Participant List

Participant List

Speakers

Agus Haryono, Indonesian Research and Innovation Fund (IRIF) National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN)
Agus Haryono studied at Waseda University, Japan from undergraduate, master and until doctoral program in Applied Chemistry (1990-1999). He continued his research activities as postdoctoral researcher at Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) Tsukuba Japan (1999-2002) and Vienna University of Technology, Austria (2005-2006). Agus has already published more than 100 articles in journals, patents and other publications, focused on the field of polymer chemistry. Currently he has a duty both as Deputy Chairman for Research and Innovation Facilitation in BRIN (National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia) and as President of Indonesian Research and Innovation Fund (IRIF) BRIN.
Angie Bexley, KONEKSI
Angie Bexley is the technical lead and Head of Partnerships and Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion, on the Australia – Indonesia Knowledge Platform (KONEKSI), a AUD 50 million/ 5 year program that supports Australian and Indonesian collaborative research for better knowledge-based solutions for inclusive and sustainable policies and technologies. Angie has over 20 years experience designing and implementing collaborative and applied research programs across the Asia Pacific with specific interests in gender and equitable partnerships. Previously Angie was the Associate Dean of Inclusion and Equity, College of the Pacific and Asia at the Australian National University.
Bhavani Rao, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, India
Dr. Bhavani Rao is the Dean of the School of Social and Behavioural Sciences at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, a top-ranked University in India. She is also the Director of two Research Centers: AMMACHI Labs and Center for Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality. She has served as UNESCO Chair on Gender Equality at Amrita since 2016. She was the Coordinator of the Gender Equality Working Group of Civil20, the official Engagement Group of G20 dedicated to civil society. Her work focuses on empowering and enhancing vulnerable communities, with a special focus on women in rural areas.
Chintia Asmilia Sari, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Jakarta
Chintia Asmilia is the Senior Program Manager of Knowledge to Policy unit at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta. She has more than 10 years experience in managing a number of development cooperation programs in the sectors of basic education, agriculture, economic development, civil society strengthening, research and innovation partnerships. Her area of expertise is in gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) mainstreaming in development.
Chris Hatherly, The Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia
Dr Chris Hatherly is the CEO of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia. He has a PhD in psychology from the Australian National University and has extensive experience working at the interface of research, policy, service delivery and community.
Dhananjay Singh, AASSREC/Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)
Professor Dhananjay Singh is President of AASSREC and Member Secretary of the Indian Council of Social Sciences. He represented the country at the 42nd General Conference on Social and Human Sciences (SHS) of UNESCO, at UNESCO, Paris. He also participated in the Global Forum on Ethics of Artificial Intelligence organised by UNESCO in collaboration with the Government of Slovenia at Brdo, Slovenia. Prof. Singh has been Visiting Professor at University of Bergamo, Italy; International Visiting Fellow at Grinnell College, Grinnell, IOWA, USA; and Visiting Research Fellow at Trinity Long Room Hub, Trinity College Dublin.
Dilushi Munasinghe, National Science Foundation (NSF), Sri Lanka
Ms. Munasinghe, Scientific Officer at the NSF, SL, has over ten years of experience managing tasks in S&T Policy Research Division. She has experience in conducting National R&D surveys, providing crucial statistics to UNESCO, UIS, and contributing to the UN SDG database, shaping UN SDG and GII reports. With expertise in research management, policy studies and survey execution, she also coordinates the NSF Working Committee on Social Sciences. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Technology and Management and a Master’s degree in Organizational Management from the University of Peradeniya, and a professional qualification in Marketing from the CIM, UK.
Edgard Rodriguez, International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
Edgard Rodriguez is an expert on capacity building for public policy (think tanks), economic development and labour markets in Asia and Latin American economies. Edgard has worked with universities, think tanks and networks at IDRC promoting better training and mentoring of emerging thought leaders in social and economic policies in Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. Since 2017, he has led an initiative to promote gender-sensitive public policy in Myanmar working with think tanks, universities and civil society. Edgard holds a PhD (Economics) from the University of Toronto with specialization in economic development and labour economics.
Francesco Obino, Global Development Network (GDN)
Francesco is Director of the Research Programs Unit at GDN. He has worked for over fifteen years in research, publishing and research capacity building in academia, international organisations and NGOs. His background is in international politics, political philosophy and social anthropology. He works routinely across Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Pacific. His research interests are research organizations, complex collaborations and the role of research funders in decolonizing development knowledge.
At GDN, he leads a global team that design and implement research capacity building initiatives. He leads the Doing Research global initiative.
Inaya Rakhmani, Asia Research Centre, Universitas Indonesia
Inaya Rakhmani is the inaugural director of the Asia Research Centre, Universitas Indonesia and associate professor at the Department of Communication, Universitas Indonesia. She has researched knowledge and society in Asia for the past decade. Within this study area, her work has been published in the Journal of Contemporary Asia (JCA), the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) in 2024, and the Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management in 2023.
Lourdes M. Portus, Phillipine Social Science Council (PSSC)
Dr. Lourdes M. Portus is the Executive Director of the Philippine Social Science Council. She was a Professor of the College of Mass Communication, University of the Philippines, specializing on communication research. She also served as the Special Assistant to the President of UP, as a College Secretary and as Chair of the Communication Research Department. Outside of the academe, she served as President of the Philippines Communication Society, and was Secretary of the CMC Foundation, Inc., the Philippine Association of Communication Educators and the CMC Alumni Association. She has edited and published books and chapters in refereed journals locally and internationally and has delivered academic papers in more than 20 countries.
Mathieu Denis, International Science Council (ISC)

Mathieu is Senior Director of the international Science Council (ISC), and Head of the ISC Centre for Science Futures. This think tank explores where science and the organization of science are taking us in the future.

Mathieu was previously appointed Science Director of the ISC, and served as Acting CEO throughout 2022. He was Executive Director of the International Social Science Council. He has previously taught industrial relations at Université de Montréal, and worked as researcher at the Berlin Social Science Centre.
Matthew L. Wallace, International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
Matthew Wallace has been working in the field of science policy for over a decade. As a Senior Program Specialist at the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) in Canada, he focuses on inclusive science and innovation systems in the Global South. He previously worked at UNESCO, managing a project on science for sustainable development in Africa. He has also worked as an advisor and evaluator at Canadian ministries and funding agencies. He holds a Ph.D. in the History of Science, and has published extensively on topics such as research management and evaluation, as well as the history of scientific disciplines.
Michelle Bruce, AASSREC/ The Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia
Michelle Bruce is the Secretary-General of the Association of Asian Social Science Research Councils (AASSREC) and the Director of Fellowship, International & Awards at the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia (ASSA). Michelle manages the AASSREC Secretariat and oversees the implementation of its programs to develop and promote the social sciences in Asia and the Pacific and strengthen co-operation between social science organisations in the region. At ASSA, Michelle oversees the Academy’s annual Fellowship nomination and election process and the Academy’s international program, including collaborative research funding programs with international social science academies and governments.
Nicole Arbour, Belmont Forum

Dr. Nicole Arbour is the Executive Director of the Belmont Forum, where she leads the Secretariat to support the delivery of the Belmont Forum’s mission of fostering the delivery of societally relevant transdisciplinary research to engage with global environmental change challenges.

Prior to this role, Nicole has held positions at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, the National Research Council Canada, and the UK’s Science and Innovation Network.

Nicole is passionate about the science-to-society interface and evidence-informed decision making. She holds a PhD from the University of Ottawa, where she is an adjunct professor in the Department of Geography.
Peter Sy, Philippine Social Science Council (PSSC)/University of the Philippines
Peter Sy is the Assistant Vice President for Digital Transformation at the University of the Philippines. He serves as the Chairman of the Privacy Experts Group for eHealth (DOH/DOST), a consultant for the Development of a National AI Governance Framework (DTI), and an Independent Consultant for the National Ethics Committee. Sy was the Program Director of the ELSI Program at the Philippine Genome Center (2011-2014) and the Director of the Diliman Interactive Learning Center (2008-2014). He has been a research consultant, fellow, and recipient of several international awards, and has served as a referee for various journals.
Phinith Chanthalangsy, UNESCO, Bangkok
Philosopher by training, Phinith Chanthalangsy is the Regional Advisor for the Social and Human Sciences, at the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok (Thailand). His fields of specialization are Comparative Philosophy, Ethics, and Cultural Studies. His work focuses on ethics of science and technology, social inclusion and human rights, gender equality, youth civic participation, and intercultural dialogue. He joined UNESCO Headquarters in Paris (France) in 2007 under the Philosophy, Democracy and Human Security Programme.
Sattakamol Kiatipanich, National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT)
Ms. Sattakamol Kiatipanich serves as the Director of the Division of Research and Innovation Funding Management 2 at the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT). In this role, she oversees the division’s responsibilities, which include providing funding for research and innovation projects in the fields of social development, education, public health and medicine, as well as research addressing key societal challenges. The division is also responsible for initiating, driving, and coordinating the implementation of important national research and innovation initiatives. Additionally, this division works to promote and facilitate the transfer of research knowledge for practical use and application.
Shamika Ravi, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India

Dr. Shamika Ravi is currently a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, and Secretary to Government of India. Previously, Dr. Ravi was Director of Research at Brookings India, Vice President Economic Policy at Observer Research Foundation and Non-Resident Senior Fellow of Governance Studies Program at Brookings Institution. Her research focuses on economics of development including areas of Finance, Healthcare, Urbanization, Gender Equality, and Welfare and Poverty.

She publishes extensively in international peer-reviewed academic journals and writes regular opinions pieces in newspapers (English and Hindi) for the wider audience of public policy. Her research work has been featured and frequently cited by leading global media outlets, as well as national and regional newspapers and magazines across India in different languages. Dr. Ravi has a PhD in Economics from New York University, Masters in Economics from Delhi School of Economics and B.A(H) in Economics from Lady Shri Ram College for Women.
Siri Hettige, National Science Foundation (NSF) Sri Lanka
Siri Hettige is Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of Colombo, and Chairman of the National Committee on Social Sciences at the National Science Foundation, Sri Lanka. He held the position of Chair of Sociology at Colombo University when he retired from the University. He has held visiting academic positions in a number of universities in several countries including Switzerland, Germany, Australia and Finland. He held the position of Chair of Sri Lanka Studies at the South Asia Institute, University of Heidelberg, Germany. He has published widely in such areas as social policy, social inequality, governance, education and development.
Siritham Na Ranong, National Research Council of Thailand

Siritham Na Ranong serves as Expert on Research System at the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT).

Previously, she held the position of Director of Thailand Academy of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts (TASSHA) at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI). In that role, she supervised a national program which bridge social sciences and natural sciences and technology as well as provide research environment bringing researchers on both fields to work together.
Sity Daud, Malaysian Social Science Association (PSSM)
SITY DAUD is the President of the Malaysian Social Science Association. She is a Professor of Political Economy and Deputy Dean (Industry and Community Partnership), at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) or the National University of Malaysia. Her research interests revolve around development politics, particularly state intervention, social protection, human security and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She has published numerous books and articles on development politics and her latest book is “Sustainable Development Goals and Project Impact Evaluation in Malaysia.”
Sompratana Suktawee, National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT)
Mr. Somparatana Sukhathawi joined the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) in 1993. He worked in research planning and budgeting, and was a co-researcher in a project surveying research and development expenditure and personnel in Thailand. He served as Head of Research Knowledge Management (2015-2016), Director of Research Policy and Planning Division (2016-2019), and has been the Deputy Executive Director of NRCT since 2019, overseeing the Division of Research Standards, the Institute of Animals for Scientific Purposes Development, the Mission of Research-based Policy, and the Mission of Research and Innovation Economic Animals. He holds a Master’s degree in Social Policy and Planning from the College of Social Technology Studies, attained in 1991.
Thittaporn Ganokratanaa, National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT)
THITTAPORN GANOKRATANAA (Member, IEEE) received a B.Sc. degree (First Class Honors, Gold Medal) in Media Technology from King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi in 2015, and M.Eng. and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering from Chulalongkorn University in 2017 and 2021, respectively, with Very Good Thesis Assessment Results. She is currently a lecturer in the Applied Computer Science program at the Department of Mathematics, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, specializing in Computer Vision, Video Anomaly Detection, Machine Learning, Internet of Things, and Human-Computer Interaction. She has over 40 papers published in international conference proceedings, book, book chapter, and journals.

Other Participants

Aliya Sembayeva, JSC ‘Science Fund’
Aliya Sembayeva holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Liverpool and currently serves as the Deputy Chairperson of the Board at Science Fund JSC, a national operator in research commercialization in Kazakhstan. With extensive experience in the corporate sector, she specializes in managing R&D and commercialization programs. Aliya supervises the implementation of the project “Improvement of mechanisms for effective regulation of the commercialization processes of applied R&D projects” commissioned by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Additionally, she serves as the national coordinator for the Horizon Europe program in Kazakhstan.
Aibek Samakov, Aigine Cultural Research Centre
Aibek Samakov is an interdisciplinary scholar and anthropologist from Kyrgyzstan. His research focuses on traditional ecological knowledge, human-nature relationships, biocultural conservation, climate change, and water resources management in Central Asia. Dr. Samakov has more than 10 years of experience in bridging science and policy on local and national levels. He has also participated in producing international flagship assessments such as the IPBES Global Assessment, the IPBES Values Assessment, and UNEP’s Global Environmental Outlook.
Bencharat Sae Chua, Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies
Bencharat Sae Chua is a lecturer at the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies, Mahidol University. Her research interest is on the culture of human rights, social movements, and citizenship rights. With the recent political conflicts in Thailand, she also focuses on the contention over the meaning of democracy and human rights, and the state of human rights in authoritarian regime, and is looking forward to collaborative study in the region.
Anika Gauja, Australian Research Council (ARC)

Professor Anika Gauja is Executive Director for the Social, Behavioural and Economic Sciences at the Australian Research Council.

An internationally renowned political scientist, Anika’s research has made significant contributions to our understanding of democracy, political participation, and representation in Australia and across the globe. Anika has expertise in elections, democratic decline and resilience, campaign finance and party politics, and a strong track record of interdisciplinary research and cross-sector collaboration.

Throughout her career, Anika has developed research partnerships with government agencies and non-government organisations. With a strong emphasis on public communication and social impact, her research has been utilised in parliamentary inquiries, policy reports, judicial decisions and the media.
Bunnalin Thongpim, Office of National Economic and Social Development Council
I am Bunnalin Thongpim, a policy analyst at the Office of National Economic and Social Development Council with 7 years of experience in social policy. My current works cover education and skill development, with a focus on enhancing labor skills and promoting lifelong learning. Before my current role, I worked at the Social Data and Indicator Development Division, where I conducted analyses on poverty and inequality in Thailand.
Bonnie Johnson, AASSREC/ The Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia
As Communication Director at AASSREC and the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia, Bonnie Johnson bring over 15 years of experience in communication and marketing across diverse organisations including not-for-profit, private sector and government. She specialises in strategy development, stakeholder engagement and impactful social media management. Passionate about driving positive change, she has led successful campaigns for societal causes and excels in crafting compelling messages and strategies by collaborating closely with teams and stakeholders. She has consistently driven transformative initiatives throughout her career and successfully led multidisciplinary teams.
Diahhadi Setyonaluri, Asia Research Center Universitas Indonesia
Diahhadi Setyonaluri or Ruri is an assistant professor at Faculty of Economics, Universitas Indonesia. Her work focuses on drivers of women’s economic participation and welfare. In 2023, she co-authored in two publications: “Negotiating work, family, and traffic: Articulations of married women’s employment decisions in Greater Jakarta” in Gender, Work, and Organization, and “Leveraging Women’s Views to Influence Gender Norms around Women Working: Evidence from an Online Intervention in Indonesia” in World Bank’s Policy Research Working Paper. She co-edited a book on “Gender Equality and Diversity in Indonesia: Identifying Progress and Challenges”, published by ISEAS-Yushof Ishak Institute.
Chalapan Kaluwin, University of Papua, New Guinea
Since returning from Australia to PNG in 2006, I have been employed as the Dean of School of Natural and Physical Science and manned 150 professional staff and development UPNG Strategic Plan 2007-2021. Developed programmes on Sustainable Development Degree, Diploma in Hazard and Risk Management. Advisor to PNG Government: Chairman of Higher Education and Science and Technology (2017-2021) and Council Members of PNG Science and Technology Secretariat. From 1987-2020 worked overseas for 35 years, achieving leaders, management, research, technical and policy in areas of human resources development with UN agencies, biletrals, multiletrals. Worked with 22 Pacific countries for 10 years.
Eren Zink, Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok
Dr. Eren Zink manages Sweden’s regional development research cooperation in Asia. He is a cultural anthropologist by training with expertise in the fields of science studies, political ecology and development, and research experience that includes Vietnam, Uganda and Ghana.
Dhusar Prokriti Gain, Social Science Research Council (SSRC) Bangladesh
I am working as a ‘Assistant Director’ since January 2023 in the SSRC, Planning Division, Ministry of Planning, Bangladesh. Before this position I have been working as a ‘Budget Officer’ for last 10 years. My area of expertise is Budget formulation, implementation & monitoring. Now I play role as a coordinator to conducting various Research works, Research methodology training & dissemination seminar/workshop in SSRC. I got the Masters of Science (M.Sc) degree in Applied Mathematics from University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. I have participated in the international training course held in India, Singapore, Malaysia etc. during of my service.
Gajendra Singh, Doon University, India
I am Prof. Gajendra Singh, currently serving as the Head of the School of Management at Doon University, I bring extensive expertise in Marketing Research, Business Research Management, Entrepreneurial Development. With a Ph.D. from Punjabi University, India, and a Post Doctoral Research from Oakland University, USA, my research interests encompass Marketing Management, Cross-Culture Relationship, and Entrepreneurial Strategies related to SMEs. I have served as a Visiting Professor at prestigious international universities. My publication record with over 44 research publications, leadership roles in academia, and involvement in impactful research projects, including collaborations with organizations like the Swiss Agency for Development.
Eunsong Kim, UNESCO
Eunsong Kim, the Programme Specialist and Head of Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO South Asia Regional Office in New Delhi, oversees projects across six South Asian countries. She leads initiatives on social transformation, focusing on areas such as youth empowerment, sports development, intercultural dialogue, gender equality, inclusion, and ethics of AI. With a background in both bilateral and multilateral organizations like the Korea Development Institute, UNICEF, and UNESCO, Eunsong has spearheaded significant projects aimed at gender and social inclusion, including educational and empowerment programs in Nepal and Sri Lanka. She holds an MSc in Comparative Social Policy from the University of Oxford.
Emma Porio, Philippine Social Science Council/Ateneo de Manila University
Dr. Emma Porio is Professor Emeritus of the Ateneo de Manila University and Science Research Fellow, Manila Observatory. She is President of the International Sociological Association (ISA), Clinical/Public Sociology Division (2019-2023) and of the Asia Pacific Sociological Association (2020-2024). Prof. Porio is Review Editor, Journal of Frontiers in Sustainable Cities (London), Principal Editorial Adviser of the Environment and Urbanization (Asia Edition) and Review Editor of the Journal of the Cities of the Global South. AD Scientific Index listed her as one of the most highly cited social scientists in the Philippines and the ASEAN region.
Gankhuyag Sandagdorj, Mongolian Academy of Sciences
I am Gankhuyag Sandagdorj, a dedicated researcher hailing from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
I ventured to Southwest University in Chongqing, China, where I completed a Master’s degree in Law in 2020. I served as a Legal Adviser at Mongolian National Broadcasting, providing crucial legal guidance and support.
Concurrently, I ventured into academia, serving as a Scientific Researcher at the Public Policy and Political Economy Sector of the Philosophy Institute, Mongolian Academy of Science, since 2022.
Hanae Hanzawa, UN OHCHR
Ms Hanae HANZAWA has been working as Anti-Racial Discrimination Advisor at OHCHR Regional Office for South-East Asia since April 2023. Prior to that, she was working as Human Rights Officer in charge of the UN Human Rights Mechanisms at the same office. Her experiences include working at OHCHR Cambodia on prison reform, UNICEF Cambodia as Child Protection Officer and various international and local NGOs in North America and South-East Asia. She holds MA in Women and Gender Studies from the University of Toronto.
Han Lwin, Ministry of Education, National Unity Government
I am a lecturer and researcher in education who finished my two MEd degrees at Faculty of Education in Monash University, and Department of Educational Theory and Management in Yangon University of Education respectively. Currently, I live in Bangkok and work for Spring Normal University and the Research and Development Department of the Ministry of Education, National Unity Government.
Imelda Ambelye, Papua New Guinea University of Technology
Imelda Ambelye, an educator from the Papua New Guinea University of Technology, serves as both a lecturer and program coordinator for the Bachelor of Arts in Communication for Development. With over a decade of experience in higher education teaching, Imelda endeavors to create an engaging learning environment that empowers students to become proficient communicators and change agents in their communities. Imelda is passionate about addressing youth empowerment and community development. She wants to extend her commitment beyond the classroom as she engages in research and community service.
Hideyuki Shiozawa, Sasakawa Peace Foundation
Shiozawa has extensive experience in diplomatic and development roles, serving in various capacities in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation. He held positions in Fiji and the Marshall Islands, focusing on economic cooperation and political affairs. Shiozawa contributed to over 70 Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects and 25 Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) initiatives in Pacific Island Countries since 2003. Currently, he is leading projects to enhance maritime security, boost community-based tourism, strengthen public-private partnerships, and foster human connections between Pacific Islands and Japan for future generations under the Sasakawa Peace Foundation.
Joel Tejedo, Asia Pacific Theological Seminary

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Joel Tejedo serves as a research professor at Asia Pacific Theological Seminary. Joel is directing the Asia Pacific Research Center. Joel is also a member of the International Sociological Association (ISA), the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion (SSSR), and East Asian Society for the Scientific Study of Religion (EASSSR) Joel is a researcher of Megachurch Templeton Project in the Global South of the John Templeton Foundation, USA.
Kwang Kook Park, Korean Social Science Research Council (KOSSREC)
■ Chairman of Government Performance Evaluation Committee
(2022-Current)
■ Professor, The Catholic University of Korea(2004-Current)
■ President of Korea Environment Institute(2014-2017)
■ President of Korean Association of Public Administration(2013)
Kwanruetai Boonyasana, Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon
Dr. Khwanruthai Boonyasana is a prominent academic and researcher in Thailand, specialising in economics with a focus on energy, digital, education, and policy. She holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Leicester, UK, and has received awards for her research, including the National Research Award and Excellence in Teaching and Invention Integration awards. She is also an inventor, recognised for creations like “Ajarn Robot,” “EngJoy 3D App” and “Djung Laboratory.” She currently serves as a consultant for national reform and strategy development in Thailand’s senate, as well as an energy expert for the ASEAN Centre for Energy.
Kanchan Mani Dixit, Institute for Social and Environmental Transition-Nepal (ISET-Nepal)
Mr. Kanchan Mani Dixit, Executive Director at the Institute for Social and Environmental Transition-Nepal (ISET-Nepal), has over 20 years of research experience in climate change adaptation, resilience building, disaster risk reduction and management, local water management, and urban agriculture. Some recent projects he managed are The Think Tank Initiative, IDRC, Canada, Political Economic Analysis of Koshi River funded by The Asia Foundation, and Spring Source Assessment in Karnali River Basins funded by USAID-Karnali Water Activity. Mr. Dixit holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Kathmandu University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Alabama, USA.
Maxat Baibekov, UNESCO Almaty Regional Office
Maxat Baibekov holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Birmingham and a BA in Politics and Arabic from the University of Exeter. Currently, he is the National Programme Officer at UNESCO’s Almaty Regional Office, focusing on Social and Human Sciences. With a robust background in program coordination and project management across various UN agencies, Maxat specializes in implementing initiatives aligned with UNESCO’s strategic goals across Central Asia. His work includes significant contributions to youth empowerment, gender equality, and the prevention of violent extremism. Maxat also plays a key role in coordinating international collaborations and developing educational policies, notably in the Quality Physical Education Policy in Kazakhstan.
Kwansiri Chonyuth, National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT)
Miss Kwansiri Chonyuth serves as the position of Director of the Group of International Affairs at the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT). In this role, she oversees the group’s key responsibilities: Promoting and supporting research and innovation in line with the NRCT’s core mission through mechanisms of cooperation with foreign countries; Strengthening relationships and serving as a coordinating center for the NRCT’s collaboration with foreign agencies; Cooperating with foreign countries to promote and develop bilateral and multilateral research cooperation across different regions; and Overseeing processes to permit foreign researchers to conduct research in Thailand.
Mahesh Prasad Madhukar, Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)
With over three decades at ICSSR since 1991, I currently serve as Deputy Director (Research), overseeing the International Collaboration Division, National & International Seminars, and Training and Capacity Building Programme. My role entails managing bilateral relations and implementing MoUs with global counterparts. Over the years, I’ve stewarded diverse programs encompassing research projects, fellowships, and training initiatives. Presently, leading the International Collaborations Programme expands my exposure to multifaceted thematic areas within social science research.
Maneesha Vinodini Ramesh, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, India
Dr. Maneesha Vinodini Ramesh is the Provost of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and Dean at Amrita School for Sustainable Futures. She holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering, pioneering the world’s first Wireless Sensor Network for landslide warnings, garnering multiple U.S. Patents. Dr.Maneesha is also the UNESCO Chair on Experiential Learning for Sustainable Innovation & Development since 2020. Dr. Maneesha’s work spans Computer Science, Wireless Communication, Disaster Management, and Sustainable Development, reflected in her consistent presence among the Top 2% Scientists Worldwide by Stanford University. Her team’s groundbreaking innovation earned the Averted Disaster Award in October 2023.
Md Saiduzzaman Khan, Danish Refugee Council
Saiduzzaman Khan is a humanitarian and development professional with intensive specialization in program, research, monitoring, networking, and fundraising activities for over a decade. Having graduated in both Public Policy and Disaster Management and trained in globally recognized institutions, he has gathered wide-ranging experiences in Asia on multi-sector/complex programme design, research, funding, humanitarian response, stakeholder engagement in together with multidisciplinary professional teams from World Bank, JICA, FCDO, etc. Currently, Khan is working for DANISH REFUGEE COUNCIL as Programme Development and Quality Manager, leading cross-functional divisions on Grants and Funding, MEAL, IM, Communication for its areas of operation and quality programming directions.
Mst Umme Habiba Fahmina Karim, Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies, Mahidol University, Thailand
Dr. Mst Umme Habiba Fahmina Karim is a Lecturer at the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies, Mahidol University Thailand. She has a strong track record in conducting socio-legal research that is empirically grounded and delivers an impact of relevance to both scholarly debates and applied endeavors – with a geographical focus on south and southeast Asia. Dr. Karim is efficient in conducting policy analysis research reviewing and analyzing domestic laws and policies relevant to human rights. Her research interests include migration, human rights, Children’s rights, climate justice, entrepreneurship and development
Neha Yadav, AASSREC /Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)
As a Program Officer at AASSREC, my diverse background spans research at the Indian Council of Social Science Research and field investigations in India’s electoral processes. Specializing in agrarian economy, gender studies, and policy formulation, my academic journey includes a Masters and M.Phil from Jawaharlal Nehru University. Currently pursuing a Ph.D., I bring nuanced insights into socio-political dynamics. Positioned at the intersection of academia and practical experience, my contribution promises to enrich scholarly discourse at the international summit.
Pakorn Lertsatienchai, Chulalongkorn University Social Research Institute (CUSRI)
Pakorn is a researcher at CUSRI. He has graduated as an electrical engineer and turned to be a social scientist. His specialization is in the field of Science and Technology Studies (STS) and Sub-fields of his specialization are risk society, systems of innovation, sociology of ST knowledge, and citizen science.
Phone Viphonhiane, Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences (LASES)
Phone Viphonhiane has Graduated in Administrative Law in 1991 from former Soviet Union and completed his Master’s degree in Comparative Law in 2011, Nagoya University, Japan. He Used to work at Supreme People’s Prosecutor Office and Since 2012, worked at Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences.
Pragya Chaube, Society For Participatory Research In Asia
Dr Pragya Chaube is India Coordinator to the UNESCO Chair in Community-Based Research & Social Responsibility in Higher Education. A science policy professional with domain expertise in Open Science, Biological data and AI, she has previously worked with the Department of Science & Technology (Government of India) – Centre for Policy Research at the Indian Institute of Science as Scientist. She brings her expertise in science policy to her current role to connect science and society. She is also co-chair of the biological sciences and indigenous data workstreams at the International Data Policy Committee of CODATA, International Science Council. She holds a PhD in Evolutionary Genetics & Bioinformatics from the University of Sheffield, UK. 
Rabindra Timsena, Nepal Academy
Rabindra Timsena is a creative author. By profession, he works at the Nepal Academy as an Editor. He is the author of a collection of short stories titled ‘Aavaran’ in Nepali. He also translated a collection of short stories titled “The Trader Fox,” originally written in Chinese by Shen Shixi, into Nepali. He holds an M.Phil. degree in English and a Master’s in Population, Gender, and Development. Drawing from his experience in supporting earthquake-affected people after the Nepal Earthquake in 2015, he presented a paper at the International Conference on Disaster Risk Management (ICDRM) 2019 held in Dhaka.
Rashila Ramli, Malaysian Social Science Association (PSSM)
RASHILA RAMLI is Professor of Political Science. She is Principal Visiting Fellow at the United Nations University-International Institute of Global Health (UNU-IIGH) since 2020. Between 2013-2018, she was Director at IKMAS, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Her areas of specialization are Human Security, Gender dan Development and Public Policy. Her research areas are on Social Inclusion through SDGs and Inter-regionalism. She is Head of SDG Impact Evaluation Program, Malaysia. Two significant publications are “Connecting Oceans” edited with Hans-Dieter Evers and Abdul Rahman Embong (2017, 2020), and “From Global to Local-Experiences and Impacts in Localising SDGs in Malaysia”, 2021, with Sity Daud.
Reshma Ramesh, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, India
 Reshma Ramesh serves as the Vice Chair of the Department of Social Sciences and a dedicated Research Scholar at UNESCO’s Center for Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham. Her research covers Water Resource Management, Public Health, and Environmental Sustainability. She leads initiatives focused on empowering rural Indian women by integrating technology with participatory methods for water quality monitoring and sustainable practices. Holding an MBA, Reshma has extensive experience in project coordination and human resources management.
Rosalia Sciortino, Mahidol University & SEA Junction

Rosalia (Lia) Sciortino Sumaryono, a cultural anthropologist and development sociologist, earned her master and doctorate at the Vrije Universities, Amsterdam with honors. She is Associate Professor at the Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Visiting Professor at the Master and PhD in International Development Studies, Chulalongkorn University, and founding president of the Foundation for Southeast Asian Studies and SEA Junction(www.seajunction.org).

Previously, Rosalia was IDRC Asia Regional Director (2010-2014), Senior Adviser for then AusAID (2009-2010), Asia Regional Director of the Rockefeller Foundation (2000-2007) and program officer at the Ford Foundation Indonesia and Philippines offices (1993-2000) (see www.rosaliasciortino.com).
Ruetaitip Chansrakaeo, Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University, Thailand
Ms.Ruetaitip Chansrakaeo is lecturer in Public Administration Programme at Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University under the Royal Patronage, Thailand. She obtained Bachelor of Laws from Thammasat University and Master of Arts in Political Science from Institute of International Studies, Ramkhamhaeng University, Thailand. She received Ph.D.in Criminology, Justice and Social Administration, Mahidol Universit
After joining Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University in 2015, she teaches public policy, ecology of public administration and conflict management.
Her research include political insurgency, policing of terrorism, and insurgents/terrorist prisoners rehabilitation.
Sam Seun, Royal Academy of Cambodia

Dr. Seun Sam is a Policy Analyst at the Royal Academy of Cambodia. He is also a fellow of the American Political Science Association (APSA) and a member of the Meridian International Center’s international committee, both of which are based in Washington, DC, USA. Dr. Sam was nominated to participate in the US Government’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).

He has also frequently contributed his articles to Khmer Times, Cambdianess, South China Morning Post, and other local media. Dr. Sam is a Cambodian native who earned his Ph.D. in Political Science from Khemarak University in Phnom Penh city, Cambodia.
Sasipim Arampibulkit, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Thailand
Ms. Sasipim Arampibulkit presently holds the position of Director of the Foreign Affairs Division, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy from Mahidol University and a Bachelor of Laws degree in Jurisprudence from Sukhothai Thammathirat University. She further pursued a Master’s in Social Work with a focus on Social Welfare Administration and Policy at Thammasat University. Moreover, she also holds a Doctoral level (Doctor of Philosophy) degree in Social Policy from the Faculty of Social Sciences Department of Sociology at the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom, graduated in December 2023. Currently, she also serves in the Senate’s Subcommittee overseeing cooperation within the ASEAN framework and regional collaboration. Notably, her academic work includes a Doctor of Philosophy thesis on Social Policy, specializing in Social Policy for Older Women in Thailand.
Saykham Voladet, Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences (LASES)
My Name is Saykham VOLADET. I was born in 1970 in Xiengkhouang Province of Lao PDR. After finishing high school in 1988, I studied philosophy, sociology and history at the Humboldt University to Berlin (Germany) and finished these studies with PhD in 2001. In the period from 2002-2006, I was teacher in Rattana Business Administration College (RBAC), teaching Macro-Economics, Mathematics and Statistics. Since 2006-precently, I am employed by the Lao Academy of Economic and Social Sciences/LASES (the former National Economic Research Institute/NERI) and took number of positions. Presently, I am Director General of Research Management Office of the LASES.
Sheryl Makara, The PNG University of Technology
Sheryl Makara is a lecturer in the School of Communication & Development Studies at the PNG University of Technology. She has been lecturing for over six years and has an eclectic background in social science being a graduate of the School she now lectures in. She is part of a vibrant and passionate team of intellectuals who are community-oriented, this allowed her the opportunity to participate in community projects in the extractive industry and her community. Sheryl is also passionate about mentoring young people to be agents of change. She looks forward to collaborative research in the Indo-Pacific moving forward.
Sreang Chheat, Cambodia Development Resource Institute

Dr Sreang Chheat is the Director of Center for Governance and Inclusive Society at Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI). Prior to joining CDRI, Dr Chheat has been an academic and policy consultant with over a decade of research and development work experience through affiliations with universities, NGOs and research institutions in Cambodia. He received his PhD in 2022 from the School of Political Science and International Studies, University of Queensland, Australia. He is currently teaching at the Paragon International University, Cambodia and affiliated with Griffith University’s Centre for Governance and Public Policy, Australia.
Sriram Kannekanti, Progrespect.Inc

Dr. Sriram Kannekanti has 20+ years of experience in the development sector as practitioner, theorist and researcher. He has a strong academic and professional background in the social sciences field. He worked and was involved in various development projects assisted and funded by international agencies and bilateral organizations. He executed multiple projects and worked with various stakeholders such as government, civil society, academia, media, business, research and consulting organizations. 

Dr. Kannekanti worked and visited 20+ countries and 15+ states in India. He got national and international fellowships. He was also a Post-Doctoral Fellow of ICSSR.
Sutin Dechaboon, UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok
Sutin Dechaboon serves as the Programme Assistant for the Social and Human Sciences (SHS) and UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) at UNESCO Bangkok since April 24, 2024. Previously, she held the role of Programme Assistant for the Education Section at UNESCO Bangkok in 2010.
In her current position at SHS and UIS, Sutin plays a vital role in providing both administrative and programmatic support. She assists in the efficient management of team budgets and projects, ensuring the achievement of expected results.
Surichai Wun'Gaeo, Chulalongkorn University
Professor Surichai Wun’Gaeo has been the Director of the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies at Chulalongkorn University since 2010 and a professor of Sociology at the university since 2009. Professor Wun’Gaeo is also currently an advisor for the Working Group on Legal, Economic and Social Measures for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Thailand, a Commissioner on the National Health Commission (since 2014), the Chair of Thailand’s UNESCO-MOST (Management of Social Transformations Programme) Committee and the Vice-President for the Inter-Governmental Council of MOST for Asia and the Pacific Region.
Tehmeena Rizvi, AASSREC/Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)
Tehmeena Rizvi is a public policy professional and her research areas include CRSV Policy Making in Women, Peace & Security agenda, Conflict & Migration in South East Asia. Currently, she is working as Program Officer, AASSREC. She is also pursuing Ph.D. in Sociology and has previously worked with The Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights and The Embassy of Netherlands on various projects. She has been a speaker at the 43rd and 50th United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Thammaporn Prabhasavat, National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT)
Ms. Thammaporn Prabhasavat serves as the Director of Division of Research and Innovation Funding Management 3, NRCT, overseeing funding for academic support and motivation, research career pathways, and academic excellence promotion and development. This includes funding programs at all stages of the researcher career path, from young researchers and early-career researchers to middle-career researchers and senior researchers, aiming to increase the number of highly skilled researchers and innovators in alignment with the country’s needs and to drive research outcomes towards practical utilization.
Thi Thu Ha Nguyen, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS)
I am Ha Nguyen, deputy chief of Department of Scientific Research Management, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS). We are currently implementing a very important project called “strengthening the capacity of the VASS, becoming a key research center, on par with advanced countries in the region and the world”. Therefore, we hope to learn a lot of practical experiences from the conference participants, as well as receive other valuable assistance from UNESCO to achieve our set goals. Thank you!
Thomas Park, The Asia Foundation

Thomas Parks is The Asia Foundation’s vice president for Strategic Partnerships. In this role, he leads the Foundation’s efforts to strengthen partnerships with governments, development organizations, multinational corporations, foundations, and philanthropists. He oversees the Foundation’s overall resource development strategy and leads efforts to develop new institutional partnerships. As a member of the Executive Team, he plays a central role in shaping the Foundation’s overall strategy for impact and thought leadership.

Tom is an expert on Asian geopolitics, international development, economics, governance, conflict, regional cooperation, and security in Southeast Asia. He has extensive experience with international assistance to Asia and the Pacific, through his roles in policy-making, program implementation, and extensive research.
Tuenjai Kongsombat, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Thailand
Tuenjai Kongsombat, currently serving as the Inspector General of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security since March 19, 2024, has experience and knowledge about social work, especially regarding children and youth under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. Her extensive career includes roles such as Deputy Director General of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and Director of the Division of Development and Welfare for Children, Youth, and Families. Her educational qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Master of Social Work, and a Bachelor of Laws from Thammasat University. Additionally, she has completed several training programs focusing on leadership and governance.
Vachararutai Boontinand, Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies, Mahidol University
Vachararutai (Jan) Boontinand is the Director and a lecturer at the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies, Mahidol University in Thailand. Prior to becoming an academic, Jan worked in the field of women’s rights and in development sector for 15 years including with ActionAid and the Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women where she coordinated an action research project in Vietnam and Cambodia. Her current research interests include citizenship education, community of philosophical enquiry and the role of higher education in fostering democracy, human rights and social justice.
Victoria Ustenko, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, India
Dr. Victoria Ustenko is an Associate Professor at the School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, India. She received her Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Warwick, UK, and her PhD in Economics from Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration. Victoria worked as a senior researcher at the Institute for the Study of Science, Russian Academy of Sciences, and as a member of the research team participating in the development of the national innovation strategy. Her research interests include innovation policy, strategic foresight, experimental and participatory approaches to policy-making.
Wasana Noinaj, National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT)
Ms. Wasana Noinaj, serves as the Director of Institute of Animals for Scientific Purposes Development. In this role, she oversees the promotion and support of the raising and utilization of animals for scientific purposes in Thailand to meet international standards, as well as the regulation and oversight of such activities in various public and private institutions to ensure ethical treatment under the jurisdiction of the NRCT and laws. Additionally, she is responsible for publicizing to the general public the necessity of using animals to generate new scientific knowledge and advocating for the adoption of new innovations as alternatives to animal usage. Ms. Wasana holds a Master’s degree in Linguistics from Mahidol University, Thailand.
Woo Hyun Chun, National Research Foundation of Korea & KOSSREC
Chun, Woo Hyun obtained a PhD in Law from Seoul National University, and currently serves as a professor at the Graduate School of Law at Hanyang University. He is actively engaged as an expert in commercial law in South Korea. Additionally, he holds the position of Director of the Directorate for Humanities & Social Sciences at the National Research Foundation of Korea, overseeing research in the humanities and social sciences fields throughout Korea.
Ye Hailin, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (NIIS, CASS)
Ye Hailin is Professor and Deputy Director-General of National Institute of International Strategy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (NIIS, CASS). He is also President of Chinese Association of South Asian Studies, and Director of Center for South Asia Studies, NIIS, CASS. He graduated from School of International Studies, Peking University with a Master degree of Law in 2000. He served as a Police Officer with rank of Superintendent Class 2 and 1 from 2000 to 2003, and Third Secretary in Chinese Embassy in Ankara from 2003 to 2005. He joined in CASS in 2006. He published various books such as Study on Contemporary Sino-Indian Relationship(2018), Understanding Pakistan(2008), and Wind Over Khyber Pass(2010). His major expertise is Chinese Foreign Policy, Regional Integration and Non-Traditional Security.
Ying Hooi Khoo, Universiti Malaya
Khoo Ying Hooi is an Associate Professor at the Department of International and Strategic Studies at Universiti Malaya (UM). She leads the UM Research Network on Human Rights. Her research centres on the intersection of human rights, democracy, civil society, and power dynamics within Southeast Asia. She actively engages in advancing human rights and democracy in Southeast Asia, bridging academic scholarship with practical advocacy approaches.

Contact 

For further information about the Regional Summit please contact the AASSREC Secretariat via email: info@aassrec.org or phone: +61 2 6249 1788.