One Day International Conference on ‘Assessing Opportunities and Challenges in ASEAN-GCC Interactions’

Leaders, academics, and experts from across ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) convened in Jakarta for the International Conference on ‘Assessing Opportunities and Challenges in ASEAN-GCC Interactions.’ This landmark event explored the potential for collaboration between these two dynamic regions amid shifting global geopolitics.

Organized by the Asia Middle East Center for Research and Dialogue (AMEC) in collaboration with prominent academic and research institutions, the conference featured keynotes and panel discussions by policymakers, academics, and industry representatives from ASEAN and GCC countries.

Highlights of the Conference
The conference hosted distinguished speakers from various nations, showcasing a diversity of perspectives and expertise:

Keynote Addresses:
The opening keynote was delivered by Mr. Yayan Ganda Hayat Mulyana, Head of the Foreign Policy Strategy Agency, who represented H.E. Bapak Anis Matta, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Indonesia.

Plenary Sessions:
Experts from Qatar, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines led discussions on topics ranging from economic diversification in the GCC, ASEAN’s engagement with West Asia, and opportunities for greater cultural integration.
Key speakers included:

• Dr. Maryam Mohammed Al-Kuwari (Qatar)
• Dr. Abdolreza Alami (Malaysia)
• Dr. Henelito A. Sevilla, Jr. (Philippines)

MOU Signing Ceremony:
A significant highlight was the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between AMEC, Universitas Indonesia, Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta, Universitas Padjadjaran, and Asia West East Centre. These agreements formalized collaborations aimed at strengthening ties between ASEAN and GCC regions.

Objectives and Themes
The conference focused on:

• Fostering geopolitical alignment and identifying common interests.
• Promoting economic integration by leveraging complementary strengths.
• Enhancing cultural understanding through educational and people-to-people exchanges.

Collaborating Institutions
The conference was co-hosted by:

• Asia Middle East Center for Research and Dialogue (AMEC)
• Universitas Indonesia (UI)
• Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta (UMJ), Indonesia
• Universitas Padjadjaran (UnPad), Indonesia
• Asia West East Centre, Malaysia

About the Conference
The International Conference on ‘Assessing Opportunities and Challenges in ASEAN-GCC Interactions’ provided a unique platform to deepen understanding, foster cooperation, and build stronger bridges between ASEAN and GCC nations. The outcomes of this dialogue are expected to contribute significantly to global stability, economic growth, and cultural exchange.