Human Development Forum Foundation » Research Manager

ASEAN- Civil Military Dialogue, Bangkok, June 27th- 30th

Research Manager — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 02:58:39 +0000

ASEAN Defence Establishments and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Cooperation on Non-Traditional Security

an international conference on disaster management co-hosted by Asian Disaster and Preparedness Center, Human Development Forum Foundation, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of the Philippines

For detail information: http://www.adpc.net/CSO/

Background

1. With an ongoing situation in Haiti, we can clearly see that there is an urgent need for improvement of the coordination between the various Military Forces and the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) working on the ground. A lot of chaos and confusion could have been avoided if a proper framework of cooperation between Militaries and CSOs are in place. Unfortunately, this issue has often been neglected when it comes to discussion on disaster response and relief.

2. Recognising the importance of the cooperation between Defence Establishments and CSOs, ASEAN has taken the initial effort to look closely into this issue in the Southeast Asian region. The 1st Workshop on ‘ASEAN Defence Establishments and CSOs on Non-Traditional Security (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief)’, co-hosted by Thailand and Malaysia took place on the 8th and 9th of June 2009, at Plaza Athenee in Bangkok, Thailand with the main aim to address various issues which were and potentially could have been faced by the ASEAN Defence Establishments and the CSOs when it came to working together for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

3. Over 200 representatives from the military and the CSOs from the ASEAN Member States attended this workshop and several challenges and areas for improvement were identified during the two-day event. The participants also suggested strategies and analysis to tackle the various issues faced during Disaster Management and a report was prepared to acknowledge the need for further action to improve the cooperation between ASEAN defence establishments and CSOs.

Against this backdrop Human Development Forum Foundation is proud to announce the 2nd international conference: ASEAN Defence Establishments and Civil Society Organisations Cooperation on Non-Traditional Security, Bangkok, June 27th- 30th

Raising Awareness of Different Concepts of Autonomy in Thailand

Research Manager — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 06:43:48 +0000

From April 2008- September 2009, HDFF coordinated the Raising Awareness of Different Concepts of Autonomy in Thailand Program. This program was instigated by the internal conflict that has been present in the Southern Border Provinces of Thailand since 2001. The agenda mainly consisted of introducing new concepts and understandings of autonomy to the Royal Thai Government along with the general Thai public. Surveys were given to Thai citizens throughout Thailand regarding their opinion and understanding of autonomy and self-governance. The surveys exhibited that Thai society is not necessarily against autonomy within the Southern Border Provinces but against using the word “autonomy.”

Another crucial aspect of the program was a field trip to South Tyrol, Italy to provide a firsthand example of autonomy. The participants were distinctive members of the Royal Thai Government involved directly or indirectly within the Southern Border Provinces. The participants were presented with legal and scientific framework of autonomy in South Tyrol by various fieldtrips around the region. Also introduced were practical implementations of a multilingual education system, historical developments and the media. Once back in Thailand, the participants were able to put their findings and experiences into action within their professions.

Finally, several key points regarding autonomy were found in the research for the Royal Thai Government. The first step was assessing the causation of conflict. This is apparent in historical circumstances giving way to the makeup of Thailand that introduced mistrust and anger between Southern Thailand society and the Central Thailand authorities. Another contributing factor to the conflict is that the Thai military and Thai Buddhist majority do not view the Muslims in the south as Thai nationals. Ultimately, a permanent solution can only be found in the equal treatment of the Muslim community by the rest of the Thai population.

Flood prevention follow-up

Research Manager — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 06:41:33 +0000

In the framework of the flood prevention project, the HDFF offered a series of follow up seminars after the study trip to Germany for about 35-40 experts focusing on the enhancement of their leadership skills, especially under crisis situations. The experts were introduced to the importance of value based leadership and the coordination of combined efforts. This was practiced and deepened through practical exercises.

Community Flood Prevention

Research Manager — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 06:36:31 +0000

After Ayutthaya suffered from flooding throughout 2006, HDFF established a project called “Community Flood Damage Prevention.” The project lasted from September 2007 until February 2009 and took place in the province of Ayutthaya, Bang Sai District, Bann Krachaeng. This project was launched in cooperation with the Friedrich Newmann foundation (FNF) and Thai-German Institute – Innovation Technology Services (TGI-ITS) under the umbrella of the Armed Forces, Bund, Canal and Dam (ABCD) Program of the Royal Thai Armed Forces.

The main target groups included those in the community that were already experts on flooding and those that were community representatives engaged in flood prevention activities. Through these target groups the overall objective was to create preventative strategies against flood damage while also raising the Thai people’s understanding on floods.

This project implemented various events including an eight-day trip to Cologne, Germany by 12 Thai community representatives. The primary goal of this trip was to familiarize the group with German flood prevention strategies through visiting various organizations knowledgeable on the issues associated with flooding. The participants valued this trip as an important opportunity to gain new knowledge, inspiration and information. Another activity was furthering flood understanding within the community. This was done by conducting 55 activities and events regarding flood awareness and prevention within the communities affected. Overall, the “Community Flood Damage Prevention” project familiarized approximately 300 people with knowledge over flood prevention and management.

Crisis management training (Indonesia) – July 2007

Research Manager — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 06:29:12 +0000

In 2007 HDFF in cooperation with the PSB Academy, Singapore conducted crises management training in Indonesia for vice president/senior management level based on the terrorism research results of HDFF. The participants were satisfied and implanted several steps of the introduced crisis management plan.

Cambodia Leadership Communication

Research Manager — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 06:12:44 +0000

In the summer of 2007, two workshops were held regarding Leadership and Communication in Cambodia. The overall objective was to empower executive committee representatives of the National League of Communes and Songkats (NLC/S) within the nation. This includes strengthening democracy on the grassroots level, workings towards effective decentralization and promoting transparent and responsible governance.

The workshop series was designed to increase the capabilities of the NLC/S representatives. These capabilities mainly included more effective leadership and communication skills in times of transformation of state system and civil society. More specifically, it would provide training in the NLC/S representatives’ appearance in the media, conflict resolution/negotiation, running meetings and building more effective teams.

Although leadership and communication were at the heart of the workshop, many of the workshop activities were also constructed to support creativity and innovation. Through a modern participatory approach it was apparent that implementing creativity can ultimately lead to progress of ideas within a country. In conclusion, these workshops were well received and the lessons learned can further be implemented throughout the NLC/S and Cambodia.

HDFF- on TV screen

Research Manager — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:23:52 +0000

Watch us as part of the Royal News today on Channel 3, Channel 5 and PBS.

HDFF passed the best health blessings to HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok.

When You’re Not Here

When you are ill,
our sun goes under a cloud.
Your presence in our lives
is such a bright joy
that everything seems in shadow
when you’re not here.
When you aren’t feeling well,
we feel the lack
of your glowing energy
and contagious vitality.

We all pray that our King gets better soon!

HDFF and Thai Ministry of Education presented a program for schools in remote areas to Ruk Muang Thai Foundation

Research Manager — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:05:34 +0000

Under the umbrella of Thai Ministry for Education HDFF’s team presented a comprehensive approach program focused on teachers and students in remote area schools to Ruk Mung Thai Foundation. In a first step HDFF conducted a survey to identify the needs of the schools and designed in a second step a tailormade program to serve teachers as well as students. Thefocal points are:

leadeship & teambuilding training for executive level
language & computer training for teachers
English Camps for students

HDFF’s Phuket Maritime Forum

Research Manager — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:12:50 +0000

The Human Development Forum Foundation (HDFF), based in Bangkok, Thailand is proud to announce its inaugural conference on maritime security entitled, “Phuket Maritime Forum” in January.

Phuket Maritime Forum will provide the perfect opportunity to attract Asian and global awareness to maritime security issues as well as new sustainable technologies. The event will be held at Royal Phuket Marina, a truly stunning area of natural beauty and modern design on the east coast of Phuket.

HDFF's Phuket Maritime Forum

China/ Maritime Security: An excellent piece from StratFor on Chinese activities in East Timor and beyond.

Sours: www.stratfor.com”Dispatch: Chinese Influence Expands in South Pacific”