The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada is proud to announce the visit of Richard Heydarian, a Philippine political scientist, author, and public intellectual, as part of its Indo-Pacific Visiting Scholars Program. Mr. Heydarian will visit Winnipeg, Ottawa, and Vancouver from September 8 to 15, 2025, to engage with Canadian policymakers, academics, business leaders, and the public on pressing regional and global issues.
Launched in 2025 under APF Canada’s Indo-Pacific Initiative, funded by the Government of Canada, the Indo-Pacific Visiting Scholars Program was created to inject authoritative Asian perspectives directly into Canada’s public discourse and policy process while simultaneously exposing influential regional voices to Canadian priorities and capabilities.
Mr. Heydarian is widely recognized as a leading voice on Philippine politics, ASEAN, Asian geopolitics, and populism. He has written for The New York Times, Foreign Affairs, and The Guardian, and is a frequent commentator for Al Jazeera, BBC, Bloomberg, CNN International, and CNBC. His thought leadership has shaped global conversations on Southeast Asia’s future.
His visit comes at a pivotal moment for Canada-Philippines relations as the two countries pursue a free trade agreement and explore deeper co-operation in security, technology, and people-to-people ties. With the Philippines set to chair ASEAN in 2026, Heydarian’s insights will help illuminate opportunities for collaboration in advancing shared democratic and regional priorities.
During his visit to Canada, Mr. Heydarian will:
- Participate in policy dialogues with Canadian federal and provincial officials.
- Deliver public lectures on the Philippines’ foreign policy, ASEAN’s role in regional stability, and Canada’s Indo-Pacific engagement.
- Engage with Canadian media, academic institutions, and civil society to foster greater understanding of Southeast Asia’s evolving role in the global order.
- Be available for in-person media engagements in Winnipeg, Ottawa, and Vancouver.
Schedule of Events:
- September 9 Winnipeg (TBA)
- September 12 Ottawa
- September 15 Vancouver
Contacts:
Information:
Erin Williams, Director, Programs
Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
erin.williams@asiapacific.ca
Media:
Michael Roberts, Communications Director,
Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
michael.roberts@asiapacific.ca
