Established in 1994, The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) brings together 27 member states for dialogue on political and security issues of common interest within the Asia-Pacific. The acknowledgement of its diverse membership has seen ARF advocate a measured approach towards security cooperation and open dialogue on critical issues concerning its member states. This is evident from its adherence to ASEAN’s fundamental principles of consensus and consultation.
1. The Question of E-commerce in the Asia-Pacific
As e-commerce becomes increasingly international, the retail supply chain will need to continuously evolve to keep up. While the potential of emerging e-commerce markets should never be underestimated, there exists infrastructural limitations in some economies within the Asia-Pacific which may affect the quality of service provided. At the same time, there is a need to keep up with rapidly evolving cybersecurity technologies to ensure safe e-commerce transactions. Delegates are thus expected to formulate solutions to overcome barriers for the Asia-Pacific to ensure the efficiency and security of e-commerce activities.
2. The Question of Arms Trafficking in Southeast Asia
The spectre of rising extremism in Southeast Asia underscores the importance of clamping down on illegal arms trade in the region. Steps have been taken to regulate the trade in conventional arms with the signing of the global Arms Trade Treaty, which came into force in 2014. However, few states in the Asia-Pacific have ratified the treaty. In the years since, efforts to tighten arms transfer controls in the region appear to have stalled. In the ARF, delegates are expected to scrutinise existing frameworks to identify and close key loopholes which illegal traders continue to exploit, so as to ameliorate the unregulated flow of arms.
Yi Shiqi
Head Chair
Shiqi is a basic girl (as much as she hates to admit it) who likes to think that she’s the first to start trends. In her free-time, she enjoys basking in the beauty of music and nature. Otherwise, she is often busy with the hustle and bustle of Senior High life. She is excited to be chairing and hopes to meet all the delegates brought together by the conference.
Ashley Lim Ruo Yun
Chair
Ashley is currently a year five student who constantly overthinks every aspect of her life. Her favourite subject is literature because it’s very human and lets her understand just a little bit more about the people around her. Also, she probably needs help for her milk tea addiction (but tries to ignore that fact regularly) and hopes that the delegates will enjoy the debate sessions at DHAP 2019!
Tan Kai Yi Nicholas
Chair
Nicholas is bubbly, kind-hearted, goofy and unique all at the same time. Yet he’s innovative and creative, always thinking out of the box to look for new solutions. In tough times he will always rise from the ashes like a phoenix with a fiery heart and never give up.