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Welcome to the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada's podcast hub. Listen to a wide variety of voices on topics in the Asia Pacific region that matter to Canada, and be sure to subscribe to be notified of our latest episodes!
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In this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations, APF Canada’s Vice-President Research & Strategy, Vina Nadjibulla, sits down with two of the Foundation’s 2025 Indo-Pacific Research Fellows: Dr. Yujen Kuo, Director and Professor at the Institute of China and Asia-Pacific Studies of National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan, and Don McLain Gill, Lecturer at the Department of International Studies, De La Salle University in the Philippines.
Together, they explore the maritime security challenges facing Taiwan, the Philippines, and other Indo-Pacific economies, as well as the opportunities for Canada to deepen its engagement in the region through defence agreements and maritime intelligence sharing.
Dr. Kuo touches on Taiwan's security posture, and growing partnerships with Japan, the U.S., and Canada, along with the island’s contingency planning and the reliability of the U.S. as an ally in the region. Dr. McLain Gill highlights the Philippines' challenges with China's actions in its exclusive economic zone, emphasizing the need for robust regional and international attention with a focus on international maritime law and defence industrial co-operation.
The wide-ranging discussion also looks at domestic politics in Taiwan, Canada-Philippines relations, and the forward-looking research priorities of APF Canada’s two outgoing Indo-Pacific Research Fellows as we get ready to welcome a new cohort for 2026.
In this introductory episode, APF Canada Vice-President Research & Strategy Vina Nadjibulla speaks with Professor Pascale Massot, key advisor to the Critical Minerals Hub and APF Canada’s John H. McArthur Research Fellow, about China’s grip on critical minerals and the policy options available to Canada. Pascale Massot is an Associate Professor in the School of Political Studies at the University of Ottawa and the author of the award-winning book China’s Vulnerability Paradox: How the World’s Largest Consumer Transformed Global Commodity Markets.Massot explains why securing critical minerals has become an urgent challenge that goes beyond geology. China’s dominance, she argues, is the result of deliberate policy choices in Beijing as well as past decisions of offshoring processing capacity in the West. While China holds near-monopoly positions across much of the critical minerals value chain, Massot explains why it is not invincible. The episode concludes with Massot outlining realistic pathways for Canada to strengthen supply-chain resilience and reduce dependence on China.
In our latest episode of CIAC Conversations, Sue Paish, CEO of DIGITAL (formerly Canada's Digital Technology Supercluster),joins APF Canada’s Communications Director, Mike Roberts, to discuss tech innovation ahead of this year’s annual Canada-in-Asia Conference (CIAC2026) in Singapore, February 10-11.The conversation dives into the role of DIGITAL in fostering innovation and technology development in Canada, the importance of talent development in the tech sector, and the geopolitical challenges and opportunities currently underpinning Canada-Asia relations amid global economic uncertainty. Sue highlights the technological innovative coming from Southeast Asia and emphasizes the importance of participating in events like CIAC2026 to build partnerships that span the transpacific. The discussion also touches on the future of AI and its implications for Canada as a leader in technology security and governance.
In this first episode in our CIAC Conversations series of 2026, APF Canada’s President & CEO, Jeff Nankivell, joins APF Canada’s Communications Director, Mike Roberts, in advance of this year’s annual Canada-in-Asia Conference (CIAC2026) in Singapore, February 10-11. The conversation touches on the origins and unique framework of the Canada-in- Asia Conference series, how it empowers Canada’s diversification efforts in the Asia Pacific in the context of increasing global uncertainty, the shared priorities of food security, energy security, and infrastructure underpinning this year’s conference, and the importance of creating and deepening connections between partners in Canada and Asia across business, government, research, and innovation.
Alors que les relations entre le Québec et la Corée du Sud connaissent une évolution rapide, cet épisode analyse l’émergence d’un partenariat stratégique clé en Indo-Pacifique. Avec la participation de Damien Pereira, délégué du Québec à Séoul, la discussion met en lumière l’amélioration marquée de la perception de la Corée au Québec au cours des 15 dernières années, portée par les échanges culturels, l’influence mondiale de la culture populaire coréenne et la croissance soutenue du tourisme entre les deux sociétés.L’épisode aborde également l’approfondissement des liens économiques, notamment dans des secteurs stratégiques tels que les métaux, l’aérospatiale, la défense, les technologies de pointe ainsi que la filière des batteries et des véhicules électriques. Inscrite dans un contexte géopolitique de plus en plus complexe, la discussion porte sur les trajectoires futures des relations Québec–Corée et les possibilités de coopération accrue en matière diplomatique, commerciale et multilatérale.
In this episode of Kakehashi Conversations, Siân Jones, Senior Program Manager for the Kakehashi Project and Mari Naganuma, APF Canada Project Specialist for Inclusive International Trade sit down with Dr. Alexander “AJ” Wray, Assistant Professor of Community Health Education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Health Geographer, and proud alum of the Kakehashi Program. Dr. Wray shares how his time in Japan offered lasting insights into the ways cities can be thoughtfully designed to better support the needs and comforts of their residents, and how the interdisciplinary nature of health geography sheds light on the powerful influence our physical surroundings have on our daily lives. He also speaks to the value of creating welcoming, accessible community spaces that encourage connection and supports the well-being of young people in particular.
Dans cet épisode de Conversations québécoises, Alexandre Veilleux reçoit Catherine Tadros, déléguée du Québec à Singapour, qui cumule plus de 20 ans d’expérience au sein de la fonction publique québécoise.Dans ce balado, Mme Tadros aborde l’importance croissante des relations entre le Québec et l’Asie du Sud-Est, une région à la fois diversifiée et stratégiquement essentielle. Elle explique comment la Stratégie indo-pacifique du Québec a renforcé les liens politiques, culturels et économiques avec les États membres de l’ASEAN, tandis que les récents accords commerciaux impliquant le Canada — notamment avec l’Indonésie et dans le cadre du PTPGP — ouvrent de nouvelles avenues pour les entreprises québécoises. La conversation explore également le rôle de la francophonie dans la diplomatie régionale, les secteurs porteurs pour les entreprises du Québec, ainsi que le potentiel des technologies vertes et du leadership climatique pour approfondir la coopération entre le Québec et l’Asie du Sud-Est.
In this episode of Kakehashi Conversations, the second of a two-part series spotlighting alumni working in the humanitarian sector, Kakehashi Senior Program Manager Siân Jones and Research Scholar for South Asia Tanya Dawar speak with Stephanie Xu, a Communications Advisor for the International Committee of the Red Cross working in Rangoon, Myanmar, and proud Kakehashi alum of the 2018-19 university cohort. Stephanie discusses lessons learned about differences in communications approaches based on cultural, especially the Southeast Asian context, and about the struggle to walk the fine line between raising awareness of humanitarian crises and respecting the dignity of vulnerable communities in her work as a documentary photographer. Stephanie explains how having an “open heart” is key to keeping her grounded and hopeful in the face of professional, physical, mental and emotional challenges. We hope you enjoy this inspiring episode of Kakehashi Conversations!
In this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations, Dr. Victor Cha, President of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C., discusses South Korea’s evolving economic and political landscape with APF Canada Vice-President Research & Strategy Vina Nadjibulla. Cha explores the ‘roller-coaster’ of U.S.-South Korea relations, including the in-depth investment and defence deals announced by U.S. President Trump and Korean President Lee that shocked policy observers, and the unexpected policy direction the East Asian nation has taken in dealing with China. He provides an assessment of South Korea’s militarization strategies in the region and the prospect of North Korea being recognized as a nuclear power by the U.S. Finally, Dr. Cha reflects on the takeaways from APF Canada’s inaugural Indo-Pacific Forum, hosted on October 1-2, 2025, in Ottawa, and the lessons South Korea could learn from Canada regarding economic diversification and contingency planning in the context of the unpredictable Trump 2.0 Administration. Please enjoy this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations!
In this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations, Pita Limjaroenrat, former leader of Thailand’s Move Forward Party (MFP) and current Senior Research Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School, discusses the evolution of Thailand’s democratic renewal with APF Canada Vice-President Research & Strategy Vina Nadjibulla. Under Pita’s leadership in May 2023, the MFP received the most votes and seats in Parliament in Thailand’s general elections. Despite that mandate, his attempts to form a government were blocked by institutional mechanisms, and the Constitutional Court dissolved the MFP on August 7, 2024 and banned its leader from serving in politics for 10 years. The party’s social democratic agenda centered on addressing grassroots issues, welfare improvements, and human rights, while advocating for the demilitarization of politics and economic democratization. Pita shares firsthand insights on the forces shaping Thailand’s democratic renewal, offering listeners a unique perspective on overcoming institutional challenges and building inclusive governance. He explores opportunities and challenges for Thailand's ASEAN engagement, discusses regional collaboration on critical minerals, cybersecurity, and coastal co-ordination, and prospects for Canada-Thailand co-operation. Finally, he reflects on his own mission for transparent, equitable governance—offering critical takeaways for the next generation of political thought leaders advocating for democratic resilience and international co-operation.
In this episode of Kakehashi Conversations, the first of a two-part series spotlighting alumni working in the humanitarian sector, Kakehashi Senior Program Manager Siân Jones and Research Scholar for South Asia Tanya Dawar speak with their first Japanese Kakehashi alumni guest, Jo Maruyama, a UNESCO intern working in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and proud Kakehashi alum of the 2023 university cohort. Jo discusses his cultural exchange in Canada and how Kakehashi shaped his idea of what it means to be Japanese in a global context. He explains his career path as a UNESCO trainee doing ‘on the ground’ humanitarian work in Central Asia with a focus on how climate disasters disproportionately impact women and girls. He describes how his volunteer work supporting Ukrainian refugees in Poland contributed to what he calls a “colourless” mindset, encouraging him to be open to others’ cultures and values and maintain hope for the future in a troubled and uncertain world.
In this episode of Kakehashi Conversations, Program Manager Siân Jones and Research Scholar for South Asia Tanya Dawar speak with Allison Cohen (Chief of Staff, Liquid AI) and Kimberley Nault (PhD Candidate, University of Ottawa) about their experiences in the Kakehashi Project and their work in AI. Allison reflects on her 2018 trip to Japan, where a rural homestay offered powerful lessons in culture and shared humanity. Kimberley recalls her 2020 journey, which began with an unexpected meeting with Princess Takamado at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo and the lasting impact of living with a Japanese family. They also share their career paths and perspectives on AI—from Allison’s transition from global affairs to socially beneficial projects at Mila and now innovative work at Liquid AI, including the launch of the Apollo AI application, to Kimberley’s research on human–AI collaboration and education. Together, they explore AI’s potential to expand access to essential services, the importance of AI literacy, Canada’s role in promoting ethical development, and practical advice for young people eager to engage with AI responsibly.
In this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations, we welcome Richard Heydarian, an APF Canada Indo-Pacific Visiting Scholar visiting Canada as part of our Indo-Pacific Initiative Programs, funded by the Government of Canada. Richard Heydarian is a global columnist, policy advisor, public intellectual, and Senior Lecturer at the University of the Philippines’ Asian Center. He has published in The New York Times, Washington Post, The Guardian, and Foreign Affairs. His latest book, The Indo-Pacific: Trump, China, and the New Global Struggle for Mastery (2019), contextualizes the Trump Administration against the history of China-U.S. relations and the growing importance Indo-Pacific region. Heydarian will spend September 8-15, 2025, on an APF Canada-partnered academic speaking tour with stops in Winnipeg, Ottawa, and Vancouver, where he will meet with Canadian policymakers, business and government leaders, and participate in public engagements. In this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations, recorded on the sidelines of that tour, Heydarian sits down with APF Canada’s Vice-President Research & Strategy Vina Nadjibulla to discuss political and security developments in the Philippines, the role of ASEAN in the Indo-Pacific region, the recent history and the implications of Philippines domestic and foreign policies under the Marcos family, and opportunities for closer Philippines-Canada collaboration and engagement. Please enjoy this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations.
In this episode of Kakehashi Conversations, Kakehashi Project Senior Program Manager Siân Jones and Research Scholar for International Trade & Investment Kana Bak, sit down with Gabriel Vermette, Senior Associate for Country and Sector Intelligence at Export Development Canada (EDC). With a prolific background in international relations, including serving as a Policy and Parliamentary Advisor to Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Jolie, Gabriel now works with Canada's export credit agency, developing financial solutions for Canadian firms looking to diversify into the Indo-Pacific region. Gabriel discusses, among other things, his experience working on Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, future prospects for Canada’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, the role organizations like EDC play in Canadian trade diversification, and how his time in Japan inspired a life-long career in foreign affairs and a passion for engaging with Asia.
In this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations, recorded in Vancouver, Canada, on August 26, 2025, APF Canada’s Vice-President Research & Strategy Vina Nadjibulla reflects on the evolution of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS). She sits down with APF Canada’s Communications Director, Michael Roberts, to discuss the key themes when it comes to Canada’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, how Canada’s IPS has progressed under new federal leadership, and the impact of tariffs from both the U.S. and China on Canadian businesses. She also highlights the emerging opportunities for Canada to collaborate with Indo-Pacific economies through strategic dialogues and trade negotiations, and how APF Canada is working to educate Canadian stakeholders on the region, including through our new Indo-Pacific Initiative programming in the coming months.Please enjoy this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations.
In this episode of Kakehashi Conversations, Kakehashi Project Senior Program Manager Siân Jones and Research Scholar for International Trade & Investment Kana Bak, sit down with author Clara Kumagai. Clara’s debut novel, Catfishing Rolling, received critical acclaim, cementing her voice in the Young Adult genre. The themes of mythology and fluidity of time continue in her second novel released in Canada in August 2025, Songs for Ghosts, a YA reimagining of the Madame Butterfly motif. In this episode, Clara discusses the process of storytelling, the themes she finds herself consistently drawn to, and the challenges and opportunities of writing for a young adult audience. She also touches on her eye-opening Kakehashi experience and how it has continued to shape her writing and personal life.
In this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations, Tamara Mawhinney, Ambassador of Canada to the Republic of South Korea, discusses the evolution of Canada’s longstanding bilateral relationship with South Korea with APF Canada Vice-President Research & Strategy Vina Nadjibulla.As her tenure as Canada’s top diplomat in South Korea draws to a close in the summer of 2025, Mawhinney discusses the history of Canada and South Korea’s bilateral engagement, the democratic resilience of South Korea following the declaration of martial law by former President Yoon in December 2024, the deepening of multilateral co-operation at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, and emerging areas of future collaboration. Mawhinney also personally reflects on her time in South Korea and her takeaways for Canada’s future engagement in the broader Indo-Pacific region.
In this episode of Kakehashi Conversations, Kakehashi Project Senior Program Manager Siân Jones and Research Scholar for International Trade & Investment Kana Bak, sit down with Adam Melnyk, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer at LFAnt Medical. A McGill Engineering graduate, Adam developed LFAnt with classmates to bring Canadian diagnostic technology to the global market and develop the most cost-effective measures for bioanalytical testing. Their work focuses on combining innovative technology with embedded lateral flow sensors to make diagnostic tests more accessible and streamlined. Adam discusses, among other things, what it was like to navigate his entrepreneur journey as an undergrad, the emerging opportunities for Canadian healthtech startups, the evolution of healthtech post-pandemic, and his advice for fellow entrepreneurs. The conversation also touches on his experiences with Kakehashi and its lasting impact on his global outlook.
In this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations, APF Canada’s Vice-President Research & Strategy Vina Nadjibulla sits down once again with Vice Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy. Admiral Topshee first joined us in February 2025 for a discussion on Canada’s military future. Now, with a new federal government in play, a commitment by Canada to hit the NATO five per cent of GDP spending threshold, and an increasingly turbulent global arena, he is back with Asia Pacific Conversations to discuss the direction of Canada’s naval engagement and the international maritime security landscape.Admiral Topshee discusses these new developments in relation to Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, the reshuffling of major military superpowers and alliances, and the continued importance of international order as a global collective endeavour. His candid conversation with Nadjibulla also considers the future landscape of the Canadian military, including progress on the procurement of 12 conventionally powered submarines to bolster Canada’s naval force and innovation in military infrastructure. More critically, he highlights the vital opportunities for Canadians to step up on the global stage to ensure economic security in the Indo-Pacific and regional security in the Arctic and beyond. Please enjoy this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations, and if you haven’t already, catch our first episode with the Vice-Admiral: Charting Canada’s Maritime Future with Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee
In this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations, Canadian agriculture entrepreneur and CEO of Saskatchewan-based AGT Foods and Ingredients, Murad Al-Katib, joins Vina Nadjibulla, APF Canada Vice-President Research & Strategy, for a discussion on Canada’s agri-food industry and the challenges and importance of diversifying away from the U.S. into the Indo-Pacific market in the current moment. A startup in 2001, AGT Foods is now a billion-dollar international enterprise, one of the world’s largest suppliers of pulses, including lentils, peas, beans, and chickpeas, and a global leader in the plant-based protein sector. Murad discusses the importance of Canadian agriculture in global supply chains, why and how he diversified into the Indo-Pacific, and what it takes to maintain efficiency and prosperity in a market constantly challenged by geopolitics and climate change. We hope you enjoy this episode of the podcast!
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