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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!
90 Episodes
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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!
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 Colette Trudeau, CEO of Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC). While her public image took off in the early 2000s as a member of LiveonRelease with the band’s hit song “I’m Afraid of Britney Spears,” Colette’s current career path focuses on advocating for her Métis nation. She discusses the work MNBC is doing to uplift Métis voices and community members, including what work remains to be done when it comes to honouring Métis peoples under Canada’s Constitution. Honoured as one of BIV's Forty Under 40 in 2025, Colette emphasizes the importance of fostering strong relationships through collaboration and consensus-building and shares how her global mindset has been shaped by her experiences on the Kakehashi Project.
In this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations, APF Canada’s Senior Program Manager Erin Williams chats with Pia Ranada, Journalist and Community Lead at Rappler, a Filipino news organization, and winner of the 2024 Marshall McLuhan Fellowship for Excellence in Journalism. Ranada has covered critical issues in climate change, security, international affairs, and natural disasters, but she is best known for her critical coverage of the Rodrigo Duterte administration. Her current position as Community Lead at Rappler focuses on building trust between journalists and the public and re-engaging communities with news media. On the Vancouver stop of her Canadian award tour, Ranada hosted a seminar on the Filipino news landscape for APF Canada friends and fellows. Her conversation in this episode touches on her remarkable career, the extreme challenges and pressures of covering the Duterte administration, and how Rappler is working to re-invent engagement with the news in an era in which many proclaim journalism is dead.
In this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations, APF Canada Vice-President Research & Strategy Vina Nadjibulla chats with Gabrielius Landsbergis, former Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs. Nadjibulla and Landsbergis, who also served as a Member of the European Parliament, discuss transatlantic security in the context of the new Trump Administration and the influence of coercive state actors, like Russia and China, in the Indo-Pacific region. Linking the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic security spheres, Landsbergis also highlights the importance of continued support for Ukrainian sovereignty, the opportunities for Europe to take on a larger role in the Indo-Pacific and the transatlantic security agenda, and the imperative of consistently championing democratic norms amidst an everchanging world order. Please enjoy this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations.
In this special Asian Heritage Month episode of Asia Pacific Conversations, Vina Nadjibulla, APF Canada’s Vice-President Research & Strategy, sits down with Colonel Chung Wong, who currently serves as the Director of Aerospace Equipment Program Management (Tactical Aviation and Simulation) in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). With a background in aerospace engineering, Col. Wong has held several leadership roles in the aviation division of CAF across his 25-year career and participated in international missions in Afghanistan and with the United Nations in Haiti and Mali. In discussion with Nadjibulla, Col. Wong looks back at the beginning of his career, the importance of diversity in the Canadian military, and reflects on his own experiences as a Canadian of Chinese descent appointed to increasingly senior military leadership roles. He also highlights the opportunities for Asian Canadians in the CAF and the steps the organization is taking to expand recruitment, particularly in the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, where Col. Wong served as the 25th Commandant after his first unit command. Please enjoy this special episode of Asia Pacific Conversations.
In this episode of Kakehashi Conversations, Kakehashi Project Program Manager Siân Jones and Research Scholar for International Trade & Investment Kana Bak sit down with Stéphanie Valenzuela, City Councillor for the District of Darlington in Montréal, president of the Ensemble Montréal caucus, and proud Kakehashi Project alumni. As one of Montréal’s youngest ever counsellors, and its first of Philippine descent, Stéphanie discusses her commitment to the local community and the critical work she is doing to address key issues facing her constituents. Her political career is informed by her background working for the Mexican NGO La Paz Comienza Con Los Niños (Peace Begins with Children) and her experiences in Japan through Kakehashi. She also touches on the importance of diversity and her Asian identity in local politics and the vital role municipal governments play in shaping the everyday lives of Canadians.
In this special Asian Heritage Month episode of Kakehashi Conversations, we sit down with Grace Chong, a Hong Kong-based researcher on Open Education and Generative AI, and Angela Minyi Hou, a legal and economic affairs officer in the Accessions Division of the World Trade Organization in Geneva. As Kakehashi alumnae and 2024-25 APF Canada-Asia Young Professional Fellows, Grace and Angela discuss, among other things, their educational backgrounds, career trajectories, and experiences abroad with university peer Kana Bak, APF Canada Research Scholar for Trade and Investment. Kakehashi Conversations: Finding Your Passion as an Asian Canadian Our two guests also discuss the central theme of ‘home’ and what it means to find and keep one's academic passion alive in an ever-changing, globalized world. They touch on what it means to be an Asian Canadian abroad and the cultural exchanges they have experienced in their careers, education, and Kakehashi. Please enjoy this special Kakehashi Conversations episode.
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