Pacific Technology Policy Conference 2026

The National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR) is pleased to host our third annual Pacific Technology Policy Conference, which will bring together key policy, academic, and private sector stakeholders for a full day of discussions on critical issues in the digital and technology domains. The Conference will feature keynote remarks from high-level government and business leaders, panel discussions with tech policy experts from throughout the region, and a networking reception.

March 31, 9am - 6pm

K&L Gates, 925 4th Avenue #2900, Seattle, WA 98104

NBR is grateful to our conference sponsors Microsoft and K&L Gates for their generous support.

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Opening Remarks: Michael Wills, President, The National Bureau of Asian Research

Keynote Remarks: To be confirmed

Panel 1: Indo-Pacific Perspectives on Technology and Innovation Cooperation

A discussion among key stakeholders from various Indo-Pacific countries on their respective tech and innovation priorities, as well as the biggest risks and opportunities emerging from rapid technological advancements.

• Tami Overby, Partner, DGA Group; Advisor, NBR (moderator)
• Ambassador Ho-Young Ahn, Member, NBR Board of Directors; former ROK Ambassador to the United States
• Ambassador Robert Holleyman, Advisor, NBR; former Deputy U.S. Trade Representative
• Daisuke Kawai, Project Assistant Professor and Deputy Director of the Economic Security Research Program, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Tokyo; Nonresident Fellow, NBR

Panel 2: Advancing Indo-Pacific and Global AI Governance

A conversation on regional perspectives and policies toward AI governance and how to advance shared AI objectives in the Indo-Pacific.

• Doug Strub, Senior Director, Research and Programs, NBR (moderator)
• William Bartholomew, Director of Public Policy, Office of Responsible AI, Microsoft
• Kai-Shen Huang, Director and Research Fellow, Democratic Governance Program, Research Institute for Democracy, Society, and Emerging Technology
• Karryl Kim Sagun Trajano, Research Fellow, Nanyang Technological University

Lunch

Keynote Remarks: Antony Cook, Corporate Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, Microsoft

Panel 3: Developing and Implementing Effective Cybersecurity Strategy and Policy

An examination of how competing approaches to cybersecurity policy impact private sector implementation, innovation, and security.

• Andrew Grotto, Research Scholar, Center for International Security and Cooperation, Stanford University; former Senior Director for Cybersecurity Policy, National Security Council
• Jake Bernstein, Partner, K&L Gates
• Rob Spiger, Director for Cybersecurity Policy, Microsoft
• Additional speakers to be announced

Panel 4: Digital Regulation and Competition Policy in the Indo-Pacific

A discussion on key topics relating to digital regulation and competition policy across the Indo-Pacific region, including the spread of EU-style digital regulations and NBR’s ongoing research into Korea's competition policy enforcement.

• Jonathon Marek, Assistant Director, Technology and Geoeconomic Affairs, NBR (moderator)
• Tami Overby, Partner, DGA Group; Advisor, NBR
• Nigel Cory, Director, Digital, Trade, and Technology Policy, Crowell Global Advisors
• Laura Sallstrom, Founding Partner, ThinkTech Policy Consulting

Panel 5: International Investment & Partnerships In Advanced Technology

A discussion on how Indo-Pacific countries are investing in advanced technologies, including semiconductors, quantum computing, the AI stack, and more, with a focus on partnerships between the United States and regional allies in the context of trade and investment deals.

• Soichiro Shibata, Director, Monitor Deloitte
• Hodan Omaar, Senior Policy Manager, Center for Data Innovation, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation
• Additional speakers to be announced

Closing Keynote Remarks: To be confirmed

Networking Reception

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Host or Publisher The National Bureau of Asian Research