Young Minds

About Young Minds

Young Minds (យុវគំនិត) is a mentoring program for ASEAN + students providing intensive training and workshops in practice and theory, advanced analysis methods and hosting targeted career-oriented educational activities and internships. aseanyoungminds.substack.com (https://aseanyoungminds.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)

Publisher

Dr. Digby James Wren

Category

education · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

15 Jul 2024

Latest episode

13 Oct 2025

Latest episodes

6 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   13 Oct 2025

   The People's Ascent: China's Model for a Shared Global Future

   Looking at the long sweep of history, China’s comeback is something unique. While other powers rose and fell, China is on its fourth major ascent, this time lifting hundreds of millions from poverty and building a model that challenges the old world order. But instead of meeting this success with cooperation, the Anglo-American response has been one of containment and suspicion. This isn’t just a political squabble; it’s a clash between a civilization built on harmony and reciprocity, and one accustomed to hegemony. So, how did we get here, and what does China’s “people-first” approach really mean for the world’s future? Get full access to Young Minds at aseanyoungminds.substack.com/subscribe (https://aseanyoungminds.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

2. 

   27 Jan 2025

   Xinjiang Eyes Wide Open: Khmer Dub

   Xinjiang Excitement Xinjiang is at the centre of ongoing accusations against China -- claims of massive human rights abuses and even genocide, particularly targeting the Uygur population. Sinophobia has various sources, triggers, and motives, and the narrative surrounding China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region plays a major role in shaping perceptions. What I find truly absurd is the eagerness to condemn so-called genocide in Xinjiang while turning a blind eye to what is happening in Palestine. Fact-checkers and so-styled truth-verifiers operate with a clear agenda, often acting to meet the requirements of Western grants. Xinjiang is an incredible destination for anyone who prefers to experience a place firsthand, different from the interpretations of fact-checkers or NGOs who have never set foot there. This region has a remarkable tourism story to tell: in the first nine months of 2024, it welcomed an astounding 250 million visitors! I hope I don't come across as an arrogant representative of developed Europe or, to put it bluntly, the West. I'll admit that I was initially caught up in the Western narrative myself. I expected to find a remote, desolate area which is essentially "the middle of nowhere." This assumption wasn't rooted in ignorance, but rather in preconceived notions. However, during my first visit to China, I was struck by its diversity and depth. I quickly realized that even a lifetime wouldn't be enough to fully appreciate all its richness and nuances. Whenever I mentioned to my Chinese hosts that my next stop was Urumqi, they would light up and say, "Ah, that's such a different place! Expect to see new things!" And they were absolutely right -- it was unlike anything I had ever experienced! Like a modern-day Marco Polo or Sinbad the Sailor, though traveling by plane in the 21st century, I was excited for a "different" experience in Urumqi. What I discovered, however, was more of a continuation of the familiar China, but with a surprising twist. The real surprise came from the scents, colors, and sounds that reminded me of my homeland. It was an unexpected and fascinating blend! As I boarded the flight to Urumqi, I noticed just as many passengers as I had seen on the flight from Frankfurt to Beijing. "Ah," I thought, "after all, this is China!" When we landed at Urumqi's airport, I was amazed by how modern and bustling it was compared to Skopje's modest terminal. Urumqi had spacious, functional facilities for both domestic and international flights. The bus ride to the hotel took place at night, providing me with a glimpse of the illuminated city, massive boulevards with four to six lanes in each direction, towering skyscrapers, brightly lit intersections, and iconic landmarks. Another striking impression was the seemingly endless construction -- buildings going up everywhere, with no end in sight! The city is clearly booming. We later witnessed the fruits of this economic growth during our visit to the China Energy Group and an electric car factory. During our free time, we ventured out to explore the city on our own. I'll save the story of Urumqi's phenomenal museum for another time -- it was so rich and exciting that it even evoked memories of Balkan history, where civilizations, cultures, ethnicities, and languages intersect in a beautiful tapestry. One thing I'll emphasize is this: while the EU promotes the slogan "unity in diversity," China embraces the philosophy of "harmony in diversity." This approach has successfully created a soft, seamless mosaic -- not through domination but by integrating everyone into the vibrant fabric of Chinese society. At times, I genuinely felt at home -- whether through the intricate embroidery patterns, the carpets and crafts, or the traditional music and food. Xinjiang's natural beauty is hard to capture in words, with its breathtaking blend of mountain ranges, rivers, lakes, and deserts. Yet, every now and then, I would spot familiar elements that reminded me of home -- like Radika, Lake Ohrid (which has its own "Heavenly Lake," Tianchi), the peaks of Korab and Sar Mountain, or the horses of Mavrovo. This region has been serving as a crossroads for various peoples and cultures. It lies at a central point of the ancient Silk Road. Today, the modern Belt and Road Initiative follows these same routes but with cutting-edge infrastructure for connection. It's heartwarming to realize that many musical instruments, traditional costumes, and more have traveled from this place to reach us. This experience underscores the idea that the world is both vast and small, and that we, too, are a part of it. I'm not claiming to be an expert on China or its complexities. But my experiences have turned me into a modest and curious explorer -- someone eager to learn more, not just about China, but also about the connections between our civilizations and the potential for collaboration in creating a peaceful world. We often hear that we stand on "opposite sides," even unfriendly ones. However, it's essential for us to set aside stereotypes and explore every opportunity for closer cooperation across various fields. There's so much to learn from these people, not only about them but also about ourselves as part of the global community. I hope I shall return to China. I want to write about the Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, the fascinating stories in the museum, and how they helped me better understand the complexities of the Balkans, where diverse influences have intersected and continue to shape the lives of our ancestors, contemporaries, and future generations. It's true that China faces internal challenges, but not all stem from ethnic or religious diversity. Many arise from far more complex historical and external influences, issues we know all too well from personal experience. Yet, China addresses these challenges through investments, compromises, diplomacy, gentleness, and relentless development. In just a few days in Xinjiang, I gathered countless stories, inspired by the rich cultural tapestry and intellectual challenges I encountered. It was worth the exhaustion and effort. As for the critics, they can keep complaining. If I have the chance again, especially now as I navigate life's final stretch, I would gladly return and experience the "most notorious" places for myself. No one else will define who my friends are or are not. For now, China feels like a warm and familiar place -- it even smells like home, reminiscent of the bread from the Grand Bazaar in Urumqi. Biljana Vankovska is a professor of international relations and peace studies at the Institute for Security, Defense, and Peace, Faculty of Philosophy, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in North Macedonia. https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202501/20/WS678da932a310a2ab06ea7f89.html (https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202501/20/WS678da932a310a2ab06ea7f89.html) Get full access to Young Minds at aseanyoungminds.substack.com/subscribe (https://aseanyoungminds.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

3. 

   16 Jan 2025

   Blacklist: Biden unleashes sanctions on China. The Chair Live Episode 9

   Biden unleashes sanctions on China, as US economic turmoil and Team Trump tariffs create a perfect storm, with global industrial investment and ASEAN's economic future hanging in the balance.

4. 

   11 Aug 2024

   NATO No No No !

   The United States wants NATO to be dragged in to Asia. Today is Wednesday the 10th of July 2024 and today we're going to explore the NATO Summit that's being held in Washington today and tomorrow. And, I think we're going to start with an article written by the the former Singapore ambassador to the United Nations, Kishore Mahbubani, who was actually appointed twice as Singapore’s UN ambassador. Now, he's a very, very well-respected figure, and he wrote in 2021 that... “that the Pacific has no need of the destructive militaristic culture of the Atlantic Alliance.” Now, what was he talking about? What he was talking about was the fact that NATO, which has existed since post-World War II and the Cold War era, basically has been involved in invasions and wars in Europe, in the Middle East, Central Asia, North Africa and other places. Now the United States wants NATO to be dragged in to Asia. Get full access to The Chair at theaseanchair.substack.com/subscribe (https://theaseanchair.substack.com/su... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVdRT211alNVNTJuT1pFRHdqbnpRbV9iWFVqUXxBQ3Jtc0tuYTdaY254S2FpeWRNLTFMdDFyZi1seWV1SWdSeDdVU1pwMFNxQnluWUUwUzFKd3cxb0MyN0g1WkExeUlGRUc5MnA3ck5JSGFFTDR1bkROS1M5c3pMMGlVRmxMNGpxOHdGY0l5N1cxYXNNVU5HWmpoOA&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftheaseanchair.substack.com%2Fsubscribe%3Futm_medium%3Dpodcast%26utm_campaign%3DCTA_4&v=i48l6uDME3g)) Get full access to Young Minds at aseanyoungminds.substack.com/subscribe (https://aseanyoungminds.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

5. 

   15 Jul 2024

   The Pacific Islands

   Dr. Digby James Wren discusses the Pacific Islands with Haiyi Institute Directrice Ms. Liu Li (Lucy) in Dragon Park, Chaoyang, Beijing, China. Hello everyone today we are honoured to have with us Mr Digby James Wren, Advisor to the Royal Academy of Cambodia. Our topic today is the role and influence of China and Australia in their relationship with the Pacific Island countries. Dr Wren is an Australian and so he is very interested in the role and influence of China and Australia in their relationship with the Pacific Island countries. We must say that Australia remains part of the Commonwealth - the last vestige of the British Empire. Spain, Britain, France, America the Japanese also tried to transplant their values into the Pacific Islands. So the relationship between China and the Pacific Island countries has developed rapidly in the last decade or so so there is a problem with the Australian government and the Australian people Until now there are 11 countries that have co-ordinated relations with China only 3 countries have co-ordinated relations with Taiwan. Yes, but we don't have the same relationship in the Australian government as we do in China. And the relationship with the Australian state, they sometimes have to accept, but they always still think of the Australian background, but you know, nowadays, you know, even the smaller countries, are very responsible, and so you think that China, has a relationship with the Belt and Road, and that's why they have a relationship with China. What does it have to do with the Belt and Road? And also, what does the Australian government and the Australian people think about this? Those are the three questions, and I'll put them in order. First of all, I want to think about the original colonisation of those islands. What I'm talking about in the modern era, because these islands are obviously very different in their character and their religious character, they're not the same, these islands are not exactly the same human beings, and that's not true. So, for example, it is very interesting that Vanuatu has the same racial type of origin, for example, Mongolia and Taiwan. But other island families, for example, have Melanesians, which is the same as Bougainville, and then others are Polynesians, like Samoa, Tonga. NB: Machine Translation by DeepL Digby James Wren 博士在中国北京朝阳区龙园与海义研究所所长刘莉女士（Lucy）讨论太平洋岛屿问题 Lead: Original Transcript (Lucy) 大家好今天我們非常榮幸邀請到柬埔寨皇家研究院院長顧問Digby James Wren 先生今天我們的主題是中國和澳大利亞與太平洋島國關係的角色和影響這個問題因為Digby先生他是澳大利亞人所以對於中國澳大利亞 我们必须说澳大利亚是联邦国家的一帝国的一帝国的一帝国的一帝国的一帝国的一帝国 西班牙、英国、法国、美国日本人也试图移植一些岛屿是的 所以中国和太平洋岛国最近十几年的关系发展比较迅速那么在这里面就有一个问题就是澳大利亚政府和人民 直到现在已经有11个西班牙国家与中国有协调关系只有3个国家有协调关系只有3个国家有协调关系只有3个国家有协调关系只有3个国家有协调关系只有3个国家有协调关系只有3个国家有协调关系只有3个国家有协调关系只有3个国家有协调关系只有3个国家有协调关系只有3个国家 是的,但是我们在澳大利亚政府不像中国 和澳大利亚国家的关系,他们有时候必须接受,但他们总是仍然想起澳大利亚的背景,但你知道,现在,你知道,甚至小国,他们,呃,你知道,他们非常负责任,所以你认为中国呃,你知道, 与巴西河岛有什么关系?同时,澳大利亚政府和澳大利亚人民对此有什么看法?这就是三个问题,我将它们整理好。首先,我想要考虑的是那些岛岛的原始殖民地。 在现代时代我所谈论的,因为这些岛属明显地和他们的性格和宗教性格非常不同,他们并非一样,这些岛属并非完全是一样的人类,这并非正确的。因此,例如,瓦努瓦鲁有同一种族类的来源,例如蒙古人和台湾人,这非常有趣。但其他岛属,例如,有梅兰尼西亚,这与巴布尼加尼一样, 然后其他人是俄罗斯人,就像 Samoa, Tonga 比如说,华尔街是泡沫地区。我认为他们能够在这些岛属中在第一个位置进入这些岛属,是一个非常强烈的活动。但他们也建立了,我认为,很丰富的管理系统,他们非常丰富的组织。他们并没有经常互相冲击,并不是那么多,但他们在开始的时候,我认为他们很像军队。但不是所有人,只是一些人。 Young Minds is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Young Minds at aseanyoungminds.substack.com/subscribe (https://aseanyoungminds.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

6. 

   15 Jul 2024

   Multipolar Peace Now!

   On The Chair Live - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyq54_T9bRJYe_LcHfIu70A) We are forming a global alliance against globalism, and neutrality studies is part of that. Don't get confused, let's just live with the contradiction. This morning we held a first panel of independent social media contributors, discussing the new multipolarity we are now in, why we think that the collective west is being collectively stupid about it, and what we—and you—can do to oppose the lunacy. The Basics: * Multipolarity is not only an emerging reality, it is also a preferable foundation for global order. * Neutrality is an important tool within the overall mix of how nations view themselves and position themselves in the context of integrated and indivisible security. * NATO is a dangerous organisation and its expansion globally is undesirable and contrary to achieving a sustainable peace. Work in progress. More here: Multipolarpeace.com (https://www.multipolarpeace.com/) Contributors: Dr. Warwick Powell Dr. Pascal Lottaz: Neutrality Studies Jerry Grey: Jerry's Take on China Youtube,    (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_DHAzg3miuwH9NMEUCY0Ow) / @jerrystakeonchina799   (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_DHAzg3miuwH9NMEUCY0Ow) Arnaud Bertrand: Twitter, https://twitter.com/rnaudbertrand?s=2... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVZWVHZWQ0EyR0tVb3dQMXNtRlFrRXJRRW1MUXxBQ3Jtc0trSzhrOWhDRHFMWV9PSXZhcW1zWjJHR0paTzNwX0tiaUJfZkNsaFdtZndjYUpEc1QzQl9ockRCRk1zS1p5VHk2cTFJZWR6TFBvQ1VvdkU3ZlZQNm4wVkdzSVlNUUE0ZGs2ajZremw4dTNQZUdfRHFlSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Frnaudbertrand%3Fs%3D21%26t%3DHa0PfGlCnOB-Qrg9CjHrcg&v=kg8_YXt580c) Dr. Jeff Rich: Burning Archive Youtube,    (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzmI2CEnbKq0yswTpqdQfyg) / @theburningarchive   (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzmI2CEnbKq0yswTpqdQfyg) Substack, Dr. Digby Wren Substack, https://substack.com/@digbywren (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbm01RVVQLXZGQ0t3M3dXSm9LTzRVbkJGbXYwQXxBQ3Jtc0tuanpsVDUxVzI2aF84emtpc0VHVGZTZHBTQktwNndKeWE0VDl6VWJCX0sxSE9ELXlJWDVkZVAyMktCcDBJbVFib0JZajVUS2gwSjUwbERBc09LZmRxV3RCVUJnSC1hcFdvLXZOcGRnd18tenU1S2VtTQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack.com%2F%40digbywren&v=kg8_YXt580c) Dr. David Oualaalou: Geopolitical Trends Youtube,    (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAlDvZvtHsjbGJPvqlO8BEg) / @geopoliticaltrends   (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAlDvZvtHsjbGJPvqlO8BEg) S.L. Kanthan Substack, Twitter, https://twitter.com/kanthan2030?s=21&... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa193T3gzeXdiOEVmSHRUeUZ3bFdiOFJhUTRSUXxBQ3Jtc0tuMW1tZnFMWV9pYUJOM1hMblloQ05SZDZyb2NuamgxejRyVzZTM0tLOXdWWDdURnBJUEg4TWtBSzM0VmhNM2NITnd3S2wxemRJeW9FNTRnR2xTMnJQblBPRE9udjJjT0RzbEp5SzFkUVRuWThkV1ZzNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fkanthan2030%3Fs%3D21%26t%3DiiQMumWJaSchlcOqeum8xA&v=kg8_YXt580c) Einar Tangen Linkedin, https://www.linkedin.com/in/ehtangen/... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFJ6UnNsZERPMlB4NFZQSDl3cjQwZmJlby1YUXxBQ3Jtc0ttbTktaFRLQ1pVbGNqVndyTXI3eU9LLXBWbFZHVjhHWGNNZFd1QlZKVW1ZekYwSXJBYTdvTmdEMWVNSk5NcURkVlNsdHFGRUVHOFJGOXRZLUFMVkJjanhWeC1jZ2JzazJuQzJGNlNyQ2IxcTlPcXJiUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fehtangen%2F%3Flocale%3Dzh_CN&v=kg8_YXt580c) Dr. John Pang Twitter, https://twitter.com/jynpang?s=21&t=Oe... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1FHQ0QyeEJaT2x0WXlINUNEcDNYYm1wU1dMUXxBQ3Jtc0ttSHRNOHpqOWszT0FaZ2U2QkplTE5MTUltMkppZ2ZqTW9aZC1Td205cXcxRy0zdnV5cDJQSWdKZDN3Q0N0Z05Nc0puQ0JpSGF4MjBzbEtrRWZuUFVJUGpxSG5Ca1dwMXNMclM3RXAxcXFWRlJFV1Nkdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fjynpang%3Fs%3D21%26t%3DOeME2_0KAfLV6NADW8DPGg&v=kg8_YXt580c) Young Minds is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Young Minds at aseanyoungminds.substack.com/subscribe (https://aseanyoungminds.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

Podcast Authority Score: 6 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

12

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0