Program

Last update: 2 September 2024

Day 0 - Tuesday, 3 September 2024

18:00 : Registration Open & Welcome Drink

Venue: Sasin School of Management, TK Hall on the premises of Chulalongkorn University (Entrance is near Pratumwan Princess Hotel) 

19:00 : Opening Remarks and Welcome by the Organizers 

Special address by Ambassador Sihasak Phuangketkeow 

Former Vice Minister and Permanent Secretary of Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

19:40 : Cocktail Reception for registered participants and invited guests

21:00 : End of Opening Event

Day 2 - Thursday, 5 September 2024

08:30 – 10:00  : Becoming a Feminist Futurist - Asia Pacific Perspectives

In this session leading female futurists in the region will explore the enduring reasons behind gender inequality and will focus on envisioning alternative and preferred futures. Opening speaker Ivana Milojević will discuss “The Hesitant Feminist’s Guide to the Future and What That

Means for the Asia Pacific?” Following by an engaging panel with futurist from different parts of Asia and the Pacific. Note: This session can be continued in a more participatory session followed after the coffee break. 

Keynote: Ivana Milojević, Metafuture

Panelists: 

Dr. Nur Anisah Abdullah, Tamkang University, Taiwan 

Dr. Ora-orn Poocharoen, Chiang Mai University, Thailand

Ms. Vuki Buadromo, Principal Adviser - DDG Office at Pacific Community-SPC 

10:00 - 10:15 : Book Launch and Introduction to the breakouts for the Day  

Moderator: Jost Wagner, The Change Initiative

10:35 – 11:00 : Networking Coffee Break & Group Picture {Sasin Hall}

11:00 – 12:30 : 

Workshops C1: Become a Feminist Futurist: Asia Pacific Perspectives {Room 503}

This participatory workshop on Gender Equitable/Feminist Futures will utilize futures thinking and three futures methodologies (The Futures Triangle, The Change Progression Scenario Method, and The Causal Layered Analysis) to refine and/or transform current strategies. Participants will explore constructive approaches and diverse ways of knowing, aiming to expand and deepen the dialogue on achieving gender-equitable goals in the region. This session is open to participants of all genders and will serve as a platform to utilise futures thinking to guide our collective and individual endeavor

Facilitators: Nur Anisah Abdullah, Ivana Milojević

Workshops C2:  Advancement in Futures Research Methodology {Sasin Hall}

This session explores new approaches to developing futures studies and foresight. The first presentation will share findings from a research project that assessed and enhanced futures literacy among students. The second presentation will discuss the crucial role of inspiration in individuals and communities for effective governance. The final presentation will explore incorporating critical thinking into the Futures Triangle Tool.

Dr. Tamas Gasper, Budapest University, Hungary , "Futures Literacy in practice – experience of a future skills building project"

Shakil Ahmed, Tamkang University, "Understanding the Relationship between Futures Thinking and Inspiration"

Nok Boonmavichit and Paricha Duangtaweesub, "Futures Triangle: The interplay among Structure, Culture and Agency"

Freyja van den Boom, "AI(C)harms or what could possible go wrong with AI !?"  

Moderator: Dr. Tamas Gasper

Workshops C3: The SDG 2030 Game - A teaser into a future-oriented game {Room 206}

"The Sustainable Development Game" is a a thought-provoking, multi-player card game-based workshop that simulates what the world could look like in 2030. This collaborative and educational simulation game was designed to teach players about sustainable development and the challenges associated with implementing these practices globally. Players take on the roles of various stakeholders—such as government officials, business leaders, and community representatives—and work together to develop a sustainable society. 

Lead Facilitator: Mr. Ragil Ratnam, Sasin School of Management & TBC 

Workshops C4: Thailand Futures (in Thai language)  {Room TK Hall}

This panel presents diverse applications of foresight research in Thailand. Speakers will discuss emerging issues affecting Thai youth over the next decade, share lessons from implementing foresight in government, and present findings on developing a future governance index for various organizations. These talks highlight how futures thinking is being applied to inform policy, strategy, and governance across different sectors in Thailand, offering attendees insights into practical uses of foresight methodologies for addressing complex societal challenges and preparing for future uncertainties.

• "Envisioning 2035: Strategic Insights into Challenges and Opportunities for Young People in Thailand" - Pannin Sumanasrethakul UNICEF Foresight Consultant (Young's People Programme)

• "Unlocking Future Perspectives: Lessons Learned from a Government Agency" - Chalitda Madhyamapurush and team, Advisor of CEO, Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA)

• "Measuring and Building Organization’s Future Governance" - Dr. Rugphong Vongsaroj, Director, Future Intelligence & Strategy Program (FuturISt), National Institute of Development Administration

Moderator: Jameekorn Aumnatphook, School of Public Policy, Chiang Mai University

Workshops C5: Asian Ways of Knowing and Being: Balancing Reason and Intuition in Creating Your Personal Future {Room 402}

This workshop aims to explore traditional Asian ways of knowing and being, focusing on mindfulness tools such as meditation and visualization. Participants will learn how to apply these tools to their personal futures and decision-making processes. The workshop will also introduce mindful approaches to knowing and being, and discuss the impact of AI and the digital society on modern cultures. Drawing from Daoism, Buddhism, and neo-Confucianism, the workshop will explore concepts like harmony, effortless action, the dao, and yin-yang. The focus will be on preserving these states of mind in challenging cultural and environmental contexts. Key questions to be discussed include:

- How can we use intuitive intelligence to align our life choices with our Deep Self?

- How will Asian societies evolve in the face of increasing AI impacts and time spent online?

- What opportunities does AI present for the expansion of traditional Asian ways of knowing and being, particularly in relation to wisdom and well-being? 

Facilitator: Prof. Markus Anthony, Associate Professor of Futures Studies at the College of Global Talents, and, Coordinator Global Talent 2050, Beijing Institute of Technology, Zhuhai, China 

12:30 – 13:30 : Networking Lunch 

13:30 – 13:50 : Special Address: Futures and Spirituality {Sasin Hall}

Dr. Zainal Abidin Sanusi, Director, Sejahtera Centre for Sustainability and Humanity, International Islamic University, Malaysia

Dada Shambhushivananda (Dr. Satish Chander Kohli), India

13:50 - 15:15 : Parallel Workshops 

Workshop D1: Fostering flourishing futurists: Animating holistic personal well-being for foresight practitioners and the wider futures community  {Room 503}

This interactive session addresses the mental well-being of foresight practitioners and the futures community. Commencing with an initial pause and reflect on the conference experiences, it offers a safe space to share challenges and joys, provides practical self-care approaches and practices, and fosters a supportive community for personal and professional flourishing. 

Facilitator: Steven Lichty and Maree Conway

Panel Discussion D2: Different Ways of Knowing: Co-creation of a Just and Sustainable Future {Sasin Hall}

The current global landscape, marked by increasing climate extremes, biodiversity collapse, reemerging infectious diseases, and persistent development inequalities, underscores the urgent need to rethink how we envision the future. In this post-COVID era, it is essential to foster new synergies that encourage foresight thinking about multiple "futures"—creating conscious pathways toward collective betterment.  Traditionally, the foresight process has relied heavily on expert opinions and data-driven models, often overlooking marginalized groups and communities, particularly Indigenous peoples. These communities possess deep, context-specific knowledge crucial for understanding and anticipating both local and global challenges. Moreover, their experiences with social, economic, and environmental changes are distinct, offering valuable perspectives that differ from those of more privileged groups.  This session will explore the issues of politics of knowledge and knowledge co-creation emphasizing the importance of values, practices, and the unique insights of overlooked communities. The speakers will discuss grass-roots futures literacy, exploring the role of indigenous and local knowledge, values and actions towards a just and sustainable future.

UNESCO Chair on Resource Governance and Futures Literacy

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narumon Arunothai

Asst. Prof. Carl Middleton
Ajarn Pakorn Lertsatianchai
Moderators: Dr. Surichai Wun'gaeo and Nok Boonmavichit 

Workshop D3: Re-Imagining and Investing in Food System Transformations in Asia and the Pacific {Room 402}

Join us as we delve into the complexities and interconnected risks within agrifood transformation in Asia Pacific, one of the world's fastest-growing yet most climate-vulnerable regions. This workshop will emphasize on the critical need for substantial investment in agrifood systems to drive fair transformation and effectively combat the climate crisis. We will explore data-driven strategies to scale up local, national, and global actions, demonstrating how foresight planning could play a pivotal role in unlocking or repurposing investment while supporting multiple time horizon policies in agrifood system transformation.

To steer the discussion the two guiding questions will open the workshop:

• How can we effectively integrate advanced data analytics and modeling to drive policy and investment decisions that enhance the resilience and sustainability of agrifood systems, at multiple time horizons in the Asia-Pacific region?

• Considering the urgent need for increased investment in agrifood solutions, what innovative policy measures can be implemented to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices and technologies across the sector while encouraging a change of mindset?

Moderator: Daniel Riveong & Dr. Rathana Peou Norbert-Munns, UN-FAO Sustainable development and agrifood system policy expert

Workshop D4: Thailand Futures (in Thai language) - {TK Hall - Floor 1}

This panel explores innovative approaches to future-oriented policymaking and sustainability in Thailand and the broader Asia-Pacific region. The first speaker will present insights from the APEC Center for Technology Foresight on achieving net-zero emissions, highlighting key challenges and opportunities in the transition to carbon neutrality. The second speaker introduces a unique perspective on public policy design, incorporating spiritual tools to promote holistic thinking. The session concludes with a discussion on enhancing collaboration to integrate futures thinking into Thai public policy.

• 1. "APEC STI Strategic Foresight for Net-Zero Emissions" - Dr. Asira Chirawithayaboon, Senior Policy Specialist, APEC Center for Technology Foresight (APEC-CTF), Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council

• 2. "Heartfelt Public Policy Design: Harnessing Foresight Tools with a Spiritual Touch" - Jameekorn Aumnatphook, School of Public Policy, Chiang Mai University

• 3. "Building a Futurist Society with Thailand Public Policy Network - TPPN" - Dr. Ora-orn Poocharoen, School of Public Policy, Chiang Mai University

Moderator: Prof. Ora-orn Poocharoen, Chiang Mai University

Workshop D5: Crafting Futures: The Dreams and Disruptions Foresight Workshop {Room 206}

Explore the unpredictable future with the "Dreams and Disruptions" workshop, a hands-on strategic foresight game that challenges participants to think critically and creatively about potential global futures. Engage with scenario-building exercises using cards that represent various future influencers such as leadership dynamics, technological advancements, and global disruptions. Collaborate with fellow visionaries to navigate through complex future landscapes, utilizing randomness and strategic thinking to craft resilient pathways. Enhance your foresight skills and expand your understanding of how diverse factors can shape tomorrow’s world. Perfect for futurists, policymakers, educators, and anyone interested in shaping the future.

Facilitators: Shermon Cruz, Center for Engaged Foresight & Louis Zheng FuturistCircle

15:15– 15:40 : Networking Coffee Break

15:40 - 16:45 : Parallel Workshops

Workshop E1: Seapunk & Cosmo-Local Futures: Connection and Coordination in the Digital Nomad Era {TK Hall - Floor 1}

We live today in the age of both the 'Work Anywhere' digital nomad and the 'Belong Anywhere' Airbnb. However, some argue, more often than not this also results in people working nowhere and belonging nowhere. What dynamics shape and separate these outcomes? In these session, we will explore these through a playful futures exercise, tapping two case studies especially for inspiration: the human histories of Southeast Asia's open seas, and the contemporary dynamics and tensions of digital nomad hubs like Chiang Mai.

Facilitators: Sam Chua (Metacata) and Dev Lewis (digi-cnx)

Workshop E2: Extreme Futures: Making Futures Literate Policy in Postnormal Times {Room 503}

Moving from theory to practice is one of the greatest hurdles any intellectual endeavour must face. This workshop seeks to place participants, both those experienced with and those new to futures and foresight, in the mindset to craft futures literate policy that operates with appreciation and anticipation of our strange, postnormal times. Participants will take stock of their biases and preferences while also learning from the opportunities offered by other’s views. In sharing and discussing their views, the participants will be exposed to the complexity, chaos, and contradictions inherent to postnormal times theory. Following this workshop, the participants will contemplate new insights that will empower them to navigate the challenges ahead and to develop more robust policy that can take our communities towards their preferred futures.

Facilitator: Scott Jordan, Centre for Postnormal Policy and Futures Studies (CPPFS) 

Workshop E3: Fashion Futuring {Room 402}

The facilitator will present her award-winning methodology to spark imagination and a values-driven transition towards sustainable futures. Fashion Futuring relies on our capacity to embrace a transitional posture, a floating state between our convictions and doubts, helping us to abandon predictive orientations and surrender our imagination into unthought possibilities for opening new paths towards sustainability. Fashion Futuring articulates reality-fiction and materiality-abstraction as complementary concepts to investigate how societal values that twinkle in our imaginaries can influence our worldviews even before finding a solid cultural ground to land and repose.

Facilitator: Clarice Garcia, Fashion Futuring

Workshop E4: Preposterous Governance: A game about new ideas in Democracy & Governance" - {Room 206}

The Preposterous Governance Game is a short, provocative game to investigate weak signals and megatrends and explore new ways of thinking about democracy and governance. Inspired by the A+B framework (developed by Dr. John Sweeney), newcomers to futures and foresight can quickly explore the probable to the preposterous in the year 2060, where we rethink democracy, governance, and the social contract. Participants will use a mix of play, imagination, and analytical thinking to deepen their understanding. The game is designed to be an insightful, approachable way for researchers, activists, policymakers to start thinking in signals, systems, and long-term implications.

Facilitators: Daniel Riveong

Workshop E5: Youth movements: Diverse and common images of intergenerational justice futures - (Sasin Hall) 

Young people around the world are facing unprecedented challenges and futures. Some of the frustrations youth are facing and aspirations they are dreaming are being expressed through youth movements in various countries. While youth implicitly have intergenerational concerns for justice in their minds, how do we think about this explicitly? What are some of the ways in which futures studies helps us to think about how youth invoke intergenerational justice? This panel brings together experts, advocates and researchers who work with youth, to reflect on their observations from the field. This panel will specifically ask "what are the different ways young people are pushing for intergenerational justice, and how do they see the future?" Sharing observations from across the Asia Pacific representing diverse cultures, countries and perspectives, the panel will seek to highlight the diversity in how youth imagine their futures, and the strategies they take for intergenerational justice. At the same time, it will also seek commonalities and common threads that speak to the broader aspiration for intergenerational justice globally. 

Ms. Carol Lim, Teach the Future - Singapore Chapter 

Dr. Jawn Lim, Singapore Institute of Technology. 

Ms. Bhawna Parmar, Design Research Specialist, Quest Alliance India  

Ms. Adam Sharpe, Innocenti Programme of UNICEF 

Moderator: Dr. Jose Ramos, Founder and Co-Director, Action Foresight, Australia 

16:45 - 17:30 : Closing Remarks, Vote of Thanks, Outlook to APFN 2025

Prof. Sohail Inayatullah

Prof. Ora-orn Poocharoen

Ms. Emily Sharp & Mr. Jost Wagner, APFN

Mr. Roy Tomizawa, Sasin School of Management