Thammasat Institute of Area Studies (TIARA) Thammasat University, Rangsit Center
June 2025
This International Conference aims to find opportunities and connectivity in various fields such as International Relations, Social matters, Economics, Public Administration, Investment and Geographical aspects, etc. among the Regions.
TIARA International Conference on Asia-Pacific Futures: Opportunities for Connectivity
Asia-Pacific (APEC) is a business region that includes Asia and Pacific Rim. Most states in this region actively participate in global markets. This region contested by China, America, Japan, and India. The countries’ loose cooperation for economic development started in 1898. Even though, there is social, economic, political and cultural diversity in this Region along with the problems of those matters, including the environmental issues at present. International cooperation is the collaboration between countries to address global challenges and achieve common goals. However, the world is currently facing several challenges that make cooperation difficult. These are the challenges of APEC Countries.
The Conference seeks to look for opportunities for connectivity of various matters of those countries in the 21st century which is the dominance of Pacific Rim countries. It also addresses the success and problems of respective countries and looks for spill over one another matter.
This Conference will address the Futures Thinking or Foresight that allows participants to critically delve into the vast realm of future possible scenarios (possible future) starting from the assumption that even if what will happen tomorrow cannot be known, it is still possible to imagine what might happen and prepare it.
This Conference aims to bring together academics, policymakers, practitioners, masteral and doctoral students to discuss a wide variety of topics and share lessons learned from others which is a valuable opportunity to gain knowledge and wisdom.
1. Economic Connectivity
• Trade and Investment Linkages
Focus on Asia-Pacific and economic partnerships, emphasizing free trade agreements (FTAs) and emerging opportunities for exports.
• Regional Value Chains and Supply Chains
Discuss the integration of regional industries into global supply chains, identifying potential sectors like electronics, agriculture, and textiles.
• Economic Corridors
Highlight ongoing initiatives such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and their role in regional development.
2. Infrastructure and Transport
• Physical Connectivity
Showcase successful projects and address gaps in road, railway, and air links that hinder connectivity.
• Cross-Border Infrastructure Challenges
Examine delays in execution, financing issues, and policy hurdles impacting projects in border areas.
• Role of Ports and Inland Waterways
Assess the potential of seaports (e.g., Sittwe, Chittagong) and inland water networks for boosting trade.
3. Digital Connectivity
• ICT as an Integration Tool
Explore initiatives like India’s Digital Payment Interface (UPI) and its adoption potential in Southeast Asia and Bhutan.
• Cross-Border E-Commerce
Discuss policies to enhance cross-border digital trade, including regulatory alignment and reducing transaction barriers.
• Digital Divide in Remote Areas
Focus on expanding broadband infrastructure in rural and hilly regions to facilitate inclusion.
4. Energy and Resource Connectivity
• Regional Energy Grids
Examine progress on cross-border electricity trade (e.g., hydroelectric cooperation).
• Natural Resource Management
Study shared water bodies like the Brahmaputra and Mekong rivers for collaborative resource use.
• Energy Security
Discuss renewable energy opportunities and reducing dependency on imported energy sources.
5. Cultural and People-to-People Connectivity
• Tourism and Cultural Exchange
Highlight sustainable tourism opportunities linking India’s Northeast, Bhutan, and Southeast Asia’s heritage sites.
• Educational and Academic Partnerships
Promote cross-border higher education collaborations, scholarships, and student exchange programs.
• Diaspora Contributions
Leverage the Indian and Southeast Asian diaspora for fostering cultural ties and trade connections.
6. Policy Frameworks and Regional Institutions
• ASEAN, BIMSTEC, and SAARC Synergies
Analyze complementarities and overlaps among regional frameworks in fostering connectivity.
• Policy Harmonization
Address challenges in customs, visa regimes, and regulatory standards for seamless trade and mobility.
• Multilateral Cooperation
Explore funding mechanisms, such as AIIB or ADB, to support connectivity projects.
7. Sustainability and Climate Resilience
• Environmental Impacts
Study the ecological implications of infrastructure projects in fragile ecosystems like the Himalayas.
• Disaster Management
Share best practices and strategies for regional collaboration on disaster risk reduction.
• Climate-Smart Development
Promote green infrastructure, renewable energy sources, and low-carbon transport systems.
8. Strategic and Geopolitical Considerations
• Major Powers’ Role
Assess the impact of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and India’s Act East Policy on regional connectivity.
• Security Challenges
Address threats like cross-border terrorism, piracy in the Bay of Bengal, and cybersecurity risks.
• Balancing Economic and Strategic Goals
Discuss the fine line between fostering economic growth and safeguarding sovereignty in connectivity projects.
9. ETC.
Interested presenters may send the abstract and full paper with their short bio to : tiara.tu@tu.ac.th with in February 2025.
Selected papers will be notified by April 2025,and will be invited to contribute with slide presentations due on 30 May 2025. Abstracts and full papers will be included in the Proceedings.
Times New Roman Font are required in your abstract and full papers with sized at 12. APA Style will be used in Citation and Reference
