Testimonials
Hear from diplomats, military leaders, academics, and policy makers who have contributed to the APSI Forum over the years.
“The APSI is a timely and dynamic platform for the advancement of defense and security diplomacy. It uniquely brings together stakeholders from the diplomatic, military and other critical security sectors. APSI is an initiative which contributes to world peace and stability - very much needed in these increasingly uncertain times.”
Ambassador Dr Jesus Domingo
Ambassador
“We were delighted with Prof Abbott's geo-political insights and would love to develop some vignettes that could be played out in a forthcoming Command Post Exercise in 2026.”
Forum Contributor
Military Partner
“I thought the choice of subject about innovation and security in the region was entirely topical and relevant given the intensifying geopolitical competition between the great powers in the Pacific. I found the open and informal format of the forum easy to work with especially as a relative new comer to Wellington.”
Samoan High Commissioner
New Zealand
“The recent APSI Forum in Wellington was a welcome chance to discuss some of the critical issues facing New Zealand and other countries in the Indo-Pacific. The ability to sit down with a variety of academics, diplomats, professionals, and others provides a strong foundation to engage topical issues from a range of perspectives.”
Simon O'Connor
Former MP, New Zealand
“This was an extremely valuable event, with great conversations, and a tremendous opportunity to build global connectivity, foster important relationships, and share experiences in an effort to combat nontraditional, asymmetric security threats around the Indo-Pacific region. It was an honor to be a guest speaker. Well done APSI!”
Forum Contributor
Guest Speaker
“Thank you for the invite to speak at the APSI summit. It was a powerful array of people from around the region. I found every presentation as interesting and fascinating as the next. I am particularly unskilled in the political nuance of the area and each speaker brought something new.”
Tony Grasso
Founder of Titanium Defence, New Zealand
“Fantastic stuff - all around. APSI is the only forum with a Center of Excellence that is making a difference in the lives of many. I am extremely thankful that I am on our Team. You all are incredible human beings who make me better - I am blessed to call you my teammates and friends.”
SGM Anthony Spadaro
Forum Contributor
“The meeting and inputs were very interesting, and I look forward to participating in similar events in the future.”
Viktor Vavricka
Ambassador, Embassy of Switzerland to New Zealand
“Highly recommend for anyone interested in Asia-Pacific Security.”
Minh Tran
New Zealand
“Excellent initiative, merits to be maintained on an annual basis. A huge variety of topics. Very good, horizon widening and eye opening. Good opportunity to increase the personal network. Very rich side-talks. Mix of representatives of nations, military, civil world and business, companies, to be sustained.”
Forum Contributor
International Delegate
“You put on an important and internationally significant summit. I was honoured to speak and share my Cyber Experience. As New Zealand matures in its understanding of Security you are going to need a bigger venue.”
Anthony Grasso
Cyber Toa NZ
“You planned and executed a significant Summit addressing current issues in the Asia Pacific region and it was a privilege to be part of it. It was the friendliest Conference/Summit I think I have attended and much of it was your personal relationship with many of the speakers and the tone that was set early on.”
Don Lord
Hagar NZ
“The newsletter is truly both first and world class! Thank You for all You Do!”
David Gouin
Stuttgart, Germany
“I can't thank you enough for the opportunity to participate. It was easily the most enjoyable of all the presentations I have participated in. You, and your team are all remarkable and dearly appreciated.”
Paul Cobaugh
VP at Narrative Strategies
“Thank you for the opportunity! APSI is a terrific organization and I'd love to be involved going forward!”
Hunter Stires
Fellow at Hattendorf Center, U.S. Naval War College
“I really appreciate receiving your newsletters and your excellent analysis.”
Lieutenant General Leo Kosinski
USAF
“Very interesting! Great experience! Lots of valuable information. Perfect organization! I truly enjoyed it! You wrote such a great newsletter, so interesting to read, accurate, and very topical. You are just a wonderful leader!”
Dr Vira Ratsyborynska
Adjunct Professor, Vrije Universiteit Brussel
“Congratulations! An outstanding and very productive conference. It was an honor and privilege for me to speak. And it was a top opportunity to meet so many great people. I learned a lot.”
MGen Gert-Johannes Hagemann
Germany
“My first appearance and participation in the International Parliamentary Assembly (IPA) has been extremely satisfying. There was immense room for exchange of expertise and experience on all subject matter with high profile participants.”
Tenzin Doring
MP Tibet Government in Exile
“Great opportunity to engage and discuss from different perspectives. Thank you.”
Rinesh Sharma
MP
“I am very humble to participate in this forum as I learn and gain a lot of knowledge about other countries. It's a good experience, too. I hope the forum will speak and write more on Tibet issues.”
Tsering Dolma
MP
“Thank you for organising this kind of forum. Please continue this deep conversation.”
Representative of TECO
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New Zealand
“I enjoyed my time at the summit and felt well looked after and respected. Thank you.”
Joan Shi
New Zealand
“It was great listening to the panel experts discuss narratives. It definitely was amazing to be part of that. To be in the same room with so many brilliant people!”
Christian Martin
USA
“Really enjoyed the panel discussion on Geopolitical Narratives and the powerful insights from the group. Thanks for your leadership for APSI!”
Lt Gen Leo Kosinski (Ret)
USA
“Another great and inspiring APSI event! Meaningful discussions, horizon-widening talks and a fantastic opportunity to learn more and to understand better!”
Forum Contributor
International Delegate
“The summit was very interesting - thanks for inviting me. I learned a lot about Asia Pacific security, and NZ's role in this area. I particularly appreciated hearing from Gert-Johannes, and from the Taiwanese ambassador.”
Alistair Knott
Victoria University of Wellington