On April 25–26, 2024, Thailand hosted the first meeting of quantum researchers from across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Bangkok. According to a report from Universiti Putra Malaysia, the event was titled “Strategizing Quantum Science and Technology in the ASEAN Context” and was organized by the Quantum Technology Research Initiative Consortium (QTRic) with sponsorship from PMU-B.
Twenty-three quantum physicists from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines attended the closed-door meeting at the Avani Sukhumvit Hotel. Dr. Kanchana Wanichkorn, Director of Sectoral Development of ASEAN, spoke about leadership in science, technology, and innovation within the ASEAN framework. Dr. Zeki Seskir from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology presented on responsible quantum technologies in the ASEAN context.
Before the meeting concluded, a working committee representing ASEAN countries was appointed. Participants agreed to select Malaysia as the host of the ASEAN Quantum Summit in 2025. The meeting led to the formation of the SEA Quantum Network, an ad hoc initiative to build a regional quantum ecosystem in Southeast Asia.