Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada Podcast

In this episode of Minerals Matter, the Hon. Erin O'Toole, former leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and a member of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new Advisory Committee on Canada-U.S. Economic Relations, speaks with APF Canada's Vice-President Research & Strategy, Vina Nadjibulla, about Canada’s critical minerals advantage.

O’Toole brings his insights to bear on how Canada can convert its resource endowment into genuine strategic capability – from fixing regulatory approval timelines and using tools such as the Canada Growth Fund to close the "risk premium" gap on refining and processing to leveraging critical minerals and metals as one of Canada's strongest cards in resolving tariffs with the U.S.

They also explore proposals for a "NORAD 2.0" that would build energy and resource security into the North American defence partnership, opportunities to deepen Canadian critical mineral ties with Japan, South Korea, and other Indo-Pacific partners, and the growing role of Indigenous-led resource development in the Arctic.

In this episode of Minerals Matter, Pierre Gratton, President and CEO of the Mining Association of Canada (MAC), a national voice for the Canadian mining industry working to promote the industry internationally, sits down with APF Canada’s Vice-President, Research & Strategy Vina Nadjibulla. Together they discuss global co-operation initiatives on critical minerals and domestic labour hurdles facing Canada’s mining industry.  

They touch on the critical mineral's diversification initiatives coming out of the G7 leaders' summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, earlier this year, including a target to reduce reliance on any single rare earths supplier — widely understood to mean China — to below 60 per cent by 2030. Gratton assesses the feasibility of diversification measures from both Canada and G7 partners, from mining and refining to EV battery recycling, while also reflecting on domestic developments including regulatory reform, shifting public perception of mining, technological advances, and the industry's acute labour shortage.

In this episode of CIAC Conversations, APF Canada's Communications Director, Michael Roberts, sits down with Mark Daley, Chief AI Officer at Western University, on the sidelines of APF Canada's fourth annual Canada-in-Asia Conference (CIAC2026) in Singapore in February.

Mark explores how post-secondary institutions are approaching artificial intelligence and digital transformation from both a teaching and an institutional perspective. He also explores the larger strategy of global engagement by Canadian universities in the Indo-Pacific region, the importance of developing strong research partnerships to facilitate sustainable growth, and how these universities can play a role in developing a network of partners across value chains in sectors like emerging technology and energy security.

This podcast was originally recorded in February 2026.

In this episode, APF Canada’s Canada-Indo-Pacific Critical Minerals Hub’s key advisor and John H. McArthur Research Fellow, Pascale Massot, sits down with Muhammad Imran, Chief Technical Officer and Vice-President of the Rare Earth Element Division at the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC). Imran is leading the development of the first fully integrated, commercial-scale rare earth processing facility in Canada, and North America, which is expected to be fully operational by early 2027. 

Together, they unpack why domestic rare-earth processing capability is critical to Canadian and foreign supply chains. Imran discusses SRC’s research on Canada’s critical mineral base, and strategies for divesting from China's rare-earth dominance while navigating the environmental challenges that continue to hold back partners and allies from scaling up their own processing.  He also sheds light on what the success of SRC-developed processing tech could mean for Canada's downstream manufacturing, particularly its burgeoning EV industry, and the broader supply chain resilience of Canada and its partners.

In this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations, Dr. Lizzi C. Lee, a Fellow with the Asia Society Policy Institute’s Center for China Analysis, discusses China’s geopolitical and economic outlook with Vina Nadjibulla, APF Canada’s Vice-President, Research & Strategy. 

Lizzi explores how China is implementing its new "constructive strategic stability framework” for partnership building and what it means for middle powers like Canada. The conversation also explores the outcomes of U.S. President Donald Trump’s summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in May, the two nations’ dramatically different approaches to negotiations, and what the meeting signals for the future of U.S.-China relations. Lastly, Lizzi and Vina unpack Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Canada last month, the first in over a decade, and the necessary steps required for Canada to rebuild a secure, sustainable working relationship with China amid concerns over national and economic security and democratic values. 

Please enjoy this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations!

In this episode of CIAC Conversations, APF Canada's Communications Director, Michael Roberts, sits down with Bart Édes, a policy analyst, commentator, and author, on the sidelines of our fourth annual Canada-in-Asia Conference (CIAC2026) in Singapore in February.

Bart, who also serves as a Distinguished Fellow for APF Canada, uses strategic foresight, a forward-looking approach to exploring future scenarios, to assess Canada's evolving geopolitical relationship with the Indo-Pacific region. He explores necessary updates to Canada's development assistance programs and strategies for building more sustainable, impactful relationships in the region that focus on big picture issues like climate change, upskilling, and tech development. Finally, Bart discusses the impact of Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy and potential improvements to the strategy that could help expand Canada's reach and co-operation in the region.

This podcast was originally recorded in February 2026.

In this episode, Kakehashi Senior Program Manager, Siân Jones, and i-LEAD Program Manager, Mari Naganuma, sit down with Franco Ng, serial entrepreneur, youth mentorship professional, King Charles III Coronation Medal awardee, and proud Kakehashi alum. 

Franco discusses how Kakehashi not only opened his eyes to the wonders of Japan’s culture and people but also reminded him of the diversity of culture we share as Canadians. He outlines how early experiences with different leadership styles ignited his commitment to help young people build confidence, find their true potential, and realize their creative impact. Franco explains what motivated him to achieve so much by age 30 and what continues to drive him as he continues his entrepreneurial journey.   

We hope you enjoy this episode of Kakehashi Conversations.  

In this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations, Dr. Raja C. Mohan, Distinguished Fellow and Republic of Korea Chair at the Council for Strategic Defense Research and APF Canada’s inaugural Indo-Pacific Visiting Scholar, sits down with Vina Nadjibulla, APF Canada’s Vice-President, Research & Strategy, for an in-depth conversation on Canada–India relations and the Indo-Pacific security landscape.

Together, they examine the evolving geopolitical dynamics in Asia, focusing on India's role in balancing China's rising influence and the rebalancing of India's strategic partnerships against an unpredictable U.S. administration. They also dive into Dr. Mohan’s new book, India and the Rebalancing of Asia, to unpack evolving security dynamics in the region. Dr. Mohan also touches on India’s expanding military and economic capabilities, the importance of dynamic multilateral partnerships, and what India can do to strengthen its relationship with Canada. 

What happens when Canada’s energy future meets the Indo-Pacific's soaring demand? In this episode of CIAC Conversations, APF Canada’s Communications Director, Michael Roberts, sits down with Heather Exner-Pirot, a leading voice on energy, natural resources, and the environment, on the sidelines of our fourth annual Canada-in-Asia Conference (CIAC2026) in Singapore in February.

Heather, a Senior Fellow and Director of Energy, Natural Resources and Environment at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute as well as a Special Advisor to the Business Council of Canada, takes us inside the clean tech supply chains linking Canada to the Indo-Pacific, and breaks down our country's role in energy security, including traditional sources from LNG to renewables like nuclear energy. She also tackles Canada's critical minerals strategy and unpacks how Indigenous networks and economic projects work together

This podcast was originally recorded in February 2026.  

Ce balado illustre le parcours atypique de la Caporal‑chef Stéphanie Tsujio, depuis son arrivée dans les Forces armées canadiennes jusqu’à son rôle actuel comme instructrice au quartier‑maître de l’École de leadership et de recrues des Forces canadiennes. Un thème majeur du balado est la diversité et l’inclusion au sein des Forces. Caporal-Chef Tsujio souligne que l’armée évolue vers une représentation plus fidèle de la société canadienne. En tant que femme d’origine japonaise, elle témoigne des progrès réalisés grâce aux politiques d’inclusion et à l’appui croissant de la chaîne de commandement.

L’épisode aborde également les défis actuels du recrutement, de la formation et des compétences émergentes. Caporal-chef Tsujio évoque l’importance des formations spécialisées, notamment dans le cadre de la coopération internationale et des exercices multinationaux comme Maple Resolve, ainsi que lors de déploiements à l’étranger. Elle souligne enfin l’émergence des nouvelles technologies comme les drones, l’intelligence artificielle, et les enjeux de cybersécurité dans la formation des recrues pour répondre à un contexte géopolitique en constante évolution.

In this episode of Minerals Matter, Pascale Massot, APF Canada’s Canada-Indo-Pacific Critical Minerals Hub key advisor and our 2025-26 John H. McArthur Research Fellow, sits down with Lyle Trytten, a veteran of the global nickel industry, to discuss the intricacies of global nickel supply chains. 

Trytten, who previously served as General Manager of Sustainability at Sherritt International and has worked on nickel projects around the world, provides an in-depth look at Canada’s nickel industry and the legacy of this crucial mineral in domestic production. He explores China’s nickel ecosystem, including the knowledge, equipment sourcing, project delivery, and operational expertise that has allowed China to dominate global processing. 

The conversation also looks at Canada's decline in nickel production in favour of more attractive minerals, such as cobalt and gold, creating critical dependencies in electric vehicle and battery supply chains. Trytten also touches on the current realities of nickel production through a corporate lens to help listeners understand Canada’s hesitancy toward deeper engagement in these supply chains. He asks: How can Canada generate stronger incentives for corporations to ramp up domestic nickel production to take advantage of our natural resources? How can partnerships with consumer nations like Japan, South Korea, and European allies play a role? 

In our latest episode of CIAC Conversations, Chanèle Boulet-Gauthier, Director of Strategy and Development for Socodevi, a Quebec-based international co-operation organization working with international agricultural co-operatives to strengthen economic development, sits down with APF Canada’s Communications Director, Michael Roberts, at the sidelines of our fourth annual Canada-in-Asia Conference (CIAC2026) in Singapore in February. 

Chanèle discusses Sociodevi’s local, collective approach to international development that focuses on the collaborative strengths of agricultural co-ops. She emphasizes the sustainability aspects of agri-food supply chains and resource development, which are often overlooked in the economic diversification conversation. Food security, she notes, isn’t just about agricultural production; it must encompass ecosystem preservation, climate change adaptation, and sustainability across all aspects of the value chain. 

The conversation also touches on how technology can improve the accountability of sustainable agricultural measures and accessibility of agricultural resources for smaller co-operations.

This podcast was originally recorded in February 2026. 

 In this episode, Pascale Massot, APF Canada Critical Minerals Hub’s key advisor and John H. McArthur Research Fellow, sits down with Bentley Allan, Vice President of the Future Economy at the Transition Accelerator, and Associate Professor of Political Science at Johns Hopkins University. An award-winning scholar, Allan regularly advises government and industry on geopolitics and industrial policy, including Canada’s critical minerals strategy.

Their conversation explores how Canada's Critical Minerals Strategy 2.0 can be restructured to meet the domestic needs of Canadian businesses. Allan explores the geopolitical challenges posed by market dynamics and the need for effective industrial policy, arguing that Ottawa must be willing to act at scale, take risks, and coordinate effectively when it comes to our domestic critical minerals industry.

Allan also discussesthevalue in learning from global partners, establishing diversified partnerships, and the implications of the US critical mineral strategy for Canada, asking how Washington's new critical minerals initiatives will compete with Canada's ambitions, and how can Canada maximize its leverage ahead of the CUSMA review?

In our latest episode of CIAC Conversations, Chris Lane, President & CEO of the Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership, also known as ‘STEP,’ joins APF Canada’s Communications Director, Michael Roberts, at the sidelines of our fourth annual Canada-in-Asia Conference (CIAC2026) in Singapore in February.  

Chris discusses the genesis of STEP as an export enablement partner for Saskatchewan businesses, promoting trade and economic diversification of the province’s vast industries and resources to economies across Asia and beyond. He details the organization’s latest trade mission in the region, centered on Canadian agriculture promotion and held in partnership with the Government of Alberta. He points to the importance of being “collaborative within Canada, creative in how we approach the market . . . and focused on how we cultivate [Canadian] companies to be exporters” in the Indo-Pacific region as a key takeaway from both CIAC2026 and the recent trade mission. 

The conversation also highlights on-the-ground responses to PM Carney’s trade diversification strategy, particularly Canadian farmers facing high export trade barriers, and the importance of local trans-Pacific relationship-building in the export market. 

This podcast was originally recorded in February 2026. 

In this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations, Elizabeth Wishnick, Adjunct Senior Research Scholar, Weatherhead East Asian Institute at Columbia University, sits down with APF Canada’s Vice-President Research & Strategy, Vina Nadjibulla, to discuss Arctic geopolitics and security.

Wishnick examines the growing strategic importance and dramatic geopolitical shifts in the Arctic, including challenges and opportunities in Canada’s far north. She explores how the region is shifting from co-operation to competition, driven by Russia's war in Ukraine, NATO's shifting alliances, and China's rising influence over shipping lanes. They also unpack emerging challenges to maritime security, the regional security implications of China’s growing co-operation with Russia, climate change concerns, and how great power rivalry is signalling a shift towards strategic posturing in a region that has been traditionally underutilized.

Please enjoy this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations!  

In this episode of Minerals Matter, APF Canada’s Vice-President, Research & Strategy, Vina Nadjibulla, speaks with Heather Exner-Pirot, Senior Fellow and Director of the Natural Resources, Energy and Environment program at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and Special Advisor to the Business Council of Canada, on strengthening Canada’s domestic approach to critical mineral supply chains. 

Heather argues that Canada has significant mining power by default of its vast geological resources, but having the minerals isn’t enough to be a competitive player in critical minerals supply chains. She proposes a four-category framework — inspired in part by China's own division of minerals into "scarcity" and "advantage" categories — that calls for distinct policy and fiscal approaches to solidify Canada’s position in the critical minerals market. 

She also shares her perspective on how Canada should approach Chinese investment in the mining sector as the two countries cautiously rebuild ties, and calls for a "divide and conquer" approach for international coordination among allies and partners to build critical minerals resilience without duplicating effort and spending.

In our latest episode of CIAC Conversations, Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO of Vancouver’s International Airport (YVR), sits down with APF Canada’s Communications Director, Michael Roberts, at the sidelines of our fourth annual Canada-in-Asia Conference (CIAC2026) in Singapore in February. 

Tamara discusses YVR’s strategic planning model that has positioned it as a catalyst for innovation, a trailblazer in sustainability, and, according to the 2026 Skytrax World Airport Awards, the best airport in North America for a record 15 years. Servicing close to 27 million passengers and 350 tonnes of cargo last year, Tamara explains how YVR is both a hub for business and pleasure travel and a central export/import port linking the Indo-Pacific to Canada and the Americas. She discusses how the airport can support Canada’s expanding export strategy in the years ahead and touches on the importance of diversifying supply chains in today’s turbulent global economy. 

The conversation also touches on the importance of prioritizing sustainable innovation in the aviation industry and what YVR and other airports are doing to create more eco-friendly supply chains without sacrificing economic development. 

This podcast was originally recorded in February 2026.

In our latest episode of CIAC Conversations, Maggie Gorman Vélez, Vice-President, Strategy, Regions and Policy at the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), sits down with APF Canada’s Communications Director, Michael Roberts, at the sidelines of our fourth annual Canada-in-Asia Conference (CIAC2026) in Singapore in February.

Maggie discusses IDRC’s work supporting development, research, and science initiatives in the Indo-Pacific. She highlights the role of innovation as a “mechanism to achieve development outcomes,” how Canada can support research ecosystems in Asia, and how platforms like CIAC help drive development by providing spaces for collaboration and co-operation for stakeholders across the region. 

The conversation also touches on how new technological advancements, like AI, are changing the research landscape and how Canada can leverage these technologies to advance bilateral and multilateral partnerships. Finally, Maggie looks ahead to consider how research institutions in Canada can partner with global actors to create sustainable, meaningful impact in underdeveloped communities in Asia. 

This podcast was originally recorded in February 2026.

In this episode, Kakehashi Senior Project Manager Siân Jones and Project Specialist for Inclusive International Trade Mari Naganuma, speak with Samantha Leigh, Film and TV Sustainability Consultant and proud Kakehashi Project alumna. 

Samantha discusses how her exposure to Japanese culture and language through Kakehashi, and her later involvement in the JET program. She explains how her passion for sustainability and her openness to work in different sectors led her to a role in film and television, helping reduce waste and carbon footprints on numerous Canadian media productions. Samantha reflects on the challenges of finding balance between creative visions and sustainability priorities, the interdisciplinary nature of sustainability work, and shares her hopes for the normalization of sustainability in media production and beyond. 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Kakehashi Conversations.  

Dans cet épisode de Conversations québécoises, Alexandre Veilleux de la FAP Canada s’entretient avec la mairesse de Montréal, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, au sujet des ambitions et des fondements de sa première mission économique et culturelle en Corée du Sud. Accompagnée de représentants des industries créatives et culturelles montréalaises, la mairesse Martinez Ferrada se rendra à Séoul et à Busan pour développer de nouveaux partenariats et approfondir sa compréhension de l’écosystème culturel sud-coréen.

La discussion met en lumière l’importance de s’engager dans une diplomatie urbaine internationale pour des villes diversifiées comme Montréal. La conversation souligne également les raisons qui font de la Corée du Sud un partenaire stratégique, tant pour la vitalité économique que pour l’innovation culturelle, ainsi que le rôle central des industries créatives dans la vision internationale de Montréal, leur contribution au rayonnement mondial de la ville et les opportunités qu’offrent des marchés dynamiques comme Séoul et Busan à ces secteurs canadiens en pleine croissance.

In our latest episode of CIAC Conversations, Paulo Martelli, Vice-President and Chief Investment Officer at FinDev Canada, sits down with APF Canada’s Communications Director, Michael Roberts, at the sidelines of our fourth annual Canada-in-Asia Conference (CIAC2026) in Singapore in February.

Paulo discusses FinDev Canada’s work in the Indo-Pacific region as Canada’s development finance institution, including the signing (at CIAC2026) of a new US$30-million loan to PT Indonesia Infrastructure Finance – FinDev Canada’s first investment in Indonesia – to strengthen low-carbon economic growth in the Southeast Asian country. Paulo also reflects on the opening of his organization’s regional office in Singapore, announced last year at CIAC2025. 

The conversation then dives into the organization’s focus on development outcomes and an “ecosystem approach” to Canada’s engagement in Asia, how FinDev Canada is aligning itself with the new vision of Canada’s foreign policy strategy articulated by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, the fine balance between innovation and sustainability when it comes to energy security in Asia, and how open dialogues like those fostered at the annual Canada-in-Asia Conference can help expand development opportunities between Canada and partners in the Indo-Pacific. 

This podcast was originally recorded in February 2026.

In this second episode, APF Canada’s Canada-Indo-Pacific Critical Minerals Hub’s key advisor and APF Canada John H. McArthur Research Fellow Pascale Massot, also Associate Professor at the University of Ottawa, talks with Constantine Karayannopoulos, Former Chief Executive Officer at Neo Performance Materials and a world-renowned industry insider in rare earth elements and critical minerals.

The conversation explores the current landscape of the mining industry in Canada and globally, with a focus on the key challenges Western efforts face in building more resilient critical minerals supply chains. Karayannopoulos, also a chemical engineer, warns it could take at least a decade to make meaningful progress, above all if governments rely on market forces to resolve the supply chain's biggest chokepoint: midstream processing.

Looking ahead, he draws on the experiences of Japan and Brazil, where strategic investment and long-term planning have proven effective, and argues that Canada must move beyond its current export-oriented model. Committing to value-added production, from mineral processing to the manufacturing of advanced products, would generate greater economic returns, he explains, making the case that strategic investment in defence, innovation, and critical minerals technologies will be essential to building lasting economic resilience and strengthening national security.

In this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations, APF Canada’s Vice-President Research & Strategy, Vina Nadjibulla, sits down with two of the Foundation’s 2025 Indo-Pacific Research Fellows: Dr. Yujen Kuo, Director and Professor at the Institute of China and Asia-Pacific Studies of National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan, and Don McLain Gill, Lecturer at the Department of International Studies, De La Salle University in the Philippines. 

Together, they explore the maritime security challenges facing Taiwan, the Philippines, and other Indo-Pacific economies, as well as the opportunities for Canada to deepen its engagement in the region through defence agreements and maritime intelligence sharing. 

Dr. Kuo touches on Taiwan's security posture, and growing partnerships with Japan, the U.S., and Canada, along with the island’s contingency planning and the reliability of the U.S. as an ally in the region. Dr. McLain Gill highlights the Philippines' challenges with China's actions in its exclusive economic zone, emphasizing the need for robust regional and international attention with a focus on international maritime law and defence industrial co-operation. 

The wide-ranging discussion also looks at domestic politics in Taiwan, Canada-Philippines relations, and the forward-looking research priorities of APF Canada’s two outgoing Indo-Pacific Research Fellows as we get ready to welcome a new cohort for 2026. 
 

In this introductory episode, APF Canada Vice-President Research & Strategy Vina Nadjibulla speaks with Professor Pascale Massot, key advisor to the Critical Minerals Hub and APF Canada’s John H. McArthur Research Fellow, about China’s grip on critical minerals and the policy options available to Canada. Pascale Massot is an Associate Professor in the School of Political Studies at the University of Ottawa and the author of the award-winning book China’s Vulnerability Paradox: How the World’s Largest Consumer Transformed Global Commodity Markets.

Massot explains why securing critical minerals has become an urgent challenge that goes beyond geology. China’s dominance, she argues, is the result of deliberate policy choices in Beijing as well as past decisions of offshoring processing capacity in the West. While China holds near-monopoly positions across much of the critical minerals value chain, Massot explains why it is not invincible. The episode concludes with Massot outlining realistic pathways for Canada to strengthen supply-chain resilience and reduce dependence on China.

In our latest episode of CIAC Conversations, Sue Paish, CEO of DIGITAL (formerly Canada's Digital Technology Supercluster),joins APF Canada’s Communications Director, Mike Roberts, to discuss tech innovation ahead of this year’s annual Canada-in-Asia Conference (CIAC2026) in Singapore, February 10-11.

The conversation dives into the role of DIGITAL in fostering innovation and technology development in Canada, the importance of talent development in the tech sector, and the geopolitical challenges and opportunities currently underpinning Canada-Asia relations amid global economic uncertainty. Sue highlights the technological innovative coming from Southeast Asia and emphasizes the importance of participating in events like CIAC2026 to build partnerships that span the transpacific. The discussion also touches on the future of AI and its implications for Canada as a leader in technology security and governance. 

In this first episode in our CIAC Conversations series of 2026, APF Canada’s President & CEO, Jeff Nankivell, joins APF Canada’s Communications Director, Mike Roberts, in advance of this year’s annual Canada-in-Asia Conference (CIAC2026) in Singapore, February 10-11.
 

The conversation touches on the origins and unique framework of the Canada-in- Asia Conference series, how it empowers Canada’s diversification efforts in the Asia Pacific in the context of increasing global uncertainty, the shared priorities of food security, energy security, and infrastructure underpinning this year’s conference, and the importance of creating and deepening connections between partners in Canada and Asia across business, government, research, and innovation.

Alors que les relations entre le Québec et la Corée du Sud connaissent une évolution rapide, cet épisode analyse l’émergence d’un partenariat stratégique clé en Indo-Pacifique. Avec la participation de Damien Pereira, délégué du Québec à Séoul, la discussion met en lumière l’amélioration marquée de la perception de la Corée au Québec au cours des 15 dernières années, portée par les échanges culturels, l’influence mondiale de la culture populaire coréenne et la croissance soutenue du tourisme entre les deux sociétés.

L’épisode aborde également l’approfondissement des liens économiques, notamment dans des secteurs stratégiques tels que les métaux, l’aérospatiale, la défense, les technologies de pointe ainsi que la filière des batteries et des véhicules électriques. Inscrite dans un contexte géopolitique de plus en plus complexe, la discussion porte sur les trajectoires futures des relations Québec–Corée et les possibilités de coopération accrue en matière diplomatique, commerciale et multilatérale.

In this episode of Kakehashi Conversations, Siân Jones, Senior Program Manager for the Kakehashi Project and Mari Naganuma, APF Canada Project Specialist for Inclusive International Trade sit down with Dr. Alexander “AJ” Wray, Assistant Professor of Community Health Education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Health Geographer, and proud alum of the Kakehashi Program. 

Dr. Wray shares how his time in Japan offered lasting insights into the ways cities can be thoughtfully designed to better support the needs and comforts of their residents, and how the interdisciplinary nature of health geography sheds light on the powerful influence our physical surroundings have on our daily lives. He also speaks to the value of creating welcoming, accessible community spaces that encourage connection and supports the well-being of young people in particular.  

Dans cet épisode de Conversations québécoises, Alexandre Veilleux reçoit Catherine Tadros, déléguée du Québec à Singapour, qui cumule plus de 20 ans d’expérience au sein de la fonction publique québécoise.

Dans ce balado, Mme Tadros aborde l’importance croissante des relations entre le Québec et l’Asie du Sud-Est, une région à la fois diversifiée et stratégiquement essentielle. Elle explique comment la Stratégie indo-pacifique du Québec a renforcé les liens politiques, culturels et économiques avec les États membres de l’ASEAN, tandis que les récents accords commerciaux impliquant le Canada — notamment avec l’Indonésie et dans le cadre du PTPGP — ouvrent de nouvelles avenues pour les entreprises québécoises. La conversation explore également le rôle de la francophonie dans la diplomatie régionale, les secteurs porteurs pour les entreprises du Québec, ainsi que le potentiel des technologies vertes et du leadership climatique pour approfondir la coopération entre le Québec et l’Asie du Sud-Est.

In this episode of Kakehashi Conversations, the second of a two-part series spotlighting alumni working in the humanitarian sector, Kakehashi Senior Program Manager Siân Jones and Research Scholar for South Asia Tanya Dawar speak with Stephanie Xu, a Communications Advisor for the International Committee of the Red Cross working in Rangoon, Myanmar, and proud Kakehashi alum of the 2018-19 university cohort.  

Stephanie discusses lessons learned about differences in communications approaches based on cultural, especially the Southeast Asian context, and about the struggle to walk the fine line between raising awareness of humanitarian crises and respecting the dignity of vulnerable communities in her work as a documentary photographer. Stephanie explains how having an “open heart” is key to keeping her grounded and hopeful in the face of professional, physical, mental and emotional challenges. 

We hope you enjoy this inspiring episode of Kakehashi Conversations! 

In this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations, Dr. Victor Cha, President of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C., discusses South Korea’s evolving economic and political landscape with APF Canada Vice-President Research & Strategy Vina Nadjibulla. 

Cha explores the ‘roller-coaster’ of U.S.-South Korea relations, including the in-depth investment and defence deals announced by U.S. President Trump and Korean President Lee that shocked policy observers, and the unexpected policy direction the East Asian nation has taken in dealing with China. He provides an assessment of South Korea’s militarization strategies in the region and the prospect of North Korea being recognized as a nuclear power by the U.S. 

Finally, Dr. Cha reflects on the takeaways from APF Canada’s inaugural Indo-Pacific Forum, hosted on October 1-2, 2025, in Ottawa, and the lessons South Korea could learn from Canada regarding economic diversification and contingency planning in the context of the unpredictable Trump 2.0 Administration.  

Please enjoy this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations!  

In this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations, Pita Limjaroenrat, former leader of Thailand’s Move Forward Party (MFP) and current Senior Research Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School, discusses the evolution of Thailand’s democratic renewal with APF Canada Vice-President Research & Strategy Vina Nadjibulla.  

Under Pita’s leadership in May 2023, the MFP received the most votes and seats in Parliament in Thailand’s general elections. Despite that mandate, his attempts to form a government were blocked by institutional mechanisms, and the Constitutional Court dissolved the MFP on August 7, 2024 and banned its leader from serving in politics for 10 years. The party’s social democratic agenda centered on addressing grassroots issues, welfare improvements, and human rights, while advocating for the demilitarization of politics and economic democratization.  

Pita shares firsthand insights on the forces shaping Thailand’s democratic renewal, offering listeners a unique perspective on overcoming institutional challenges and building inclusive governance. He explores opportunities and challenges for Thailand's ASEAN engagement, discusses regional collaboration on critical minerals, cybersecurity, and coastal co-ordination, and prospects for Canada-Thailand co-operation. Finally, he reflects on his own mission for transparent, equitable governance—offering critical takeaways for the next generation of political thought leaders advocating for democratic resilience and international co-operation.  

In this episode of Kakehashi Conversations, the first of a two-part series spotlighting alumni working in the humanitarian sector, Kakehashi Senior Program Manager Siân Jones and Research Scholar for South Asia Tanya Dawar speak with their first Japanese Kakehashi alumni guest, Jo Maruyama, a UNESCO intern working in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and proud Kakehashi alum of the 2023 university cohort. 

Jo discusses his cultural exchange in Canada and how Kakehashi shaped his idea of what it means to be Japanese in a global context. He explains his career path as a UNESCO trainee doing ‘on the ground’ humanitarian work in Central Asia with a focus on how climate disasters disproportionately impact women and girls. He describes how his volunteer work supporting Ukrainian refugees in Poland contributed to what he calls a “colourless” mindset, encouraging him to be open to others’ cultures and values and maintain hope for the future in a troubled and uncertain world. 

In this episode of Kakehashi Conversations, Program Manager Siân Jones and Research Scholar for South Asia Tanya Dawar speak with Allison Cohen (Chief of Staff, Liquid AI) and Kimberley Nault (PhD Candidate, University of Ottawa) about their experiences in the Kakehashi Project and their work in AI. 

Allison reflects on her 2018 trip to Japan, where a rural homestay offered powerful lessons in culture and shared humanity. Kimberley recalls her 2020 journey, which began with an unexpected meeting with Princess Takamado at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo and the lasting impact of living with a Japanese family. 

They also share their career paths and perspectives on AI—from Allison’s transition from global affairs to socially beneficial projects at Mila and now innovative work at Liquid AI, including the launch of the Apollo AI application, to Kimberley’s research on human–AI collaboration and education. Together, they explore AI’s potential to expand access to essential services, the importance of AI literacy, Canada’s role in promoting ethical development, and practical advice for young people eager to engage with AI responsibly.

In this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations, we welcome Richard Heydarian, an APF Canada Indo-Pacific Visiting Scholar visiting Canada as part of our Indo-Pacific Initiative Programs, funded by the Government of Canada. 

Richard Heydarian is a global columnist, policy advisor, public intellectual, and Senior Lecturer at the University of the Philippines’ Asian Center. He has published in The New York Times, Washington Post, The Guardian, and Foreign Affairs. His latest book, The Indo-Pacific: Trump, China, and the New Global Struggle for Mastery (2019), contextualizes the Trump Administration against the history of China-U.S. relations and the growing importance Indo-Pacific region. 

Heydarian will spend September 8-15, 2025, on an APF Canada-partnered academic speaking tour with stops in Winnipeg, Ottawa, and Vancouver, where he will meet with Canadian policymakers, business and government leaders, and participate in public engagements. 

In this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations, recorded on the sidelines of that tour, Heydarian sits down with APF Canada’s Vice-President Research & Strategy Vina Nadjibulla to discuss political and security developments in the Philippines, the role of ASEAN in the Indo-Pacific region, the recent history and the implications of Philippines domestic and foreign policies under the Marcos family, and opportunities for closer Philippines-Canada collaboration and engagement. 

Please enjoy this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations.  
 

In this episode of Kakehashi Conversations, Kakehashi Project Senior Program Manager Siân Jones and Research Scholar for International Trade & Investment Kana Bak, sit down with Gabriel Vermette, Senior Associate for Country and Sector Intelligence at Export Development Canada (EDC).  

With a prolific background in international relations, including serving as a Policy and Parliamentary Advisor to Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Jolie, Gabriel now works with Canada's export credit agency, developing financial solutions for Canadian firms looking to diversify into the Indo-Pacific region. Gabriel discusses, among other things, his experience working on Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, future prospects for Canada’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, the role organizations like EDC play in Canadian trade diversification, and how his time in Japan inspired a life-long career in foreign affairs and a passion for engaging with Asia.  

In this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations, recorded in Vancouver, Canada, on August 26, 2025, APF Canada’s Vice-President Research & Strategy Vina Nadjibulla reflects on the evolution of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS). 

She sits down with APF Canada’s Communications Director, Michael Roberts, to discuss the key themes when it comes to Canada’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, how Canada’s IPS has progressed under new federal leadership, and the impact of tariffs from both the U.S. and China on Canadian businesses. She also highlights the emerging opportunities for Canada to collaborate with Indo-Pacific economies through strategic dialogues and trade negotiations, and how APF Canada is working to educate Canadian stakeholders on the region, including through our new Indo-Pacific Initiative programming in the coming months.

Please enjoy this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations.

 In this episode of Kakehashi Conversations, Kakehashi Project Senior Program Manager Siân Jones and Research Scholar for International Trade & Investment Kana Bak, sit down with author Clara Kumagai.  

Clara’s debut novel, Catfishing Rolling, received critical acclaim, cementing her voice in the Young Adult genre. The themes of mythology and fluidity of time continue in her second novel released in Canada in August 2025, Songs for Ghosts, a YA reimagining of the Madame Butterfly motif.  

In this episode, Clara discusses the process of storytelling, the themes she finds herself consistently drawn to, and the challenges and opportunities of writing for a young adult audience. She also touches on her eye-opening Kakehashi experience and how it has continued to shape her writing and personal life.  

In this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations, Tamara Mawhinney, Ambassador of Canada to the Republic of South Korea, discusses the evolution of Canada’s longstanding bilateral relationship with South Korea with APF Canada Vice-President Research & Strategy Vina Nadjibulla.

As her tenure as Canada’s top diplomat in South Korea draws to a close in the summer of 2025, Mawhinney discusses the history of Canada and South Korea’s bilateral engagement, the democratic resilience of South Korea following the declaration of martial law by former President Yoon in December 2024, the deepening of multilateral co-operation at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, and emerging areas of future collaboration. Mawhinney also personally reflects on her time in South Korea and her takeaways for Canada’s future engagement in the broader Indo-Pacific region.  

In this episode of Kakehashi Conversations, Kakehashi Project Senior Program Manager Siân Jones and Research Scholar for International Trade & Investment Kana Bak, sit down with Adam Melnyk, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer at LFAnt Medical.  

A McGill Engineering graduate, Adam developed LFAnt with classmates to bring Canadian diagnostic technology to the global market and develop the most cost-effective measures for bioanalytical testing. Their work focuses on combining innovative technology with embedded lateral flow sensors to make diagnostic tests more accessible and streamlined.  

Adam discusses, among other things, what it was like to navigate his entrepreneur journey as an undergrad, the emerging opportunities for Canadian healthtech startups, the evolution of healthtech post-pandemic, and his advice for fellow entrepreneurs. The conversation also touches on his experiences with Kakehashi and its lasting impact on his global outlook.  

In this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations, APF Canada’s Vice-President Research & Strategy Vina Nadjibulla sits down once again with Vice Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy. Admiral Topshee first joined us in February 2025 for a discussion on Canada’s military future. Now, with a new federal government in play, a commitment by Canada to hit the NATO five per cent of GDP spending threshold, and an increasingly turbulent global arena, he is back with Asia Pacific Conversations to discuss the direction of Canada’s naval engagement and the international maritime security landscape.

Admiral Topshee discusses these new developments in relation to Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, the reshuffling of major military superpowers and alliances, and the continued importance of international order as a global collective endeavour. His candid conversation with Nadjibulla also considers the future landscape of the Canadian military, including progress on the procurement of 12 conventionally powered submarines to bolster Canada’s naval force and innovation in military infrastructure. More critically, he highlights the vital opportunities for Canadians to step up on the global stage to ensure economic security in the Indo-Pacific and regional security in the Arctic and beyond. 

Please enjoy this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations, and if you haven’t already, catch our first episode with the Vice-Admiral: Charting Canada’s Maritime Future with Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee

In this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations, Canadian agriculture entrepreneur and CEO of Saskatchewan-based AGT Foods and Ingredients, Murad Al-Katib, joins Vina Nadjibulla, APF Canada Vice-President Research & Strategy, for a discussion on Canada’s agri-food industry and the challenges and importance of diversifying away from the U.S. into the Indo-Pacific market in the current moment.  

A startup in 2001, AGT Foods is now a billion-dollar international enterprise, one of the world’s largest suppliers of pulses, including lentils, peas, beans, and chickpeas, and a global leader in the plant-based protein sector. Murad discusses the importance of Canadian agriculture in global supply chains, why and how he diversified into the Indo-Pacific, and what it takes to maintain efficiency and prosperity in a market constantly challenged by geopolitics and climate change.  

We hope you enjoy this episode of the podcast!

In this episode of Kakehashi Conversations, Kakehashi Project Senior Program Manager Siân Jones and Research Scholar for International Trade & Investment Kana Bak sit down with Colette Trudeau, CEO of Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC). 

While her public image took off in the early 2000s as a member of LiveonRelease with the band’s hit song “I’m Afraid of Britney Spears,” Colette’s current career path focuses on advocating for her Métis nation. She discusses the work MNBC is doing to uplift Métis voices and community members, including what work remains to be done when it comes to honouring  Métis peoples under Canada’s Constitution.  

Honoured as one of BIV's Forty Under 40 in 2025, Colette emphasizes the importance of fostering strong relationships through collaboration and consensus-building and shares how her global mindset has been shaped by her experiences on the Kakehashi Project.  

In this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations, APF Canada’s Senior Program Manager Erin Williams chats with Pia Ranada, Journalist and Community Lead at Rappler, a Filipino news organization, and winner of the 2024 Marshall McLuhan Fellowship for Excellence in Journalism.  

Ranada has covered critical issues in climate change, security, international affairs, and natural disasters, but she is best known for her critical coverage of the Rodrigo Duterte administration. Her current position as Community Lead at Rappler focuses on building trust between journalists and the public and re-engaging communities with news media.  

On the Vancouver stop of her Canadian award tour, Ranada hosted a seminar on the Filipino news landscape for APF Canada friends and fellows. Her conversation in this episode touches on her remarkable career, the extreme challenges and pressures of covering the Duterte administration, and how Rappler is working to re-invent engagement with the news in an era in which many proclaim journalism is dead.  

In this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations, APF Canada Vice-President Research & Strategy Vina Nadjibulla chats with Gabrielius Landsbergis, former Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs.  

Nadjibulla and Landsbergis, who also served as a Member of the European Parliament, discuss transatlantic security in the context of the new Trump Administration and the influence of coercive state actors, like Russia and China, in the Indo-Pacific region. 

Linking the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic security spheres, Landsbergis also highlights the importance of continued support for Ukrainian sovereignty, the opportunities for Europe to take on a larger role in the Indo-Pacific and the transatlantic security agenda, and the imperative of consistently championing democratic norms amidst an everchanging world order. 

Please enjoy this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations.

In this special Asian Heritage Month episode of Asia Pacific Conversations, Vina Nadjibulla, APF Canada’s Vice-President Research & Strategy, sits down with Colonel Chung Wong, who currently serves as the Director of Aerospace Equipment Program Management (Tactical Aviation and Simulation) in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). 

With a background in aerospace engineering, Col. Wong has held several leadership roles in the aviation division of CAF across his 25-year career and participated in international missions in Afghanistan and with the United Nations in Haiti and Mali. 

In discussion with Nadjibulla, Col. Wong looks back at the beginning of his career, the importance of diversity in the Canadian military, and reflects on his own experiences as a Canadian of Chinese descent appointed to increasingly senior military leadership roles. He also highlights the opportunities for Asian Canadians in the CAF and the steps the organization is taking to expand recruitment, particularly in the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, where Col. Wong served as the 25th Commandant after his first unit command.  

Please enjoy this special episode of Asia Pacific Conversations.

In this episode of Kakehashi Conversations, Kakehashi Project Program Manager Siân Jones and Research Scholar for International Trade & Investment Kana Bak sit down with Stéphanie Valenzuela, City Councillor for the District of Darlington in Montréal, president of the Ensemble Montréal caucus, and proud Kakehashi Project alumni.  

As one of Montréal’s youngest ever counsellors, and its first of Philippine descent, Stéphanie discusses her commitment to the local community and the critical work she is doing to address key issues facing her constituents. Her political career is informed by her background working for the Mexican NGO La Paz Comienza Con Los Niños (Peace Begins with Children) and her experiences in Japan through Kakehashi. She also touches on the importance of diversity and her Asian identity in local politics and the vital role municipal governments play in shaping the everyday lives of Canadians. 

In this special Asian Heritage Month episode of Kakehashi Conversations, we sit down with Grace Chong, a Hong Kong-based researcher on Open Education and Generative AI, and Angela Minyi Hou, a legal and economic affairs officer in the Accessions Division of the World Trade Organization in Geneva. As Kakehashi alumnae and 2024-25 APF Canada-Asia Young Professional Fellows, Grace and Angela discuss, among other things, their educational backgrounds, career trajectories, and experiences abroad with university peer Kana Bak, APF Canada Research Scholar for Trade and Investment.  

Kakehashi Conversations: Finding Your Passion as an Asian Canadian Our two guests also discuss the central theme of ‘home’ and what it means to find and keep one's academic passion alive in an ever-changing, globalized world. They touch on what it means to be an Asian Canadian abroad and the cultural exchanges they have experienced in their careers, education, and Kakehashi.  

Please enjoy this special Kakehashi Conversations episode.  

Dans cet épisode de « Conversations québécoises », Alexandre Veilleux reçoit M. Michel Constantin, Directeur du Bureau du Québec à Shanghai. M. Constantin travaille pour les relations internationales du Québec depuis 1998, ayant occupé des fonctions à la Direction de la Francophonie et de la solidarité internationale, ainsi qu’aux affaires gouvernementales et éducatives à la Délégation générale du Québec à New York.

Dans ce balado, M. Constantin discute de l'importance des relations diplomatiques du Québec avec la Chine, en mettant l'accent sur les liens économiques, les échanges culturels et les défis posés par les tensions géopolitiques. Il souligne l'importance de la Stratégie territoriale pour l’Indo-Pacifique du Québec et la nécessité de s'adapter en permanence à l'évolution de la dynamique mondiale. La conversation porte également sur l'avenir des relations commerciales et sur le rôle du tourisme dans le renforcement de la coopération entre le Québec et la Chine.

In this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations, Justin Bassi, Executive Director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, an independent, non-partisan think-tank based in Canberra, joins the Foundation’s Vice-President Research & Strategy Vina Nadjibulla for a wide-ranging conversation. Their discussion, recorded on May 7, touches on the outcome and impact of U.S. President Donald Trump on Australia’s May 3 federal election, Bassi’s take on Trump’s first 100 days in office and what his security and defence signals mean for Australia in the context of the broader Indo-Pacific, Australia’s approach to China and India in this time of global uncertainty, and what priorities Canberra is likely to pursue with Washington and across the region in this new term for Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

An expert in security strategy, foreign policy, and international relations, Justin Bassi is the former Chief of Staff to Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women. Prior to that, he was Cyber Intelligence Mission Manager at the Office of National Intelligence where he led the integration of cybersecurity and critical technologies across Australia’s national intelligence community and was the National Security Adviser to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, leading the team advising the PM and Cabinet on Australia’s national security, defence and international relations. Visit the Australian Strategy Policy Institute online to learn more about Bassi and his organization’s work.

Please enjoy this episode of Asia Pacific Conversations.