ASEAN Day 2026: C asean Forum "Resilient ASEAN: Connectivity as a Competitive Advantage."
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C asean Forum 2026 | Building a More Connected and Resilient ASEAN
On 7 August 2026, C asean Forum 2026 brought together distinguished leaders and experts to mark the 59th ASEAN Day under the theme “Resilient ASEAN: Connectivity as a Competitive Advantage.”
Held at C asean Auditorium, CW Tower, Bangkok, the Forum explored how ASEAN can strengthen its resilience and competitiveness through deeper connectivity — across economies, societies, infrastructure, and communities.
The Forum opened with a keynote address by H.E. Dr. Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Chairman of the Advisory Board to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, who shared perspectives on ASEAN’s evolving regional position, competitiveness, and the importance of connectivity amid a rapidly shifting global landscape.
The discussion continued with two perspectives on ASEAN resilience.
Strengthening ASEAN’s Economic and Social Resilience
Dr. Kobsak Pootrakool, Director and Senior Executive Vice President, Bangkok Bank; Mr. Joel Ang, Vice President and Head, Southeast Asia and Oceania, Singapore Economic Development Board; and Mr. Nguyen Phuoc Linh, Chief Executive Officer, FPT Thailand & Taiwan, FPT Corporation, explored how economic integration, innovation, talent, and cross-border collaboration can strengthen ASEAN’s capacity to respond to disruption and create new opportunities for inclusive regional growth. The session was moderated by Mrs. Tongjai Thanachanan, Managing Director of C asean.
Strengthening ASEAN’s Physical Resilience
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Witaya Wannasuphoprasit, Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University and Chairman, Water Resilience Center; Mrs. Wannaporn Pui Phornprapha, Founder and Managing Director, P Landscape Co., Ltd.; and Mr. Satoshi Iemoto, Chief Advisor, Project for Enhancing Climate Actions at Local Level (Thailand), JICA, examined the role of resilient infrastructure, urban development, and climate adaptation in preparing ASEAN communities for an increasingly uncertain future. The session was moderated by Ms. Cholaphansa Narula, News Anchor, NHK World and NBT.
Beyond the discussions, C asean Forum 2026 reinforced the importance of connectivity as more than physical links between countries — but as a foundation for collaboration, competitiveness, resilience, and shared progress across ASEAN.
Our sincere appreciation to all distinguished speakers, partners, and participants who contributed their perspectives and helped advance this important regional dialogue.
C asean remains committed to connecting people, ideas, and opportunities to strengthen ASEAN connectivity and create a more resilient and competitive region.