Asian Leadership Conference

ALC 2025 Sessions

Topic

The Future of Korea–Japan: Towards 100 Years of Korea-Japan Relationship

The year 2025 will be a significant milestone, marking the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea and Japan. This anniversary provides an opportunity for both nations to reflect on the progress made in their bilateral relationship and the challenges they have faced. While historical issues have often strained ties, both countries have worked through many of these difficulties and built strong, pragmatic cooperation in various fields such as trade, culture, and technology. Looking ahead, this session will engage in a forward-thinking discourse on what the relationship between the Republic of Korea and Japan would look like when they reach the 100th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2065. It will explore how both nations can deepen their collaboration and strengthen their ties, ensuring their partnership remains resilient and adaptable to the changing global landscape. The session will also discuss how the young generation can navigate these evolving dynamics by fostering mutual understanding and contributing to a sustainable, inclusive future for both countries.

Navigating the Geopolitical Crossroads: Asia's Strategic Choices in an Era of U.S.-China Rivalry

This session will explore how The Republic of Korea, despite its limited natural resources, can leverage its geographic positioning as a strategic asset to emerge as an innovation powerhouse. It will demonstrate how The Republic of Korea can strategically utilize its pivotal location in East Asia to enhance its standing in global value chains and unlock new pathways for innovative growth beyond resource constraints. Drawing on perspectives from globalization, entrepreneurship and regional development, the session will present concrete policy directions for transforming The Republic of Korea's geographical attributes into valuable resources that provide distinctive competitive advantages in the global marketplace. Participants will gain actionable insights into developing integrated approaches that harness The Republic of Korea's unique geographical strengths to overcome resource limitations and secure sustainable economic prosperity in an increasingly competitive international environment.

Redefining Leadership

In this session, a prominent figure from British politics shares a unique leadership journey and innovation experiences. Through experiences in managing global crises, the speaker offers insights into challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing world environment. The session emphasizes the importance of global leadership based on diversity and inclusion, and the necessity of innovative thinking for future generations, while presenting a vision for addressing economic and social challenges commonly faced by countries around the world.

Timeless Values of Education in a Changing World

Even in an era of rapid technological and societal change, the fundamental values of education remain unshaken. Education is more than the mere transmission of knowledge; it is a process that nurtures critical thinking, creativity, and the formation of social values, fostering human growth. This session will explore how education can uphold and evolve its core role amidst transformation, drawing insights from research-driven universities, humanities-focused education, and innovative learning models. Distinguished educational leaders will come together to reexamine the role of academia and education. This discussion, moderated by a representative from an international organization dedicated to shaping the essence and future of global education, will serve as a platform to reflect on the enduring values of education and their sustainability.

The Art of Flavorful Leadership: Crafting Excellence Through People

This session explores leadership principles drawn from extensive experience in hospitality management. It presents a thoughtful analogy: just as master chefs create extraordinary dishes through carefully balanced ingredients, exceptional leaders achieve remarkable results by nurturing talent and orchestrating diverse strengths within their teams. The discussion reveals how creating an environment where team members feel valued and empowered naturally elevates the quality of customer experiences, ultimately driving innovation and organizational excellence. Participants will discover the delicate balance of leadership elements that, when combined masterfully, create a formula for lasting organizational distinction in today's competitive landscape.

Asia-Pacific: Powering Tomorrow's Global Economy Through Bold Innovation

This session features an enlightening dialogue on the strategic imperatives facing the Asia-Pacific region. The distinguished speakers examine how nations can navigate complex challenges—from technological disruption to climate action and evolving trade frameworks—while capitalizing on unprecedented opportunities for regional collaboration. Drawing from substantial governance experience, this conversation offers profound insights into building resilient economies, fostering innovation ecosystems, and establishing sustainable growth models that can thrive amid global uncertainty. The discussion illuminates pathways for the Republic of Korea and its neighbors toward a more integrated and prosperous regional future where participants can gain valuable perspectives on tomorrow's economic landscape.

Empathy, discipline, and courage and their role in transformational leadership

Successful organizational transformation hinges on leadership excellence. This session delivers profound insights into the three essential elements of transformational leadership: empathy, discipline, and courage. Drawing from extensive global leadership experience driving major organizational changes across numerous countries, the session shares core principles of effective leadership mastered through years of practice. Through compelling real-world examples, participants will discover how understanding team members through empathy, maintaining consistent execution through discipline, and confronting uncertainty with courage can catalyze innovation and growth, particularly in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape. This session will equip participants with valuable perspectives to develop their unique leadership styles and empower them to drive meaningful organizational change with confidence.

Power Dynamics in Northeast Asia: Confronting the Northern Triangle and Strengthening Trilateral Alliances

This session delves into the shifting security architecture of Northeast Asia, examining the complex interplay between China-Russia-DPRK coalition and the Republic of Korea-US-Japan partnership. Speakers will offer their perspectives on the geopolitical challenges facing the Korean Peninsula. The session will address critical questions about trilateral security cooperation in the face of the northern alliance amid today's volatile international landscape. It will provide strategic insights on novel approaches to safeguarding the Republic of Korea's security interests and prosperity, while exploring pathways to enhance regional cooperation for lasting peace and stability in Northeast Asia.

From Waves to Legacy: A Blueprint for Global and Lasting Success of K-Culture

K-culture has swiftly emerged as a dominant global force in recent years, but to evolve from a passing trend into a sustainable, long-term success, it requires a strategic, forward-thinking approach. This session will explore how K-culture can maintain its distinct cultural identity while gaining widespread universal appeal, leveraging Hollywood as a powerful platform to secure a lasting impact on the global stage. The discussion will focus on key strategies for ensuring the global sustainability of K-content, exploring mutually beneficial opportunities between Hallyu (K-Wave) and Hollywood, and positioning the ALC as a pivotal platform for collaboration among global content leaders. By offering actionable insights and facilitating high-level connections, this session aims to foster meaningful collaborations that will unlock the full potential of K-content and propel it into the future of global entertainment.

From Crisis to Cooperation: Unified Strategies for Global Health Crisis

The COVID-19 Pandemic highlighted critical gaps in global healthcare collaboration and emergency response. As the threat of future pandemics looms, this session focuses on how to establish transnational healthcare and pandemic response frameworks and its implications for global public health and governance. Experts from public health, international organizations, and technology sectors will share insights on developing unified frameworks, resource sharing mechanisms, and rapid response measures. Discussions will center on strengthening cross-border collaboration, improving preparedness, and enhancing equitable access to healthcare resources during possible global health crises. The session encourages dialogue on overcoming political, logistical, and technological challenges and fostering collaboration to build a resilient global health infrastructure.

Healthcare for Tomorrow: Should the Focus be Public Health, Personalized Care, or Can It be Both?

Advances in genomic-based medicine and the emergence of new therapies and technologies has made personalized care ever more attainable. In contrast, the growth and aging of the global population poses unprecedented challenges on healthcare systems to meet the public health needs of communities and broader populations. This session will present and discuss various perspectives on the need to focus on the health of the public in a world where ever-advancing research and technology makes individualized care ever more attainable. It also will provide insight into how sometimes the focus on the individual or the rare disease provides insights that improve public health. Finally, it will explore how the training of healthcare professionals needs to evolve in order to meet the healthcare needs of both the public and the individual.

United Nations Command: Challenges, Alliances, and the Road Ahead

With Trump's return to the White House, issues raised during his first administration, such as the reduction of U.S. forces in the Repulbic of Korea and the defense cost-sharing, are expected to resurface. Meanwhile, North Korea is further advancing its nuclear missile capabilities, and its deployment of troops to Ukraine has added significant tension not only to the security situation on the Korean Peninsula but also to the global peace order. Since the Korean War broke out in 1950, the United Nations Command (UNC) has played a crucial role in maintaining peace on the peninsula and has evolved into a key organization supporting international security. As this year marks the 75th anniversary of the Korean War, this session will assess the UNC’s role in today’s rapidly shifting global security environment and explore its future trajectory. How should the UNC adapt to strengthen its shared values with allies and contribute to international stability and peace? With national security experts around the world, we will be discussing the UNC’s strategic direction amid ever-evolving geopolitical challenges.

Strengthening U.S.-Japan-Korea Cooperation in an Evolving Indo-Pacific

This session examines the evolving dynamics of trilateral relations among U.S., Japan, and the Republic of Korea in the context of shifting geopolitical landscapes, exploring their implications for regional security, economic cooperation, and Indo-Pacific strategies under the second Trump administration. The former members of the U.S. Congress will share insights on identifying opportunities to reinforce mutual trust, intelligence sharing, and diplomatic alignment among the three nations. The session will assess the security implications of Trump's policies and how trilateral cooperation will contribute to broader international security and the preservation of a rules-based order.

Trade Realignment under the New Trump Era: Challenges and Opportunities for Stakeholders

The Trump administration marked a pivotal shift in the U.S.' approach to international trade, characterized by a strong emphasis on bilateralism and strategic economic realignment. This session delves into U.S.-Korea trade relations, U.S.-China trade dynamics, and broader U.S. foreign trade policies in the second presidency of Donald Trump and their implications for economic and diplomatic stakeholders. The former members of the U.S. Congress will share insights on key issues, including the shifting trade landscape, policy priorities, and their potential impact on bilateral and multilateral relationships. Participants will understand how the U.S. envisions its role in shaping global trade rules and the implications for its key trading partners, including the Republic of Korea. The session encourages dialogue on the challenges of trade realignment and collaboration to foster sustainable economic partnerships and mutual growth.

The New Political Vanguard: Young Leaders Reshaping Governance in Asia

This session features young political leaders from across Asia sharing their experiences and visions within their respective political landscapes. The participants will examine the unique challenges and opportunities they've encountered while navigating political systems, offering insights into breaking generational barriers in politics. Their discussion will explore innovative strategies for political engagement in the digital era and effective methods for driving meaningful change within established systems. By comparing experiences from various Asian countries, they will illuminate potential paths forward for a more dynamic and inclusive democratic future across the region.

Rapid Technological Innovation: Shaping the Future at the Forefront of Change

Technological innovation is evolving at an unprecedented pace, reshaping industries and redefining the way we live and work. In this session, leading experts and pioneers in emerging technologies will discuss the current state of global technological innovation and explore its future trajectory. From artificial intelligence and quantum computing to biotechnology and sustainable energy, we will examine key breakthroughs and their potential impact on global prosperity. While technological advancements offer remarkable opportunities, they also pose challenges such as ethical concerns, digital divides, and the need for sustainable development. This session will explore how we can foster innovation that benefits humanity as a whole, ensuring that technological progress contributes to inclusive and sustainable global growth. Through insightful discussions and expert perspectives, we aim to identify strategies for maximizing the positive impact of technological advancements in the years to come.

China’s Economic Transformation and De-globalization

In recent years, China has shown signs of de-globalization. This trend has been triggered by several factors, including the trade war with the United States, the restructuring of global supply chains, and China’s domestic-centric economic strategies. Additionally, global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and China’s pursuit of technological independence have further accelerated the de-globalization phenomenon. China emphasizes "independent development" and is pursuing an economic model focused on domestic consumption and technological innovation. This shift reflects China’s intention to recalibrate its relationship with the global economy, while also aiming to enhance its economic self-sufficiency and strengthen its global competitiveness. How should ASEAN countries respond to and prepare for China’s de-globalization?

The Story behind the Chinese AI App DeepSeek: The Triumph of Curiosity

January 20, 2025 saw Donald Trump swearing in as the new U.S. president witnessed by a host of tech industry leaders. It also saw DeepSeek, an emerging artificial intelligence (AI) company from China, unveiled its latest AI model, R1. Initially, R1 attracted little attention. However, as time passed, the significance of this model became increasingly clear. R1 performed on par with the latest models from top American AI firms like OpenAI, yet it required significantly less computing power and was, therefore, far more cost-effective. As a result, its usage fees were dramatically lower than those of its U.S. counterparts. “This was a game-changer.” Yet what sets DeepSeek apart is that it was never driven by profit—but by curiosity. China emphasizes "independent development" and is pursuing an economic model focused on domestic consumption and technological innovation. This shift reflects China’s intention to recalibrate its relationship with the global economy, while also aiming to enhance its economic self-sufficiency and strengthen its global competitiveness. How should other countries respond to and prepare for China’s de-globalization?

China’s Innovation and its Potential Global Implications

China’s rapid advancements in innovation have transformed its economy and are reshaping global industries, geopolitics, and economic dynamics. Key areas of Chinese innovation include leadership in artificial intelligence (AI), 5G technology, quantum computing, and green technologies like electric vehicles and renewable energy. Through large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China is expanding its influence across Asia, Africa, and Europe. These innovations are driving economic growth, enhancing global connectivity, and impacting supply chains. However, they also raise global concerns about competition, intellectual property, cybersecurity, and privacy, with China’s technological leadership potentially challenging Western-dominated global standards. Ultimately, China’s innovation trajectory is poised to reshape the global order, influencing international trade, power structures, and the balance of technological dominance.

Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Sustainable Agriculture

The intensifying climate crisis and food security instability present particularly critical challenges for South Korea, a nation with notably low food self-sufficiency. The continuous decline in domestic agricultural production and high dependence on food imports increasingly threaten national economic stability and food security, underscoring the urgent necessity for fundamental agricultural innovation. Building upon the insights from the 2024 Asian Leadership Conference's discussion on 'New Possibilities in Agriculture: Robotics', this session will explore innovative agricultural solutions that prioritize ecosystem preservation and environmental restoration while simultaneously seeking to improve food self-sufficiency. The conference will focus on integrative solutions for agricultural decarbonization and productivity enhancement, centered on eco-friendly hydrogen-powered autonomous tractors and AI-based smart agricultural technologies. With a specific emphasis on technological innovations tailored to Korea's agricultural environment, the session will investigate breakthrough approaches enabling sustainable agricultural production under limited arable land and challenging climate conditions. Panelists will comprehensively analyze how digital technologies and AI-driven agricultural innovations can fundamentally transform Korea's food security landscape and agricultural competitiveness, offering strategic pathways for addressing these critical national challenges.

Bridging Horizons Through K-Shipbuilding

The Korea-U.S. strategic partnership is reaching a significant turning point, centered on maritime technological innovation and industrial cooperation. Recent dialogue with the incoming U.S. administration has emphasized the crucial role of Korea's shipbuilding capabilities in vessel construction and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) in strengthening bilateral cooperation. Leading Korean companies such as Samsung Heavy Industries, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, and Hanwha Ocean are spearheading this transformation by developing innovative technologies that open new horizons in the maritime industry, including vessels equipped with autonomous navigation systems and green ship technologies that will lead the maritime decarbonization era. This session presents a strategic roadmap for leveraging Korea's advanced shipbuilding capabilities and cutting-edge technologies to lead the eco-friendly maritime industry, address global maritime challenges, and create technological and economic synergies between Korea and U.S. The discussion focuses on case studies of Korean companies pioneering maritime technological innovations, including autonomous navigation technology, decarbonization strategies, and smart ship technologies.

Future of Media: How to Stay Relevant

In the digital age, where information is abundant and technology advances at an unprecedented pace, generative AI has emerged as a transformative force. What strategies can current media outlets adopt to ensure their survival and success in this rapidly evolving landscape? This session brings together world-leading media experts to explore the future of the media industry. They will share invaluable insights on navigating challenges and embracing opportunities, Sharing practical survival strategies for the years ahead. From the perspective of industry insiders, panelists will delve into the obstacles media outlets face today and the innovative goals they must set to thrive in the future.

Negotiations & Conflict Resolution Mechanisms for Peace & Trust Restoration: Can Middle East Peace be Achieved? Lessons from a Former Palestinian Negotiator

Is it really possible to achieve peace in the Middle East? Hasn’t it been tried and failed? In this fireside chat, Diana will talk about her experience as a former negotiator in the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations and how those negotiations have impacted current developments. This session will critically examine mistakes that were made, including by other parties, with a view to offering tangible recommendations to achieve lasting peace.

Innovation as a Catalyst for National Prosperity

In this fireside chat, Areen will explore how innovation ecosystems—comprising startups, corporate innovation, and inventions—can be cultivated to enhance national competitiveness and drive economic growth. This session will address the roles that governments, established businesses, startups, and communities can play in creating innovation-friendly policies, investing in R&D, and leveraging talent for transformative growth. The speaker will present several case studies of entities that have successfully linked innovation to national prosperity, ultimately offering five key actionable strategies for leaders across various sectors.

Should I stay, or Should I Go? Navigating the Transition Flight Risk

Every transition creates uncertainty; therefore, few would expect changing from one position or situation to another to be painless. However, the degree of difficulty, along with the chronically high failure rates associated with professional and personal transitions, should make us all uncomfortable. For example, in terms of personal transitions, most people spend more time planning for a two-week vacation than they do planning for the transition to what might be thirty years in retirement. Executive transitions are particularly noteworthy. When asked to rank life’s challenges in order of difficulty, one study found that the number one challenge was "making a transition at work," ahead of bereavement, divorce, and health issues. At the same time, 90% of CEOs regret how they handled their transition to power. More than 90% confess that they would have managed their transitions differently, and a majority of CEOs found the role differed from what they had imagined. Just two years after an executive transition, nearly half of leadership transitions are regarded as failures or disappointments. Our discussion could not be more timely. The accelerated pace of technological change is reshaping jobs in ways that require us to constantly reshape our careers. There is more movement in the labor market than usual, and the rate of occupational transitions is projected to accelerate even faster between 2025 and 2030. This session explores the necessary losses as well as the anticipated gains that accompany transitions. We will share customized transition assessment tools and evaluation worksheets to facilitate a go/no-go decision. We will also review a self-reflection framework to help navigate through the transition life cycle once a decision is made to move from a current state to a future state. Our session will cover the three essential decision-making elements: problem, solution, and impact, as we grapple with a frequent dilemma: too good to leave…too bad to stay.

What Does it Mean to be a Leader in a Fractured and Crazy World

What does it mean to be a change agent today? What does it mean to exercise leadership? The world is fractured and polarized, with significant divisions. Yet, we live in an age of unprecedented technological innovation, which should bring tremendous joy and possibility. Where is the leadership that can unite us and stimulate the necessary human adaptive work, allowing us to collectively advance into a thrilling, adventurous, and prosperous shared future? This is the challenge facing business, government, and international institutions. The tribal impulse is constantly triggered, and we often witness, even collude in, the perpetuation of "us versus them" dynamics. The challenge of leadership is to orchestrate the crossing of boundaries, build bridges, and harness diverse perspectives for productive change and creative breakthroughs. Dr. Williams will present insights on how to lead in this fractured world, drawing from his research at Harvard and his international experiences in teaching, coaching, and building leadership capacity with CEOs, heads of state, and change agents in business, NGOs, and education.

Crisis-Proofing Nations: Health, Climate, and Conflict in a Poly-crisis Era

As climate change, resource scarcity, and emerging pandemics exacerbate global health challenges, nations that fail to integrate planetary health into governance frameworks risk heightened instability, economic disruption, and social unrest. This session will examine how health diplomacy, planetary health, and resilient health systems serve as essential tools for stabilizing fragile regions, preventing conflicts, and reinforcing national and regional peace. Through expert analysis and a structured scenario-driven discussion, attendees will explore governance frameworks, health system adaptations, and multilateral strategies that embed planetary health principles into national security, health governance, and international development policies. The session will emphasize evidence-based implementation models and actionable frameworks, equipping policymakers and practitioners with tools to address real-world poly-crisis challenges, integrate planetary health into system design, and build adaptive public health infrastructures that withstand geopolitical and environmental pressures.

What is a Good Leader? A Question for Koreans and Everyone

Moshik Temkin's lecture is drawn from his new book "Warriors, Rebels, and Saints: The Art of Leadership from Machiavelli to Malcolm X," which has just been released in Korean. The book draws from his renowned Harvard Kennedy School class, "Leaders and Leadership in History," which has attracted thousands of students over the past decade and received the Dean’s Award for six consecutive years. Using cases from history, Professor Temkin poses universal questions that are particularly relevant for Koreans today: In times of crisis, what type of leader do people need? What does it mean to challenge the tyranny of a ruthless dictator? What does history teach us about our own capacity for leadership? Through Professor Temkin's teaching and writing, we gain insights into what defines a true leader and the kind of leadership we need in the world—and in Korea—today.

Building Prosperity in a Time of Transition: AI, Climate Crises, WFH, Demographic Shifts, and the Challenges of the Changing American Domestic Consensus

This talk examines how nations can achieve sustainable, equitable growth amidst rapid global transformations. It focuses particularly on the implications of the changing American domestic consensus and its effects on global alliances, trade, and institutional trust. The discussion explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI), the reshaping of economic and urban landscapes due to remote work (WFH), demographic shifts, and the far-reaching impacts of climate change on migration and trade. By highlighting the interconnectedness of these forces, the session provides actionable insights for fostering resilience, inclusive growth, and innovation through investments in human capital, proactive leadership, and international cooperation. Attendees will gain practical strategies and innovative approaches for addressing today's complex challenges, enabling them to build resilient systems and foster sustainable prosperity in an era of profound change.

Leadership Insights from White House Innovation Experience Under Obama, Trump and Biden Administrations

In this retrospective talk, Professor Gil Alterovitz, President of the PIF Foundation, draws from the collective wisdom of Presidential Innovation Fellows (PIFs) who have served across multiple White House administrations. Through captivating stories and invaluable lessons from these innovators, the talk explores how PIF alumni tackled some of the nation’s most complex challenges with creativity, collaboration, and resilience. Attendees will gain unique insights into what it means to lead and innovate in high-pressure, impactful roles. Packed with real-world examples and actionable takeaways, this presentation highlights the transformative power of leadership, teamwork, and vision in driving change at the intersection of government and innovation.

Smart Cities: Practical Approaches to Build Inclusive and Data-Driven Urban Future

Smart cities are the future of urban living, but their development requires a harmonious blend of top-down strategy, grassroots initiatives, and cross-sector collaboration. This panel brings together visionary leaders reshaping Southeast Asia’s urban landscapes: Izzah Anwar, who champions the rejuvenation of city life by strengthening social safety nets and providing tech-related upskilling opportunities to enable meaningful social and career mobility; Juan Intan Kanggrawan, who uses data analytics to enhance governance in Jakarta; Carol Tan, who endeavors to improve public policy and leadership so more fair, prosperous and sustainable societies can be created with philanthropy playing a catalytic role; and Dr. Non Arkara, who advocates for citizen-centric, cost-effective smart solutions across Thailand. Join us to explore how innovative technologies, data-driven policies, and human-centered design converge to create resilient, inclusive, and sustainable cities while tackling present dilemmas and planning for the future.

Leaders in Development: Cultivating Talents as Adaptive Problem-solvers

The past five years will go down in history as one of the most pivotal periods that humankind has ever experienced. This time has unearthed human vulnerability across the globe, while also revealing deep resolve and resilience. Such times of rapid change and uncertainty demand leadership focused on generating solutions to world's and community's pressing problems. Fortunately, mankind's greatest asset is its ability to innovate. 21st-century leaders must navigate the innovation landscape and develop effective strategies for themselves, their organizations, and their communities. Once committed, they can utilize the innovator's toolbox to successfully map the future and ignite a passion for overcoming the various challenges of our times. In this session, panelists will discuss how talents can be nurtured as leaders who take bold steps to confront and solve problems with skills, knowledge, experience, allies, and their creative capacity.

Growing Digital Economies: Infrastructure, Talent and Ecosystems

Infocomm technology’s contribution to economies has been growing rapidly, despite macroeconomic challenges and geopolitical instability. How can countries maximize the economic benefits from technology’s rise, while avoiding negative social implications like inequality? We explore the journeys of 4 countries at this panel: United States, a pioneer in technology; Korea and Singapore, with a high speed of adoption of technology both in the tech sector and in society more broadly; and Malaysia, which has painted a bold, technology-centric vision for the future. We will explore the potential of the digital economy at the national level, the impact of automation and AI on job roles, skills for the future (including education and training initiatives), the roles of key stakeholders (government, startups, investors, researchers), and ethical and social concerns. The discussion will use actual past examples, current challenges and future visions to outline multiple possibilities for crafting a national strategy for the digital economy.

Climate Adaptations: Scalable Policies & Solutions to Save Planet

We are experiencing two major currents: complexity colored by uncertainty, tension, and fragmentation on one hand; and unprecedented possibilities powered by intelligence, globalization, and technology on the other. A UN report projects that by 2025, the world’s population will reach 8.2 billion. As the population grows and people live longer, we will need to prepare ourselves to shift away from traditional ways of cultivating humanity. In this session, we will examine the intersection of global warming, the food crisis, and geopolitical security. We will discuss how breakdowns in supply chains, lower crop yields, rising sea levels, and changes in biodiversity impact national security and social stability, particularly concerning income, employment, gender, and education. We will also explore how the trade-offs between the needs of current and future generations increasingly preoccupy those in positions of power, in marketplaces, and in family kitchens. The earlier agricultural and green revolutions have now been replaced by a new wave of agri-aqua-air-dustiral innovation. As with any period of rapid change and uncertainty, the current wave stirs up both fear and hope, requiring smart and responsible leadership from governments, industries, and citizens worldwide. Asia will be at the forefront of this transformation.

Central Asia at the Crossroads: Geopolitics, Connectivity, and Regional Dynamics

Central Asia is rising to prominence as a region of critical importance in today’s volatile global landscape. Situated at the heart of Eurasia, it serves as a vital nexus that bridges East and West, as well as North and South, making it essential for trade and geopolitical processes. The region’s vast natural resources and a population of over 80 million enhance its growing relevance, particularly as the world grapples with geopolitical tensions like the war in Ukraine and shifts in global economic and resource strategies. Central Asia is not only adapting to these external pressures but is also undergoing significant internal changes, redefining its governance, economies, and societies three decades after the collapse of the Soviet Union. This panel will illuminate how Central Asia navigates this dynamic environment, focusing on its strategic balancing act among global powers, its role in connectivity and trade, and its internal transformations. The panel features three speakers who will collectively explore Central Asia’s geopolitics, connectivity, and internal dynamics. While each speaker will focus on a distinct aspect of the region, their insights will provide a comprehensive understanding of why Central Asia matters more than ever. During the Q&A session, they will address specific country-level issues as needed.

Unlocking the Value of AI for the Next Bound of Growth

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries at an unprecedented pace, creating new opportunities to drive productivity, innovation, and economic growth. As we stand on the cusp of a new technological era, how can we effectively harness AI to propel the next wave of global economic development while ensuring equitable and sustainable outcomes? This panel discussion will explore the transformative potential of AI across key economic sectors, focusing on practical strategies for governments, businesses, and individuals to leverage this technology responsibly. Central to this conversation is the role of AI governance—the frameworks, policies, and tools that ensure AI systems are safe, ethical, and aligned with societal values. Without robust governance, the risks of economic disparity, misuse, and unintended consequences could undermine the very growth AI aims to enable. Panelists will discuss: ● The economic impact of AI across industries and regions, including its potential to create new markets and redefine traditional roles. ● Success stories and lessons learned from early adopters of AI-driven innovation. ● The critical role of AI governance, including the development of testing tools like Litmus and guardrail systems like Sentinel, to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI deployment. ● Policy recommendations for fostering innovation while mitigating risks, ensuring that AI-driven growth benefits all stakeholders.

Korea and Asia in Latin America: Opportunities, Challenges and Government Collaborations

This panel will explore the burgeoning economic engagements between Korea, Asia, and the Andean region, emphasizing strategic investments in governmental sectors such as public infrastructure, healthcare, education, and military collaborations. The discussion aims to highlight the strategic importance of these investments for regional security, economic stability, and geopolitical alliances, showcasing how these efforts align with broader global strategies. Korea's recent military investments in the Andean region, particularly through significant naval collaborations with Peru, represent a cornerstone of its strategic interests in Latin America. The partnership between Hyundai Heavy Industries and Peru's SIMA Shipyard, focusing on the joint development of submarines, serves as a standout example of this collaboration. This initiative aims not only to modernize Peru's naval capabilities but also to build a durable industrial base within the country that can support sophisticated military equipment. Such military engagements are pivotal as they enhance the defense capabilities of the Andean countries, ensuring regional stability and securing Asian interests against a backdrop of increasing global maritime strategic competition. The Andean region's dynamic approach to economic policies, including its engagement in multiple Free Trade Agreements with global powers, presents fertile ground for foreign investments. The presence of Asian enterprises across diverse sectors such as electronics, automotive, and IT solutions in Colombia exemplifies the potential for expansion into other Andean countries. These investments are crucial, as they not only lead to direct economic benefits but also enhance the technological and industrial landscapes of the host countries, fostering sustainable economic growth and development.

The Spirit of Breaking Barriers

Our speaker, who elevated the Republic of Korea's global standing, is more than just a sports star—a true innovator of our time. This remarkable individual's unwavering spirit in the face of adversity has inspired hope and courage in countless people, a legacy that continues to resonate throughout the Republic of Korea's society today. This session explores the speaker's multifaceted journey from achievements as an athlete to leadership as a coach and the pivotal role in mentoring the next generation. A life of overcoming limitations and embracing continuous challenges offers valuable insights into the path of innovation and growth for our future.

The Rise of Agentic AI: Balancing Autonomy, Ethics and Impact

Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education

AI Policy: Perspectives from a year in Washington, DC

The Imminent Singularity? The History and Future of Robots & AI

How to Successfully Apply to the World's Top Incubators

Going Global: Strategies for Successful International Expansion

Global Student Panel: Entrepreneurship Students from All Over the World

AI in Space Exploration: From Star Trek and Beyond

How to Acquire Customers From Experts

How to Define Winning Project