Southeast Asia Oration, July 4, 2024

The University of Melbourne launches the Asia and Pacific Outlook Series with the Southeast Asia Oration, delivered by Pita Limjaroenrat, Member of the Thai House of Representatives and Former Leader of the Move Forward Party.

The Southeast Asia Oration offers a thought-provoking contribution to the discussion on the trajectory of democracy in Southeast Asia and its key challenges. In Thailand, the progressive Move Forward Party won a plurality of seats during the 2023 election, however the party was blocked from forming government. Similar trends are present across Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia.

The Oration was followed by expert panel moderated by Professor Michael Wesley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Global, Culture & Engagement.

Panellists:
Dr Anna Dziedzic, Programme Officer for Constitution Building Processes at the Asia Pacific Office of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).
Professor Vedi Hadiz, Director of the Asia Institute, University of Melbourne.
Ms Syme de Leon, PhD Candidate at the University of Melbourne Asia Institute.
Dr Huong Le Thu, Deputy Director Asia Program, International Crisis Group.