IN THE NEWS: Vietnam puts Mekong's fate on ASEAN's agenda

by Marwaan Macan-Markar [NIkkei Asian Review]

In a nod to green diplomacy, Vietnam is raising the geopolitical stakes over the Mekong River, Southeast Asia's largest body of water, which has dropped to record lows due to a severe drought and construction of large dams.

Hanoi has signaled its intent to raise the issue this year as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. By putting the Mekong, which is shared by five riparian countries in the river's basin and China, on the 10-nation regional bloc's agenda, Vietnam has transformed the waterway from a subregional issue to one of greater international concern.

....

But development analysts question China's hydro-diplomacy. Although China argues that "one of the benefits of the LMC is it can mitigate droughts by operating dams, it is clear that infrastructure solutions alone are not the answer," said Carl Middleton, deputy director for international research at the Center for Social Development Studies at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University. "The drought should force a rethink since it lays bare the river as more than an economic enterprise."

For the full article, please click the link here.

UPCOMING PUBLIC SEMINAR: "Job Security and Human Skills in the Age of Automation" [15 November]

 "Job Security and Human Skills in the Age of Automation"

Wednesday, 15 November 2017, from 8.00 am. – 1.00 pm. at the Alumni Conference Room, 12th floor, Political Science Building 3, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University

Session convened by the Center for Social Development Studies, Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in International Development Studies (MAIDS-GRID), Chulalongkorn University, Samsung Smart Learning Center

The rise of robotics and automation is becoming evident in Asia.  According to the International Federation of Robotics, by 2019, more than 1.4 million new industrial robots will be installed in factories around the world, with China being the strongest growing market for the robotics industry.

A recent study by International Labor Organization suggests that over 70% of salaried workers in 5 key sectors in ASEAN countries are at risk of being displaced by automation.  The study also points out the need to upgrade STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills among workers in general.  Cloud technology and big data analytics, Internet of Things, and digital marketing are also highlighted to have transformative impacts on jobs in ASEAN.

The roundtable discussion will focus on the above issues and the task universities have in preparing young students to cope with the future.  Given the scope of Thailand’s policies on the economy, education and development, the question then arises: what actions could be taken at the state, university and individual levels to make students ready to cope with the automation age.

The Center for Social Development Studies (CSDS), Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University, in collaboration with The Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in International Development Studies (MAIDS-GRID), Chulalongkorn University, Samsung Smart Learning Center, and collaborative parties would like to cordially invite you to join  the seminar on “Job Security and Human Skills in the Age of Automation”.  The event will be held on Wednesday, 15 November 2017, from 8.00 am. – 1.00 pm. at the Alumni Conference Room, 12th floor, Political Science Building 3, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University.  The program details are as follows*:

08.30 – 09.00 Registration

09.00 – 09.10 Welcome Remarks by Kasira Cheeppensook, PhD, Deputy Director, Center for Social Development Studies (CSDS), Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University

09.10 – 09.20 Objective Remarks by Ms. Sukajit Srisukon, Project Consultant, Samsung Smart Learning Center

09.20 – 09.30 Opening Remarks by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ake Tangsupvattana, Dean, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University

09.30 – 09.50 Mr. Phu Huynh, ILO Employment Specialist and Co-author of “ASEAN in Transformation: How Technology is Changing Jobs and Enterprises”

09.50 – 10.00 Coffee Break

10.00 – 12.00 Roundtable Discussion on “Job Security and Human Skills in the Age of Automation”

– Discussants Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nualnoi Treerat, Director, Institute of Asian Studies, Chulalongkorn University

– Assoc. Prof. Lae Dilokvidhyarat, Distinguished Professor, Faculty of Economics, Chulalongkorn University

– Supot Tiarawut, PhD, Director, Industrial Liaison Program, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University

– Mr. Varit Charunyanonda, Senior Manager, Brand Communication, Thai Samsung Electronics Company Limited

– Moderated by Assist. Prof. Jakkrit Sangkamanee, PhD, Center for Social Development Studies (CSDS), Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University

12.00 – 12.25 Q & A

12.25 – 12.30 Closing Remarks by Assist. Prof. Dr. Naruemon Thabchumpon, Director, MA & PhD Programs in International Development Studies, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University (MAIDS-GRID)

12.30 – 13.00 Lunch

* Simultaneous translation will be provided.

To register visit http://bit.ly/2gy5MrS

For more information, please contact tel: 0-2218-7313 or email: maidschula@gmail.com

UPCOMING PUBLIC SEMINAR: "Public Seminar on Human Rights" by Ronald L. Holzhacker and Stanati Netipatalachoochote [24 May 2017]

9:00-11:30, Alumni Meeting Room, 12th Floor, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University

Co-organized by the Master of Arts in International Development Studies (MAIDS), the MA in Southeast Asian Studies Program (SEAS), the Institute for Asian Studies, the Center for Social Development Studies (CSDS) of the the Faculty of Political Science Chulalongkorn University.