Our Activities

On Wednesday, 03 April 2024 an expert panel shared their views on the increasing need for cyber capacity-building initiatives to achieve lasting impact and sustainability in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific. Among the key insights from the launch is the emphasis on bottom-up and ‘homegrown’ approaches to developing tools and frameworks for cyber cooperation; and the importance of strengthening pre-existing communities of practice in Southeast Asia.

The Philippines Secretary for Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Enrique A. Manalo, was welcomed by the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific’s newly established Philippines Institute for a round-table discussion on Friday, March 1. While joining esteemed academics, College staff, diplomates, and representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Secretary Manalo said the work of the Institute will contribute to greater understanding and cooperation between the governments and people of Australia and the Philippines.

Last Tuesday, Christian Esguerra presented in a seminar on the situation of the Philippine press under Marcos Jr. after enduring six years under Duterte, who shut down the country’s largest network on free TV and radio, and consistently threatened and harassed critics, including journalists over their critical reporting. In his talk, he discussed journalists’ struggle against infrastructures of disinformation, hyperpartisan media organisations, and a culture of intolerance for free speech and critical thought in public discourse.

Last Friday, ANU academics, students, public sector representatives, and distinguished members of the diplomatic community united to celebrate the launch of the ANU Philippines Institute: a new hub for research and policy dialogue focused on the Philippines’ economy, politics and society.

With collaboration and support from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the ANU Philippines Institute stands as a testament to the strengthened bilateral ties between Australia and the Philippines. The Institute is led by CAP academics, Associate Professor Björn Dressel and Dr Maria Tanyag.

The Institute will convene biennial Philippines Update conferences in 2024 and 2026 to be held at ANU campus. In 2025 and 2027, conferences will be jointly organised in the Philippines with a partner university (to be confirmed).