[Event] World Order Lab’s Global Order, Statecraft, and Contemporary Security Discourse #2
The Philippines will formally assume the chairmanship of the ASEAN in January 2026, a moment that coincides with major regional security challenges and opportunities. Its government has pledged a leadership that is “practical, inclusive, and measurable,” while also emphasizing the importance of “continuity.” This commitment comes as Southeast Asia’s regional order is tested by maritime disputes, internal conflicts, and the integration of a new member state. The coming year will therefore show whether ASEAN can uphold regional stability and respond effectively to both recurring and emerging security risks under the Philippines’ Chairmanship.
To examine the evolving security challenges shaping Southeast Asia ahead of the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026, the World Order Lab, in collaboration with FACTS Asia, is organizing a webinar entitled “The Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship 2026: Regional Order and the Spectrum of Security Challenges.” This webinar will examine how the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship can address recurring and emerging security challenges while reinforcing ASEAN centrality. Discussions will focus on maritime tensions in the South China Sea, the unresolved Myanmar crisis, and intra-ASEAN flashpoints, alongside security concerns surrounding Timor-Leste’s integration. The purpose of this webinar is to critically assess the strategic choices facing ASEAN and the Philippines in advancing a more resilient, inclusive, and effective regional security framework.
Event Details:
Date: Friday, December 12, 2025
Time:
2:30 PM to 4:00 PM (Jakarta/Bangkok/Hanoi time - GMT+7)
3:30 PM to 5:00 PM (Philippines/Singapore/Malaysia time - GMT+8)
Venue: Online via Zoom Meeting
We are pleased to have Mr. Julio Amador III, Founder and Trustee of FACTS Asia, as our keynote speaker, who will address “Southeast Asia’s Security Outlook Amid Growing Regional Uncertainty Toward 2026.” We are also joined by brilliant panelists, including:
Dr. Barbora Valockova - Postdoctoral Fellow, Centre on Asia and Globalisation, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore;
Deryk Matthew Baladjay - Lecturer, De La Salle University; Research Manager, Amador Research Services; and
Ronan Timothy Asturias - Analyst, World Order Lab; Undergraduate Student, University of Santo Tomas Manila.
The webinar will be moderated by Geo Arshali, Senior Analyst & Program Manager, World Order Lab & Emerging Leaders Fellow, FACTS Asia. It will be conducted in English and is open to World Order Lab members and the general public.
Register here: https://forms.gle/XvM9G7CLX9EYLsJx9.
Learn more about the event: Concept Note & Program
For more information, please contact us at info@worldorderlab.com.
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World Order Lab is a youth-driven, nonpartisan, and non-profit think-tank dedicated to advancing rigorous analysis and producing high-impact insights on the world’s most pressing security and governance challenges, with a particular focus on Southeast Asia.