WHAT IS THE ASIA-EUROPE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY DIPLOMACY INITIATIVE FOR YOUNG LEADERS?
The Asia-Europe Science & Technology Initiative for Young Leaders is a new project of ASEF’s Education Department which connects young academics, diplomats, professionals and students engaged in international collaborations related to science, technology, and innovation in Asia and Europe.
The project offers a unique opportunity for Asia-Europe cooperation on emerging trends and strategies in the field of Science Technology Diplomacy. The project aims to:
Facilitate Intellectual Exchange
Strengthen Networks
Contribute
NAVIGATING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DIPLOMACY ECOSYSTEMS: COUNTRY FOCUSED WORKSHOP SERIES
As part of the Asia-Europe Science & Technology Diplomacy Initiative, in 2025, we will conduct Country Focused Workshop Series entitled “Navigating Science and Technology Diplomacy Ecosystems”.
This workshop series builds upon the research done in 2024 for the Asia-Europe Science & Technology Diplomacy Report. which mapped Science and Technology Diplomacy strategies, priorities, and tools across Asia and Europe, providing a mapping of the status of Science Diplomacy across the two regions. Learn more about the Report and ASEF’s work in the field of Science and Technology Diplomacy in 2024 here.
The year’s Country Focused Workshop Series aims to (1) increase awareness and information available on the S&T Diplomacy ecosystem of selected Asian countries, introduce key stakeholders and their activities, as well as (2) identify overlapping interest and potential avenues for collaboration between Asian and European stakeholders in S&T Diplomacy.
The sessions will take place online and focus on four (4) countries:
- Malaysia (April)
- Thailand (May)
- Kazakhstan (June)
- Indonesia (July)
Each Country is introduced in a three (3) session-long workshop series.
- Workshop 1: The role of Government Strategy and Actions in the science and technology diplomacy ecosystem
- Workshop 2: The role of Academia and Research Institutions in the science and technology diplomacy ecosystem and how to work with them
- Workshop 3: The role of Businesses in the science and technology diplomacy ecosystem and how to work with them
TARGET AUDIENCE
The workshops invite attendees from Asia and Europe from the following areas:
- Academics, managers of public and private tertiary education institutions
- Government officials, policymakers and diplomats working with Science and Technology Diplomacy topics in international collaboration
- Professionals working for businesses focusing on Research, Innovation, and Science Diplomacy.
The sessions will be open to the public. Sign up to our mailing list to be the first one to know when the registrations open: Youth Mailing list.
WORKSHOP 1: MALAYSIA
The first workshop series will focus on Malaysia.
Malaysia is rapidly positioning itself as a key player in Science and Technology Diplomacy (STD), leveraging its robust policy frameworks and strategic position within ASEAN.
This workshop series delves into Malaysia’s evolving science diplomacy ecosystem, examining how its policies foster international collaboration, commercialisation of research, and technological advancements. As Malaysia assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, its role in steering regional S&T cooperation becomes even more crucial.
By exploring Malaysia’s strategic vision, institutional frameworks, and emerging opportunities, this series offers a timely discussion on how science diplomacy can be harnessed to drive regional cooperation, economic resilience, and sustainable development in Asia and beyond.
WORKSHOP 2: THAILAND
The second series of workshops will focus on Thailand, another emerging regional leader in Southeast Asia, that integrates traditional and innovative S&T diplomacy with innovation diplomacy to drive economic competitiveness, international research collaborations, and sustainable development.
Thailand’s STI diplomacy follows a decentralized model, allowing diverse stakeholders to contribute towards common national goals while maintaining flexibility in their approaches. This model is reinforced by interagency coordination, international partnerships, and data-driven policies, positioning Thailand as a hub for collaboration in space exploration, biotechnology, and green technology.
The Thailand workshop series will explore this decentralized approach in action, showcasing the country’s strategic vision, institutional frameworks, and emerging opportunities, and how coordinated efforts across multiple sectors can enhance international partnerships and strengthen Thailand’s role in the global STI landscape.
WORKSHOP 3: KAZAKHSTAN
The third workshop series will highlight the S&T diplomacy ecosystem of Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan is making bold strides in Science & Technology Diplomacy (STD), even without a formal strategy in place. Through national policies and international collaborations, the country is positioning itself as a rising Central Asian hub for innovation in agriculture, healthcare, engineering, and environmental sustainability.
At this workshop, we will explore Kazakhstan’s evolving approach to STD and its commitment to leveraging international partnerships, attracting investment, and driving research-driven economic transformation. As the country refines its policies and strengthens its scientific institutions, it is well-positioned to emerge as a leading innovation hub in Central Asia.
WORKSHOP 4: INDONESIA
The fourth and final workshop series will focus in on Indonesia.
Indonesia is emerging as a dynamic player in Science and Technology Diplomacy (STD), leveraging its vast natural resources, growing innovation ecosystem, and strategic geopolitical position. While Indonesia does not yet have a dedicated science diplomacy strategy, key elements have long been embedded in its foreign policy, with increasing government support and institutional coordination driving its evolution. The country’s diplomatic focus on climate change, public health, and digital transformation further underscores the growing role of science in foreign policy.
With this final workshop series, we aim to also highlight the preparations for the hosting of the World Science Forum 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (AAAT).
PARTNERS AND COLLABORATION
Are you interested in engaging in or collaborating with us on this project? Please do not hesitate to contact us at scitech[at]asef.org.
