11
June
2020
|
20:41
Asia/Singapore

Socially distant, intellectually connected: New Virtual Roundtables series on Asian Law

The new series by CALS explores various issues related to Asian Law

The NUS Centre for Asian Legal Studies (CALS) held its inaugural session of the new Virtual Roundtables on Asian Law series on 27 May with more than 100 attendees from all around Asia and beyond.

Dean of NUS Law, Professor Simon Chesterman, noted, “At a time when international travel has all but ceased and in-person meetings seem to extend no further than the dining table, we need to be creative to remain engaged. Virtual roundtables help NUS Law connect to our stakeholders and the wider academic and professional communities. This new CALS series in particular will enable interested scholars and practitioners from around the region and beyond to be part of the conversation, staying up to date but also ensuring that diverse voices are heard.”

Participants heard from distinguished panelists who shared their perspectives on “COVID-19 and Constitutionalism in Asia: Executive Power in a Time of Crisis”. NUS Law Adjunct Professor Kevin Tan shared insights on Singapore's approach, and adeptly led the discussion session. Assistant Professor Aparna Chandra from the National Law University in Delhi provided a critical analysis of the Indian approach with comparative nods to other post-British colonies with similar legislative frameworks. Associate Professor Melissa Crouch at the University of New South Wales highlighted constitutional practices in Indonesia, Philippines, and Myanmar to situate current developments within broader constitutional trends in the region. Professor Yeh Jiunn-rong from the National Taiwan University drew his perceptive remarks from both his academic expertise and his prior experience as a Cabinet member in Taiwan.

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Assoc Prof Jaclyn Neo and the four panelists shared their perspectives on COVID-19 and constitutionalism in Asia

In her opening remarks at the session, CALS Director Associate Professor Jaclyn Neo, shared that the series is "an opportunity to adapt, to make our programmes even more accessible, engaging, and flexible for a wider audience." She emphasised that this series “will showcase the vitality and diversity of Asian legal experience, Asian legal practice, and Asian legal perspectives" and will "put Asia at the forefront of intellectual legal debates".

The next two Roundtables in the series will be held on 15 June and on 1 July — titled “COVID-19 and Central-Local Relations in Asia: Coming Together or Coming Apart?” and “COVID-19 and Climate Change in Asia: Opportunity or Red Herring?” respectively.

More information on the roundtable series and how to register can be found here.

By NUS CALS

 

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