Group Invitation Program for Next Generation Experts in ASEAN（Cohort1: Economic Securities）Him Rotha

Him Rotha（Cambodia）
Deputy Director, Cambodian Center for Regional Studies

Final Report

I find this program very interesting, and I have learned with keen interest the proactive and responsiveness of the Japan government and its farsighted foreign policy in safeguarding the country’s national interests amidst the geopolitical complexities and coercions from neighboring countries. I observed the robustness and the sense of responsibility and skillful ability of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry as well as the competency from JBIC and JICA in managing Japan economic security effectively. I was also impressed with the free spirit of academic community in Japan and the openness of the government in engaging academics and think tank communities to contribute meaningfully to advance Japan’s national interests while contributing to the maintenance of rule-based order.

On the issue related to economic security, I wish to congratulate the Japanese government for making good judgment about what will happen in the future and the ability to make wise decisions to divert economic security challenges that might impede on Japanese national interest in the long run. I viewed the measures carrying out by the Government of Japan to promote and protect Japan economy are appropriate and effective. The Japanese government is rightly promoting in the area of non-sensitive for economic growth, while protecting in the area of critical to the national security. This idea was incepted in 2019 and later on in 2022, it was passed into law. Since then, economic security has been highly institutionalized in Japan’s society, from the governmental bureaucracy to private sectors. It is indeed there is a need to protect one’s economy from external economic coercions, and this is what Southeast Asia should learn from Japan. Nevertheless, these measures still have concerns, such as the concern related to excessive government interventions as well as the intensity of implementations. All in all, there is a need to find a right tune to make a liberal and secured economy, while at the same time, there is a need to balance the governmental intervention and the need to promote innovations from private sectors and investments.

My experience from this program boosted my professional development in term of networking and establishment connections with Japanese and Southeast Asian scholars. This was a very fruitful trip and a very intellectual stimulation. I think in the future, with the support from the Japanese Embassy or Japan Foundation, I have some ideas to involve my peers in this program, especially Dr Igita to disseminate this idea further in Cambodia. Although I don't agree with every Economic Security concept raised by Japanese stakeholders, I still think it is important for my government and academic community to be aware of how economy could be linked to security and vice versa.