ASEAN Day 2026: C asean Forum "Resilient ASEAN: Connectivity as a Competitive Advantage."
- Aug 13
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 14
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 stronger connectivity can enhance ASEAN’s economic, social, and physical resilience.
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,” featuring 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, moderated by Ms. Tongjai Thanachanan, Managing Director of C asean.
The session explored how stronger economic and social connectivity can help ASEAN navigate emerging challenges while unlocking new opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth.
- “Strengthening ASEAN’s Physical Resilience,” featuring 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, moderated by Ms. Cholaphansa Narula, News Anchor, NHK World and NBT.
The session examined best practices in resilient infrastructure, urban development, and climate adaptation to help prepare ASEAN communities for an increasingly uncertain future.
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, moderators, partners, and participants who contributed their perspectives and helped advance this important regional dialogue.