Celebrating the 59th ASEAN Day
August 18th
AIPSI joined diplomatic representatives and distinguished delegates from the United States and all 11 ASEAN members to celebrate the 59th ASEAN Day. Hosted by the Royal Embassy of Cambodia, the celebration marked 59 years of ASEAN unity and 50 years of treaty relations between the Association and the United States. The celebration brought together the unique policy and culinary voices of every member state, with keynote addresses by the ambassadors of Cambodia and the Philippines, the current ASEAN chairing nation, who outlined their respective visions for ASEAN’s present and future trajectory as they see it.
ASEAN’s Open Wound: The Present and Future of Myanmar’s Civil War
An AIPSI-led Expert Panel, March 17th
This event brought together experts with strong ties to Southeast Asia and Myanmar to discuss current and emerging challenges stemming from the ongoing civil conflict. It aligns with AIPSI’s goal of highlighting the diverse perspectives needed to understand Indo-Pacific issues.
Ambassador Piper Campbell moderated the conversation, which featured a panel of distinguished guests who offered their unique perspectives and observations on the complex topic. The panel included Ei Thant Sin, an independent journalist and experienced reporter on Myanmar; Hla Hpone “Jack” Myint, a non-resident fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies CSIS) and Southeast Asia director at the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (USABC); and Amitav Acharya, SIS distinguished professor and member of the AIPSI leadership.
Myint drew on his background and work in Myanmar. He examined the political and personal factors that caused and sustained the conflict. He also explored how these forces affected ASEAN’s efforts to stop the violence. Ei’s journalism added a vital human touch to the issue. It highlighted the growing challenges in tracking the conflict and its humanitarian effects. This is important, especially as other global crises grab attention. Acharya noted the complexities among Myanmar’s political and social groups. These groups can help or hinder efforts to build a sustainable future for the country.
April 2026 – a month of expanding scholarly connections
In April 2026, AIPSI hosted and participated in two Fulbright-focusedevents. This is part of our effort to connect emerging voices in Southeast Asian studies. These events brought Fulbright scholars in Washington, D.C., together. They sparked important discussions among the scholars, AIPSI’s academic networks, and young professionals.
The inaugural event featured an intimate conversation. AIPSI and the graduate student council of the School of International Service co-led it. Fulbright scholars Ruoxue Goh and Chhay Lim visited. They engaged with students and AIPSI community members. They shared their approaches and perspectives on their research. They explored the current views on Southeast Asia in academia and policy. They highlighted the gaps and challenges in today’s Southeast Asian policy landscape.
Amb. Piper Campbell was joined by Ruoxue Goh, Chhay Lim, and other scholars and diplomats for a Fulbright roundtable and reception at Arizona State University’s US-ASEAN Center. The discussion, “The Future of ASEAN: Cross-Sector Challenges and Opportunities for U.S.–ASEAN Collaboration,” was led by Ambassador Campbell. This event reflected AIPSI’s mission to promote discussion of Southeast Asian affairs across different fields and institutions.
At both events, students from various departments found that their interests matched the unique geopolitical features of ASEAN and its member states.