RSIS-CNA “Think Tank” Panel Discussion Series

The S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies partnered Channel NewsAsia to present six episodes of “Think Tank”, a panel discussion series.

This series featured 24 panel members at different venues, including one special recording at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia. The series revolved around six pressing questions, from the evolving threat of terrorism to food security issues and emerging cyber security threats. Watch the thought-provoking discussions and gain insights from our panels of RSIS academics and thought leaders from across the region!

Episode 1: Are We Safe? Evolving Threat of Terrorism

Terrorist attacks in Paris and Brussels, beheadings by militant groups in the Philippines, etc., show the magnitude and severity of the threat of terrorism. Global terrorism’s ongoing threat to national security is challenging the social stability and security of states. How can states protect themselves from the threat of terrorism? What are the fundamental ideologies that terrorists are acting on? How can states get to the heart of the terror organisations to combat them?

Please click HERE for more details.

Episode 2: Do We have Enough to Eat? Food Security Across Asia

Asia is facing a fundamental food crisis which is impacting the obese as well as the undernourished. If governments are not quick to improve diets, the long-term impact on national health will be severe. How can leaders improve Asia’s food systems to allow for more balanced diets? How can Asia feed a vastly larger population going forward especially with the challenges of urbanisation, climate change, and cross border food trade?

Please click HERE for more details.

Episode 3: Why Law Matters? Rule of Law in the South China Sea

Rule of law versus Rule by law. Who owns what in the South China Sea? From the risk of territorial clashes in the South and East China seas to maritime boundary fishing disputes, countries in the region are accusing Beijing of threatening regional stability across Asia’s waters. Can international law help stave off escalating conflict in the region? If not, what diplomatic efforts can states take to avoid war from breaking out?

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Episode 4: Will There Be an ASEAN 5 Years From Now?

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) formed in 1967 has been one of the major platforms fostering international cooperation among the regional states and external players. Since 1967, the regional and global landscapes have changed significantly. Southeast Asia is now facing several internal and external challenges, such as domestic leadership change and big powers’ dynamics in the region. Moreover, globalisation enables non-state actors to increasingly influence government policies and actions. These bring up a pressing issue of “Who Governs?” Against this backdrop, this session will explore the following questions: (i) What would ASEAN look like in the next 5 years?; (ii) Will there even be ASEAN?; (iii) Will ASEAN be a relevant regional governance institution?; and (iv) What needs to be addressed to make the organisation an effective governing body?

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Episode 5: Where to Go? Promises and Perils of Mass Migration

The global migration crisis is posing serious threats to national security with asylum seekers and refugees fleeing to transition and destination countries in Asia. The number of undocumented migrants across Asia is growing exponentially and governments are struggling to control these complex flows of people. How can “sending” and “receiving” countries in Asia manage migration to benefit the region rather than threaten it?

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Episode 6: No Longer Safe Online? Emerging Cyber Security Threats

More businesses and consumers are becoming reliant on information systems. With the rise of the digital economy, the threat of cyber crime causes serious concern. In the midst of the digital transformation, the public and private sectors need to keep pace with cyber protection. How can governments around the world address this new reality of cyber crime that transcends borders? How can citizens remain protected from these threats?

Please click HERE for more details.