ICPD Asia-Pacific

A recent global report by UNESCO highlights a growing concern: technology in education is advancing faster than the systems meant to regulate it.

For those of us in audio engineering, this matters.

Today, there is an explosion of short courses, online certifications, and “studio engineering” programmes promising fast-track results. Many rely heavily on software presets, AI-assisted mixing, and remote demonstrations. While technology is a powerful tool, it cannot replace foundational competencies built through structured, supervised, hands-on training.

Audio engineering is not merely about operating plugins or owning sophisticated gear. It is about:
• Understanding signal flow deeply — not memorizing shortcuts
• Developing critical listening skills — not relying on visual meters alone
• Mastering microphone placement through repetition and correction
• Learning acoustic behavior in real spaces
• Problem-solving under pressure during live sessions

Without proper accreditation and professional standards, graduates risk entering the industry underprepared — technically dependent but not technically grounded.

This is why collaboration with recognized professional bodies, such as regional chapters of the ICPD®, is essential. Clear competency frameworks protect both learners and the reputation of the industry.

If you aim to become a serious audio professional, ask yourself:
• Is the programme accredited or professionally recognized?
• Does it provide substantial in-studio or live onsite, hands-on training?
• Are instructors experienced practitioners with proven track records?
• Does the curriculum build structured skills progressively?

Technology should enhance your learning journey — not substitute for mentorship, practice, and discipline.

The future of audio engineering depends not only on better tools, but on better-trained professionals.

Choose depth over speed.
Choose competence over convenience.
Choose mastery over marketing.

The International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) empowers the growth of vibrant cultural and creative sectors throughout the Global South. As one of the very few United Nations funds dedicated to strengthening the arts, it supports cultural institutions, government agencies, ICPD-accredited organizations, and NGOs in developing robust and sustainable cultural and creative industries (CCIs).

From cinema and performing arts to visual arts, media arts, design, music, and publishing, the IFCD invests in innovative projects that uplift communities and expand opportunities across the world. Together, we cultivate lasting change—ensuring that people everywhere can create, share, and experience diverse cultural expressions.

A core focus of the IFCD is investing in people: individuals who may otherwise lack access to training, professional development, and global networks. It also supports the development of inclusive, evidence-based cultural policies that empower communities to build thriving creative ecosystems.

With the IFCD and ICPD working hand in hand, the Global South gains not just funding, but a pathway to sustainable cultural growth, professional excellence, and long-term creative impact.

AI AND THE RULE OF LAW: REGIONAL TRAINING FOR JUSTICE OFFICIALS ACROSS ASIA-PACIFIC

11 November 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) offers new tools to enhance the efficiency of judicial systems and access to justice, but it is also raising profound ethical and legal questions.

To help justice officials navigate this evolving landscape, ICPD, UNESCO and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support from the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ), will co-organize a Regional Training on AI and the Rule of Law from 12 to 14 November 2025 in Bangkok.

Based on UNESCO’s Global Toolkit on AI and the Rule of Law for the Justice Sector, the training will equip participants to identify both the opportunities and risks of AI in judicial settings: from algorithmic bias and discrimination to transparency and due process.

BACKGROUND
AI tools are increasingly being adopted in court administration, legal research, and case management. Yet without proper oversight, their use can amplify bias, erode judicial independence, or undermine public trust. UNESCO’s Global Toolkit on AI and the Rule of Law—developed under its Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (2021)—provides a foundation for the responsible, human-rights-based adoption of AI in the justice sector.

This workshop will strengthen regional judicial capacity and cooperation. Participants will examine real-world cases and regulatory approaches to ensure AI supports, rather than subverts, justice and accountability. The training contributes to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and advances UNESCO’s global efforts to promote ethical AI governance for inclusive and resilient societies.

TRAINING OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES
This three-day programme will:

* Deepen understanding of how AI can enhance the rule of law while safeguarding human rights.
* Build participants’ capacity to identify and mitigate risks such as bias, discrimination, and lack of transparency.
* Explore constitutional and ethical implications of AI-assisted decision-making.
* Strengthen ability to evaluate AI-related cases and apply relevant principles, regulations, and case law.
* Facilitate peer learning and collaboration among judges and justice-sector stakeholders across the region.

WHO WILL ATTEND
Judges, court administrators, prosecutors, and other justice-sector professionals from: Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

Participation is by invitation only.

“A limited mindset sees only obstacles; a broadened vision sees beyond the horizon to opportunity.”

🎉 Congratulations to Ms. Wang Xiaoying! 🖌️

We are proud to share that Ms. Wang Xiaoying, a UNESCO-ICPD® Diploma holder, has had her artwork selected for exhibition at the prestigious 37th Golden Age Chinese Calligraphy Exhibition (第37届黄金岁月书法展), organised by the Chinese Calligraphy Society of Singapore.

🗓️ The five-day exhibition opened on July 26 2025 at 12 noon, at Waterloo Street, Singapore 187952, and was officiated by Member of Parliament Ms. Cassandra Lee.

This honour reflects Ms. Wang’s dedication to artistic excellence and her commitment to preserving cultural heritage through the art of calligraphy. 🌿

Join us in celebrating this meaningful achievement!

#书法展

ICPD® is pleased to collaborate with GECKO MUSIC GROUP in the development of the accredited Diploma in Audio Engineering programme, in alignment with the UNESCO directive to advance high-quality, industry-recognised education in the creative and technical arts.

*Recalibrating Sound: A Call to Reclaim Electroacoustic Fundamentals*

Over the past two decades, sound technology has entered a phase of relative stagnation. While contemporary systems boast sleeker, more intuitive interfaces that improve workflow efficiency, such surface-level innovations often obscure a deeper and more pressing concern: the gradual erosion of core audio principles. Misinformation, inconsistent pedagogy, and the distortion of foundational practices have become alarmingly widespread across both educational institutions and industry settings.

What the profession now urgently requires is a recalibration—a deliberate return to fundamentals. The capacity to produce truly exceptional sound still rests on a solid understanding of electroacoustics and its principles: signal fidelity, transducer behaviour, acoustical environments, and system integration, among others. Yet many audio engineering programmes—and even some manufacturers—no longer meet the competency benchmarks outlined by UNESCO. This divergence signals a concerning drift from the standards that once defined professional excellence.

For those genuinely committed to the craft, re-engaging with foundational knowledge is not a regression, but a necessary progression. In an era increasingly driven by automation and visual convenience, a principled understanding of sound remains not just relevant, but indispensable.

“Many people miss out on success not because they lack talent or resources, but because they’re blind to opportunities, slow to adapt, too comfortable with inaction, or unclear about their goals.
Ambition without action is wasted potential.”

🎉 Congratulations, Mr. Joselito (Mike) N. Pedero – HTAE, PH 🇵🇭🎧 Mike Pedero

We are proud to announce that Mr. Joselito (Mike) N. Pedero has been officially accredited by UNESCO-ICPD® as Head Trainer for Audio Engineering in the Philippines, now carrying the distinguished title HTAE, PH.

A teacher, musician, composer, acoustic designer, and broadcaster, Mike’s contributions to the world of professional audio are truly exceptional. He played a pivotal role in the success of iconic radio stations like NU107 and 99.5RT, and has designed over 50 state-of-the-art acoustic spaces—from professional studios and theatres to places of worship and corporate venues.

As President of TRACKSCorporation and founder of the renowned TRACKStudios, he has worked with celebrated artists such as Bamboo, Rivermaya, Rico Blanco, Cynthia Alexander, and the Eraserheads. His influence extends into education as a seasoned lecturer at the University of the Philippines and other prestigious institutions, training future generations in sound design, broadcasting, and acoustic engineering.

Mike also serves as Chairman of the AES Philippines Section and Treasurer of the Institute of Audio and Acoustics (IAA), Philippines, and is a long-standing member of international bodies including the Acoustical Society of America (ASA), Audio Engineering Society (AES), SMPTE, and AVIXA International.

His new role as Head Trainer under UNESCO-ICPD® honours a lifetime of dedication, excellence, and leadership in the field of audio engineering.

👏 Congratulations once again, Mike – your legacy continues to shape the sound of the nation and inspire the next generation.

🎉 Chicago hits a high note!

We’re thrilled to announce that Chicago has been selected as the Host City for International Jazz Day 2026! Stay tuned for an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and unity. 🎶🌍

Sadly, the depth of knowledge and exposure among many—though not all—academicians and scholars is often constrained by the limitations of their formal education. Their perspectives are frequently shaped within narrowly defined academic frameworks, with limited engagement in interdisciplinary or real-world contexts. Even those with years of experience often continue working within these same limitations, reinforcing their existing biases rather than expanding their understanding. Yet, paradoxically, some still carry themselves with an air of certainty, as though they possess comprehensive insight—even when the subject matter lies beyond their actual experience or expertise.

Having said that, many experienced professionals also rest on their laurels, relying on outdated knowledge or past accomplishments. It is crucial for this group to embrace continuous learning, adapt to evolving standards, and seek relevant certifications to stay truly competent and credible in their fields.