Southeast Asia faces rising U.S.–China rivalry and AI-driven competition. This event explores ASEAN’s digital future, governance, and strate
Southeast Asia is undergoing profound geopolitical, economic, and technological transformations. Southeast Asia sits at the crossroads of major power shifts, particularly with China’s expanding regional influence, placing ASEAN countries in a position where they must navigate increasingly complex strategic choices. As U.S.–China rivalry intensifies, the region is compelled to balance national autonomy with regional cohesion amid competing external pressures.
At the same time, the rapid emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is shifting the theatre of competition from traditional maritime domains to new digital arenas, including data governance, cybersecurity, information flows, and technological infrastructure.
The Vienna Institute for Global Studies (VIGS) invites you to a timely panel discussion to discuss geopolitical competition, AI governance, and Southeast Asia’s evolving strategic role in the age of AI.
𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐬
- Southeast Asia between U.S.–China strategic rivalry
- The SEA Nations shift from maritime security to digital competition
- AI governance and digital sovereignty in ASEAN
- Cybersecurity, disinformation, and technological infrastructure
- Long-term limitations and opportunities for the region
𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝
- Gain strategic insight into Southeast Asia’s evolving geopolitical role
- Understand how AI is reshaping regional competition and security in the region
- Explore ASEAN’s role in shaping responsible AI governance
- Engage with regional experts on the future of power, technology, and regional stability
𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬
- Dr. Le Hong Hiep – Senior Fellow at the Vietnam Studies Programme and the Regional Strategic and Political Studies Programme of the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute ( Vietnam)
- Mr. Hazremi Hamid – Senior Officer, Digital Economy (AI Governance, Digital Transformation) at ASEAN Secretariat (Indonesia)
- Dr. Amirudin Abdul Wahab – Chief Executive Officer at CyberSecurity (Malaysia)
𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬
📍 Venue: WeXelerate, Praterstraße 1, 1020 Vienna
🕓 Date & Time: Friday, 28 November 2025 | 16:30 – 20:00
𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚:
16:30 – 17:00 – Arrival & Registration
17:00 – 19:00 – Keynotes, Panel Discussion & Q&A
19:00 – 20:00 – Networking Reception
