Guest of Honour & Speakers
Guest of Honour
Ambassador CHAN Heng Chee
Ambassador-at-Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ambassador Chan Heng Chee is a distinguished diplomat and Singapore’s first female and longest-serving Ambassador to the United States. She currently serves as Ambassador-at-Large with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, chairs the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities at the Singapore University of Technology and Design, and is Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.
A highly decorated leader, Professor Chan has received numerous accolades for her academic excellence and contributions to Singapore’s global standing, including the inaugural Asia Society and Foreign Policy Outstanding Diplomatic Achievement Awards, the United States Navy Distinguished Public Service Award, and her induction into Singapore’s Women’s Hall of Fame in 2014.
A pioneering scholar, she was the first woman in Singapore to graduate with First-Class Honours in Political Science and has been conferred honorary Doctor of Letters degrees by three prestigious universities. She is widely regarded for her insights on geopolitics, governance, sustainability, gender and racial equality, and women in leadership.
Keynote Speaker
Ambassador Koji YONETANI
Newly appointed Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN
Ambassador Koji YONETANI is a distinguished Japanese diplomat currently serving as Japan’s Ambassador to ASEAN. With a long and accomplished career in Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he has held a range of senior appointments, shaping Japan’s diplomatic engagement across key regions.
Ambassador Yonetani brings extensive experience in multilateral diplomacy, with a strong focus on strengthening partnerships and advancing regional cooperation. He has played an instrumental role in fostering dialogue and collaboration between Japan and ASEAN member states.
In his current role, he is central to deepening Japan–ASEAN ties, supporting initiatives in economic integration, connectivity, and sustainable development. His leadership reflects Japan’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
He offers valuable perspectives on regional geopolitics, international cooperation, and ASEAN’s evolving role in the global landscape.