The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) consists of 11 countries with a population of approximately 700 million. This bloc has been very dynamic in economic growth in the last several years. In 2023, the U.S.’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the region was approximately $500 B, surpassing its FDI in other countries and regions worldwide. The trade between the U.S. and ASEAN was around $550 B. In the opposite direction, an increasing number of firms from ASEAN countries have been investing in the U.S. The region has been a major supplier of agricultural products for the U.S., boosting food security for the country. These activities have created 625 thousand jobs in the U.S. and 1 million jobs throughout Southeast Asia, boosting security and prosperity for both sides.
SPACE ASEAN is committed to further strengthening this cooperation between the U.S. and Southeast Asia by focusing on sustainability. We believe that the foundation of sustainability is built on three components: sustainable agriculture, green technologies, and impact investment. First, we promote collaboration between the U.S. and Southeast Asia on sustainable agriculture. Second, we facilitate green technology transfers from the U.S. to Southeast Asia. Third, we utilize our extended network in the U.S. to raise funding for projects that generate significant environmental, social, and economic impact in Southeast Asia.
A more sustainable ASEAN will complement the U.S. with the security of agricultural product supplies, a burgeoning consumer market, and a stable political partner. We believe that our noble initiative will be greatly beneficial for 1 billion people, both in the U.S. and ASEAN, contributing to social progress and prosperity for the two regions.
Our Mission
SPACE ASEAN aims to develop an effective ecosystem to promote sustainable development in Southeast Asia through close cooperation with the U.S. This ecosystem is built on three components, including sustainable agriculture, green technologies, and impact investment.
Our Vision
SPACE ASEAN strives to be the leader in championing cooperation between the U.S. and ASEAN on sustainability.
Core Value
Our People
Strategic Advisor
H.E. Ambassador Duong Chi Dung, Dr.h.c.
He is the former Ambassador of S.R. of Vietnam to France, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of S.R. of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and other International Organizations in Geneva. He was the Chair of the WIPO General Assembly, President of the UN Conference on Disarmament, and Vice President of the Group of Francophonie Ambassadors. In almost 45 years of being a prominent diplomat for the nation of Vietnam, he has made significant contributions to integrating his country into global communities and bringing the world closer to Vietnam. During his latest tenure as the Director of the Division for Least Developed Countries at the WIPO, he was a dedicated supporter of intellectual properties, technological developments, and innovations for the least-developed countries. Ambassador Duong Chi Dung obtained his Master of Laws Degree from Nottingham University (United Kingdom) and Master in Laws Degree from the Diplomatic Academy (ex-URSS). He was awarded the National Order of Merit (Grand Officier) by the President of France and an honorable doctorate degree by the Business School of Lausanne (Doctor Honoris Causa). He is fluent in French, English, and Russian.
He is the former Ambassador of S.R. of Vietnam to France, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of S.R. of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and other International Organizations in Geneva. He was the Chair of the WIPO General Assembly, President of the UN Conference on Disarmament, and Vice President of the Group of Francophonie Ambassadors. In almost 45 years of being a prominent diplomat for the nation of Vietnam, he has made significant contributions to integrating his country into global communities and bringing the world closer to Vietnam. During his latest tenure as the Director of the Division for Least Developed Countries at the WIPO, he was a dedicated supporter of intellectual properties, technological developments, and innovations for the least-developed countries. Ambassador Duong Chi Dung obtained his Master of Laws Degree from Nottingham University (United Kingdom) and Master in Laws Degree from the Diplomatic Academy (ex-URSS). He was awarded the National Order of Merit (Grand Officier) by the President of France and an honorable doctorate degree by the Business School of Lausanne (Doctor Honoris Causa). He is fluent in French, English, and Russian.
Strategic Advisor
Satya Widya Yudha. Ph.D.
Dr. Yudha is a specialist in the interrelationships between energy, geopolitics, and economics on the regional and global scales. He specializes in a variety of energy-related subjects including energy security, energy subsidy, bilateral energy, country risks, and green issues. Dr. Yudha has been the director and vice-president of national and international oil companies including Arco International Oils and Gas Co. and BP. He is currently a member of the National Energy Council of the Republic of Indonesia for the period of 2020-2025. This high-profile position must be appointed by the President of the country after being approved by the Indonesian Parliament. Before ascending to this prominent position, he was a popular member of the Indonesian Parliament. He has held numerous offices including Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the People’s Representative Council of the Republic of Indonesia, Deputy Chairman of Commission VII of the People’s Representative Council of the Republic of Indonesia, and others. He obtained his Ph.D. in Energy from Cranfield University and had executive development education in managing natural resources at the University of Oxford.
Dr. Yudha is a specialist in the interrelationships between energy, geopolitics, and economics on the regional and global scales. He specializes in a variety of energy-related subjects including energy security, energy subsidy, bilateral energy, country risks, and green issues. Dr. Yudha has been the director and vice-president of national and international oil companies including Arco International Oils and Gas Co. and BP. He is currently a member of the National Energy Council of the Republic of Indonesia for the period of 2020-2025. This high-profile position must be appointed by the President of the country after being approved by the Indonesian Parliament. Before ascending to this prominent position, he was a popular member of the Indonesian Parliament. He has held numerous offices including Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the People’s Representative Council of the Republic of Indonesia, Deputy Chairman of Commission VII of the People’s Representative Council of the Republic of Indonesia, and others. He obtained his Ph.D. in Energy from Cranfield University and had executive development education in managing natural resources at the University of Oxford.
Senior Partners
Michael Taiwo, Ph.D.
Dr. Taiwo is a social entrepreneur who is passionate about advancing the Energy Transition to cleaner energy. He was the head of Operations-Hydrogen at Shell USA, the American branch of Dutch Royal Shell which is one of the largest oil producers in the world. In this position, he was responsible for advancing hydrogen technology at the firm. He is also a founder of the Michael Taiwo Scholarships and Dreams Bridge which aims to help young people in economically disadvantaged countries to transform their lives. He obtained his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Arkansas.
Dr. Taiwo is a social entrepreneur who is passionate about advancing the Energy Transition to cleaner energy. He was the head of Operations-Hydrogen at Shell USA, the American branch of Dutch Royal Shell which is one of the largest oil producers in the world. In this position, he was responsible for advancing hydrogen technology at the firm. He is also a founder of the Michael Taiwo Scholarships and Dreams Bridge which aims to help young people in economically disadvantaged countries to transform their lives. He obtained his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Arkansas.
Senior Partners
Sotiria Anagnostou, Ph.D.
Her mission is to bridge the gap between corporate sustainability, ESG, and the new technology that corporations desperately need to achieve the climate goals. With over 15 years of experience in sustainability, she has led ESG initiatives for companies in diverse industries, such as chemicals, finance, and real estate, delivering value for investors, customers, and the environment. She was the Head of ESG, Programs and Reporting at STORE Capital, a $15B commercial REIT. She also has expertise in ClimateTech, advising companies that are building solutions to the climate crisis, especially AI/ML applications for ESG investing. She obtained her Ph.D. in Climate Risk, Adaptation and Behavioral Economics from Arizona State University.
Her mission is to bridge the gap between corporate sustainability, ESG, and the new technology that corporations desperately need to achieve the climate goals. With over 15 years of experience in sustainability, she has led ESG initiatives for companies in diverse industries, such as chemicals, finance, and real estate, delivering value for investors, customers, and the environment. She was the Head of ESG, Programs and Reporting at STORE Capital, a $15B commercial REIT. She also has expertise in ClimateTech, advising companies that are building solutions to the climate crisis, especially AI/ML applications for ESG investing. She obtained her Ph.D. in Climate Risk, Adaptation and Behavioral Economics from Arizona State University.
Strategic Partner
Hoang Lan
Hoang Lan is a senior marketing and communications strategist with nearly 30 years of experience in Vietnam and international markets. She holds a Master’s degree from Université de Lille and has led branding, communications, and business growth for major corporations and investment groups.
Anne has served as CMO of Daido, Bluegem Investment, as well as Global Communications Director of VinFast. where she contributed to the brand’s global positioning strategy. She also served as CMO of Space ASEANand currently acts as its Strategic Partner. Across every role, she is recognized for her strategic vision, market insight, and ability to build impactful brands with sustainable growth.
Hoang Lan is a senior marketing and communications strategist with nearly 30 years of experience in Vietnam and international markets. She holds a Master’s degree from Université de Lille and has led branding, communications, and business growth for major corporations and investment groups.
Anne has served as CMO of Daido, Bluegem Investment, as well as Global Communications Director of VinFast. where she contributed to the brand’s global positioning strategy. She also served as CMO of Space ASEANand currently acts as its Strategic Partner. Across every role, she is recognized for her strategic vision, market insight, and ability to build impactful brands with sustainable growth.
Leadership Team
Bao Hoang, Ph.D.
(Founder/Chief Executive Officer): Dr. Hoang is an Assistant Professor of Management at Southern Arkansas University (the United States). He teaches courses in strategic management and international business for undergraduate and graduate students. His research interests concentrate on the interrelationships between institutions, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and economic growth. He is a member of the Academy of Management, Strategic Management Society, Southern Management Association, and other non-academic organizations including the Arkansas Association of Asian Businesses, Entrepreneurship Access Resource Networks, and the ASEAN Research Network on Energy and Climate Change. He obtained his Ph.D. in Business Administration degree from Louisiana Tech University, a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Vietnam National University (HCM City). He has been extensively advising government officials, deans, executives, entrepreneurs, and business owners. He is fluent in English and has some competence in French and German.
(Founder/Chief Executive Officer): Dr. Hoang is an Assistant Professor of Management at Southern Arkansas University (the United States). He teaches courses in strategic management and international business for undergraduate and graduate students. His research interests concentrate on the interrelationships between institutions, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and economic growth. He is a member of the Academy of Management, Strategic Management Society, Southern Management Association, and other non-academic organizations including the Arkansas Association of Asian Businesses, Entrepreneurship Access Resource Networks, and the ASEAN Research Network on Energy and Climate Change. He obtained his Ph.D. in Business Administration degree from Louisiana Tech University, a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Vietnam National University (HCM City). He has been extensively advising government officials, deans, executives, entrepreneurs, and business owners. He is fluent in English and has some competence in French and German.
Leadership Team
Viet Dang
Mr. Viet, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at Space ASEAN – a strategic leader with a strong commitment to sustainable development. In his CAO role, Mr. Viet not only ensures the efficient operation of Space ASEAN but also actively integrates sustainable principles into all administrative processes. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Sustainable Development and Management, Mr. Viet is gaining profound knowledge of global challenges. This blend of solid management experience and a sustainable vision enables him to drive high-impact initiatives, contributing to Space ASEAN’s mission of strengthening US-ASEAN relations through education, innovation, and trade. His strong communication and relationship-building skills are invaluable assets, fostering collaboration towards a sustainable future.
Mr. Viet, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at Space ASEAN – a strategic leader with a strong commitment to sustainable development. In his CAO role, Mr. Viet not only ensures the efficient operation of Space ASEAN but also actively integrates sustainable principles into all administrative processes. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Sustainable Development and Management, Mr. Viet is gaining profound knowledge of global challenges. This blend of solid management experience and a sustainable vision enables him to drive high-impact initiatives, contributing to Space ASEAN’s mission of strengthening US-ASEAN relations through education, innovation, and trade. His strong communication and relationship-building skills are invaluable assets, fostering collaboration towards a sustainable future.
