Director engages with senior leaders in India
DKI APCSS conducted key leader engagements in New Delhi, India, strengthening U.S.-India partnerships through alumni mentoring, regional security dialogue, and defense cooperation.
Vares-Lum joins Thailand Security Dialogue 2025, highlights role of regional partnerships
DKI APCSS Director Suzanne Vares-Lum moderated the 27th Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defense Conference in Thailand, highlighting alumni leadership and regional security cooperation.
Forging Unbreakable Bonds: IPSEL SMEE 25-1 Cultivates Enlisted Leadership Across the Indo-Pacific
Beneath the welcoming skies of Honolulu, the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS), in close collaboration with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), hosted a pivotal gathering from April 20–26, 2025: IPSEL SMEE 25-1. This distinguished forum brought together 80 senior enlisted leaders and their mentors, representing 22 Indo-Pacific economies and global partners. The Indo-Pacific Senior Enlisted Leaders Subject Matter Expert Exchange (IPSEL SMEE) is a unique and vital platform where the bedrock of our armed forces—senior enlisted professionals—converge to strengthen regional trust, build shared understanding of complex security challenges, and advance strategic leadership capabilities across national boundaries. In an era defined by increasingly intricate regional dynamics, these leaders serve as both steadfast operational anchors and influential strategic communicators. IPSEL SMEE empowers them with the perspectives, tools, and enduring partnerships needed to lead effectively in today’s fast-changing security environment. Throughout the week, Fleet Master Chief David Isom, the USINDOPACOM Command Senior Enlisted Leader, provided consistent mentorship and guidance.
Maluhia Talks 2025 Shine a Light on Regional Challenges
In April, the Daniel K. Inouye Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS) convened senior officials from the United States, key Indo-Pacific nations, and other allies and partners for the Maluhia Talks, which focus on Indo-Pacific challenges, priorities, and security opportunities. The event included 18 participants from 15 countries across the region and beyond.
