Asia Scotland Institute

16/05/2024

[WEBINAR] India – Navigating The Path Ahead

Join us for an enlightening webinar that delves into the intricate landscape of India’s economic and political future. This session will explore India’s current economic status, the potential ramifications of its upcoming elections, and strategic insights for businesses aiming to thrive in this dynamic environment.

Our speakers will provide insights into the significant potential impacts of the upcoming elections, including the economic implications of a possible third term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the evolving role of India in global trade, particularly in relation to the UK-India Free Trade Agreement, and the internal political shifts that could reshape both policy and community life in India.

We will also discuss the practicalities of doing business in India, addressing both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for foreign and domestic enterprises.

Speakers & Topics:

Deepak Lalwani OBE – Chairman, Lalcap Ltd.
- Current state of the economy: GDP growth, inflation, interest rates, currency, UK-India FTA, Opportunities and Risks to the economy
- Impact on the economy with a Modi victory for 3rd term + will he capitalise on foreign investors moving out of China?
- How will this 3rd term be different from earlier ones from an economic point of view?
- Where will India be economically in the next 5-10 years?

Dr Chietigj Bajpaee – Chatham House, International Affairs Think Tank, London
- Is a third term Modi government a foregone conclusion?
- Should ordinary people and businesses worry if Modi returns with a thumping victory?
- How will a 3rd term under Modi affect India’s foreign policy and its place in the world?
- What are the key risks and uncertainties facing India under a third term Modi government?

Poonam Gupta OBE – CEO, PG Paper
- How easy or difficult is it currently to do business in India
- Will the election results affect your business in India
- What would you like changed to improve doing business in India
- Tips for UK businesses entering India – how to navigate bureaucracy

Alan Rosling CBE – Chairman of Griffin Growth Partners
- Infrastructure build out, including renewable power
- Make in India, an initiative by the Government of India
- The innovation transformation among start-ups
- The Indian consumer – the middle class at last!

REGISTER:

Join us for an enlightening webinar that delves into the intricate landscape of India's economic and political future. This session will explore India’s

16/04/2024

We had the great pleasure of hosting an event titled "Today’s Mongolia and Mongolia-UK Relations" with His Excellency Ambassador of Mongolia to the UK, Mr. Enkhsukh Battumur.

The Ambassador delivered opening remarks, highlighting the cultural and people-centric similarities between Mongolia and Scotland, despite the vast geographical distances. He also expressed Mongolia’s eagerness to engage with Scotland in various sectors, including trade, investment, education, and culture.

The event also saw insightful presentations from distinguished diplomats from the Embassy of Mongolia. Counsellor Zorigtbat Tseveenjav, First Secretary Munkhjargal Nergui, and First Secretary Garid Bandii shared their expertise on Mongolia’s trade and economic climate, cultural heritage, foreign policy, and the nuances of Mongolia-UK relations. The speakers also participated in panel discussions moderated by Matthew Henderson followed by a Q&A with the audience. Following the event, a networking reception was held at the New Club.

We are grateful to Matthew Forbes OBE MSc and the UK Government’s Scotland Office for the opportunity to hold our event at Queen Elizabeth House. Our thanks also go to Enkhee Namsrai and Matthew Henderson for their assistance in organising the event. Embassy of Mongolia in the UK

25/01/2024

It's Burns Night, a time when we celebrate the birthday of Scotland's National Bard, Robert Burns 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Whether you're a lover of cultural festivities, or just curious about this Scottish tradition, this article offers a rich tapestry of information and insights about tonight!
https://asiascot.com/blog/burns-night

We'd love to hear how you are celebrating this evening!

Burns Night, a cornerstone of Scottish heritage, commemorates the life and legacy of the poet Robert Burns. Burns is renowned for his contributions to

21/12/2023

Wishing you all and your families around the world a wonderful holiday period!

10/05/2023

It was a great honour to host Sikyong (President) Penpa Tsering for an event to discuss 'Tibet: The Unresolved International Crisis'. This was a unique opportunity to hear Sikyong discuss the current situation in Tibet.

Topics of Discussion:
- The current political climate in Tibet and the role of the Tibetan government
- The ongoing struggle for autonomy and the preservation of Tibetan culture and language
- The impact of Chinese policies on the Tibetan people and the human rights situation in Tibet
- The international community’s response to the situation in Tibet and the role of diplomacy in resolving the issue
- The future of Tibet and the prospects for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.

Watch the event here:
https://asiascot.com/event-recordings/tibet-the-unresolved-international-crisis

Cross-Party Group on Tibet in the Scottish Parliament | Himalaya Tibetan cafe | Office of Tibet | Rfa Tibetan

Sikyong Penpa Tsering, President of Tibet, joins the Asia Scotland Institute to discuss the current situation in Tibet.

19/04/2023

[Free Event] Tibet: The Unresolved International Crisis

📆 - Thursday 27th April
🕙 - 7-8pm (BST)
📍 - G.04 Screening Room, 50 George Sq, University of Edinburgh, EH8 9LH

Event Description:
Join us for an enlightening and unique opportunity featuring the Tibetan President as he discusses the current, controversial, situation in Tibet. As a revered political figure and spokesperson for the Tibetan people, Sikyong Penpa Tsering will provide invaluable insights into the current political climate, human rights issues, and cultural developments in Tibet.

Through his unique perspective, Sikyong will delve into the challenges facing Tibet and the Tibetan people, including the ongoing struggle for autonomy, religious freedom, and the preservation of Tibetan language and culture. With his extensive knowledge and experience, the President will offer a comprehensive overview of the current situation in Tibet, highlighting the progress that has been made, as well as the obstacles that still need to be overcome.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with Sikyong Penpa Tsering and gain a deeper understanding of the complex issues facing Tibet today. This is an excellent opportunity to hear from one of the most influential voices in contemporary Tibetan politics.

Topics of Discussion:

- The current political climate in Tibet and the role of the Tibetan government
- The ongoing struggle for autonomy and the preservation of Tibetan culture and language
- The impact of Chinese policies on the Tibetan people and the human rights situation in Tibet
- The international community’s response to the situation in Tibet and the role of diplomacy in resolving the issue
- The future of Tibet and the prospects for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.

Registration:
https://asiascot.com/events/tibet-the-unresolved-international-crisis

Cross-Party Group on Tibet in the Scottish Parliament | Himalaya Tibetan cafe

Join us for an enlightening and unique opportunity featuring the Tibetan President as he discusses the current, controversial, situation in Tibet. As a

01/11/2022

A special screening of Mahshad Afshar's documentary 'Women on Both Sides of the Camera' followed by a discussion with the director.

24/10/2022

From the Asia Scotland Institute, we wish all our friends and followers a very Happy Diwali to those who celebrate this day. May the Festival of Lights bring you peace, joy and prosperity.

15/08/2022

The Asia Scotland Institute congratulates India and joins it in celebrating its 75th Birthday. This great country with its rich history and growing accomplishments now plays a major role in global affairs and its well-deserved place as the largest democracy in the world. It is a force for good and innovation. We are glad to connect with its people.

This anniversary involves widespread celebrations of India @75 and her notable achievements in this time, but also reflection at this crossroads as the country seeks to agree on its role in the world in the future. In a country with a population of over 1.3 billion people, over 400 spoken languages, challenges from climate change and relations with its neighbours, ensuring that the next 75 years will bring continued success to the people of India requires wisdom as well as solutions.

Looking back to May 2022, the Asia Scotland Institute held an event with a panel of experts to discuss not only the extensive opportunities in the world’s largest and most pluralistic democracy but the wide-ranging challenges to India and how they can be solved, with a focus on critical areas of the economy, entrepreneurship, energy and defence as Indian leadership and policymakers target becoming a $5 trillion economy by the end of this decade.

Watch 'Opportunities & Challenges Ahead: New India @75' here:
https://youtu.be/RqZruK72k4c

21/04/2022

We are pleased to announce a new event to discuss 'What next for Pakistan' on Thursday 5th May, 9am BST.

The forced removal of Imran Khan as Prime Minister of Pakistan following a vote of no confidence in the National Assembly has again raised concerns about stability and possible violence in the country. Fawad Ahmed Chaudhry, a former Minister for Information and Broadcasting and ally of Imran Khan, stated on Twitter several days ago that Pakistan was inches away from civil unrest. Tensions are heightening as despite the exit of Khan from power he is a populist leader who has large support in parts of the population. Our panellists all have exceptional insight into Pakistan and its role in the world.

Speakers: Husain Haqqani, Dr Farzana Shaikh & Raza Ahmad Rumi

Register here:

Join us on Thursday 5th May as we discuss 'What's next for Pakistan' with a group of expert panellists

13/04/2022

We would like to take a minute to reflect and share a summary of the incredible few days spent with Heidi Thomas Kühn, last week. With so many events in those few days, we struggled to share all the amazing moments on social media.

Sunday - We were honoured and delighted to welcome Heidi Kuhn, CEO and Founder of Roots of Peace, to Scotland to begin her journey on United Nations Landmine Awareness Week. Heidi's journey began with a Sunday service at the Canongate Kirk - The Kirk of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle before a trip up to Edinburgh Castle for a walk around the battlements and the Scottish National War Memorial.

Monday - Heidi visited Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, Frank Ross, to detail her ongoing mission with Roots of Peace to rid the world of landmines. To mark April 4th, UN Landmine Awareness Day, Heidi's campaign brought her to an amazing event at Edinburgh's Canongate Kirk where she called for urgent aid to Afghanistan.

The group was also honoured by the presence of Daniel Yuval, an Israeli landmine victim whose stunning story of resilience drives Roots of Peace's efforts every single day, as well as Geopolitical Strategist and Roots Of Peace Board Member, Tina Fordham.

Tuesday - Heidi’s campaign continued with a tree planting ceremony at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. We are very thankful to Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Simon Milne MBE for arranging the planting of a Hickory tree.

Wednesday - On the final leg of Heidi’s trip she visited Broomhall House and the City of Glasgow College to speak on the dire need for immediate aid in Afghanistan, as well as horrific recent reports of landmine use by Russia along humanitarian corridors in Ukraine.
She was joined at the event by representatives of Glasgow's astounding Afghan community, including leaders of the Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society and Glasgow Afghan United.

Following this, Heidi went on to Old Killpatrick just outside of Glasgow to meet with a genealogist to learn about her distant Scottish family roots.

Roots of Peace are requesting urgent donations to provide emergency services for the Ukrainian women and children who were fortunate to make their way through the minefields to the border of Poland.

If you are interested to support the campaign, please DONATE to Roots of Peace through the following link: ww.rootsofpeace.org/donate