie ahead. The event featured experts from the fields of business and political affairs to provide analysis and identified the key points of engagement for Asia and Europe. The occasion offered an insightful and frank debate with the ASEF Governors’ involvement on the state of Asia-Europe relations and the prospects for future convergence or a gradual drift apart.
Organised on the occasion of the 28th ASEF Board of Governors’ Meeting in Singapore, the discussion also benefited from the perspectives and experiences from ASEF’s Governors, representing the 48 ASEM members.
Event details
Date: 16 May 2012
Venue: Grand Ball Room, Grand Park City Hall Hotel, Singapore
Time: 17.30 – 19.15
Guest of Honour:
Professor Tommy Koh, Ambassador at Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore
Speakers:
Professor Martin Holland, Director, National Centre for Research on Europe, University of Canterbury
Professor Arnoud De Meyer, President, Singapore Management University (SMU)
Professor Simon Tay, Chairman, Singapore Institute for International Affairs (SIIA)
Moderated by:
Ambassador Karel Kovanda, ASEF Governor for the European Union (EU)
Opening remarks by:
Ambassador Soemadi Brotodiningrat, ASEF Governor for Indonesia and Chairman of Board of Governors 2012
Closing remarks by:
Ambassador Roland Van Remoortele, ASEF Governor for Belgium and Vice Chairman of Board of Governors 2012
