Given the intersecting concerns and arenas that ASEAN Studies and ASEAN in general are exploring and hoping to address, the ISAS2025 covers the following sub-themes and topics:
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Entrepreneurship, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation in ASEAN
This sub-theme delves into ASEAN initiatives, opportunities, challenges, and partnerships—both within and beyond the region—centered around entrepreneurship, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. It provides a platform for discussions that support ASEAN's ambition to become a dynamic and adaptive region, prepared to respond effectively to the evolving challenges and changes of the 21st century.
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Possible Topics
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ASEAN Plus
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ASEAN East Asia Summit
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ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA)
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E-Commerce/MSMEs
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Enhancing supply chain and connectivity
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Roadmap on Digital Trade Standards in ASEAN
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ASEAN Mutual Recognition Agreements
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Inclusion, Protection, and Empowerment Among Peoples of ASEAN
A key priority in ASEAN’s community-building efforts is fostering inclusion, protection, and empowerment across diverse sectors, especially among marginalized groups such as indigenous peoples, children, and gender minorities. This sub-theme seeks to discuss and examine the pressing challenges and potential opportunities in addressing critical issues like human rights, peace and security, non-traditional security threats, and socio-economic vulnerabilities. It aims to provide a platform for discussion on building a secure, inclusive, and equitable ASEAN region.
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Disaster Management, Climate Change, and ASEAN Community Resilience
Given the rising frequency and severity of disasters within the region, coupled with the profound impacts of climate change, this sub-theme aims to provide an exploration of key issues, emerging trends, and strategic approaches for strengthening regional resilience. This aims to cover various topics, ranging from innovations that can be harnessed and replicated across different levels to policy barriers, social inequalities, and other pressing issues. This sub-theme intends to foster a deeper understanding of what it takes to build resilient communities in an era of heightened environmental and climatic uncertainty.
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Possible Topics
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Plastic circularity
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Green finance
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Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
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Transboundary haze pollution control
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Indigenous Knowledge and Practices
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Regional Cooperation on Climate Change and Disaster Management
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Resource Management in ASEAN
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Sustainable Cultural Heritage, Traditions, and Popular Culture in ASEAN
The ASEAN region is home to vibrant and diverse cultures that are essential in the formation of its unique regional identity. Recognizing the region's culture as a valuable asset in showcasing history, creativity, and innovation, this sub-theme seeks to foster dialogue on the preservation, promotion, and innovation of these cultures. We invite presentations that explore how cultural heritage, traditions, and pop culture can be leveraged to drive transformation, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability.
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Possible Topics
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ASEAN Ecotourism Standards for Activities, Facilities, and Services
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Promotion of ASEAN pop culture
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Promoting and safeguarding traditional sports and games in ASEAN
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Preservation of ASEAN Traditions and Cultural Heritage
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Sustainable Tourism in ASEAN
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Preservation of ASEAN Arts
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ASEAN Sustainable Cities and Communities
This sub-theme aims to foster discussions revolving around the regional agenda of fostering cities and communities that are economically vibrant, environmentally resilient, and socially inclusive. While rapid urbanization and economic development have brought prosperity to ASEAN, it is important to recognize that they have also created significant challenges, including environmental degradation, inadequate infrastructure, and social inequalities. This theme invites discussions on various related topics such as sustainable urban planning, green infrastructure, inclusive public spaces, and policies that promote equity and well-being for all ASEAN citizens.
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ASEAN Food Security, Nutrition, and Health
With significant population growth, climate change and disaster intensification, persistent socio-economic inequalities, and poor natural resource management, ASEAN countries are facing mounting challenges in maintaining food security and public health, leading to dire consequences for the quality of life of ASEAN citizens. This sub-theme aims to foster discussions on topics such as regional approaches to sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing food safety, addressing malnutrition, preparing for future health emergencies, and managing other diseases. Additionally, it invites discussions that explore how climate-resilient food production, regional cooperation, and improved health system capacity can mitigate future food and health security challenges.
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Possible Topics
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HALAL
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Future Responses to Pandemics and International Health Emergencies
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Biosafety and biosecurity
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ASEAN’s Declaration on Promoting Sustainable Agriculture
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Non-discriminatory policies and support for HIV/AIDS
Aligned with its commitment to sustainability, ISAS 2025 adopts environmentally- conscious practices to minimize waste and encourage sustainable habits. The symposium does not provide traditional conference kits; instead, all materials, including kits, certificates, programs, and IDs, are available online. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bottles (BYOB), tumblers (BYOT), and utensils (BYOU) to reduce single-use waste. These practices reinforce ISAS 2025's dedication to promoting sustainability while advancing its goals of collaboration and innovation for a sustainable future.