Organizer: ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute
Type/Location: Virtual
Description:
Now in its eighth iteration, this year’s survey offers timely insights into the shared perceptions, aspirations and concerns of Southeast Asians on regional developments and priorities, and how they are recalibrating their strategic outlook as the region navigates renewed tariffs, trade uncertainties, and intensifying major power rivalries.
The State of Southeast Asia 2026 Survey was conducted by the ASEAN Studies Centre between January and February 2026. Responses from Timor-Leste, ASEAN’s newest member, are included in the regional aggregated averages for the first time. Questions explored in this edition include the tensions in the South China Sea; ASEAN’s response to rising protectionism and nationalism as well as regional tensions; ASEAN’s resilience and relevance; the emergence of new informal groupings; the US leadership during the Trump 2.0 Administration; the US-China rivalry and its impact on Southeast Asia; levels of trust regarding the major powers; and soft power, among others.
About the Speakers:
Joanne Lin, Senior Fellow and Coordinator of the ASEAN Studies Center, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute
Ambassador Scot Marciel, Senior Advisor, BowerGroupAsia
Dr. Saya Kiba, Kobe City University of Foreign Studies, Japan
Dr. Wang Huiyao, Founder and President of Center for China and Globalization, China
Professor Herman Kraft, University of the Philippines at Diliman, Quezon City
Registration:
To attend the event virtually, please register here.