Politics in Action 2026
Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam in transition — What it means for Australia
Join us for Politics in Action 2026, SSEAC’s flagship annual forum delivering timely political insights on Southeast Asia. Now in its eleventh year, the event brings together leading experts to unpack the political transitions shaping the region and what this means in practice for Australian researchers, policymakers and business leaders.
This year the forum will focus on three Southeast Asian countries undergoing significant change:
- Singapore – navigating a generational political transition following the May 2025 election
- Indonesia – governing under President Prabowo Subianto amid growth and strategic uncertainty
- Vietnam – implementing sweeping institutional reforms following the 14th Communist Party Congress in January 2026
Our expert speakers will examine what these shifts mean for ASEAN cohesion, Australia’s regional positioning, and the practical realities of research, business and diplomatic engagement in 2026.
Building on these expert insights, the forum will wrap up with a dynamic geopolitical panel discussion, drawing these national trajectories together to assess their collective implications for Australia. The panel will be followed by a Q&A with the audience and an opportunity for networking.
If you’re a researcher, business leader or policymaker focused on Southeast Asia, Politics in Action 2026 is essential. This is your opportunity to gain insights into the critical political and geopolitical context needed to support productive engagement and collaboration across the region.
Details:
Thursday 14 May 2026
The University of Sydney Nano Institute, Messel Lecture Theatre (room 4002)