The Asia Foundation Co-Convenes Asia Symposium in Wellington on Regional Transition and Cooperation

Wellington, May 21, 2026 – The Asia Foundation partnered with the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono to convene Asia in Transition: The Middle Power Moment, a full-day symposium examining the forces shaping Asia and the growing role of small and middle powers in advancing regional stability, economic resilience, and cooperation. 

More than 150 policymakers, business leaders, researchers, and regional practitioners gathered on May 20 for a series of timely foreign policy conversations focused on regional security, supply chain resilience, technological transformation, climate change, and the geopolitics of aid. 

For The Asia Foundation, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to connecting grounded regional knowledge with decision-makers navigating a complex and rapidly changing landscape. 

Asia New Zealand Foundation chief executive Suzannah Jessep said the symposium comes at a critical time for New Zealand’s relationship with Asia. 

“The Asia region is central to New Zealand’s future, economically, strategically, and diplomatically. The symposium creates an important opportunity for New Zealand decision-makers to engage directly with experts from across Asia, helping to build the relationships and understanding needed to navigate a complex regional environment.” 

She added that partnering with The Asia Foundation brings deep regional insight and expands the networks and perspectives available to New Zealand audiences. 

“Partnering on this symposium reflects our commitment to connecting on-the-ground knowledge with decision-makers who need it most,” said Thomas Parks, vice president for strategic partnerships at The Asia Foundation. “We see this symposium as part of a longer-term effort to strengthen dialogue, relationships, and regional understanding between New Zealand and Asia.” 

From supply chain resilience and regional security to governance, economic transition, and geopolitics, these are issues The Asia Foundation’s country offices and regional teams engage with every day through research, dialogue, partnerships, and policy-focused programming. 

Anthea Mulakala, senior director at The Asia Foundation, shared regional perspectives on governance, development, and shifting geopolitical dynamics across Asia and the Pacific. Kathline Tolosa, director for governance and resilience in The Asia Foundation Philippines, discussed community resilience, democratic governance, and the importance of locally grounded approaches in responding to regional uncertainty. Todd Wassel, country representative in Thailand, contributed insights on regional cooperation, political transitions, and evolving economic and strategic relationships across Southeast Asia. 

The event underscores The Asia Foundation’s longstanding role as a bridge between local insight, regional expertise, and practical policy engagement across Asia and the Pacific.