Dr Kao Kim Hourn: An Alternative Message for WES 2026

Dr Kao Kim Hourn answers delegate questions at WES2026

This article is written by Innes Paton, a WES 2026 student journalist and writer for The Gaudie.

The Warwick Economics Summit (WES) is a spectacle of voices discussing all things finance, money, and markets. Each talk delves into a certain niche, enlightening the audience about their work and experiences. 2026 was the 25th anniversary of WES and lived up to those expectations. Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, conveyed the importance of housing economics and sustainable building. Nathan Sheets, Global Chief Economist at Citigroup, highlighted the resilience of Western markets through recent global turmoil. Yet, it was a message that strayed far from the norm that grabbed the attention of WES 2026.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a name that does not necessarily resonate with many outside of Asia, let alone in a conference hall of Western economics students. However, Dr Kao Kim Hourn, the Secretary-General of ASEAN, gave a speech that was applicable to every person sitting in that room. 

“Diversity is not a weakness,” concluded what was a speech that talked of unity, cooperation, and progress: “Turn complexity into strength.” When stepping up on stage, Dr Kao bowed to the audience, immediately differentiating himself from speakers that came before him. When the buzz from the audience settled, he immediately got to work laying out the foundations of what ASEAN aims to bring to the global audience. He started with the warning: “Globalisation is being reassessed and reapplied,” alluding to the current geo-political situation that is holding the world in a chokehold.

ASEAN is an association looking to promote and scale connections within Southeast Asian countries but also on a global platform. They hold ties to the UN and Canada, but also to China, India, and Iran. Dr Kao summed up their mission as: “To find renewed purpose, in working together, guided by the spirit of humanity.”

He divided up its aims into 6 sections, or the 6 P’s as he stated: Peace, Prosperity, People, Planet, Potential, and Partnership. 

“Cooperation over rivalry,” was the choice and precise words of Dr Kao. The trade barriers, the heightened tensions, the hostility of geo-politics, are a priority that ASEAN puts at the utmost importance. When questioned in the Q&A section of the talk by one of the keen audience delegates about the tension in the South China Sea, he explained the history of the tensions and highlighted ASEAN’s goal of making a code of conduct by the end of the year, to promote peace again in the region. 

The goal of bringing prosperity to his region was the part that most closely resembled the other talks of the summit. Bringing down trade barriers and promoting fair trade in the region and internationally. The argument very much mirrored the views of the opposition of the Panel Debate later in the summit, with the proposition that protectionist policies should be prioritised. Despite the opposition losing this debate, Dr Kao’s plan differentiated itself from that of the panelists, with a well articulated aim. 

Uplifting the people, not just GDP and financial growth, but a plan to fight for the humanity of all. Dr Kao demonstrated that ASEAN aims to not measure success in the way of monetary success, but of real and tangible differences in people's lives. 

Later in his talk, Dr Kao highlighted the climate and the worrying effects that it is going to have on us all. “You must fight for it,” he stated in relation to what the younger generations need to do to promote pro-climate policies. “There is no prosperity with no planet,” he reminded the audience. 

He made it clear that he believes in the potential of the region. The potential to achieve their aims, and the potential to deliver a better world. Dr Kao made it clear that the potential of ASEAN was not only of success in its region but internationally, using its influence to improve every corner of the globe. 

Dr Kao demonstrated that his goals for regional partnership were “through global engagement.” Creating strong regional cooperation can be done through creating a healthy and progressive partnership with the rest of the world was the thesis of his claims. 

Dr Kao’s demeanour stood out from all the others. He did not have any slides in the background, nor did he stray from the podium. Gentle and kind, his speech still stood out to many attending.

After taking questions from the audience, he finished with a closing statement, a message to the young people in the room:

“You have everything ahead of you. If you can find your passion and purpose in life you can do well. Whatever you pursue, you must never give up.”

“I grew up in Cambodia, during a time of war and genocide, but I never gave up.” “But don’t be selfish … help those around you.” 

“I challenge you to be the best you can be in your own unique way.”

“Life is short but we waste most of it. So use your time wisely.”

“Enjoy your life every minute while you study, while you’re in university.” 

Dr Kao Kim Hourn’s speech was not only one for the Warwick Economics Summit 2026, but it was a speech for the rest of the world to listen to. WES’s slogan of ‘Join the Debate’ demonstrates its pride in bringing people together through cooperation and unity. His message laid forth on the stage at The Oculus Building at the University of Warwick spoke to the root of WES, the country, and all geo-political affairs. 

The views and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Warwick Economics Summit.