AGENDA

Friday, March 13

Rex Hotel, Rooftop Terrace

Welcome Dinner: 6:00 - 8:30pm

Saturday, March 14

The Reverie Saigon: 9:00am - 4:30pm

Panel: Asia’s Economic Rise: New Power, New Responsibilities

As the global center of gravity continues to shift eastward, Asia—especially Southeast Asia—has become a driving force in shaping the 21st-century geopolitical and economic landscape. This discussion explores the region’s growing strategic influence, its economic vitality, its leadership in technological innovation, and its unique role in promoting peace and dialogue among major powers.

  • Jane Harman, EF Trustee, Former U.S. Representative and Chair, Commission on the National Defense Strategy
  • Vu Quang Minh, Former Vice Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vietnam
  • Lan Anh Nguyen, EF Fellow (Vietnam 2015) Chair of Vietnam Chapter, Managing Director - Vietnam, Endeavor
  • Simon Tay, EF Fellow (Singapore 2002) Chairman, Singapore Institute of International Affairs
  • Thomas Vallely, Founding Chairman, Fulbright University Vietnam

Vietnam Investment: A 38-Year Journey of Shared Growth

  • Albert Ting, EF Fellow (Chinese Taipei 2011) Chairman, CX Technology Corp. of Taiwan

Fireside Chat: Leadership, Risk and Building Asia's Global Brands

  • AirAsia CEO, Tony Fernandes
    In conversation with Eisenhower Fellowships President, George de Lama

Panel: Energy Transition and Climate Leadership in Asia

Asia stands at the forefront of the global climate challenge—and opportunity. Home to more than half of the world’s population and some of its fastest-growing economies, the region faces rising threats from extreme weather and sea-level change. Yet Asia is also pioneering bold solutions: scaling renewable energy at record pace, innovating in green finance, and advancing both nature-based and high-tech approaches to sustainability.

In a time of global uncertainty, solidarity and shared learning across Asia can define a just, innovative, and prosperous climate transition. This session highlights how regional collaboration, visionary leadership, and practical action can enable Asia not only to rise but to thrive—demonstrating how climate progress and economic growth can go hand in hand.

  • Christine Todd Whitman, EF Trustee and Vice Chair, Eisenhower Fellowships; Former Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  • Khanh Nguy, EF Fellow (Vietnam 2019) CEO, GREEN IN Vietnam
  • Grace Tam, EF Fellow (Australia 2022) Head of Consumer Fiance, Clean Energy Finance Corporation
  • Sue-Ern Tan, EF Fellow (Australia 2017) Head, IEA Regional Cooperation Centre

Lunch

Presentation: VOVINAM Goes Global: from National Heritage to Global Movement

Vovinam, Vietnam’s national martial art, is more than a sport—it is a living expression of Vietnamese culture, courage, and resilience, forged through generations committed to peace and self-discipline. Today, with over 2 million practitioners in more than 70 countries, Vovinam stands as a symbol of Vietnam’s cultural strength on the world stage.

  • Tin Huu Mai, EF Fellow (Vietnam 2013) Chairman and CEO, U&I Investment Corporation

Panel: Inclusive Innovation: Technology, Health and Society

As technology transforms the foundations of health and identity—from personalized genomics and brain-computer interfaces to global data ecosystems—the question is no longer what we can do, but who benefits. This conversation explores the intersection of AI, neuroscience, and genomics through the lens of justice, autonomy, and shared prosperity.

It challenges leaders to imagine a future where innovation deepens inclusion rather than division, and where technology amplifies our shared humanity instead of widening the wellness gap between the digitally connected and the disconnected.   

What frameworks are needed to ensure that precision health and wellness technologies remain accessible to all? How can societies protect dignity and agency as data and biology converge? Can ASEAN pioneer a justice-centered model of digital and genomic innovation for global health equity?

  • Matt Manders, EF Trustee and Chair, Executive Committee, Eisenhower Fellowships; Former President, Government, Individual, Group and Commercial Business, Cigna
  • Carson Chen, EF Fellow (Chinese Taipei 2019) Co-founder, iXensor
  • Giang Pham, EF Fellow (Vietnam 2022) Co-founder, Genetica US
  • Chris Tsai, Chairman, Bionet

Panel: Leadership in Asia: Youth, Talent and the Next Generation

Asia stands at a pivotal moment. While the region continues to enjoy growth and prosperity, many nations face significant demographic shifts—aging populations, declining birthrates, and new pressures on younger generations such as Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

How can Asia prepare its youth to lead in this evolving landscape? This discussion brings together voices from multiple generations to explore strategies for empowerment, leadership, and intergenerational collaboration, ensuring that Asia’s next generation is ready to meet the challenges—and opportunities—of a changing world.

  • John Della Volpe, EF Fellow (USA 2008) Director of Polling, Harvard Kennedy School
  • Jan Karlin, Executive Director, LA International New Music Festival & Southwest Chamber Music 
  • Tien Nguyen, EF Fellow (Vietnam 2025) Founding Partner, Earth Venture Capital
  • Trung Bao Nguyen, Founder & Creative Director, Fustic.Studio
  • Minh Hoang Vu, Professor, Fulbright University Vietnam

Closing Remarks

Gala Dinner - Reverie Saigon, Main Ballroom: 6:30 - 9:00pm

Fireside Chat: Strengthening the Relationship
among EF Fellows

  • Solomon Cai Chenyu, EF Trustee and Fellow (China 2011) Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Globelink Holding Limited
  • Douglas Foo, EF Trustee and Fellow (Singapore 2013) Founder and Chairman, Sakae Holdings Ltd.
  • Tin Huu Mai, EF Fellow (Vietnam 2013) Chairman and CEO, U&I Investment Corporation

Sunday, March 15

Optional Excursion

Nguyen Art Foundation - 9:00 AM private tour

Please sign up here if you are interested in joining this tour. More details to follow.