The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the instrumental role of supply chains in delivering economic, human, and societal value. At the same time, the pandemic has heightened interest among academics, businesses, and governments in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. In this paper, we argue that in today's hyper-globalized economy, ESG measures are of little value if they do not explicitly incorporate a firm's operations across its entire supply chain. On the other hand, well-calibrated ESG measures should play a central role in firms' day-to-day supply chain management. We present three cases from the COVID-19 pandemic—online platforms, public health supply chains, and vaccine manufacturers—to illustrate the relevance and value of unifying ESG and supply chain thinking. Finally, we spotlight key challenges and opportunities for practitioners and scholars in both ESG and supply chain management.

The world’s politico-socio-economic center of gravity is re-balancing towards the east. It is imperative to have a generation of leaders from both inside and outside of Asia who will understand the issues generated by the shift.

The AsiaGlobal Fellows Program aims to nurture promising mid-career professionals to become future leaders and influencers with a deep understanding of global policy issues from Asian perspectives, and to develop and cultivate their long-term ties from around the world with Asia, and vice versa.

Applications close: 28 February 2022

While Covid-19 has accelerated the implementation of digitalization with regard to artificial intelligence in Southeast Asia, it has also emphasized the need for reform and structural change in many sectors, notably education, business, healthcare, communications and banking and most importantly has compressed the time frame for those reforms. This paper examines the transition to digitalization in both the public and private sectors in Southeast Asia before and during the Covid-19 acceleration period. It examines the crisis and its unique problems and also the opportunities to install change.

As the Asia Pacific region’s role in global politics and economics grows amid contending strategic interests, the direction and quality of leadership and governance will be essential to maximizing opportunities for cooperation and managing the risks of conflict. What should key players and stakeholders prioritize in securing prosperity, sustainability, and peace in the region, particularly in the context of a post-pandemic world where geopolitical and geo-economic stress and competition are heightened?

This inaugural Vogel Asia Dialogue will be hosted by Dr Victor K Fung and Professor James Robson with a keynote speech to be delivered by Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam of Singapore. They will be joined by a group of distinguished scholars and practitioners from Harvard and Asia. Join us online to celebrate the life and work of Professor Ezra Vogel.