ASEAN and New Zealand: 50 years of dialogue
HE Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN
5.00pm-6.00pm, Wednesday 14 May 2025
National Office
Lecture Theatre 1 (GBLT1), Old Government Building, 55 Lambton Quay, Pipitea, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
HE Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will deliver an address and Q and A, reviewing ASEAN-New Zealand cooperation over the past half century and discussing its future direction.
In recent weeks ASEAN and the New Zealand Government have discussed enhancing strategic partnership and cooperation in areas such as counter terrorism, transnational crime, maritime cooperation, and cyber security. Both sides have also emphasised the importance of strengthening trade and investment and regional economic integration, including through the full implementation of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP).
The event is organised by New Zealand Institute of International Affairs in collaboration with Asia New Zealand Foundation.
Attendance is free, however you are welcome to make a contribution towards the event cost and ongoing running of NZIIA.
Lecture Theatre 1 (GBLT1) is in a seperate building to the rear of the main Old Government Building on the Pipitea Campus of Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington.
Registration is essential. One ticket per person. Each ticket must contain your first and surname that matches your ID.
If, after registering, you are unable to attend the event please cancel your ticket to ensure other people are able to attend. A waitlist may operate.
Members and guests are asked to adhere to the NZIIA Code of Integrity and Conduct.
About the ASEAN Secretary-General
Dr. Kao Kim Hourn was appointed Secretary General for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for a five-year term beginning January 2023. Prior to this his career focused on strengthening Cambodia’s international relations, particularly in ASEAN, driving policy advocacy and promoting research, education, and development. Dr. Kao served as a two-term Minister Delegate attached to the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, from 2013 to 2022. He has authored dozens of books and articles on Cambodia and ASEAN.
Dr. Kao is a Member of the Supreme National Economic Council, a Senior Fellow at the Jeffrey Cheah Institute on Southeast Asia, and a Member of the Global Council of The Asia Society. He serves as a Member of the Board of Directors for the Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace and the Worldwide Support for Development.
With the mission of providing education to the disadvantaged Cambodian youths, Dr. Kao established The University of Cambodia in 2003, serving as the University President until he stepped down in October 2022.
Dr. Kao completed Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies from Baylor University, Master of Arts in Political Science and Master of Arts in International Studies from Ohio University, and Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
HE Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will deliver an address and Q and A, reviewing ASEAN-New Zealand cooperation over the past half century and discussing its future direction.
In recent weeks ASEAN and the New Zealand Government have discussed enhancing strategic partnership and cooperation in areas such as counter terrorism, transnational crime, maritime cooperation, and cyber security. Both sides have also emphasised the importance of strengthening trade and investment and regional economic integration, including through the full implementation of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP).
The event is organised by New Zealand Institute of International Affairs in collaboration with Asia New Zealand Foundation.
Attendance is free, however you are welcome to make a contribution towards the event cost and ongoing running of NZIIA.
Lecture Theatre 1 (GBLT1) is in a seperate building to the rear of the main Old Government Building on the Pipitea Campus of Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington.
Registration is essential. One ticket per person. Each ticket must contain your first and surname that matches your ID.
If, after registering, you are unable to attend the event please cancel your ticket to ensure other people are able to attend. A waitlist may operate.
Members and guests are asked to adhere to the NZIIA Code of Integrity and Conduct.
About the ASEAN Secretary-General
Dr. Kao Kim Hourn was appointed Secretary General for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for a five-year term beginning January 2023. Prior to this his career focused on strengthening Cambodia’s international relations, particularly in ASEAN, driving policy advocacy and promoting research, education, and development. Dr. Kao served as a two-term Minister Delegate attached to the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, from 2013 to 2022. He has authored dozens of books and articles on Cambodia and ASEAN.
Dr. Kao is a Member of the Supreme National Economic Council, a Senior Fellow at the Jeffrey Cheah Institute on Southeast Asia, and a Member of the Global Council of The Asia Society. He serves as a Member of the Board of Directors for the Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace and the Worldwide Support for Development.
With the mission of providing education to the disadvantaged Cambodian youths, Dr. Kao established The University of Cambodia in 2003, serving as the University President until he stepped down in October 2022.
Dr. Kao completed Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies from Baylor University, Master of Arts in Political Science and Master of Arts in International Studies from Ohio University, and Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
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