About ADS
The Asian Dialogue Society – ADS – is an informal fellowship of concerned citizens and friends of
Asia brought together to address certain issues that have affected the course of political, economic
and social developments in the world and particularly in Asia. The members of the group come
from diverse intellectual backgrounds, but they share a common belief in human security and in
the right of individuals and societies to live a life free of want and fear and in the indispensability
of dialogue and debate not only in the resolution of conflicts but also in the maintenance of peace.
The ADS believes the future of our world should be one based upon humanistic values – founded on
core values of freedom, justice, dignity, human rights, growth, progress, hope and optimism. These
values must shape the Asia of the future, while an Asian perspective will contribute to the sustainable
development of the global community. A more motivated and efficient Asian and global community can
better attack the plagues of poverty, scarcities, diseases, corruption, and bad governance; and tap the
unlimited possibilities, potential, imagination and spirit of the human being.
The activities of the ADS are intended to promote the establishment of a better human order in
Asia through increased dialogue and cooperation, and through the rediscovery and re-appropriation
of its history and heritage, enable Asia to play a proactive role in shaping the future global society.
The ADS actively cooperates with, and mobilize the resources of, universities, non-governmental
organizations, political parties, governments and business corporations in Asia and elsewhere.
The ADS is an autonomous project of the Information and Resource Center (IRC). The IRC was set
up in 1985 as a regional research institution whose programs were conceived to contribute relevant
alternatives to decision-makers in the Southeast Asian region for a better human order based on free
institutions, the free market, regional peace and harmony, multifaceted cooperation and national
independence.