News, opportunities, and research activities
September 2026 | Cambridge Element (forthcoming)
Global Value Chains in Southeast Asia
Published as part of Cambridge Elements in International Economics, this publication explores what Southeast Asia’s participation in global value chains means for development. Drawing on case studies from the coffee, textile and clothing, and automotive sectors, it shows that GVC participation can generate export growth and employment, but does not automatically lead to upgrading or inclusive development. The Element points to the need for stronger innovation systems, better SME support, improved social and environmental standards, and deeper regional cooperation.
June 2026 | UNU-CRIS Policy Brief
Layered Regionalism in East Asia: RCEP and the Future of Overlapping Trade Agreements
Published by United Nations University - CRIS, this policy brief examines East Asia’s complex “noodle bowl” of overlapping free trade agreements and the role of RCEP in reshaping the region’s trade architecture. It argues that East Asia is moving toward layered regionalism, in which earlier ASEAN+1 agreements continue to coexist with RCEP because they offer deeper tariff concessions, partner-specific cooperation, and greater flexibility for firms. The brief highlights the need to govern, rather than simply eliminate, these overlaps by aligning rules, reducing compliance costs, and strengthening cooperation on green, digital, and inclusive regional integration.
This policy brief builds on and further develops the analysis presented in Ha and Korwatanasakul (2023) and Korwatanasakul (2026).
June 2026 | UNIDO Working Paper
Published by UNIDO and WIFO, this working paper examines the economic, industrial, employment, poverty, and gender impacts of rising tariff barriers. Using global economic modelling, it shows how trade protectionism can undermine industrial development and poverty reduction, particularly in developing economies and least developed countries.
May 2026 | Journal Article
Reverse-Hybrid Open Innovation in Thai Social Enterprises
Published in Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, this article examines how Thai social enterprises combine low-cost digital tools with trust-based community engagement to support inclusion, social impact, and financial sustainability in uneven institutional contexts.
May 2026 | Invited Speaker
Fifth Forum on Carbon Neutrality Goals of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea
Presentation: Climate–Ageing Nexus: Challenges and Opportunities for Thailand
The presentation discussed Thailand’s dual transition of rapid population ageing and decarbonisation, and the need for more age-inclusive climate action.
Organisers: United Nations ESCAP, Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS), and Waseda University.
May 2026 | Guest Lecture
Just Labour Transition and Industry
Course: FSCC Spring 2026, Lecture 8
Delivered a graduate guest lecture on just labour transition and industry in the context of climate and industrial transformation.
Organiser: UNU-IAS
April 2026 | Journal Article
The Dynamics of Overlapping Agreements: Sequencing, Layering, and Feedback in East Asian Regionalism
Published in the European Journal of East Asian Studies, the article examines how ASEAN+1 agreements and RCEP interact within East Asia’s evolving trade architecture.
April 2026 | Research Grant (JSPS KAKENHI)
This project is funded by JSPS KAKENHI (Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C) (General)) for the period 2026–2029. It examines the environmental and health impacts of cross-border e-waste trade using causal inference approaches based on international trade shocks.
April 2026 | Seminar Launch
The Environmental Business & Sustainability Seminar will begin in AY2026.
Details on participation and seminar activities will be shared here.
February 2026 | Workshop (Vienna, Austria - Online)
Training on the DIVE industrial policy toolkit
Organisers: UNIDO & University of Bari Aldo Moro
February 2026 | Academic Talk (Singapore)
The ASEAN–Japan: Embracing Diverse Partnerships for the Future
Presentation: Utilising AI Technologies to Realise Climate Change Goals
Session: Leveraging AI Technologies for Sustainable Development: Opportunities and Challenges for Cross-Border Collaboration
Organiser: The ASEAN Studies Centre, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.