Initiatives
Solidarity of Action-Oriented Intellects
Moving beyond theoretical discourse, Asian Square operates permanent initiative projects designed to solidify economic ties across the Asia-Pacific region and establish next-generation regulatory standards. Each initiative translates into actionable negotiations and legislative proposals bridging government, academia, and industry, serving as the core engine of an action-oriented think tank that directly designs Asia's future.
Permanent Initiative Projects
Permanent Initiative Projects
IKOBI
Indonesia-Korea Business Initiative
A standing economic cooperation framework jointly launched by political and business delegations from Korea and Indonesia. With secretariats established in Jakarta and Seoul, we set agendas and conduct negotiations for substantial mega-projects, including supply chain stabilization, infrastructure investment, and smart city development.
- Operating standing councils for high-ranking government officials and enterprise delegations of both nations
- Linking supply chains for strategic minerals, including nickel battery materials
- Business matching for infrastructure development in Indonesia's New Capital (Nusantara)
- Hosting annual joint economic forums and publishing white papers
Smart City Policy Lab
Smart City Policy Lab
We research legislative guidelines and global infrastructure standards accompanying the convergence of urban development and ICT. We transfer Korea's cutting-edge urban development expertise to emerging economies and publish research white papers to dismantle local statutory barriers.
- Proposing the enactment of global standards for next-generation ICT infrastructure development
- Developing legislative and deregulatory guidelines for smart city construction in emerging economies
- Consulting and linkage for public-private joint smart infrastructure export projects
- Research exchange with the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN)
Asia AI Governance Forum
Asia AI Governance Forum
We preemptively design ethical, legal, and social frameworks within the Asian region in response to the rapid advancement of AI technologies. Counterbalancing Western-centric norms like the EU AI Act and U.S. Executive Orders, we propose an AI governance model reflecting the unique socio-economic contexts of Asian nations.
- Publication of Asia AI ethical guidelines and policy white papers
- Joint roundtables among governments, academia, and enterprises for AI tech cooperation
- Joint research on intellectual property rights and labor market shifts in the era of generative AI
- Regulatory sandbox proposals for fostering the AI startup ecosystem
Clean Energy Transition Alliance
Clean Energy Transition Alliance
An energy transition policy research and international cooperation platform supporting Asia-Pacific nations in achieving their carbon-neutral targets. We present concrete policy roadmaps, including core mineral supply chain stabilization, renewable energy technology transfer, and carbon market standard design.
- Research on unified standards for the Asia-Pacific carbon market and linkage of emissions trading
- Energy transition policy advisory for ASEAN nations such as Indonesia and Vietnam
- Formulation of export strategies and legislative support for Korea's nuclear and hydrogen technologies
- Contextualization research of the ESG evaluation framework for Asia
Digital Trade Standards Initiative
Digital Trade Standards Initiative
We design joint Asian standards corresponding to the rapidly changing global digital trade environment, including cross-border data flows, e-commerce norms, and digital tariff systems. We propose an Asian-perspective policy framework for existing digital trade agreements like DEPA.
- Fact-finding survey and resolution report on Asia-Pacific digital trade barriers
- Joint research on Cross-border Data Flow norms
- Strategies to secure intra-regional interoperability of digital payment and authentication systems
- Operation of digital trade capacity-building programs for SMEs
Next-Gen Asia Leaders Network
Next-Gen Asia Leaders Network
A permanent network connecting outstanding alumni of Asian Square's educational programs (Havruta Lab, Debate Lab, GNC) with young leaders from various nations. Next-generation talents who will lead future political and business spheres engage in cross-border exchanges and joint projects.
- Hosting the annual Young Asia Summit
- Operation of internship exchange programs with global government agencies and enterprises
- Formation of youth policy advisory working groups and delivery to governments
- Next-generation diplomat and negotiator training courses in association with the Korea National Diplomatic Academy
Initiative Roadmap
Initiative Roadmap
Foundation
Launch of IKOBI and establishment of Jakarta-Seoul secretariats. Publication of Smart City Policy Lab White Paper No.1. Signing of MOUs between bilateral political and business circles.
Expansion
Establishment of the Asia AI Governance Forum. Initiation of pilot research for the Digital Trade Standards Initiative. Signing of official partnerships with the ASEAN Smart Cities Network.
Acceleration
Official launch of the Clean Energy Transition Alliance. Recruitment of the 1st cohort for the Next-Gen Asia Leaders Network. Pushing for the adoption of the Joint Asian Declaration on AI Governance.
Global Impact
Expansion of the global network across all initiatives. Regularization of joint policy sessions with the U.S. Congress and EU Parliament. Leading the formation of an Asian Think Tank Consortium.
Partner Ecosystem
The Partner Ecosystem Co-creating Our Initiatives
Government
ROK National Assembly, U.S. Congress, Indonesian Government, ASEAN Secretariat
Academia
Korea National Diplomatic Academy, Sun Moon University, major APAC research institutes
Industry
Major Korea-Indonesia conglomerates, ICT enterprises, energy & infrastructure firms
International
Global think tank networks, international organizations, diplomatic missions
Join Our Initiatives
Whether in government, enterprise, or academia, you can co-design Asia's future through Asian Square's initiatives.
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