YCW Dinner & Discussion: What's on ASEAN's plate?
After a long hiatus, YCW NY dinner discussions are back! We will be dining on a set menu of delicious Malaysian food while discussing what's missing from the conversation about the China-SE Asia relationship with Kevin Zongzhe Li, Fellow at the Center for China Analysis at Asia Society.
Southeast Asia is frequently discussed through the lens of competition between Beijing and Washington. Yet countries across the region have their own priorities: sustaining economic growth, improving living standards, attracting investment, and preserving strategic autonomy. Home to nearly 700 million people, Southeast Asia offers considerable opportunities for trade, investment, and business, alongside its own political and economic challenges.
As Chinese companies expand their presence in the region, U.S. trade policies evolve, and Southeast Asian governments pursue new economic partnerships, how are these relationships changing, and what opportunities lie ahead?
Join us as we unpack:
Domestic Priorities: How do economic development, domestic politics, and national interests influence Southeast Asian countries' approaches to China, the United States, and the wider world?
Business and Investment: How do governments and businesses interact across Southeast Asia? What opportunities and challenges do Chinese and other foreign companies encounter when investing and operating in the region?
Opportunities Ahead: Where are the emerging opportunities for trade, investment, and business in Southeast Asia, and how might changing regional and global dynamics affect them?
About our Speaker:
Kevin Zongzhe Li is a Fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute’s Center for China Analysis, where he leads the Center’s work on China–Southeast Asia relations. His research also examines the geopolitics of the energy transition, the role of middle powers amid great-power competition, and clean energy, critical mineral supply chains, and industrial policy.
He holds a BS in Environmental and Sustainability Sciences from Cornell University and a Master in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School. Kevin contributes regularly to outlets including The Diplomat, Fulcrum, The Jakarta Post, East Asia Forum, China-U.S. Focus, the South China Morning Post, and the Asian Peace Programme. He is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and English and conversant in Bahasa Indonesia.
Agenda
6:00pm: Arrivals, Mingling & Appetizers
6:30pm: Curated conversation between Kevin Zongzhe Li and Elaine Chow, YCW Global Director
7:00pm: Open Table Q&A
Appetizers
Roti Canai, Satay Chicken, Satay Beef, Pandan Leaf Chicken
Mains
Water Spinach with Garlic, Princess Tofu
Beef Redang, Spare Ribs Malaysia-style
Hainanese Chicken
Cereal Butter Prawns, Aromatic Clams
Sweet & Sour Red Snapper
Ticket Price: $58 for dinner & soft drinks
After RSVP, Venmo (@Elaine-Chow-15) or Zelle (415-966-6571) with your RSVP name for your spot to be approved. Refunds allowed up to 48 hours in advance.