10th Founding
Anniversary
A Decade of Science Diplomacy — Bridging Divides, Inspiring Lives.
The 2026 anniversary celebrates a decade of nurturing science diplomats across ASEAN, honoring past achievements while recommitting to collaboration, resilience, and regional leadership.
Dates
May 18–21, 2026
Arrival/Departure: May 17–22
Venue
Acacia Hotel
Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Participants
100+ Diplomats
101+ confirmed speakers
Background
From a Philippine Genesis to a Global Covenant
Science Diplomacy was founded in the Philippines in 2010 by Sci. Dpl. Glenn Banaguas as the central pillar of Climate Smart Philippines: Science for Service. Conceived not for prestige but for service, it was established to protect lives, strengthen communities, and build resilience in the face of uncertainty.
In 2016, the vision expanded to the ASEAN region through the US-ASEAN Science and Technology Fellowship. As part of the Fellowship's Plan of Action, the ASEAN Science Diplomats Assembly (ASDA) was established as a regional platform for dialogue, collaboration, and capacity-building.
By 2021, the initiative was replicated to encompass the entire Asian region — marking the birth of Asian Science Diplomacy. In 2025, the vision was further replicated worldwide, elevating science diplomacy into a truly global covenant.
Today, more than 100 ASEAN Science Diplomats have been trained and mobilized through the Assembly. The 10th Founding Anniversary of ASDA marks a decade of nurturing science diplomats and building a regional covenant of solidarity.
The Three Dimensions of Science Diplomacy
A Framework for Cooperation
Aligned with the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation (APASTI) 2026–2035.
01
Diplomacy for Science
Diplomacy creates the environment for international scientific collaboration — opening doors for shared resources, joint projects, and mobility of researchers.
02
Science for Diplomacy
Science serves as a bridge to improve relations among nations, fostering trust and goodwill through cooperative research and shared innovation.
03
Science in Diplomacy
Scientific knowledge informs foreign policy and decision-making, ensuring that leaders respond to global challenges with evidence-based solutions.
The Theme
“A Decade of Science Diplomacy:
Bridging Divides, Inspiring Lives.”
The theme reflects the Assembly’s journey of connecting nations through science, cultivating trust, and inspiring the next generation of leaders to champion sustainable and resilient development.
Bridging Divides
Science diplomacy as a tool to connect diverse cultures, disciplines, and nations — transforming laboratories into bridges and policies into covenants.
Inspiring Lives
Empowering scientists and leaders to see diplomacy not as abstract negotiation, but as a lived practice of service, resilience, hope, and unity.
Celebrating a Decade
Honoring the achievements of ASDA alumni and partners while envisioning the next decade of science diplomacy in ASEAN and beyond.
Objectives
Five Pillars of the 10th Anniversary
Celebrate a Decade of Impact
Highlight the milestones, achievements, and contributions of ASDA alumni and partners — showcasing how science diplomacy has shaped resilience and cooperation in ASEAN.
Strengthen Regional Collaboration
Provide a platform for scientists, diplomats, and policymakers to engage in dialogue and co-create solutions to pressing regional challenges.
Empower Leaders
Inspire and equip scientists through mentorship, training, and knowledge-sharing — preparing the next generation to lead with humility, integrity, and foresight.
Reaffirm ASEAN's Commitment
Position science diplomacy as a cornerstone of ASEAN's collective resilience, sustainability, and peace — reinforcing the region's role in global governance.
Institutionalize Capacity-Building
Establish structured training programs that ensure continuity, sustainability, and the expansion of the ASEAN Science Diplomats network.
The primary participants are the ASEAN Science Diplomats from the ASEAN Member States trained between 2016 and 2025 — a distinguished cohort of more than 100 Outstanding Scientists and Engineers of Southeast Asia. They will be joined by policymakers and practitioners whose work intersects with science, technology, and innovation, ensuring that the dialogue bridges research, governance, and practice.
Program at a Glance
Foundations · Capacity-Building · Diplomacy · Legacy
Foundations & Vision
May 18, 2026
Opening ceremony, keynotes from senior officials, ASEAN Luminaries' Session, and the three ASEAN community plenaries (AEC, APSC, ASCC).
Capacity-Building & Co-Creation
May 19, 2026
Three resilience-diplomacy pillars, science communications, negotiations workshop, ethics keynote, and strategic statement crafting.
International & Diplomatic Engagement
May 20, 2026
APASTI 2026–2035, ASEAN Roadmap, Partnership Exchange, Dialogue Partners, Policymakers Forum, and the evening Closing Ceremony.
Educational Tour
May 21, 2026
Exposure trip to ACB and IRRI in Los Baños, lunch at Balay Dako (Tagaytay), and cultural immersion at Ayala Museum (Makati).
Detailed Schedule
Four Days, Session by Session
All times indicated are Philippine Standard Time (UTC+8).
Foundations & Vision
May 18, 2026Morning Session — Opening Ceremony
8:00
Registration
- The Secretariat
8:50
Opening
Invocation · ASEAN Hymn
9:00
Welcome Remarks
Welcome Remarks
- Sci. Dpl. Glenn Banaguas — Chairman and President, ASEAN Science Diplomats · United Nations Laureate · Bibliotheca Alexandrina Laureate
9:10
Messages from the Distinguished Partners
- Dr. Charlston Uy — Founder and CEO, Uy Dental Clinic (UDC) Group
- Hon. Brian Daniel Poe Llamanzares — Partylist, FPJ Panday Bayanihan
- Pres. Leo Sebastian — President, Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP)
- Usec. Leah Buendia — Undersecretary, DOST · Chairman, COSTI Philippines
9:50
Keynote Message
Keynote Message
- Hon. Renato Solidum — Secretary, Department of Science and Technology
10:10
Special Message
Special Message
- H.E. Satvinder Singh — Deputy Secretary General for ASEAN Economic Community · ASEAN Secretariat
10:20
Moment of Solidarity
Message from Hon. Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs
- DAS Dominic Xavier Imperial — Deputy Assistant Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs — Office of ASEAN Affairs (delivering the message)
10:30
ASEAN Luminaries' Session
Voices of Unity
Ambassadors and chiefs of mission from across ASEAN Member States.
- H.E. Megawati Manan — Ambassador, Brunei Darussalam
- H.E. Sin Saream — Ambassador, Cambodia
- H.E. Victorina Hesti Dewayani — Deputy Chief Minister, Embassy of Indonesia
- H.E. Thiphasone Sengsourinha — Ambassador, Lao PDR
- H.E. Dato' Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino — Ambassador, Malaysia
- H.E. San Kyu Yaw — Chargé d'Affaires, Myanmar
- H.E. Constance See — Ambassador, Singapore
- H.E. Makawadee Sumitmor — Ambassador, Thailand
- H.E. Marciano Octavio Garcia da Silva — Ambassador, Timor-Leste
- H.E. Dr. Lai Thai Binh — Ambassador, Vietnam
12:00
Lunch Break
Afternoon Session — ASEAN Communities Plenaries
1:00
Keynote — ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)
Keynote Message
- Hon. Arsenio M. Balisacan — Secretary, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development
1:20
Plenary Session
Science Diplomacy and the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)
- Miss Elizabeth Lee — Chairperson, Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI)
- Mr. Theutthoune Soukaloun — Executive Director, Asian Development Bank (ADB)
- Mr. Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III — Chairman, ASEAN Business Advisory Council (BAC)
- Dr. Donald Lim — President, Management Association of the Philippines (MAP)
- Mr. Irza Fauzan Suprapto — Chief Executive Officer, Industry Platform, Singapore
- Miss Cathy Yang — Head of Programs, Host Anchor — Cignal TV One News (Moderator)
2:20
Networking Break
2:30
Keynote — ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC)
Keynote Message
- Hon. Gilbert Teodoro, Jr. — Secretary, Department of National Defense (DND)
2:50
Plenary Session
Science Diplomacy and the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC)
- Prof. Dr. Clarita Carlos — Distinguished Political Scientist, House of Representatives · former President, NDCP
- Mr. Regis Chapman — Distinguished Representative and Country Director, World Food Programme
- H.E. Khlok Dara — Delegate of the Royal Government and Director General, Ministry of Justice, Cambodia
- Hon. Arfan Muhammad Arfan Sahib Sali Kando — Head of Data and Information, Bureau Secretariat, Presidential Advisory Council, Ministry of State Secretariat of Indonesia
- Prof. Eduardo Araral — Professor, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Singapore · Member, UN Committee of Experts on Public Administration
- Atty. Karen Olivia Jimeno — Chief Legal Counsel, Sofcap Partners · Host/News Anchor, Bilyonaryo News Channel (Moderator)
4:00
Keynote — ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC)
Keynote Message
- Hon. Juan Miguel Cuna — Secretary, Department of Environment and Natural Resources
4:20
Plenary Session
Science Diplomacy and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC)
- Dr. Shirley Agrupis — Chairperson, Commission on Higher Education
- Dr. Sam Chittick — Country Representative, Asia Foundation
- Hon. Rushdi Abdul Rahim — President, MIGHT, Malaysia
- Dr. Lee Pearson — President and CEO, Wovoka, Silicon Valley
- Dr. Ivan Henares — Secretary General, UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines
- Dr. Andery Lim — Education Officer, STEP Centre, Ministry of Education, Brunei Darussalam · ASEAN Science Diplomat — Brunei Darussalam (Moderator)
5:20
End of Day 1
6:00
Fellowship Night
- Pres. Reginald Yu — President, Philippine Paints and Coatings Association (Master of Ceremony)
Capacity-Building & Co-Creation
May 19, 2026Morning Session
7:30
Registration
- The Secretariat
8:00
Summary of Proceedings
Highlights of Day 1
Rapporteurs from ASEAN Science Diplomats.
- Sci. Dpl. Wida Susanty Suhaili — Brunei Darussalam · Director, Centre of Transport Research, Universiti Teknologi Brunei
- Sci. Dpl. Edi Kurniawan — Indonesia · Principal Researcher, Research Center for Photonics, BRIN
- Sci. Dpl. Sounthisack Phommachanh — Lao PDR · Head of Material Division, National University of Laos
- Sci. Dpl. Nofri Yenita Binti Dahlan — Malaysia · Director, Solar Research Institute, UiTM
- Sci. Dpl. Sheena Ramazanu — Singapore · Visiting Research Fellow, National University of Singapore
8:30
Workshop 1 — Science Communications
Science Communications
- Dr. Ria Persad — Founder and CEO, Statweather · Global AI Ambassador, SwissCognitive · former NASA Space Scientist
- Dr. Richard Hirsch — Chairman, Applied Planning Infrastructure, Inc. · Science Communications Expert
10:00
Networking Break
10:30
Workshop 2 — Negotiations for Science Diplomats
Evidence-Informed Policymaking · Ethics in Policymaking
- Atty. Mariliza Kalaw — Senior Vice President, PIARB · Partner and Public Policy Lead, Kalaw and Hofilena
- Atty. Paul Heherson Balite — Assistant Vice President, PIARB · Director, Philippine Space Agency
- Atty. Ian Ray Malilong — President, PIARB · National Director, Integrated Bar of the Philippines
12:00
Lunch Break
Afternoon Session — Resiliency & Sustainability Pillars
12:30
Keynote Message
Ethics in Governance and Policy
- Dr. Jesus Estanislao — Chair Emeritus, Institute of Corporate Directors · former Secretary, NEDA · TOFIL Laureate
1:00
Plenary — Pillar 1
Human Security and Social Resilience Diplomacy
- Hon. Amina Rasul-Bernardo — President, Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy · Distinguished Rep., ASEAN Women for Peace Registry — Human Security, Gender Equality, Peace Diplomacy
- Usec. Carlo Primo David — Undersecretary, DENR — Water Governance and Resource Diplomacy
- Asec. U-Nichols Manalo — Assistant Secretary, Department of Agriculture — Food Systems and Nutritional Security Diplomacy
- Acd. Jaime Montoya — President, NAST · Executive Director, PCHRD — Health Security and Pandemic Preparedness Diplomacy
- Mr. Caesar Vallejos — President, NET25 (Moderator)
2:00
Plenary — Pillar 2
Environmental Stewardship and Connectivity Resilience Diplomacy
- Usec. Anneli Lontoc — Undersecretary, DOTr · President, HKSAAP — Infrastructure, Manufacturing, and Transport Connectivity Diplomacy
- Asec. Romeo Montenegro — Assistant Secretary, MinDA / BIMP-EAGA — Energy Transition and Sustainable Systems Diplomacy
- Asec. Rommel Antonio O. Cuenca — Assistant Secretary, Climate Change Commission — Climate and Disaster Resilience Diplomacy
- Dr. Neil Aldrin Mallari — President, Center for Conservation Innovations · TOFIL Laureate — Environment, Education, and Biodiversity Diplomacy
- Dr. Tirso Ronquillo — President, Batangas State University · President, PASUC (Moderator)
3:00
Plenary — Pillar 3
Finance, Digital Innovation, and Frontier Resilience Diplomacy
- Atty. Edsel Tupaz — Senior Partner, Gorriceta–Africa Cauton & Saavedra Law Firm — Digital Transformation, Frontier Tech, AI Diplomacy
- Mr. Benjamin N. Villacorte — Chairman, Philippine Sustainability Reporting Committee · SGV & Co Sustainability Practice — Banking and Sustainability Finance Diplomacy
- Mr. Drexx Laggui — Principal Consultant, Laggui and Associates — Cybercrime and Cybersecurity Diplomacy
- Dr. Gay Jane Perez — Director General, Philippine Space Agency — Space, Satellite, and Frontier Science Diplomacy
- Dr. Carl Balita — Chairman and CEO, CEB Group of Companies · TOFIL Laureate (Moderator)
4:10
Workshop 3
Advancing Science Governance through Strategic Statement Crafting
- Dr. William Dar — Senior Adviser, ASEAN Business Advisory Council · TOFIL Laureate
- Dr. Richard Hirsch — Chairman, Applied Planning Infrastructure Inc.
6:00
End of Day 2
Masters of Ceremony: Dr. Benito Teehankee (DLSU) & Dr. Manuel Enverga III (Ateneo de Manila University).
International & Diplomatic Engagement
May 20, 2026Morning Session
8:30
Registration
- The Secretariat
9:00
Summary of Proceedings
Highlights of Day 2
- Sci. Dpl. Chhuon Kong — Cambodia · Dean, Institute of Technology of Cambodia
- Sci. Dpl. Frida Sidik — Indonesia · Principal Researcher, Research Center for Ecology, BRIN
- Sci. Dpl. Siti Zaharah Sakimin — Malaysia · Director, Putra Agriculture Center, UPM
- Sci. Dpl. Aunchalee Aussanasuwannakul — Thailand · Senior Researcher, IFRPD, Kasetsart University
- Sci. Dpl. Tung Vu Dang — Vietnam · Professor, Hanoi University of Science and Technology
9:30
ASEAN Plan of Action for Science, Technology, and Innovation (APASTI) 2026–2035
- H.E. Hul Seingheng — Undersecretary of State, MISTI · Chairman, COSTI Cambodia · ASEAN Science Diplomat — Cambodia
10:00
ASEAN Science Diplomacy: The Roadmap
- Sci. Dpl. Glenn Banaguas — Chairman and President, ASEAN Science Diplomats · UN Laureate · Bibliotheca Alexandrina Laureate · TOFIL Laureate · President, Environmental and Climate Change Research Institute
10:30
ASEAN Partnership Exchange with International Organizations
- Miss Floradema “Folay” Eleazar — Team Leader, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- Dr. Delia Catacutan — Senior Fellow, Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry
- Mr. Takanori Morishima — Senior Representative, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
- Dr. Seokjoon Moon — Strategic Partnerships Officer, World Food Programme (WFP)
- Atty. Enrique dela Cruz, Jr. — Dean, College of Law, Baliuag University · VP–Chief Legal Counsel, SM Prime Holdings (Moderator)
12:00
Lunch Break
Afternoon Session — Dialogue Partners & Policymakers
1:00
ASEAN Dialogue Partners Session
- H.E. Marc Innes-Brown — Ambassador, Australia
- H.E. David Hartman — Ambassador, Canada
- H.E. Massimo Santoro — Ambassador, European Union
- H.E. Dr. Catherine Rosemary McIntosh — Ambassador, New Zealand
- H.E. Sarah Hulton OBE — Ambassador, United Kingdom · represented by Hon. Lloyd Cameron, Economic and Climate Counsellor
- Usec. Margarita Gutierrez — Undersecretary, Department of Justice (Moderator)
2:30
Policymakers Forum
- Hon. Ziaur-Rahman “Zia” Alonto Adiong — District Representative, Lanao Del Sur, 1st District
- Hon. Javier Miguel Lopez Benitez — District Representative, Negros Occidental, 3rd District
- Hon. Brian Daniel Poe Llamanzares — Partylist, FPJ Panday Bayanihan
- Atty. Aris Manguera — Director, Department of Justice (Moderator)
3:30
Summary of Proceedings
Highlights of Day 3
- Sci. Dpl. Indri Badria Adilina — Indonesia · Principal Researcher, Research Center for Advanced Chemistry, BRIN
- Sci. Dpl. Baljit Singh Bhathal Singh — Malaysia · Associate Professor, School of Mechanical Engineering, UiTM
4:00
End of Day 3 — Sessions
Evening — Closing Ceremony
6:00
Registration
- The Secretariat
6:30
Opening
Invocation · ASEAN Hymn
6:40
Welcome Remarks
- Sci. Dpl. Michael Promentilla — ASEAN Science Diplomat — Philippines · President, NRCP · Director, CESDR, De La Salle University
6:50
Special Message
Special Message
- H.E. Dato' Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino — Ambassador, Malaysia
7:05
Keynote Message
Keynote Message
- Hon. Renato Solidum — Secretary, Department of Science and Technology
7:20
Video Presentation — Highlights of ASDA 2026
- ASDA Secretariat
7:50
10-Year Commemorative Report
Unveiling of the 10-Year Commemorative Report
- Sci. Dpl. Glenn Banaguas — Chairman and President, ASEAN Science Diplomats · UN & Bibliotheca Alexandrina Laureate · TOFIL Laureate
7:50
Website Launch
Official Launch of the ASEAN Science Diplomats Website
- Sci. Dpl. Sawal Hamid Md Ali — Malaysia · Director, INOVASI, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
8:00
Outstanding ASEAN Science Diplomats 2027
Nomination of Outstanding ASEAN Science Diplomats 2027
- Sci. Dpl. Mohd Fadhil Md Din — President, ASEAN Science Diplomats Assembly · Malaysia · Director, Office of Campus Sustainability, UTM
8:40
Awarding Ceremony
Recognition of the Past and Honorary Science Diplomats
- Hon. Renato Solidum — Secretary, Department of Science and Technology
- Sci. Dpl. Glenn Banaguas — Chairman and President, ASEAN Science Diplomats
9:00
Closing Remarks
- Sci. Dpl. Deni Shidqui Khaerudini — Vice President, ASEAN Science Diplomats Assembly · Indonesia · Principal Researcher, Research Center for Advanced Chemistry, BRIN
Educational Tour
May 21, 2026Morning — Exposure Trip
5:00
Departure
Departure from Acacia Hotel.
7:00
Exposure Trip
ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Los Baños, Laguna.
12:00
Lunch
Balay Dako · Tagaytay City, Cavite.
Afternoon — Cultural & Educational Immersion
2:00
Cultural and Educational Immersion
Ayala Museum · Makati City.
5:00
Arrival
Return to Acacia Hotel.
Day 4 — Educational Tour
ACB · IRRI · Tagaytay · Ayala Museum
A full-day cultural and educational immersion across Los Baños, Tagaytay, and Makati — culminating a week of science diplomacy with reflection, learning, and fellowship.
Distinguished Speakers
Voices Shaping the Next Decade
Secretaries, ambassadors, scientists, rapporteurs, and institutional leaders across three program days.
Foundations & Vision
May 18, 2026Welcome Remarks
Sci. Dpl. Glenn Banaguas
Chairman and President
ASEAN Science Diplomats · UN & Bibliotheca Alexandrina Laureate
Distinguished Partners
Messages from Distinguished Partners
Dr. Charlston Uy
Founder and CEO
Uy Dental Clinic (UDC) Group
Hon. Brian Daniel Poe Llamanzares
Representative
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Partylist
Pres. Leo Sebastian
President
Development Academy of the Philippines
Usec. Leah Buendia
Undersecretary, DOST
Chairman, COSTI Philippines
Keynote & Special Messages
Hon. Renato Solidum
Secretary
Department of Science and Technology
H.E. Satvinder Singh
Deputy Secretary General
ASEAN Economic Community · ASEAN Secretariat
Hon. Ma. Theresa Lazaro
Secretary
Department of Foreign Affairs
DAS Dominic Xavier Imperial
Deputy Assistant Secretary
DFA Office of ASEAN Affairs
ASEAN Luminaries' Session
Voices of Unity — Ambassadors of ASEAN Member States
H.E. Megawati Manan
Ambassador
Brunei Darussalam
H.E. Sin Saream
Ambassador
Cambodia
H.E. Victorina Hesti Dewayani
Deputy Chief Minister
Indonesia
H.E. Thiphasone Sengsourinha
Ambassador
Lao PDR
H.E. Dato' Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino
Ambassador
Malaysia
H.E. San Kyu Yaw
Chargé d'Affaires
Myanmar
H.E. Constance See
Ambassador
Singapore
H.E. Makawadee Sumitmor
Ambassador
Thailand
H.E. Marciano Octavio Garcia da Silva
Ambassador
Timor-Leste
H.E. Dr. Lai Thai Binh
Ambassador
Vietnam
Keynote — ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)
Hon. Arsenio M. Balisacan
Secretary
Department of Economy, Planning, and Development
Plenary Speakers — AEC
Science Diplomacy and the ASEAN Economic Community
Miss Elizabeth Lee
Chairperson
Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI)
Mr. Theutthoune Soukaloun
Executive Director
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Mr. Jose Ma. "Joey" Concepcion III
Chairman
ASEAN Business Advisory Council (BAC)
Dr. Donald Lim
President
Management Association of the Philippines (MAP)
Mr. Irza Fauzan Suprapto
Chief Executive Officer
Industry Platform, Singapore
Miss Cathy Yang
Head of Programs, Host Anchor
Cignal TV One News (Moderator)
Keynote — ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC)
Hon. Gilbert Teodoro, Jr.
Secretary
Department of National Defense (DND)
Plenary Speakers — APSC
Science Diplomacy and the ASEAN Political-Security Community
Prof. Dr. Clarita Carlos
Distinguished Political Scientist
House of Representatives · former President, NDCP
Mr. Regis Chapman
Distinguished Representative & Country Director
World Food Programme
H.E. Khlok Dara
Delegate of the Royal Government, Director General
Ministry of Justice, Cambodia
Hon. Arfan Muhammad Arfan Sahib Sali Kando
Head of Data and Information, Bureau Secretariat
Presidential Advisory Council, Ministry of State Secretariat of Indonesia
Prof. Eduardo Araral
Professor, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy
Member, UN Committee of Experts on Public Administration
Atty. Karen Olivia Jimeno
Chief Legal Counsel, Sofcap Partners
Host/News Anchor, Bilyonaryo News Channel (Moderator)
Keynote — ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC)
Hon. Juan Miguel Cuna
Secretary
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Plenary Speakers — ASCC
Science Diplomacy and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community
Dr. Shirley Agrupis
Chairperson
Commission on Higher Education
Dr. Sam Chittick
Country Representative
Asia Foundation
Hon. Rushdi Abdul Rahim
President
MIGHT, Malaysia
Dr. Lee Pearson
President and CEO
Wovoka, Silicon Valley
Dr. Ivan Henares
Secretary General
UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines
Dr. Andery Lim
Education Officer, STEP Centre
Ministry of Education, Brunei Darussalam (Moderator)
Fellowship Night — Master of Ceremony
Pres. Reginald Yu
President
Philippine Paints and Coatings Association
Capacity-Building & Co-Creation
May 19, 2026Day 1 Rapporteurs
Highlights of Day 1 by ASEAN Science Diplomats
Sci. Dpl. Wida Susanty Suhaili
Director, Centre of Transport Research
Universiti Teknologi Brunei · Brunei Darussalam
Sci. Dpl. Edi Kurniawan
Principal Researcher, Research Center for Photonics
BRIN · Indonesia
Sci. Dpl. Sounthisack Phommachanh
Head of Material Division
National University of Laos · Lao PDR
Sci. Dpl. Nofri Yenita Binti Dahlan
Director, Solar Research Institute
Universiti Teknologi MARA · Malaysia
Sci. Dpl. Sheena Ramazanu
Visiting Research Fellow
National University of Singapore · Singapore
Workshop 1 — Science Communications
Dr. Ria Persad
Founder and CEO, Statweather
Global AI Ambassador, SwissCognitive · former NASA Space Scientist
Dr. Richard Hirsch
Chairman
Applied Planning Infrastructure, Inc.
Workshop 2 — Negotiations for Science Diplomats
Evidence-Informed Policymaking · Ethics in Policymaking
Atty. Mariliza Kalaw
Senior Vice President, PIARB
Partner & Public Policy Lead, Kalaw and Hofilena
Atty. Paul Heherson Balite
Assistant Vice President, PIARB
Director, Philippine Space Agency
Atty. Ian Ray Malilong
President, PIARB
National Director, Integrated Bar of the Philippines
Keynote — Ethics in Governance and Policy
Dr. Jesus Estanislao
Chair Emeritus, Institute of Corporate Directors
former Secretary, NEDA · TOFIL Laureate
Pillar 1 — Human Security & Social Resilience
Hon. Amina Rasul-Bernardo
President, Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy
ASEAN Women for Peace Registry — Human Security, Gender Equality, Peace Diplomacy
Usec. Carlo Primo David
Undersecretary, DENR
Water Governance and Resource Diplomacy
Asec. U-Nichols Manalo
Assistant Secretary, Department of Agriculture
Food Systems and Nutritional Security Diplomacy
Acd. Jaime Montoya
President, NAST · Executive Director, PCHRD
Health Security and Pandemic Preparedness Diplomacy
Mr. Caesar Vallejos
President
NET25 (Moderator)
Pillar 2 — Environmental Stewardship & Connectivity
Usec. Anneli Lontoc
Undersecretary, DOTr · President, HKSAAP
Infrastructure, Manufacturing, and Transport Connectivity Diplomacy
Asec. Romeo Montenegro
Assistant Secretary, MinDA
BIMP-EAGA — Energy Transition and Sustainable Systems Diplomacy
Asec. Rommel Antonio O. Cuenca
Assistant Secretary, Climate Change Commission
Climate and Disaster Resilience Diplomacy
Dr. Neil Aldrin Mallari
President, Center for Conservation Innovations · TOFIL Laureate
Environment, Education, and Biodiversity Diplomacy
Dr. Tirso Ronquillo
President, Batangas State University
President, PASUC (Moderator)
Pillar 3 — Finance, Digital Innovation & Frontier Resilience
Atty. Edsel Tupaz
Senior Partner, Gorriceta–Africa Cauton & Saavedra
Digital Transformation, Frontier Tech, AI Diplomacy
Mr. Benjamin N. Villacorte
Chairman, PH Sustainability Reporting Committee · SGV & Co
Banking and Sustainability Finance Diplomacy
Mr. Drexx Laggui
Principal Consultant, Laggui and Associates
Cybercrime and Cybersecurity Diplomacy
Dr. Gay Jane Perez
Director General, Philippine Space Agency
Space, Satellite, and Frontier Science Diplomacy
Dr. Carl Balita
Chairman and CEO, CEB Group of Companies
TOFIL Laureate (Moderator)
Workshop 3 — Strategic Statement Crafting
Advancing Science Governance through Strategic Statement Crafting
Dr. William Dar
Senior Adviser
ASEAN Business Advisory Council · TOFIL Laureate
Dr. Richard Hirsch
Chairman
Applied Planning Infrastructure Inc.
Masters of Ceremony
Dr. Benito Teehankee
Professor
De La Salle University
Dr. Manuel Enverga III
Professor
Ateneo de Manila University
International & Diplomatic Engagement
May 20, 2026Day 2 Rapporteurs
Highlights of Day 2 by ASEAN Science Diplomats
Sci. Dpl. Chhuon Kong
Dean
Institute of Technology of Cambodia · Cambodia
Sci. Dpl. Frida Sidik
Principal Researcher, Research Center for Ecology
BRIN · Indonesia
Sci. Dpl. Siti Zaharah Sakimin
Director, Putra Agriculture Center
Universiti Putra Malaysia · Malaysia
Sci. Dpl. Aunchalee Aussanasuwannakul
Senior Researcher, IFRPD
Kasetsart University · Thailand
Sci. Dpl. Tung Vu Dang
Professor, School of Economics & Management
Hanoi University of Science and Technology · Vietnam
APASTI 2026–2035
ASEAN Plan of Action for Science, Technology, and Innovation
H.E. Hul Seingheng
Undersecretary of State, MISTI
Chairman, COSTI Cambodia · ASEAN Science Diplomat — Cambodia
ASEAN Science Diplomacy: The Roadmap
Sci. Dpl. Glenn Banaguas
Chairman and President, ASEAN Science Diplomats
UN & Bibliotheca Alexandrina Laureate · TOFIL Laureate · President, ECCRI
Partnership Exchange with International Organizations
Miss Floradema "Folay" Eleazar
Team Leader
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Dr. Delia Catacutan
Senior Fellow
CIFOR & World Agroforestry
Mr. Takanori Morishima
Senior Representative
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Dr. Seokjoon Moon
Strategic Partnerships Officer
World Food Programme (WFP)
Atty. Enrique dela Cruz, Jr.
Dean, College of Law, Baliuag University
VP–Chief Legal Counsel, SM Prime Holdings (Moderator)
ASEAN Dialogue Partners Session
H.E. Marc Innes-Brown
Ambassador
Australia
H.E. David Hartman
Ambassador
Canada
H.E. Massimo Santoro
Ambassador
European Union
H.E. Dr. Catherine Rosemary McIntosh
Ambassador
New Zealand
H.E. Sarah Hulton OBE
Ambassador
United Kingdom
Hon. Lloyd Cameron
Economic and Climate Counsellor
Representing the UK Embassy
Usec. Margarita Gutierrez
Undersecretary
Department of Justice (Moderator)
Policymakers Forum
Hon. Ziaur-Rahman "Zia" Alonto Adiong
District Representative
Lanao Del Sur, 1st District
Hon. Javier Miguel Lopez Benitez
District Representative
Negros Occidental, 3rd District
Hon. Brian Daniel Poe Llamanzares
Representative
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Partylist
Atty. Aris Manguera
Director
Department of Justice (Moderator)
Day 3 Rapporteurs
Highlights of Day 3 by ASEAN Science Diplomats
Sci. Dpl. Indri Badria Adilina
Principal Researcher, Research Center for Advanced Chemistry
BRIN · Indonesia
Sci. Dpl. Baljit Singh Bhathal Singh
Associate Professor, School of Mechanical Engineering
Universiti Teknologi MARA · Malaysia
Closing Ceremony
Welcome, Special & Keynote Messages, Closing Remarks
Sci. Dpl. Michael Promentilla
President, NRCP · Director, CESDR
De La Salle University · ASEAN Science Diplomat — Philippines
H.E. Dato' Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino
Ambassador
Malaysia
Sci. Dpl. Sawal Hamid Md Ali
Director, INOVASI
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia · Malaysia
Sci. Dpl. Mohd Fadhil Md Din
President, ASEAN Science Diplomats Assembly
Director, Office of Campus Sustainability, UTM · Malaysia
Sci. Dpl. Deni Shidqui Khaerudini
Vice President, ASEAN Science Diplomats Assembly
Principal Researcher, BRIN · Indonesia
Speaker lineup is subject to final confirmation by the Secretariat. Photos are continuously being updated.
A Decade of Assemblies
From Batangas to Manila — and Back
Tracing the journey that brought the Assembly home in 2026.
2017
Batangas
1st ASEAN Science Diplomats Assembly
2018
Davao
2nd Assembly — FEWB nexus
2019
Manila
3rd Assembly — sustainability financing
2020–25
Virtual
Online continuity and Der Forscher Lecture Series
2026
Philippines
10th Founding Anniversary