Anita Abbott
Anita Abbott is the chair of APSI Forum committee, and strategy director at the Asia Pacific Global Foundation. She teaches International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy at Charisma University. She was a research fellow at NATO Defence College. She regularly contributes to publications and is invited nationally and internationally for research projects and speaking engagements. Her research areas include strategic foresight analysis, strategic partnerships and alliances. She has published more than 40 articles. She has written five books. Her first book develops education sovereignty model in international negotiation. In her second book, published by Palgrave MacMillan, she uses Indonesia and several countries as examples of how negotiation works for maintaining sovereignty in education. Her two other books focus on the practice of strategic foresight analysis.
Major General (Ret) Gert-Johannes Hagemann, APSI Center of Excellence
Major General Gert-Johannes Hagemann retired as active military September 2020, after having served almost 43 years as a Paratrooper and Infantryman in the German Army. He joined APSI Forum in 2020.
Between 2016 and 2020 he was the Deputy Commander of Headquarters Rapid Reaction Corps in Lille, France. This NATO certified headquarters is a purpose-built organization, designed to handle the complexity of military operations of the early twenty-first century. The HQ is able to command a national or multinational force of between 15,000 and 60,000 personnel.
Prior to this appointment Major General (Ret) Hagemann was Commander of the Infantry School and the Infantry Training Center in Hammelburg, Germany and the General and Director of the German Infantry, Paratrooper and Mountain Infantry. From 2011 to 2013 he was the twelfth Commander of the German-French Brigade in Müllheim, Germany, after having served as the German Regional Commander of NATO’s Training Mission Afghanistan 2010 to 2011.
His operational experience and theatre expertise cover additionally the Balkans, Iraq, Somalia, Lebanon, Djibouti, Chad, Central African Republic and Mali. Major General (Ret) Hagemann is decorated with various German, Belgian, U.S., French and NATO medals and was made a member of the French Légion d’Honneur. His fellowships include associations in Norway and Switzerland.
His academic expertise stretches from University studies (graduation in macroeconomics and business management, summa cum laude) to post- graduate studies and courses in Germany and Belgium, covering a wide array of topics in Military Affairs, Defence and Security, Politics, History and Social Science.
Dr. Vira Ratsiborynska
Dr. Vira Ratsiborynska is an Adjunct Professor on NATO and transatlantic approaches to security and Global politics at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium. She is also Academic Scholar, Digital Forensic Research Lab, Atlantic Council, DC, USA. Dr. Ratsiborynska is also Associate Research Director at the Asia-Pacific and Europe Global Foundation (APEG).
Her areas of research interests include the relations between the EU-NATO and the Eastern partners, Russia and Central Asia, e.g. in energy, trade, geopolitics, border security, conflict management and peacekeeping.
Vira Ratsiborynska holds a Ph.D. from the University of Strasbourg, France. She wrote her dissertation on the European Neighbourhood Policy (with regard to the East) and publishes extensively in English and French on the topics of the European Union and the Eastern flank’s security, the relations with the Eastern Partnership countries, NATO and Russia. She obtained a Master’s degree in EU Studies from the College of Europe (Belgium) and a Master in Political and Social Studies from Sciences Po (France).
Her professional experience includes working in support of such organizations as the European institutions and NATO entities. She also has corporate experience in an American public affairs consultancy in Brussels as well as experience in communication and diplomatic fields. Dr. Ratsiborynska speaks English, French, Russian, Ukrainian, and Polish.
Joanne Hand
North Island ManagerHagar NZ
Joanne works for Hagar New Zealand, a global charity doing intensive trauma recovery for women and children who have survived extreme human rights abuses such as modern slavery, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation. Hagar also engages in prevention activities and builds the capacity of governments, social service structures and local duty bearers in the nations they work in.
During her career, Joanne has been involved in multiple issues that disproportionally impact women and girls including domestic violence, HIV infection, and gender equity issues. She spent many years working in Turkey on projects to empower Kurdish women. Her commitment to the status of women and girls in the world continues with the work of Hagar New Zealand.
Joanne has a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, with a minor in Women’s Studies, and a Masters in Nonprofit Management, both attained at the University of Central Florida, USA. Joanne was born in California, USA, and now resides permanently in Auckland.
Dr. Eddy Kristianto
Dr. Eddy Kristianto graduated from Trisakti Faculty of Medicine Jakarta in year 1990. Worked at antiaging clinic Jakarta in 1990-1992, worked as rural medical doctor at Sekadau Hulu region, West Borneo in year 1993-1996. Member of Indonesian Physicians Association since year 1993 until now, work at our own medical clinic, since year 1997 to now. Mastering in herbal medicine at Toshashimizu Hospital Japan in year 2000. Worked as herbal medical consultant in Malaysia & Singapore in year 2000-2002. Indonesian herbal researcher in Indonesia Government Ministry of Health, year 2015-2018. Forest honey researcher & inventor of forest honey fermentation year 2006-2010. Founder & Mentor of Community Development Cell Group (CDCG) since year 1993 until now. This program focus on local resources development by innovation, eliminate the food crisis & fighting poverty. Teaching Community Development at Hope Asia Foundation Tangerang, since year 2016 until now. Mentor at Community Development Cell Group of Transformation Connection Indonesia (TCI) since year 2016 until now. Teaching Community Development at Holistic Mission Training Center at West Borneo, Central Borneo, West Java, Palembang, Nusa Tenggara Timur, Palu, North Sumatra, since year 2017 until now. Teaching Community Development at Maranatha Christian University Yogyakarta since year 2019-2020. Director of PT. Hasil Bumi Melimpah, producing The Golden Trees Honey Wine at Bali, since year 2019 to now. Founder & Commissary of Samasta Integrated Medical Center at Jakarta, since year 2020 until now. Village developments consultant for Indonesia Government Villages Ministry, since year 2020 until now. Member of APSI since year 2021 until now.
Prof Dr. Patrick Glauner
Prof Dr. Patrick Glauner is a Full Professor of Artificial Intelligence at Deggendorf Institute of Technology (Germany) since age 30. He has been ranked by CDO Magazine among the worldwide academic data leaders. As an expert witness, he advised the parliaments of France, Germany, and Luxembourg. He held executive roles in industry, was a Fellow at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), and spent a research visit at the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM). He studied at Imperial College London.
Hon. Rinesh Sharma
Innovative, Compassionate and Vibrant Philanthropist and Social Entrepreneur having sound experience conceiving and executing projects with technology embedded agricultural innovations resulting in uplifting quality of life w.r.t health, education and economics. Polished and eminent history of implementing social change for self- sustainability through partnership with civic institutions, local government departments, community partnerships, foundations and international NGOs.
Persuasive, Logical and Visionary Professional having expertise of funding, budgeting, project management, urban form concept designing, hydroponics farming and capability building.
Skills & Areas of Expertise
Project Management | Funding | Grant Proposal Writing | App Development | IOT Development | Hydroponics Farming | Aquaponics Farming | Organization | Verbal & Written Communication | Problem-Solving | Decision- Making | Innovation | Creativity | Time Management | Multitasking | Attention to Detail | Leadership | Delegation
Awards & Accolades
Represented Fiji at the Youth Colab Summit in Singapore 2022
Represented Fiji at the Gen-Next Democracy Program in India 2022
Nominated for Forbes Asia Magazine (30 under 30) by UNDP – Asia in 2021
Represented Fiji at Young Pacific Summit at PNG in 2020
Won “The Commonwealth Youth Award for Excellence in Development” in 2020
Won Queen’s Commonwealth Trust Award in 2019
Won “Award for Social Innovation” at the World Summit for Innovations in Vietnam in 2019
Got recognized under initiative of Fiji’s 30 under 30 changemakers
Won Prime Minister’s International Award for Young Entrepreneur in 2018
Won Youth Colab Challenge under UNDP in 2018
Received $15000 grant being part of Yes Entrepreneurial Scheme in 2018
Won scholarship for Computer Science and Engineering in 2014
Professional Experience
Member of Parliament
Elected Member of Parliament of the Republic of Fiji After the 2022 General Elections
Member of US Embassy Youth Council. 2022 – present
Selected Board Member. 2022 - present
Brigadier KULDIP SINGH (retd)
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
Palladium Consulting India Pvt Ltd, Mumbai (Jan 2024 to date)
Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre, Bangkok, Thailand (2021 to Dec 2022)
National Disaster Management Authority, Govt of India (2016 to 2021)
National Security Council (Prime Minister’s Office) (2006-2015)
Defence Intelligence Agency, Ministry of Defence (2003 – 2005)
CVRDE, DRDO (1988 – 1992).
Indian Army (1976-2006)
KEY SKILLS
47 years of experience
Geopolitical Advice, Strategic Estimates, Strategic Planning
Intelligence Handling
Strategic Dialogue (international level)
Defence / Military Issues
Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change, Extreme Weather Events, Climate Change Adaptations
Project Management
Human Resource Management & Development
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
1975: B.A. - National Defence Academy, Pune / Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi.
1984: B.E. - Advance Technologies), from Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, Girinagar, Pune
1995: ‘Senior Command’ from Army War College, Mhow (MP).
2003: PG Diploma (Information Technology & Management).
2004: Defence Management Course, College of Defence Management, Secunderabad.
2005: Cyber Security from C-DAC, New Delhi
1976-2006: Number of Military-specific, armament, nuclear and space, HRD / HRM and training courses in diverse Armed Forces Institutions
2020: Certification- WHO’s IMS (Health Sector Emergency Response Management.
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Strategic dialogues with countries of interest. Interacted with numerous foreign governments at apex levels for 10 years for concluding mutually beneficial strategic arrangements.
Represented India at the ‘Munich Security Conference’.
Trans-national exercises.
Tim van de Molen
MP for Waikato
Born and bred in the Waikato, Tim van de Molen has been the Member of Parliament for Waikato since 2017.
Tim was educated at Matamata College and gained a Bachelor of Social Science from the University of Waikato. Following his formal education, he worked as a dairy farmer then ran his own rural construction business before joining the commercial sector, as a rural bank manager. Tim has served as an Officer in the New Zealand Army and has ongoing interests in several small businesses.
With a strong passion for the primary industries, Tim was proud to be named the 2012 Australasian Rural Ambassador. In 2013, he won the prestigious New Zealand Young Farmer of the Year Award. Tim is also a graduate of the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme.
Alongside his commitment to the role of MP for the Waikato electorate, Tim is the Chair of the Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Trade Select Committee. He has held this role since the formation of the coalition Government following the 2023 general election.
In previous parliamentary terms Tim has held the roles of Opposition Spokesperson for Defence, Veterans, Building & Construction, Animal Welfare, Biosecurity, Horticulture, Oceans & Fisheries, and ACC.
Tim’s local priorities include extending the Waikato Expressway to Tauranga, improving rural connectivity, and developing a Great Walk in our Kaimai Ranges.
A keen outdoorsman, Tim relishes every opportunity to enjoy New Zealand’s natural environment, particularly scuba-diving, fishing, and getting off-the-beaten track exploring forests, ranges, and National Parks. Tim lives rurally in Tamahere with his wife and two children.
Pauline Hanson
For more than a generation, Pauline Hanson has been one of Australia’s most recognisable political leaders. She exploded upon the national political scene with her landmark maiden speech to Parliament in 1996 after she became the first woman ever elected as an independent to Australia’s House of Representatives.
Pauline is a proud Queenslander born in Brisbane, and a proud Australian. She’s a devoted mother with four children and six grandchildren. Before entering Federal politics she ran a number of small businesses, famously including a fish-and-chip shop in Ipswich. She first held public office on the Ipswich City Council before she stood for election in the Federal seat of Oxley.
Pauline’s entry into Federal politics was a controversial one which saw her – and her new One Nation party – become targets of Australia’s political establishment, especially after the 1998 election in Australia and Queensland in which One Nation had a huge impact. Pauline spent a short time in prison before justice was ultimately served and all charges and convictions against her were dropped. She was called Australia’s first political prisoner.
Through all of this, Pauline never lost sight of her goal: to be a strong voice for the Australian people in the halls of power; to stand up for the interests of Australia first and foremost; and to defend the values, rights, freedoms and principles which have made Australia a strong, successful democratic country. Under her leadership, One Nation returned to the Australian political scene stronger than ever in 2016. Today, One Nation representatives sit in six of Australia’s parliaments.
Senator Pauline Hanson and One Nation support strong diplomatic, security and trading relationships between Australia and its neighbours in the Indo-Pacific region that are built on a foundation of shared values and prosperity, and respect for each nation’s sovereignty.
Amit Gupta
AMIT GUPTA is a Senior Advisor to the Forum of Federations, Ottawa, Canada. He has previously taught at Illinois Wesleyan University, University of Illinois, and Stonehill College. He is the author, co-author or editor of the following books, Building an Arsenal: The Evolution of Regional Power Force Structures (Praeger), India’s Nuclear Security (Lynne Rienner), The Indian Ocean and the Western Pacific: Maritime Challenges, Opportunities, and Policies (Routledge-forthcoming), Global Security Watch—India (Praeger), Strategic Stability in Asia, (Ashgate), and Air Forces: Next Generation (Ashgate). His writings have also appeared in journals such as Orbis, Asian Survey, The Round Table, and Security Dialogue. He can be contacted at agupta1856@gmail.com
Mumin Chen, Ph.D
Professor, Graduate Institute of International Politics, National Chung Hsing University (NCHU), Taiwan. Dr. Chen has been teaching international relations in Taiwan since 2004, and worked as visiting scholar in universities or think tanks in China, Singapore, India, Germany, and Sri Lanka. His research includes non-traditional security issues, foreign relations of China and East Asia, and politics as well as security issues in South Asia. He has published 6 books and co-edited 3 books with topics relating to India, South Asia, and International Relations. He has also promoted academic and think tank cooperation between Taiwan and India. From September 2020 to April 2024 Dr. Chen served as Deputy Representative of Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in Delhi, the official Taiwanese mission in India.
Ingrid Leary, MP
Ingrid Leary MP is the Co-Chair of the Inter-parliamentary Alliance on China and previously sat on the Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade Committee. She came to Parliament after more than a decade as Country Director NZ and Pacific, then East Asia Communications Director, for the British Council. Ingrid previously lived and worked across the Pacific for five years, much of it in Fiji, helping to found the University of the South Pacific Journalism Programme and as News Director of Fiji Television. A passionate advocate for human rights, she has a Masters in Sociology with Distinction, an LLB Hons and a Diploma with Distinction in Journalism. Of Dutch heritage, she is proud mother to three Dutch-Pasifika children.
George Howell
George Howell is the Director of RAIN+ Industry. In 2022 Howell was lead author on three of RAIN Research’s commercial reports: High-Altitude Platform Systems + Artificial Intelligence, High-Altitude Long-Endurance Uncrewed Systems, and The Venture Capital + Defense Directory. Howell co-authored a paper for National Defense University’ PRISM Magazine ‘Singularity’ issue with Norine MacDonald QC, President + Founder of RAIN. Published in January 2020, ‘Killing Me Softly: Competition in Artificial Intelligence and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles’ explored the use of artificial intelligence in military uncrewed aerial vehicles
Howell previously worked for The International Council on Security and Development (ICOS), conducting research into global security and economic development.
In 2008 he helped establish The Centre for Excellence on Public Security in Rio de Janeiro, a think tank working to bring together policy makers, independent experts, for dialogues towards generating innovative solutions to complex public policy issues.
Rabbi Dov Lipman
Rabbi Dov Lipman was elected to the 19th Knesset in January 2013, making him the first American born MK in 30 years. He holds rabbinic ordination from Ner Israel Rabbinical College and a masters in education from John’s Hopkins University. Rabbi Lipman is the author of nine books about Judaism and Israel, and is invited to speak about Israel to audiences worldwide. He is the founder and CEO of Yad L’Olim, an NGO that assists and advocates for Olim, and serves as a political commentator for i24 News and ILTV.
Amer Al Sabaileh
Amer Al Sabaileh is a Jordanian university professor and geopolitical expert. He is a leading columnist in national, regional, and international media, offers consultancies to think tanks and speaks at international conferences on Middle East politics and developments. Al Sabaileh received his PhD from the University of Pisa, Italy in 2006 in intercultural conflict management, and Master’s degree from the University of Rome III in Education for Peace, Conflict Management, International Co-operation, Human Rights and Politics of the European Union. Al Sabaileh is a recognized expert on terrorism, de-radicalization and security studies.
TENZIN PHUNTSOK DORING
MR TENZIN PHUNTSOK DORING was born on 26th July 1985. He completed his Master of Philosophy in political science from Madras Christian College. He was a member of the organizing committee of the all-India Tibetan student uprising and was the chief coordinator of the 3rd Tibetan College Students Conference in 2009. He has also worked as the General-Secretary & executive committee member of the National Democratic Party of Tibet.
He has also worked as an assistant researcher at the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy and as an English researcher at the Tibet Watch. In 2019, he was elected President and executive committee member of the Queensland Tibetan Community. Mr. Phuntsok is currently a member of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile from Australasia and Asia (excluding India, Nepal, and Bhutan).
TSERING DOLMA
MS TSERING DOLMA was born on 26 May 1978 at Shillong, Meghalaya. After completing her schooling at the Central School for Tibetan Darjeeling, she completed her bachelor’s degree from North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU). She has served as a member, executive committee member, & secretary of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (RTYC), and also as a member & secretary of the Regional Tibetan Women Association (TWA).
Ms. Dolma has whole-heartedly participated in numerous government and nongovernmental campaigns, especially in the political campaign organized by the Kashag and Parliament in 2013. Currently, she is a member of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile from Dhotoe province and also the Chair of the Local Tibetan Assembly at Shillong, Meghalaya.
Representative Joanne OU
EDUCATION
Master of Arts, Department of Political Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences , Columbia University, New York, USA
Bachelor of Arts, Department of Political Science, International Relations Division, National Taiwan University
National Admission Exams for Foreign Service, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2023.01 ~ present Representative to New Zealand (Rank of Ambassador ) 2019.08 ~ 2023.01
MOFA Spokesperson & Director-General, Public Diplomacy Coordination Council, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2017.10 ~ 2019.7
MOFA Deputy Spokesperson & Deputy Director-General, Public Diplomacy Coordination Council, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2015.01 ~ 2017.10
Deputy Counselor and Director, United Nations Task Force, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York
2011.07 ~ 2014.12
Director, United Nations Task Force, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York
2008.12 ~ 2011.07
Section Chief to the Press, Public Diplomacy Coordination Council, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2008.07 ~ 2008.12
Secretary on Home Assignment, Department of North American Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2004.08 ~ 2008.07
Senior Consular Officer, United Nations Task Force, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York
2001.08 ~ 2004.07
Consular Officer, United Nations Task Force, Taipei Economic and
KIRA CHRISTIANNE DANGANAN AZUCENA
Ambassador of the Philippines to New Zealand with concurrent jurisdiction over Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa & Tonga
Born in Dumaguete City, Philippines in August 1973.
Married, with three children.
Graduated from Silliman University, Philippines with the degree of Bachelor of Mass Communication.
A career diplomat, joined the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs in 1995, and served in various capacities, including:
In the Home Office Director of the Division for Central Europe at the Office of European Affairs, Special Assistant to the Secretary-General of the National Organizing Committee of the Philippine Hosting of the 12th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings (2006) in Cebu, Executive Director of the Office of the United Nations and Other International Organizations,
Assistant Secretary of the Office of American Affairs, Chief Coordinator of the Office of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Chief of Staff of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and Assistant Secretary of the Office of the United Nations and International Organizations.
Abroad — First Secretary and Consul and Alternate Permanent Representative to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) at the Philippine Embassy in Rome, Deputy Consul General at the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong SAR, Deputy Consul General at the Philippine Consulate General in New York and Manager of the Philippine Center in New York, and Deputy Pennanent Representative and Chargé d' affaires, a.i. at the Philippine Mission to the United Nations in New York.
Professor Stephen Nagy
Prof Stephen Nagy is originally from Calgary, Alberta. He received his PhD in International Relations/Studies from Waseda University in 2008. His main affiliation is professor at the International Christian University, Tokyo. He is also a fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute (CGAI); a visiting fellow with the Japan Institute for International Affairs (JIIA); a senior fellow at the MacDonald Laurier Institute (MLI); and a senior fellow with the East Asia Security Centre (EASC). He also serves as the Director of Policy Studies for the Yokosuka Council of Asia Pacific Studies (YCAPS), spearheading the Council’s Indo-Pacific Policy Dialogue series.
Prof Nagy was formerly a member of the Canadian National Disabled Ski Team. He is currently working on middle power approaches to great power competition in the Indo-Pacific, Canadian foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific, and Sino-Japanese relations. His latest publications include: Nagy, Stephen and Thomas Murphy, 2024. “Middle Power Cyber Security Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific: An Analysis Through the Lens of Neo-Middle Power Diplomacy,” in The Journal of Intelligence, Conflict, and Warfare, Vol. 7 No. 1 (2024), pp. 1-24. https://doi.org/10.21810/jicw.v7i1.6454 ISSN 2561-8229; "Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific Construct," Indu Saxena and Stephen NAGY (eds.), Nova Publications, 2024. DOI https://doi.org/10.52305/ONAR0813; “Taiwan’s Pivotal Role in Supply Chains in the Indo-Pacific: Protecting a Global Public Good,” in Policy Perspectives, Canadian Global Affairs Institute, February 27, 2024, and “The Global South and the Liberal International Order: Conceptual Challenges and Structural Limitations” in In Defense of the Liberal International Order, Institute for Security and Development Policy, Kajima Institute for International Peace and the Prospect Foundation, February 14, 2024.
Alexander C. Tan
Alexander C. Tan is Professor of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Canterbury, University Chair Professor of Political Science at the National Chengchi University (Taiwan), Honorary Professor of the New Zealand Defence Force Command and Staff College, Fellow of the John Goodwin Tower Center for Political Studies (Dallas, USA), and Founder and Principal Research Fellow at the Institute for Indo-Pacific Affairs. Alex received his PhD in political science from Texas A&M University, MA Economics from the University of California at Santa Barbara, and AB Economics from the Ateneo de Manila University. He was visiting scholar at universities in the US, UK, Germany, Japan, and Taiwan. Alex writes extensively in the areas of parties & elections, political economy, Taiwan and Asian politics, and international relations of the Asia-Pacific. Alex is editor of Frontiers in Political Economy and editorial board member of international academic journals such as Political Behavior, Asian Survey, Political Science, Issues and Studies, Journal of Asian Security & International Affairs, Politics and Governance, Politicka Misao, Journal of Electoral Studies, Korean Journal of International Studies.
Anthony Grasso – Chief Information Security Officer, Cogent
Anthony joins Cogent as our new Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and brings a deep base of experience to support our current Security Capability within our organisation. This appointment continues to successfully strengthen our organisation we continue to evolve our services and enterprise offerings to our customers.
Anthony is a seasoned senior leader and cybersecurity expert with a remarkable private and public sector career spanning over three decades that covers the essential foundational elements of cyber security with deep practical experience .
In recognition of Anthony’s significant contributions he has received 3 letters of commendation for transformational initiatives in the areas of designing and developing Government Security Products. He has established security engineering methodologies, secure coding, quality standards and documentation, including designing New Zealand’s first Batchelor of Science in Cyber Security with Victoria University.
Anthony previous CISO positions include the Department of Internal Affairs, International government cyber organisations , and various private organisations. His experience in maturing organisations cyber maturity levels is supported by his deep practical experience.
Anthony holds a Master of Science (Hons) in Forensic Computing and Cybercrime Investigation and has a wealth of experience, a dedication to excellence, and a passion for advancing cybersecurity practices. We look forward to Anthony being a driving force in supporting the further advancement of cybersecurity for our customers.
If you are interested to hear Anthony speak on the subject of Cyber Security in New Zealand he holds a regular spot as a technical commentator for Radio New Zealand.
Prof. Alistair Knott
Alistair Knott is Professor of Artificial Intelligence at Victoria University of Wellington. He has been an AI researcher for 30 years. He studied Philosophy and Psychology at Oxford University, then obtained MSc and PhD degrees in AI at the University of Edinburgh. He came to New Zealand in 1998, working first at Otago University and now at Victoria University of Wellington. Ali's research is partly in AI methods (in particular, computational models of language and cognition), and partly in AI impacts and governance. In these latter areas, some of Ali's work has had a New Zealand focus: for instance, on uses of AI in the New Zealand government, and AI's likely impact on jobs in New Zealand (studies conducted within Otago University's Centre for AI and Public Policy, which he cofounded). Other work is more international in scope. Ali co-leads the Global Partnership on AI’s project on Social Media Governance, which is an influential voice in discussions on the governance of recommender systems, harmful content classifiers, and generative AI safety. Ali has also contributed to the Christchurch Call’s Algorithms Workstream, the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism, and the Forum for Information and Democracy.
Dr. Joanna Siekiera
Dr. Joanna Siekiera is an international lawyer, Doctor of Public Policy from Poland. She works as the Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Law at the War Studies University in Warsaw, Poland. She is also a fellow at the United States Marine Corps Brute Krulak Center for Innovation & Future Warfare and works as a legal advisor to various military institutions, primarily NATO.
Dr. Siekiera did her postdoctoral research at the Faculty of Law, University of Bergen, Norway, on legal consequences of ocean change in the Pacific, and Ph.D. studies in New Zealand at the Faculty of Law, Victoria University of Wellington on Pacific regionalization. She has worked in Polish diplomatic missions in Canada and Estonia.
She is the author of over 100 scientific publications in several languages, various legal opinions for the Polish Ministry of Justice, as well as the book “Regional Policy in the South Pacific”, and the editor of 8 monographs on international law, international relations, and security. The latest monograph is called “21st Century as the Pacific Century. Culture and Security of Oceania States in Great Power Competition”. Two her books for NATO and the Marine Corps University are soon to be published. Her areas of expertise are the law of armed conflict (lawfare, legal culture in armed conflict, NATO legal framework) and the Indo-Pacific region, Pacific law, Maritime Security.
Dr. Siekiera took part in over 80 interviews and podcasts promoting science, interdisciplinary and multidimensional research. She is a mentor to many younger colleagues all over the world. She speaks 8 languages and currently is learning Chinese.
Brett Murphy
Brett Murphy has worked with the Asia Pacific Security Innovation Forum as Media and Communications Specialist since 2019.
He worked for 15 years in broadcast journalism for both NewsHub (Radio Live) and the Australian Press Association as an employee and freelancer working on both radio stories and online articles.
Brett completed a Bachelor of the Arts degree with a double major in History and Media Studies obtained at Massey University. He also holds a diploma in Broadcasting and Communication in journalism from the Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology.
Dr. habil. Patricia Schneider
Political Advisor to the Chief of German Navy (POLAD), German Navy Headquarters
1992 – 1994 “Vordiplom”/ BA Political Science (major), Social Politics and Economics (minors), University of Bamberg, Germany
1994 – 1995 Political Science & Sociology (ERASMUS exchange scholarship); University College of Galway, Ireland
1995 – 1998 “Dipl-Pol.” in Political Science (major) and Economics (minor) / degree equivalent to Master of Arts (MA); University of Hamburg, Germany
1999 – 2003 Project Collaborator at the Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg (IFSH), project title: "Peace through Law", funded by the BMBF
1999 – 2003 Doctoral degree “Dr. phil.” equivalent to Doctor of Philosophy (PhD); topic of thesis: “International jurisdiction as an instrument of peaceful dispute resolution” (magna cum laude); University of Hamburg, Germany
2004 – 2006 Master of Higher Education/ “Lehrqualifikation”; University of Hamburg, Germany
2003 – 2010 Head of “Academic Network South East Europe” at IFSH, funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) special program “Stability Pact South-eastern Europe”, management of academic cooperation with partner universities in Sarajevo/ BiH, Belgrade and Novi Sad/ Serbia, Zagreb and Rijeka/ Croatia, Pristina/ Kosovo, Skopje/ Macedonia, and Podgorica/Montenegro
2010 – 2014 PiraT Project Coordinator and Co-Leader „Piracy and Maritime Terrorism as a Challenge for Maritime Trade Security – Indicators, Perceptions and Options for Action (PiraT)” at IFSH funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) as part of the research program “Securing Supply Chains”
2014 Fellowship at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, Study on "Boat people": Comparing European and Australian approaches to maritime migration
2015 Fellowship U.S.A., participant in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) "Women in Peace and Security" in Washington, San Diego, Austin and New York City, United States of America
2016-2019 Coordinator of MQ-FU-HAM Triparte Project with Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia and Fudan University in Shanghai, China on Regional peace orders, security strategies and political theory (DAAD).
2020-2023 EMA Director for University of Hamburg for the Global Campus of Human Rights in Venice/ Italy – “Master of Human Rights and Democratisation”, funded by the EU (part-time)
2002 – 2010 Academic Co-ordinator and lecturer at "Master of Peace and Security Studies” (M.A.)
+2015– 2022 at the University of Hamburg/IFSH with more than 18 (inter-)national partner institutions
1999 – 2021 Editor-in-Chief of the Quarterly Journal “S+F. Sicherheit und Frieden. Security and Peace” (peer- reviewed) published by Nomos, joint publisher (Mitherausgeberin) since 2007 (part-time)
2014 – 2022 “Habilitation”: Post-Doctoral Qualification/Teaching licence (“Lehrbefugnis”) in political science: Book topic: “The Development of Maritime Security and its Governance”, Colloquium topic: “The Use of the International Criminal Court for ‘Lawfare’”
2015-ongoing Member of the "Expert Group Indian Ocean" and the “Network of the Interdisciplinary Research Focus Maritime Security” (iFMS) of the Federal Ministry of Defense and the Federal Foreign Office
2021-ongoing Member of the group "Polar and Sea" of the German Political Science Association (DVPW)
Since 10/2022 Political Advisor to the Chief of German Navy (POLAD), German Navy Headquarters, Rostock Vita Since October 2022, Dr. Patricia Schneider is the Political Advisor (POLAD) of the Chief of the German Navy, Admiral Jan Christian Kaack. She joined the German Armed Forces as Senior Civil Servant. Her role is to advise, support and network for Navy causes. She acts as a facilitator to advance understanding of maritime security issues with other stakeholders. Her tasks include drawing up lines of communication that have an impact both internally and externally. To this end, she convened a working group in 2023 to draw up an "umbrella document Navy" on the external presentation of the Navy's role and challenges. She evaluates security policy developments, conferences and research results for the Admiral. She is the point of contact for institutions, civil society and individuals with relevance to naval leadership.
She was the Academic Coordinator and a lecturer of the “Peace and Security Studies” Master’s program at the Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg (IFSH) as well as Director of the European Master's Programme in Human Rights and Democratisation (EMA) in Venice, Italy for the University of Hamburg. She was co-editor of the quarterly journal “S+F. Sicherheit und Frieden - Security and Peace”. Moreover, Patricia Schneider was co-leader of the BMBF-project “PiraT – Piracy and Maritime Terrorism as a Challenge for Maritime Trade Security”. She is member of the "Expert Group Indian Ocean" and the Network of the Interdisciplinary Research Focus Maritime Security (iFMS) of the Federal Ministry of Defense and the Federal Foreign Office
She studied political science and economics at the Universities of Bamberg, Galway/Ireland and Hamburg, and graduated in 1998. In 2003, she earned her PhD at the University of Hamburg. She completed her “Habilitation” (postdoctoral studies) in June 2022 with a dissertation/book on "The Development of Maritime Security and its Governance" and the colloquium topic on "The Use of the International Criminal Court for 'Lawfare'".
At the heart of Patricia Schneider's scientific work was the regulation of conflicts aimed at reducing the risks of collective violence, whether in the area of "peace through law", for example through international criminal justice, or in dealing with states or with non-state actors such as terrorists or pirates, and private actors such as private security companies (at sea), economic actors and their involvement. In the field of Maritime Security and Ocean Governance, her research focused on the cooperation mechanisms of (inter-) national security actors at mission level (GER, UN, EU, NATO) or at the political level. Issues of (maritime) migration have been analyzed, in particular with regard to their effects on security and peace in Germany and Europe.
Selected Publications in English:
• Maritime Terrorism and Piracy: The Development of #MaritimeSecurity and its #Governance” (Habilitation/ post-doctoral dissertation) (open access) Link
• Dilemmas of European Migration Policies: Failure of Sea Rescue in the Mediterranean or Successful Externalization of Borders? In: S+F. Sicherheit und Frieden. Security and Peace 4/2020, S. 215-227. Link
• When Protest Goes to Sea: Theorizing Maritime Violence by Applying Social Movement Theory to Terrorism and Piracy in the Cases of Nigeria and Somalia. In: Ocean Development & International Law, 2020, Link
• Ocean Governance and Hybridity: Dynamics in the Arctic, the Indian Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea. Global Governance (mit Sybille Reinke de Buitrago), In: Global Governance. A review of Multilateralism and International Organizations, Bd. 26, Ausgabe 1/ 2020, S. 154-175, Link.
• Perspectives on World and Regional Orders: Australian, Chinese and German Views (mit Fanglu Sun und Steve Wood) In: S+F. Sicherheit und Frieden / Security and Peace, 37 3/2019, 149-158, Link
Simon O’Connor
Simon O’Connor is a former Member of Parliament (2011-2023), and was Chair of the Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Trade Committee. Prior to that he chaired the Health Committee.
He keeps a particular interest in foreign affairs and defence matters. Recently, it was made public that he was the target of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) hacking attempts and also named in a Hong Kong court case for supporting human rights and democracy activists. He was the inaugural New Zealand co-chair of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) and now is a Director of it's global alumni network.
He currently runs a small consultancy providing strategic, media, and political advice to a range of clients. He also hosts a weekly online show with Reality Check Radio, writes a regular column on Substack called On Point, and provides commentary on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Simon has a number of degrees from the University of Auckland, including a Masters in Political Philosophy and a Bachelors Degree in Theology.
When not with clients, on radio or providing commentary, he can be found in the garden or renovating his family’s home.
H.E. Dr. CHEUNBORAN Chanborey
Dr. CHEUNBORAN Chanborey is the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Cambodia to Australia and concurrently to New Zealand. He is also an advisor to the President of the National Assembly with the rank of Secretary of State and a member of the Board of Directors of a Phnom Penh-based think tank, the Asian Vision Institute (AVI).
Dr. Chanborey has attained his PhD in International Political and Strategic Studies from the Australian National University (ANU), Master in Public Management from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in conjunction with the Harvard Kennedy School, M.A. in Diplomacy and International Studies from Rangsit University, Thailand, and B.A. in International Relations from the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.
Andy Foster
As one of New Zealand’s most experienced local government politicians, Andy brings an exceptional level of professional and governance experience to parliament. A former Wellington Mayor, Andy has also served on various boards, and prior to this had a background in investment finance, taught economics and was a Parliamentary researcher.
Andy is recognised for his leadership in transport, urban planning, and finance. He spearheaded the world leading restoration of Wellington’s natural environment and is well known for his long-term involvement in Zealandia eco-sanctuary.
Andy is currently the Chairperson of the Transport & Infrastructure Select Committee and a member of the Governance & Administration Select Committee. He is the New Zealand First spokesperson for local government, housing, education & training, conservation, and sport.
MAZITA MARZUKI-
High Commissioner
High Commission of Malaysia in New Zealand
Objective
A senior diplomat with managerial skill and leadership ability with a track record of producing, presenting and managing the implementation of innovative political economic and social affairs solutions. Exceptionally seasoned and reliable with extraordinary negotiations and organizational abilities. Strong fluency in planning strategic political and complex agreement. Highly motivated with a proven ability to develop people and commercialize all aspects of the issues into business opportunity. Experienced in converting every opportunity into success and of driving profit and growth for the country. Well-networked at the Ministerial level, royalty, and business entities and highly successful in implementing work process improvements, defining Ministry’s direction, achieving goals, change and optimizing work procedures
Experience
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, MALAYSIA (2009 – CURRENT)
❖ Consulate General of Malaysia in Melbourne, Australia.
❖ Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter Terrorism (SEARCCT) - Deputy Director General
Deputy Director General (Strategic Planning and Training Division/ Administrative Division), the tasks includes planning and overseeing all the planned workshops, domestic, regional and International under SEARCCT with at least 26 workshops per year. The Centre is committed in producing sustainable capacity building programmes since its inception in 2003. With the Centre’s vision to empower and create resilience of the regional community in countering terrorism and extremism coupled with 5 flagships namely Investigation and legal, Critical Infrastructure Protection, CBRNE and Crisis Management, Terrorism Financing and CVE/PVE, strategic thinking and planning is essential in everyday tasks. Also responsible for the Administrative matters in SEARCCT which includes the human development and resources unit, the finance unit and all related management issues of SEARCCT.
❖ Embassy of Malaysia in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Deputy Chief of Mission
Second in command at the Embassy of Malaysia. Responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Mission, as well as overseeing bilateral matters, encompassing politic, economic, public affairs, management, and consular services.
❖ OIC and Regional Cooperation Division - Principal Assistant Secretary
Responsible for all political, economic and social negotiation at the multilateral affairs at the United Nation level, Organizational of Islamic Cooperation level, regional level (Asia-Europe and East Asia-Latin America). Tasks include preparing country statement for the country’s premier, defending Malaysia’s interest at all of the multilateral platforms, formulating resolutions of relevance to the subject matter to be tabled during the meetings, organising events, training and workshops at domestic, regional and International level and all related activities.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH, MALAYSIA (2005-2006)
❖ Human Resource Division - Deputy Director
Responsible for 3500 professional health personnel at the Penang General Hospital. Ensuring all government HR processes namely, the promotion, training and salary increment be implemented in line with the government delivery system.
PENANG STATE GOVERNMENT, MALAYSIA (2001-2005)
❖ Office of the State Secretary - Special Officer to the State Secretary of Penang whom reports to the Chief Minister of Penang, Malaysia
Responsible of all matters under the purview of the State Secretary in administrating the Penang State of Malaysia from political, economic, socio-cultural and development.
TV3 BROADCASTING STATION (1997-2000)
❖ Assistant Producer/Line Manager
Produced TV magazine on fashion (Women’s Today Fashion) health (Women’s Today Health) and children program (Disney Club for Malaysia). Responsible from Pre to Post production for all the episodes. Produced more than 100 episodes in total. Contributed to voice-over for TV commercials and capable of Emceeing for events and programmes.
Education
MASTER OF HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT (MSC.) - 2008
Golden Gate University, San Francisco, California United States of America
Major in Conflict Resolution and Negotiations
Academic Achievement Award: Outstanding Student of the Year GPA: 4.00, CGPA: 3.98
Graduated Summa Cum Laude
Granted full scholarship by the Government of Malaysia (2006-2009), due to the ‘Excellent Award for Leadership’ during the Public Service Diploma for Administrative and Diplomatic Officer.
Mr. Josua Tuwere, Second Secretary at the Fiji High Commission
Josua Tuwere is the Second Secretary at the Fiji High Commission in Wellington. He has been at the Mission for seven years. He was previously Special Assistant to the Minister for Foreign Affairs based in Suva and participated at the 2015 CHOGM in Malta. He is married to Mrs. Losalini Tuwere and they have two children.
Moderator:
Maxwell Abbott, BTheo
Maxwell is the managing director of Asia Pacific Global Foundation. He holds a degree in Theology from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, and a CELTA certificate from Cambridge University. He is completing his postgraduate study in business at Southern Institute of Technology. He taught international students and adult students at community education in Christchurch and Auckland.
At APSI Forum, he has assisted its community hub to expand.
His passion is to assist his wife, children, and write poems.
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