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Todd Wassel
Country Representative @ The Asia Foundation | Policy Analysis, Climate Action
Todd Wassel is an experienced international development professional currently serving as the Country Representative for Thailand at The Asia Foundation.2 With over 20 years of experience in the field, Wassel has established himself as a senior-level expert in policy change and international development.2
Career Highlights
JET Programme Experience:: Wassel's journey in international work began as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in Shiga-ken, Japan, from 1999 to 2001 through the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme.1 This early experience likely contributed to his interest in international development and cultural exchange.
The Asia Foundation:: In his current role at The Asia Foundation, Wassel has been involved in various projects:
- Co-chaired an Access to Justice project completion meeting in Laos with the Vice Minister of Justice.3
- Supported the Lao Bar Association in expanding legal aid to rural, disadvantaged groups across Laos.4
- Engages in policy analysis and climate-related work.8
Other Professional Activities
Wassel is also an author and traveler.1 He maintains a personal website (ToddWassel.com) and a blog called "The Fermented Word".5 His writing has garnered recognition:
- Won the People's Choice Award in the Southeast Asia Travel Writing Competition.7
- Published a book titled "Walking in Circles".7
Personal Insights
Wassel has shared his thoughts on managing change and uncertainty, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 crisis.6 This demonstrates his ability to apply his professional experience to broader life challenges.
Todd Wassel's diverse background, from teaching English in Japan to leading development projects in Southeast Asia, has shaped him into a multifaceted professional in the international development sphere. His current role at The Asia Foundation allows him to leverage this experience in driving policy change and sustainable development initiatives in the region.
Highlights
After nearly 6 years in Laos I'll be moving on to take over our Thailand office (more on that soon). In the meantime, we are recruiting for my current job here in #Laos. Please apply or share with your networks. My time here has been the privilege of a lifetime due to the quality of our staff, the variety and impact of our programs, and the amazing history, culture, food and good spirits of the Lao people.
A big thank you to the Asia New Zealand Foundation and Suzannah Jessep for hosting me to speak on political and security challenges facing the #Mekong region. The discussion that followed was thoughtful and engaging and kept me on my toes. There was a lot of ground to cover from civil conflict in #Myanmar, to #Cambodia's new canal project, #Thailand's shifting political landscape, the challenge of the scam centers and trafficking, the #Lao economy and Mekong Dams, to the projected sea level rise by 2050 that will take over #Vietnam's delta.
