Supported by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and in collaboration with the Canada-ASEAN Business Council (CABC), the ASEAN-based Canadian Chambers of Commerce, and the University of British Columbia, MPPGA students Kiran Alwani, Denea Bascombe, Corrin Bulmer, Zameena Dadani, Brady Fox, Emily Mann, Chad Rickaby, and Sonia Takhar had the opportunity to embark on producing the second Canada-ASEAN Business Outlook Survey as part of MPPGA course GPP 591 – Special Topics in Public Policy: Applied Survey Research on Southeast Asian Markets, which was then presented at the Canada-ASEAN Business Forum: Partnering for growth in ASEAN in Jakarta, Indonesia at the beginning of September 2016.
Led by MPPGA students Zameena Dadani, Emily Mann, and Brady Fox, Professor Kai Ostwald oversaw the direction of the project, teaching the group essential skills about Southeast Asia, survey design, and report writing. Students collaborated with Dr. Ostwald on the reporting, analysis, and design but through the skills gained in class, the group was able to get a hands-on approach towards the project via design of the survey, conducting the research, contacting clients, and distributing the survey through embassy and CABC contacts. The project began April 2016 as part of GPP 591 with the survey conduction taking place in June and July of that year, finally to be presented at Canada-ASEAN Business Forum this past September.
The aim of this survey is to provide insights into the relationship of ASEAN states and Canada, while also showcasing the general business environment and operating conditions for Canadian businesses in the ASEAN region. The report includes analysis on areas such as:
- Profiles of Canadian businesses
- Opportunities available to Canadian businesses
- Economic integration and trade agreements
- Challenges encountered by Canadian businesses
- Support structures and other elements of the ASEAN policy environment
The Canada-ASEAN Outlook 2016 Survey can be found here.
Along with presenting the Canada-ASEAN Business Outlook Survey at the Forum on September 7 and 8, 2016, MPPGA students also had the chance to network and sit in on speakers such as H.E. Marie-Louise Hannan, Government of Canada’s Ambassador to ASEAN, Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, Chairman of Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and H.R. Dr. Teuku Faizasayah, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia to Canada.
“This project was an invaluable part of my degree. Through working with a talented team and partners outside of the program, I was able to apply the skillset the MPPGA program provides as well as expand my professional network. As a student, it was an honour to attend such a high-level event and to play an integral part in such an important project in a field.” – Brady Fox, MPPGA student
“It has been a great opportunity to be a part of the research and dialogue towards a Canada-ASEAN partnership.” – Zameena Dadani, MPPGA student
“Participating in the Canada – ASEAN business forum was an unforgettable opportunity especially while Canada is working towards strengthening its relationship with ASEAN. After months of project research, the chance to meet with the business leaders and policy practitioners that are building and maintaining relationships between Canada and Asia was incredibly valuable. As I move into my Asia focused career, this will certainly serve as a foundational experience.” – Chad Rickaby, MPPGA student
