Professor Bongchul Kim, President of the Seoul Institute of Global Affairs (SIGA), was invited as a keynote speaker at the 3rd International Conference on ASEAN Sustainable Development (ICASD 2026), held from April 2 to 3, 2026, at the International College of Thaksin University in Songkhla, Thailand. He delivered a keynote address titled “Middle Power Countries in the Digital Age: Korea and Thailand.”
In his keynote, Professor Kim presented an in-depth analysis of the evolving role of middle power countries in the digital era, with a particular focus on strategic cooperation between South Korea and Thailand. His presentation highlighted how middle powers can effectively navigate digital transformation while strengthening bilateral and regional partnerships.
The conference, themed “Innovative & Appropriate Sustainable Development in the Digital Era,” brought together scholars and experts to explore key issues related to sustainable development and digital transition in the ASEAN region. Participation in the conference provided a valuable opportunity to further strengthen academic networks with ASEAN partners and to expand the foundation for cooperation in the fields of sustainable development and digital transformation.
In addition to his keynote address, Professor Kim also participated as a session presenter. His presentation, titled “The Evolution of International Legal Relations between Korea and Thailand: Diversification, Multilayering, and Specialization,” offered a comprehensive analysis from an international legal perspective. He examined how bilateral relations have evolved beyond trade and development cooperation toward more specialized domains such as digital governance, emphasizing that such developments could serve as a leading model for middle power cooperation in the contemporary international system.
In recognition of his academic contributions and distinguished participation, Professor Kim was awarded a commemorative plaque by the conference organizers.