The Japan Economic Foundation (JEF) and the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) held a Public Symposium on November 23, 2017 at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas, Pasig City. This activity was part of the 2-day Asia-Pacific Forum 2017 (APF 2017) which had the theme "Integration and Inclusiveness in a Digital Society". The Asia-Pacific Forum is an annual forum which engages experts, officials, and ex-officials in a dialogue on trade, regional economic integration, and growth strategies in the Asia Pacific.

The Public Symposium convened eminent scholars and officials from ASEAN+6 countries who shared their insights and recommendations concerning the forum theme. The keynote address was given by Socioeconomic Planning Secretary, Dr. Ernesto Pernia. The symposium included three panel sessions on (1) Emerging Populism: Contributing Factors, Impacts, and Countermeasures, (2) Innovation as a Catalyst for Deepening Inclusiveness and Regional Integration?, and (3) People-Centered ASEAN as a Way Forward to Wider Regional Integration. 
Main Menu

Secondary Menu