Intelligence Squared Asia

About IQ2 Asia

Intelligence Squared Asia was founded in 2009 as a unique forum for political, economic and cultural debate. The Hong-Kong based media group is run by Yana Peel and Amelie von Wedel as non-profit organization which promotes creative thought and challenging dialogue in the region. IQ2 Asia presents a range of globally and locally relevant debates that are designed to enlighten and encourage critical thinking and discussion by providing a unique forum for intellectual and cultural discussion.

Since launching in the UK in 2002, Intelligence Squared debates have attracted the world's leading thinkers, writers and activists, drawing crowds of up to 2,500 in London. Past speakers have included distinguished personalities like President Valery Giscard d'Estaing, Christopher Hitchens and Thomas Friedman. Now reaching up to 70 million people through its partnership with BBC World as well as millions of online viewers, Intelligence Squared has hosted discussions and debates in Hong Kong, India, the UK, the US, Australia and the Ukraine.

Directors / Founders

Yana Peel

Yana Peel

Yana Peel is based in Hong Kong, where she co-founded Intelligence Squared Asia in 2009. After leaving Goldman Sachs in 2003, Yana established the London-based foundation Outset Contemporary Art Fund, of which she remains co-director. She is a member of various boards including: NSPCC Therapeutic Board, Tate International Council and Para/Site Art Space, and recipient of the 2010 Mont Blanc Award for Arts Patronage.

Amelie von Wedel

Amelie von Wedel

Amelie von Wedel is based in London as an art consultant and gallerist where she set up Wedel Fine Art in 2006. She was responsible for the exhibition, exchange and educational programme at The Red Mansion Foundation for several years. Amelie von Wedel is serving as a director of the charity Give A Future Foundation supporting under-privileged children in Africa.

Advisory Board

Intelligence Squared Asia

Su-Mei Thompson

Su-Mei Thompson is a co-founder of Intelligence Squared Asia and the Executive Director of The Women’s Foundation, an NGO dedicated to the advancement of women in Hong Kong. Previously, she held senior management positions with the Financial Times, Disney and Christie’s. Su-Mei currently serves on the boards of HKSE-listed Natural Beauty and Save the Children Hong Kong, and is a corporate board member of The Cheltenham Ladies College.

Intelligence Squared Asia

Alexandra A. Seno

Alexandra A. Seno writes about economics, culture and the economics of culture for Newsweek Magazine, the International Herald Tribune and the Wall Street Journal Asia. Her regular column on business in Asia appears in the Globe and Mail.