A platform for high-level discussions on critical issues shaping the future of ASEAN-US relations. Bringing together government officials, diplomats, researchers and policy experts these dialogues explore key challenges and opportunities in priority policy areas for the US and ASEAN.
On Thursday, November 20th, the US-ASEAN Center organized a ASEAN Summit Debrief discussion with Assistant Secretary Michael George DeSombre, Bureau of East Asia and Pacific Affairs, U.S. Department of State. The dialogue provided a summary on the outcome of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur and an outlook on U.S. foreign policy in the region.
The event was attended by ASEAN-focused corporate executives, policy practitioners, and academic experts. The Assistant Secretary shared insightful perspectives on regional cooperation, and U.S. priorities in working with ASEAN partners for a shared future of peace, prosperity and security in the Indo-Pacific.
On October 28, the US-ASEAN Center at ASU welcomed a delegation from the Board of Investments of the Philippines. During their visit, the US-ASEAN Center shared an overview of the Center’s programs and initiatives that foster collaboration across Southeast Asia. The discussion explored potential areas for educational partnership between ASU and the Philippines, including curriculum development, technical programs, associate degrees, micro-credentials, as well as joint research and development opportunities.
On Monday, October 14, the US-ASEAN Center, in partnership with The Asia Foundation, hosted “Small Enterprises, Big Targets: Cybersecurity and Asia’s Economic Backbone.” Featuring Anthea Mulakala, Senior Director for International Development Cooperation and the APAC Cyber Security Fund, the discussion shared lessons from the APAC Cybersecurity Fund supported by Google.org, highlighting early success in equipping MSMEs with the tools to detect and counter cyber threats. The dialogue emphasized that MSME cyber resilience is critical to regional stability and global supply chains. Moderated by Director Anh Hoang of the US-ASEAN Center, the discussion brought together representatives from ASEAN Embassies, private sector, and international development organizations, reflecting the importance of multi-sector collaboration in enhancing regional cybersecurity for digital economy growth and resilience.
On April 29, 2025 the U.S.-ASEAN Center, in partnership with the U.S.-ASEAN Young Professionals Association, hosted a panel discussion on economic diplomacy in the U.S.-ASEAN and international affairs context.
Moderated by Phimmasone Michael Rattanasengchanh, ASEAN Co-Chair of the Young Professionals Association, the event featured distinguished speakers from government, business, and policy sectors.
Panelists included Mary Brett Rogers-Springs (U.S. Department of State), Monica Hardy Whaley (National Center for APEC), and Eric Starr (UltraPass ID), who shared perspectives on how the U.S. and ASEAN can leverage economic diplomacy to deepen cooperation, build trust, and address pressing global challenges. The conversation offered timely insights into navigating an increasingly complex economic and geopolitical landscape.
EAP Deputy Assistant Secretary Andrew Herrup delivered remarks at the U.S.-ASEAN Center on the recent ASEAN Summits to an audience of think tankers, students, and members of the diplomatic community.
After his remarks, Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) Herrup and Ambassador (ret.) Campbell held a discussion with the audience on the ASEAN-U.S. relationship.
Topics included the benefits of ASEAN for the American people, strategies to counter cyber- scam operations, and the development of ASEAN’s digital economy.
ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn inaugurated the quarterly speaker series at the U.S.-ASEAN Center.
Dr. Kao spoke about the “ASEAN-U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP): Partners for Peace, Prosperity, and People".
After delivering remarks, Dr. Kao and U.S. Ambassador (ret.) Piper Campbell moderated a discussion about the breadth and depth of the CSP relationship and took questions from a hybrid audience.