The ASEAN Secretary-General, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, took part in an informal roundtable with the University of Warwick’s academic staff on 6 February 2026. Chaired by Professor Lena Rethel, an expert in international political economy, the session offered a space to discuss ASEAN’s regional priorities and Warwick’s ongoing research and engagement with Southeast Asia.
This roundtable was part of Dr. Kao’s broader working visit to the UK, coinciding with the Warwick Economics Summit 2026. His visit, running from 6 to 11 February, is a notable moment in ASEAN-UK relations, marking the fifth anniversary of their formal dialogue partnership.
During the discussion, Warwick academics briefed Dr. Kao on their collaborative projects with ASEAN member states, covering areas from economic development and governance to socio-cultural programmes. The University of Warwick has actively built research partnerships across Southeast Asia, reflecting the growing influence of academic diplomacy in strengthening regional ties.
Dr. Kao highlighted ASEAN’s dedication to deepening cooperation with UK institutions, emphasising that education and research are key to fostering mutual understanding. He noted that academic collaboration could bring practical benefits across ASEAN’s three community pillars: political-security, economic, and socio-cultural.
The roundtable’s informal format allowed for candid conversations about urgent global issues, including climate change, digital transformation, and inclusive growth. Professor Rethel stressed the role of universities as bridges between regions, noting that academic partnerships can help shape policy debates and encourage long-term cooperation.
Outside of Warwick, Dr. Kao’s UK itinerary includes meetings with senior government officials, private sector representatives, and other academic institutions. These engagements aim to boost ASEAN’s visibility in Europe and strengthen cooperation in trade, innovation, and cultural exchange.
Since its establishment in 2021, ASEAN-UK Dialogue Relations have steadily expanded, with both sides working to enhance collaboration in education, science, and technology. The Warwick roundtable illustrates how universities can strategically advance these ties, providing forums for dialogue and knowledge-sharing that complement official diplomacy.
As ASEAN positions itself as a central player in regional and global affairs, partnerships with universities like Warwick highlight the organisation’s commitment to inclusive, knowledge-driven development. The visit also reflects ASEAN’s broader diplomatic strategy of engaging diverse stakeholders to build resilient, forward-looking relationships.
Source: ASEAN Secretariat News
