SAFN Senior Fellow Gerard Lopez Advances Creative Economy Partnerships Across ASEAN
NEWS
SAFN
7/15/2026
Photo: SAFN Senior Fellows Prof. Kriengsak Chareonwongsak and Mr. Gerard Lopez in Thailand.
Washington, D.C. | 15 July 2026 — The South Asia Foresight Network (SAFN), operating under The Millennium Project, recognises the achievements of its Senior Fellow (Honorary), Gerard Lasantha (Lopez), for his leadership in expanding Vibes Music Australia across Southeast Asia and advancing regional cooperation through the creative economy.
According to Vibes Music Australia's recent announcement, Mr. Lopez concluded a strategic visit to Thailand and Cambodia while strengthening the company's investment in Indonesia. During the visit, he engaged with government leaders, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders to promote investment, tourism, and cross-border collaboration through music and entertainment. The company also announced plans to expand its operations across Indonesia, Thailand, and Cambodia as part of its broader ASEAN growth strategy.
Mr. Lopez attended the International Conference on Peace upon Morality, Development and Nation-Building (ICPDN 2026) at the invitation of Prof. Kriengsak Chareonwongsak, Senior Fellow of SAFN. Prof. Kriengsak commended Mr. Lopez's vision of attracting international investment to Thailand through the creative industries and highlighted the important role that music festivals and entertainment events can play in stimulating tourism, generating employment, and strengthening the country's creative economy.
In Cambodia, Mr. Lopez met with Dr. Kin Phea, Director General of the Institute for International Relations and Public Policy (IRIC), where discussions focused on expanding Cambodia's creative industries and positioning the country as an emerging destination for international music events.
Working alongside leading Western producers, Grammy-nominated mastering engineers, and international artists, Vibes Music Australia is building a creative ecosystem that connects Australia, ASEAN, South Asia, Europe, and North America through music. The company's ASEAN expansion strategy is expected to contribute in three key areas: strengthening music tourism and generating economic value; developing local talent and providing international opportunities for emerging artists; and supporting social entrepreneurship through engagement with regional research addressing pressing challenges, including economic crime, poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
As a Senior Fellow (Honorary) of SAFN, Mr. Lopez continues to support the network's mission by fostering collaboration among academia, policymakers, and the private sector while strengthening partnerships between South Asia and Southeast Asia through innovation, entrepreneurship, and the creative economy.
Media Contact
South Asia Foresight Network (SAFN)
Washington, D.C., USA
Email: southasiafutures@gmail.com
