Our events are free and normally open to the public, and operate on a first come first served basis unless specified otherwise.
The majority of our events are audio recorded and published as podcasts. Past events marked with a (P) or (V) mean a podcast or a video is available on each individual event page. Please be aware that by attending our events you may be visible in the audience in photos, and if you ask any questions these are likely to feature in our podcasts.
If you have any queries about our public events get in touch here. Join our mailing list for event reminders or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Upcoming events
Our scheduled events for the 2021/2022 Academic year are now available to view. You can find links to each event with more detail and registration information listed below.
Southeast Asian Waters Series: Distant Shores: Colonial Encounters on China's Maritime Frontier
Wednesday 8 June 2022, 2:00pm to 3:15pm
Prof. Melissa Macauley will explore how the migration of Chinese laborers and merchants across a far-flung maritime world linked their homeland to an ever-expanding frontier of settlement and economic extraction. The talk will be chaired by Prof. Hyun Bang Shin.
Speaker: Prof. Melissa Macauley (Professor of history, Northwestern University)
Chair: Prof. Hyun Bang Shin (Director, LSE SEAC)
Counter-mapping in Southeast Asia: Mapping With and For the People
Wednesday 22 June 2022, 12:00pm to 1:30pm
The act of counter-mapping by local people as everyday resistance and solidarity has the idea of expanding the perspective of seeing. This panel invited three collectives from Surabaya, Kuala Lumpur and Quezon City to discuss their respective practices in counter-mapping.
Speakers: Anitha Silvia (BAK Fellowship for Situated Practice 2021/2022, Pertigaan), Celcea Tifani (Communication Designer, Pertigaan), and Zikri Rahman (LiteraCity).
Chair: Prof. Hyun Bang Shin (Director, LSE SEAC)
Past events
Electoral Dystopias in the Philippines: From Colonial Democracy to Duterte and the Return of the Marcoses (V)
Against the backdrop of the final days of the Duterte presidency and the recent election of Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. in the Philippines, Professor Vicente L. Rafael (Professor of History and Southeast Asian Studies at the University of Washington in Seattle) examined the colonial roots of elections in the organization of native collaboration and counterinsurgency under Spain and the US. The talk concluded with a look at contemporary practices today and the results of the 2022 presidential elections. This event was chaired by Prof. John Sidel.
Digital Interventions on Urban Societal Challenges in Southeast Asian Communities (V)
On 16 June, SEAC invited Visiting Senior Fellow Dr Joanne Lim (Associate Professor in Communications, Media and Cultural Studies at the University of Nottingham in Malaysia) to present her research study which considers using the digital as a tool to increase social interaction/connectedness, and to reinforce the development of culture, creativity and wellness. Further details can be found here.
Digital Interventions: Author meets ECRs
On 16 June following the SEAC Seminar, Dr Joanne Lim hosted a 45 minute informal session, specifically for current PhD students. This was a small group discussion around methods, career path, and other topics ECRs would like to discuss.
Military Myanmar: Fearing Freedom
On 27 May the South Asia Centre, in collaboration with SEAC, hosted a panel discussion with academics and activists on the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021 overturning the results of the recent elections, thus jeopardising the future of democracy in the country. The event was chaired by Nilanjan Sarkar, Deputy Director of the South Asia Centre, and featured speakers including David Brenner (Lecturer, University of Sussex), Ma Htike (QMUL), Hnin Pwint Thon (The Burma Campaign UK), Sawangwongse Yanghwe, and Dominique Dillabough-Lefebvre (LSE). Further details can be found here.
Southeast Asia Digital Summer School (V)
From Thursday 20 May to Wednesday 26 May in partnership with ASEAS (UK), SEAC hosted a week-long Digital Summer School especially designed to support Early Career Researchers with insights, networking, and support as they begin their academic careers. It took place over three days (Thursday 20, Monday 24, and Wednesday 26 May) from 12-3.15pm BST each day, and featured 6 sessions covering a wide range of topics such as: succeeding in publishing; decolonising research; and post-academic and alt-academic career paths; alongside a networking event for ASEAS (UK) and SEAC’s ECR Network members. Further details can be found here.
Land, Ladies, and the Law: Author meets ECRs
On 13 May following the SEAC Seminar, Dr Thanyaporn Chankrajang hosted an informal session, specifically for current PhD students. This small group discussion covered topics including archival research, teaching and research in Thailand, and conceptualising research projects.
Solidarity and Polarisation: Centripetal and Centrifugal Forces in Southeast Asia (V)
On 24th March 2021, SEAC invited two early career researchers, Dr Michael Intal Magcamit (Queen Mary University of London) and Dr Hongxuan Lin (National University of Singapore), working on political economy and religious politics in the region to present their latest research projects. This event was chaired by SEAC Associate Prof. John Sidel. Further details can be found here.
Getting Developing Asia Back on Track (V)
On 18th March 2021, Masatsugu Asakawa, the President of the Asian Development Bank and the Chairperson of ADB’s Board of Directors, spoke at a SEAC and LSE Public Event. His talk focused on ADB's success and current efforts to help its developing members toward the path of resilient and sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Further details can be found here.
Flooding and the Politics of Property Rights in Jakarta (V)
On 27th January 2021, SEAC invited Prof. Gavin Shatkin (Professor at the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, and the School of Architecture, at Northeastern University) for his talk titled 'Flooding and the Politics of Property Rights in Jakarta'. Further details can be found here.
Roundtable on Postcolonial Urbanism and History of Southeast Asia (V)
On 25th November 2020, SEAC hosted a roundtable discussion aiming to promote a better understanding of postcolonial urban histories in Southeast Asia while seeking an opportunity to locate them in different disciplines including urban history and urban studies. Further details can be found here.
Theorising the City in and from Southeast Asia (V)
On 11th November 2020, Dr Rita Padawangi (Senior Lecturer, Singapore University of Social Sciences) delivered a research seminar bringing together the urban experience from city neighbourhoods to connect with theorising the city in and from Southeast Asia. Further details can be found here.
LSE Southeast Asia Week 2020: Politics of city-making in Southeast Asia (V)
On 29th October 2020, SEAC hosted a roundtable panel discussion by inviting four academics whose work had been related to the urbanising region's development challenges. The event focused on politics of city-making and re-making in Southeast Asia, with cases coming from Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia and the Philippines. Further details can be found here.
Migration and Mobility in the COVID-19 Era (V)
On 27th October 2020, SEAC invited three academics working on diverse issues related to migration and mobility, and discussed how the COVID-19 pandemic had affected the mobility and immobility of migrant workers and students among others. Further details can be found here.
Decolonising Higher Education Roundtable (P)
On 30th September 2020, SEAC hosted an online roundtable discussion themed around 'decolonising higher education' in relation to the Southeast Asian region and beyond. This roundtable invited three speakers whose research is rooted in such effort of decolonising higher education, addressing the structural power inequalities of knowledge production. Further details can be found here.
Post COVID-19 Futures of the Urbanising World (V)
On 3 June 2020, Dr Creighton Connolly (Senior Lecturer, University of Lincoln), Prof Roger Keil (Professor, York University, Toronto), Dr Deirdre McKay (Reader, Keele University, and Chair of ASEAS UK), and Dr Rita Padawangi (Senior Lecturer, Singapore University of Social Sciences) discussed the impact of COVID-19 on changing relationships between cities and their hinterlands in global urbanisation processes. The event was part of LSE's online public event series, "COVID-19: The Policy Response" and was chaired by SEAC Director Prof Hyun Bang Shin. More information can be found here.
Public Lecture: "Diminishing Globalisation, Rising Digitalisation : Central Bank Policy Responses" (P)
On 10th February 2020, SEAC hosted a Public Lecture by Dr. Perry Warjiyo, Governor of Bank Indonesia, Indonesia's Central Bank, chaired by SEAC Director Prof. Hyun Bang Shin, on the topic of contemporary central bank policy responses to diminishing globalisation and rising digitalisation. Further details can be found here.
Public Lecture: Less Poverty, More Precarity: Squaring the Circle of Southeast Asian Development (P)
On 30th January 2020, Professor Jonathan Rigg (Chair in Human Geography at the School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol) held a public lecture on the different, but intertwined, narratives that paint Southeast Asia as exemplar of development success and deepening inequality. This event was co-hosted with the LSE Department of Geography and Environment and chaired by SEAC Director Prof. Hyun Bang Shin. Further details including the podcast can be found here.
Southeast Asia Discussion Series: Enclave Urbanism and Transnational Zones in Southeast Asia (P)
On 28th January 2020, SEAC hosted its first Lent term event with Dr. Jana M. Kleibert (Acting Head of Department, Leibniz Institute for Research on Society and Space and Humboldt University of Berlin), who spoke on enclave urbanism and transnational zones in Southeast Asia. Further details can be found here.
Book Launch: "Neoliberal Urbanism, Contested Cities and Housing in Asia"
On 3rd December 2019, SEAC, along with the Department of Geography and Environment, co-hosted the book launch for the 2019 book “Neoliberal Urbanism, Contested Cities and Housing in Asia”. The event was chaired by SEAC Director Prof. Hyun Bang Shin, and Co-Editor Dr. Yi Ling Chen (Assistant Professor of Global and Area Studies and Geography, University of Colorado Boulder) and other contributors presented their insights on Vietnam, Taiwan and Korea. Further details can be found here.
SEAC Masterclass: Research as part of democratization and urban transformation
On 2nd December 2019, SEAc hosted its second research masterclass of the academic year with Dr Yi-Ling Chen (University of Wyoming), who gave insights and advice to students on conducting academic research in collaboration with civil society and activist organisations. Further details can be found here.
Public Lecture: Who is the Middle Class, and what are they up to? Reflections from Jakarta (P)
On 28th November 2019, Professor AbdouMaliq Simone (Senior Professorial Fellow, Urban Institute, University of Sheffield and Honorary Professor of Urban Studies, University of Cape Town) spoke on the making of an urban middle class across Southeast Asia. Further details including the podcast can be found here.
SEAC Masterclass: Researching Digital Media
On 25th November 2019, SEAC hosted its first research masterclass of the year led by SEAC Senior Visiting Fellow Dr Merlyna Lim (Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Digital Media and Global Network Society, Carleton University) and Chaired by Dr Bingchun Meng (Associate Professor and Deputy Head, Department of Media and Communications, LSE), on the topic of researching digital media. Further details can be found here.
Southeast Asia Discussion Series: Civil society elites and Cambodian civil society today
On 21st November 2019, Dr. Astrid Norén-Nilsson (Associate Senior Lecturer at the Centre for East and South-East Asian Studies, Lund University) spoke on processes of elite formation within Cambodian civil society today as well as patterns of interaction between civil society elites and other elites, building on ongoing research for a comparative project on civil society elites in Cambodia and Indonesia. Further details can be found here.
Southeast Asia Discussion Series: Social Media and Politics in Southeast Asia (P)
On 7th November 2019, SEAC hosted a talk on social media and politics in Southeast Asia. The guest speaker was Dr Merlyna Lim (Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Digital Media and Global Network Society, Carleton University and Senior Visiting Fellow, SEAC), and the event was chaired by SEAC Director Prof Hyun Bang Shin.
LSE Southest Asia Forum 2019 (P)
On 29th October, SEAC hosted its annual flagship conference in the LSE Shaw Library, which on the key research themes of SEAC while engaging with contemporary affairs in Southeast Asia.
Southeast Asia Discussion Series: Land sharing experiences in Thailand and Cambodia: What lessons for land and housing policy for the urban poor? (P)
On 17th October 2019, SEAC hosted the first Southeast Asia Discussion Series seminar of the academic year, with guest speaker Dr. Paul Rabé (Senior Expert, Urban Land Governance, IHS and coordinator of the Urban Knowledge Network Asia (UKNA), International Institute for Asian Studies) who spoke on the topic of land sharing in Cambodia and Thailand. The event was chaired by SEAC Director Prof Hyun Bang Shin. This event is available to listen to as a podcast.
South-South itineraries: alternative routes for mutual learning between Latin America and Southeast Asia (P)
On 1st October 2019, SEAC hosted an ECR Network Event as part of Decolonising the LSE Week, bringing together scholars from Latin America and Southeast Asia whose research is rooted in such effort of theorizing “from the South”, addressing the structural power inequalities of knowledge production that tend to exclude the contributions produced by scholars working "in the South", which are often ignored or lost in translation. The event was chaired by SEAC Director Prof Hyun Bang Shin. This event is available to listen to as a podcast.
Southeast Asia Discussion Series: Post-Election Thailand: Reflections and Looking Forward
On 11th July 2019, SEAC will host a Southeast Asia Discussion Series (SEADS) event, with guest speakers Dr Petra Desatova (School of Politics and International Studies, University of Leeds), Mr Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit (Future Forward Party), Prof. Duncan McCargo (Director, Nordic Institute of Asian Studies) and Ms Pannika Wanich (Future Forward Party), to discuss recent developments since the Thai General Election. Prof. Tim Forsyth (Department of International Development, LSE) will Chair.
SEAC Workshop: Urban Spectre of Global China
On 19th June 2019, SEAC is hosting a kick-off workshop for SEAC's new British Academy research project entitled, "The Urban Spectre of Global China: Mechanisms, Consequences, and Alternatives for Urban Futures". More details including a link to register your attendance can be found here.
Southeast Asia Discussion Series: The Red River Development Project in Hanoi, Vietnam
On 6th June 2019, SEAC hosted a SEADS seminar chaired by SEAC Director Prof. Hyun Bang Shin, led by LSE-Southeast Asia ECR Network member Ms Sujee Jung (PhD Candidate, Rutgers University) who spoke about her field research on the Red River development project in Hanoi. Dr Catalina Ortiz (Lecturer in Building and Urban Design in Development, UCL) was Discussant for the event.
More information can be found here.
LSE-Southeast Asia Early Career Researcher Network Workshop on academic publishing
On 22nd May 2019, SEAC hosted a workshop for LSE-Southeast Asia ECR Network members on the subject of academic publishing, chaired by SEAC Director Prof. Hyun Bang Shin. The workshop combined practical advice with personal experiences, covering everything from evaluating outlets and choosing the right one for you, avoiding common pitfalls, deciding on solo versus collaborate publications, career considerations and more.
On Monday 25th March, SEAC hosted its second ‘Cove Session’ discussion of 2019, with guest Dr Pavin Chachavalpongpun (Center for Southeast Asian Studies, University of Kyoto), to discuss this weekend’s long-awaited Thai general election.
REDD+ AS AN AREA-BASED POLICY: Evidence from the 2011 Moratorium on oil palm, timber and logging concessions in Indonesia
On 19th March, Prof. Ben Groom (Professor of Environment and Development Economics, LSE ), Dr Charles Palmer (Associate Professor of Environment and Development, LSE) and Mr Lorenzo Sileci (PhD candidate in Environmental Economics,, LSE) presened early results from their recent SEAC Research Fund project on the environmental impacts of the Palm Oil Concession Moratorium in Indonesia.
More information here.
Qin Shao, Professor of History at the College of New Jersey, shared her expertise on urban research in relation to violent contexts, particularly in relation to the threat of state violence, for LSE postgraduate students. Prof. Shao's research interests include property rights, historical preservation, domicide, displacement, mental health, dignity, sustainability, and grass-roots movements. She is working on a new project about the impact of politically motivated displacement under Mao.
Coinciding with the US-North Korea Summit taking place in Hanoi on 27-28 February, the Saw Swee Hock Southeast Asia Centre hosted a Cove Session discussion on the implications of Korean reconciliation on geopolitics.
SEAC, with the support of Urban Salon, hosted a roundtable workshop on displacement in Southeast Asia and beyond, on 28th February at LSE. Speakers: Katherine Brickell (RHUL), Lisa Tilley (Birkbeck), Jordana Ramalho (LSE), Qin Shao (College of New Jersey), Oren Yiftachel (Ben-Gurion), Loretta Lees (Leicester).
The first of SEAC’s 2019 Southeast Asia Discussion Series (SEADS) welcomed Dr Hans Steinmüller, who spoke about his recent research on the ethno-nationalist projects of rebel groups in Highland Burma. In a new event format for SEAC, Dr Steinmüller’s talk was complemented by a Discussant, Dr Patrick Meehan, who offered reflections and constructive comments on the talk, while the audience benefited from the insights of both discussant and speaker as they engaged further in the post-talk debate.
The first networking event of the SEAC-led Early Career Researcher Network was held at LSE on 13th February 2019. The event incorporatd talks from researchers on the topic, "What does Southeast Asia mean for my research?" followed by a networking reception for participants to get to know each other. In addition to 25 ECR participants representing over a dozen nationalities and 10 different higher education institutions, the event featured talks from Prof. Hyun Bang Shin, SEAC Director, Prof. Sylvia Chant (LSE, Geography & Environment) and Prof. Tim Forsyth (LSE, International Development).
LSE Southeast Asia Forum (SEAF) (P)
The conference had of four expert panels that examined a range of prevalent issues facing Southeast Asia. The Keynote Lecture addressed Singapore's priorities as ASEAN Chair in 2018 and was given by Her Excellency Ms Foo Chi Hsia (High Commissioner of the Republic of Singapore to the United Kingdom).
The Ambon Jihad
SEAC Associate Dr Kirsten Schulze looks at the Ambon jihad fought in the context of the Ambon conflict in Indonesia from 1999-2005.
Armed Groups, State and Society in Myanmar (P)
Based on years of extensive field work in the border areas of Myanmar, panellists discussed the dynamics of armed politics, social orders and state formation in light of the country's peace process and wider transition.
This event was hosted in collaboration with the LSE Global South Unit.
LSE Southeast Asia Forum 2017
The day included a keynote lecture by H.E. Antonio M. Lagdameo, the Ambassador of the Philippines to the UK, and four expert panels that examined a range of prevalent issues that have affected the region since the establishment of ASEAN 50 years ago, including the AEC, foreign and domestic policy, and human rights agendas.
Myanmar's NLD-led Government: one year on (P)
Dr Khin Mar Mar Kyi, Dr David Brenner and Prof Marie Lall discuss to what extent has Daw Aung San Suu Kyi been able to make headway on major issues and key challenges the country has faced, one year after Myanmar's landslide election.
Who Developed Vietnam? The Role of International Donors (P)
Although substantial development challenges remain, Vietnam’s achievements are remarkable. Prof Jörn Dosch asks: is Vietnam’s rapid development a success story of development cooperation or rather the result of domestic reforms?
The Future of the US ‘Asia Pivot’
The key question is whether the next US president will make Asia a priority and how the region will react to it. Dr Evan Medeiros discusses this and other issues at a critical time for the Asia-Pacific.
Duterte’s Bloody Democracy in the Philippines (P)
Prof Mark R Thompson looks at why Duterte won the recent presidential election and has “stuck to his guns” in waging a violent war on drugs and explores its implications for the future of democracy in the Philippines and beyond.
LSE Southeast Asia Forum 2016 (P)
The day included two keynote lectures and four expert panels on topics including: ASEAN Security, religion in Southeast Asia, inclusion and exclusion in Southeast Asia, and a panel by the LSE SU ASEAN Society.
Rebranding ASEAN as a New Global Player (P)
ASEAN has never been able to realize its full political and economic potential. Khun Abhisit Vejjajiva asks: what are the main impediments holding ASEAN back? Can ASEAN play a role in re-shaping a new regional order in the Asia-Pacific region?
How Did Aung San Suu Kyi Win So Big? (P)
Peter Popham showcases his latest book The Lady and the General and seeks to identify the secrets of Aung San Suu Kyi's phenomenal achievements as a woman in a highly macho political culture.
New Attitudes to Peacekeeping Operations in ASEAN
Despite the region’s enormous diversity, almost all of ASEAN’s members are showing a greater interest in supporting peacekeeping operations. Dr David Capie explores evolving attitudes towards peacekeeping among Southeast Asian states.
LSE Asia Forum in Singapore
On Saturday 28th November, as part of the 120th anniversary celebrations, LSE held its Asia Forum in Singapore. The event, within the new series of regional LSE Global Forums, celebrated the achievements of the School and its alumni.
Monks and Politics in Theravada Southeast Asia
Dr Matthew Walton argues that, while the issue of monastic engagement with politics will remain an essentially contested question, examining monks’ arguments in particular contexts can reveal changing dynamics in the institution of the sangha.
Myanmar on the Brink (P)
Mark Canning, Dr Jurgen Haacke and Shibani Mahtani discuss the outcome of those general elections and how Myanmar will achieve economic success comparable to those of its ASEAN neighbours.
Malaysia: Fighting Religious Extremism
Dato Noor Farida Ariffin, former Malaysian Ambassador to the Netherlands, expresses the grave concerns over religious bodies asserting authority beyond their jurisdiction; and various fatwa which violate the Federal Constitution.
Dealing with China (P)
Henry M. Paulson Jr. talks about his new book, Dealing with China, which takes readers behind closed doors to the future of China's state-controlled capitalism, in conversation with Lionel Barber.
Malaysia: Healing the Nation
What is the “Malaysian nation” – and what is the state of its health? In this lecture Tunku 'Abidin Muhriz considers the competing versions of the Malaysian nation, and the resultant divergent prognoses and calls to action.
Post-Coup Thailand: Anxiety over the Royal Succession
Dr Pavin Chachavalpongpun discusses the unlikeliness of stabilising Thai politics, as voters become alienated in the political process à la Prayuth, and large-scale violent protests are seen as unavoidable in order to restore democracy.
LSE Literary Festival 2015 - Southeast Asia Panel (P)
This year ASEAN becomes an integrated economic community. Ahmad Zakii Anwar, Nickson Fong and Yang-May Ooi ask: what is the culture that sits comfortably with Southeast Asia's place in the global economy?
Hong Kong: The Struggle at the End of History (P)
Prof Danny Quah, Prof Conor Gearty, Isabella Steger and Raymond Li discuss how the Umbrella Revolution has re-ignited a worldwide debate on democracy in particular, and a battle over success in economic and political governance.
Roundtable on Postcolonial Urbanism and History of Southeast Asia
On 25th November 2020, SEAC hosted a roundtable discussion aiming to promote a better understanding of postcolonial urban histories in Southeast Asia while seeking an opportunity to locate them in different disciplines including urban history and urban studies. Further details can be found here.
Theorising the City in and from Southeast Asia
On 11th November 2020, Dr Rita Padawangi (Senior Lecturer, Singapore University of Social Sciences) delivered a research seminar bringing together the urban experience from city neighbourhoods to connect with theorising the city in and from Southeast Asia. Further details can be found here.
LSE Southeast Asia Week 2020: Politics of city-making in Southeast Asia (V)
On 29th October 2020, SEAC hosted a roundtable panel discussion by inviting four academics whose work had been related to the urbanising region's development challenges. The event focused on politics of city-making and re-making in Southeast Asia, with cases coming from Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia and the Philippines. Further details can be found here.
Migration and Mobility in the COVID-19 Era (V)
On 27th October 2020, SEAC invited three academics working on diverse issues related to migration and mobility, and discussed how the COVID-19 pandemic had affected the mobility and immobility of migrant workers and students among others. Further details can be found here.
Decolonising Higher Education Roundtable (P)
On 30th September 2020, SEAC hosted an online roundtable discussion themed around 'decolonising higher education' in relation to the Southeast Asian region and beyond. This roundtable invited three speakers whose research is rooted in such effort of decolonising higher education, addressing the structural power inequalities of knowledge production. Further details can be found here.
Post COVID-19 Futures of the Urbanising World (V)
On 3 June 2020, Dr Creighton Connolly (Senior Lecturer, University of Lincoln), Prof Roger Keil (Professor, York University, Toronto), Dr Deirdre McKay (Reader, Keele University, and Chair of ASEAS UK), and Dr Rita Padawangi (Senior Lecturer, Singapore University of Social Sciences) discussed the impact of COVID-19 on changing relationships between cities and their hinterlands in global urbanisation processes. The event was part of LSE's online public event series, "COVID-19: The Policy Response" and was chaired by SEAC Director Prof Hyun Bang Shin. More information can be found here.
Public Lecture: "Diminishing Globalisation, Rising Digitalisation : Central Bank Policy Responses" (P)
On 10th February 2020, SEAC hosted a Public Lecture by Dr. Perry Warjiyo, Governor of Bank Indonesia, Indonesia's Central Bank, chaired by SEAC Director Prof. Hyun Bang Shin, on the topic of contemporary central bank policy responses to diminishing globalisation and rising digitalisation. Further details can be found here.
Public Lecture: Less Poverty, More Precarity: Squaring the Circle of Southeast Asian Development (P)
On 30th January 2020, Professor Jonathan Rigg (Chair in Human Geography at the School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol) held a public lecture on the different, but intertwined, narratives that paint Southeast Asia as exemplar of development success and deepening inequality. This event was co-hosted with the LSE Department of Geography and Environment and chaired by SEAC Director Prof. Hyun Bang Shin. Further details including the podcast can be found here.
Southeast Asia Discussion Series: Enclave Urbanism and Transnational Zones in Southeast Asia (P)
On 28th January 2020, SEAC hosted its first Lent term event with Dr. Jana M. Kleibert (Acting Head of Department, Leibniz Institute for Research on Society and Space and Humboldt University of Berlin), who spoke on enclave urbanism and transnational zones in Southeast Asia. Further details can be found here.
Book Launch: "Neoliberal Urbanism, Contested Cities and Housing in Asia"
On 3rd December 2019, SEAC, along with the Department of Geography and Environment, co-hosted the book launch for the 2019 book “Neoliberal Urbanism, Contested Cities and Housing in Asia”. The event was chaired by SEAC Director Prof. Hyun Bang Shin, and Co-Editor Dr. Yi Ling Chen (Assistant Professor of Global and Area Studies and Geography, University of Colorado Boulder) and other contributors presented their insights on Vietnam, Taiwan and Korea. Further details can be found here.
SEAC Masterclass: Research as part of democratization and urban transformation
On 2nd December 2019, SEAc hosted its second research masterclass of the academic year with Dr Yi-Ling Chen (University of Wyoming), who gave insights and advice to students on conducting academic research in collaboration with civil society and activist organisations. Further details can be found here.
Public Lecture: Who is the Middle Class, and what are they up to? Reflections from Jakarta (P)
On 28th November 2019, Professor AbdouMaliq Simone (Senior Professorial Fellow, Urban Institute, University of Sheffield and Honorary Professor of Urban Studies, University of Cape Town) spoke on the making of an urban middle class across Southeast Asia. Further details including the podcast can be found here.
SEAC Masterclass: Researching Digital Media
On 25th November 2019, SEAC hosted its first research masterclass of the year led by SEAC Senior Visiting Fellow Dr Merlyna Lim (Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Digital Media and Global Network Society, Carleton University) and Chaired by Dr Bingchun Meng (Associate Professor and Deputy Head, Department of Media and Communications, LSE), on the topic of researching digital media. Further details can be found here.
Southeast Asia Discussion Series: Civil society elites and Cambodian civil society today
On 21st November 2019, Dr. Astrid Norén-Nilsson (Associate Senior Lecturer at the Centre for East and South-East Asian Studies, Lund University) spoke on processes of elite formation within Cambodian civil society today as well as patterns of interaction between civil society elites and other elites, building on ongoing research for a comparative project on civil society elites in Cambodia and Indonesia. Further details can be found here.
Southeast Asia Discussion Series: Social Media and Politics in Southeast Asia (P)
On 7th November 2019, SEAC hosted a talk on social media and politics in Southeast Asia. The guest speaker was Dr Merlyna Lim (Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Digital Media and Global Network Society, Carleton University and Senior Visiting Fellow, SEAC), and the event was chaired by SEAC Director Prof Hyun Bang Shin.
LSE Southest Asia Forum 2019 (P)
On 29th October, SEAC hosted its annual flagship conference in the LSE Shaw Library, which on the key research themes of SEAC while engaging with contemporary affairs in Southeast Asia.
Southeast Asia Discussion Series: Land sharing experiences in Thailand and Cambodia: What lessons for land and housing policy for the urban poor? (P)
On 17th October 2019, SEAC hosted the first Southeast Asia Discussion Series seminar of the academic year, with guest speaker Dr. Paul Rabé (Senior Expert, Urban Land Governance, IHS and coordinator of the Urban Knowledge Network Asia (UKNA), International Institute for Asian Studies) who spoke on the topic of land sharing in Cambodia and Thailand. The event was chaired by SEAC Director Prof Hyun Bang Shin. This event is available to listen to as a podcast.
South-South itineraries: alternative routes for mutual learning between Latin America and Southeast Asia (P)
On 1st October 2019, SEAC hosted an ECR Network Event as part of Decolonising the LSE Week, bringing together scholars from Latin America and Southeast Asia whose research is rooted in such effort of theorizing “from the South”, addressing the structural power inequalities of knowledge production that tend to exclude the contributions produced by scholars working "in the South", which are often ignored or lost in translation. The event was chaired by SEAC Director Prof Hyun Bang Shin. This event is available to listen to as a podcast.
Southeast Asia Discussion Series: Post-Election Thailand: Reflections and Looking Forward
On 11th July 2019, SEAC will host a Southeast Asia Discussion Series (SEADS) event, with guest speakers Dr Petra Desatova (School of Politics and International Studies, University of Leeds), Mr Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit (Future Forward Party), Prof. Duncan McCargo (Director, Nordic Institute of Asian Studies) and Ms Pannika Wanich (Future Forward Party), to discuss recent developments since the Thai General Election. Prof. Tim Forsyth (Department of International Development, LSE) will Chair.
SEAC Workshop: Urban Spectre of Global China
On 19th June 2019, SEAC is hosting a kick-off workshop for SEAC's new British Academy research project entitled, "The Urban Spectre of Global China: Mechanisms, Consequences, and Alternatives for Urban Futures". More details including a link to register your attendance can be found here.
Southeast Asia Discussion Series: The Red River Development Project in Hanoi, Vietnam
On 6th June 2019, SEAC hosted a SEADS seminar chaired by SEAC Director Prof. Hyun Bang Shin, led by LSE-Southeast Asia ECR Network member Ms Sujee Jung (PhD Candidate, Rutgers University) who spoke about her field research on the Red River development project in Hanoi. Dr Catalina Ortiz (Lecturer in Building and Urban Design in Development, UCL) was Discussant for the event.
More information can be found here.
LSE-Southeast Asia Early Career Researcher Network Workshop on academic publishing
On 22nd May 2019, SEAC hosted a workshop for LSE-Southeast Asia ECR Network members on the subject of academic publishing, chaired by SEAC Director Prof. Hyun Bang Shin. The workshop combined practical advice with personal experiences, covering everything from evaluating outlets and choosing the right one for you, avoiding common pitfalls, deciding on solo versus collaborate publications, career considerations and more.
On Monday 25th March, SEAC hosted its second ‘Cove Session’ discussion of 2019, with guest Dr Pavin Chachavalpongpun (Center for Southeast Asian Studies, University of Kyoto), to discuss this weekend’s long-awaited Thai general election.
REDD+ AS AN AREA-BASED POLICY: Evidence from the 2011 Moratorium on oil palm, timber and logging concessions in Indonesia
On 19th March, Prof. Ben Groom (Professor of Environment and Development Economics, LSE ), Dr Charles Palmer (Associate Professor of Environment and Development, LSE) and Mr Lorenzo Sileci (PhD candidate in Environmental Economics,, LSE) presened early results from their recent SEAC Research Fund project on the environmental impacts of the Palm Oil Concession Moratorium in Indonesia.
More information here.
Qin Shao, Professor of History at the College of New Jersey, shared her expertise on urban research in relation to violent contexts, particularly in relation to the threat of state violence, for LSE postgraduate students. Prof. Shao's research interests include property rights, historical preservation, domicide, displacement, mental health, dignity, sustainability, and grass-roots movements. She is working on a new project about the impact of politically motivated displacement under Mao.
Coinciding with the US-North Korea Summit taking place in Hanoi on 27-28 February, the Saw Swee Hock Southeast Asia Centre hosted a Cove Session discussion on the implications of Korean reconciliation on geopolitics.
SEAC, with the support of Urban Salon, hosted a roundtable workshop on displacement in Southeast Asia and beyond, on 28th February at LSE. Speakers: Katherine Brickell (RHUL), Lisa Tilley (Birkbeck), Jordana Ramalho (LSE), Qin Shao (College of New Jersey), Oren Yiftachel (Ben-Gurion), Loretta Lees (Leicester).
The first of SEAC’s 2019 Southeast Asia Discussion Series (SEADS) welcomed Dr Hans Steinmüller, who spoke about his recent research on the ethno-nationalist projects of rebel groups in Highland Burma. In a new event format for SEAC, Dr Steinmüller’s talk was complemented by a Discussant, Dr Patrick Meehan, who offered reflections and constructive comments on the talk, while the audience benefited from the insights of both discussant and speaker as they engaged further in the post-talk debate.
The first networking event of the SEAC-led Early Career Researcher Network was held at LSE on 13th February 2019. The event incorporatd talks from researchers on the topic, "What does Southeast Asia mean for my research?" followed by a networking reception for participants to get to know each other. In addition to 25 ECR participants representing over a dozen nationalities and 10 different higher education institutions, the event featured talks from Prof. Hyun Bang Shin, SEAC Director, Prof. Sylvia Chant (LSE, Geography & Environment) and Prof. Tim Forsyth (LSE, International Development).
LSE Southeast Asia Forum (SEAF) (P)
The conference had of four expert panels that examined a range of prevalent issues facing Southeast Asia. The Keynote Lecture addressed Singapore's priorities as ASEAN Chair in 2018 and was given by Her Excellency Ms Foo Chi Hsia (High Commissioner of the Republic of Singapore to the United Kingdom).
The Ambon Jihad
SEAC Associate Dr Kirsten Schulze looks at the Ambon jihad fought in the context of the Ambon conflict in Indonesia from 1999-2005.
Armed Groups, State and Society in Myanmar (P)
Based on years of extensive field work in the border areas of Myanmar, panellists discussed the dynamics of armed politics, social orders and state formation in light of the country's peace process and wider transition.
This event was hosted in collaboration with the LSE Global South Unit.
LSE Southeast Asia Forum 2017
The day included a keynote lecture by H.E. Antonio M. Lagdameo, the Ambassador of the Philippines to the UK, and four expert panels that examined a range of prevalent issues that have affected the region since the establishment of ASEAN 50 years ago, including the AEC, foreign and domestic policy, and human rights agendas.
Myanmar's NLD-led Government: one year on (P)
Dr Khin Mar Mar Kyi, Dr David Brenner and Prof Marie Lall discuss to what extent has Daw Aung San Suu Kyi been able to make headway on major issues and key challenges the country has faced, one year after Myanmar's landslide election.
Who Developed Vietnam? The Role of International Donors (P)
Although substantial development challenges remain, Vietnam’s achievements are remarkable. Prof Jörn Dosch asks: is Vietnam’s rapid development a success story of development cooperation or rather the result of domestic reforms?
The Future of the US ‘Asia Pivot’
The key question is whether the next US president will make Asia a priority and how the region will react to it. Dr Evan Medeiros discusses this and other issues at a critical time for the Asia-Pacific.
Duterte’s Bloody Democracy in the Philippines (P)
Prof Mark R Thompson looks at why Duterte won the recent presidential election and has “stuck to his guns” in waging a violent war on drugs and explores its implications for the future of democracy in the Philippines and beyond.
LSE Southeast Asia Forum 2016 (P)
The day included two keynote lectures and four expert panels on topics including: ASEAN Security, religion in Southeast Asia, inclusion and exclusion in Southeast Asia, and a panel by the LSE SU ASEAN Society.
Rebranding ASEAN as a New Global Player (P)
ASEAN has never been able to realize its full political and economic potential. Khun Abhisit Vejjajiva asks: what are the main impediments holding ASEAN back? Can ASEAN play a role in re-shaping a new regional order in the Asia-Pacific region?
How Did Aung San Suu Kyi Win So Big? (P)
Peter Popham showcases his latest book The Lady and the General and seeks to identify the secrets of Aung San Suu Kyi's phenomenal achievements as a woman in a highly macho political culture.
New Attitudes to Peacekeeping Operations in ASEAN
Despite the region’s enormous diversity, almost all of ASEAN’s members are showing a greater interest in supporting peacekeeping operations. Dr David Capie explores evolving attitudes towards peacekeeping among Southeast Asian states.
LSE Asia Forum in Singapore
On Saturday 28th November, as part of the 120th anniversary celebrations, LSE held its Asia Forum in Singapore. The event, within the new series of regional LSE Global Forums, celebrated the achievements of the School and its alumni.
Monks and Politics in Theravada Southeast Asia
Dr Matthew Walton argues that, while the issue of monastic engagement with politics will remain an essentially contested question, examining monks’ arguments in particular contexts can reveal changing dynamics in the institution of the sangha.
Myanmar on the Brink (P)
Mark Canning, Dr Jurgen Haacke and Shibani Mahtani discuss the outcome of those general elections and how Myanmar will achieve economic success comparable to those of its ASEAN neighbours.
Malaysia: Fighting Religious Extremism
Dato Noor Farida Ariffin, former Malaysian Ambassador to the Netherlands, expresses the grave concerns over religious bodies asserting authority beyond their jurisdiction; and various fatwa which violate the Federal Constitution.
Dealing with China (P)
Henry M. Paulson Jr. talks about his new book, Dealing with China, which takes readers behind closed doors to the future of China's state-controlled capitalism, in conversation with Lionel Barber.
Malaysia: Healing the Nation
What is the “Malaysian nation” – and what is the state of its health? In this lecture Tunku 'Abidin Muhriz considers the competing versions of the Malaysian nation, and the resultant divergent prognoses and calls to action.
Post-Coup Thailand: Anxiety over the Royal Succession
Dr Pavin Chachavalpongpun discusses the unlikeliness of stabilising Thai politics, as voters become alienated in the political process à la Prayuth, and large-scale violent protests are seen as unavoidable in order to restore democracy.
LSE Literary Festival 2015 - Southeast Asia Panel (P)
This year ASEAN becomes an integrated economic community. Ahmad Zakii Anwar, Nickson Fong and Yang-May Ooi ask: what is the culture that sits comfortably with Southeast Asia's place in the global economy?
Hong Kong: The Struggle at the End of History (P)
Prof Danny Quah, Prof Conor Gearty, Isabella Steger and Raymond Li discuss how the Umbrella Revolution has re-ignited a worldwide debate on democracy in particular, and a battle over success in economic and political governance.
AEC 2015: A Perspective from Business (P)
How will AEC change political and economic landscape of the region? Will it be sustainable? These are some of the questions addressed by Nazir Razak, Chairman of CIMB Group, a leading ASEAN Banking Group.