New Groningen Research Centre for Southeast Asia and ASEAN

A new scientific collaboration between the University of Groningen (UG) and Gadjah Mada University (UGM) was announced on 1 November. In Yogyakarta, Indonesia, the President of the University of Groningen, Prof. Sibrand Poppema and the Rector of Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Prof. Dwikorita Karnawati announced the groundbreaking for the Groningen Research Centre for Southeast Asia and ASEAN (SEA ASEAN).

Cooperation between Europe and Southeast Asia

The launch of SEA ASEAN consolidates 40 years of collaboration between the University of Groningen and Gadjah Mada University. The research centre marks a new chapter in scientific and cultural exchange between these leading universities. On the eve of 50 years anniversary of ASEAN and continuing EU-ASEAN engagement, the research centre seeks to further cooperation between the knowledge institutes and the peoples of Europe and Southeast Asia.

High quality research

The aim of the SEA ASEAN centre is to further interdisciplinary research on Southeast Asia and ASEAN. The research centre builds upon the successful foundation of interfaculty cooperation within UG at the Globalisation Studies Groningen (GSG) and our sister organization the Centre for East Asian Studies Groningen (CEASG). Furthermore, SEA ASEAN seeks to bridge high quality research with policy relevance and a concern for societal outcomes. Middle income developing countries with a democratic tradition such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand and countries in economic and political transition such as Vietnam and Myanmar, are priority research areas for SEA ASEAN.

Scientific and societal impact

The focus of this cooperation is on scientific and societal impact emphasizing multi-level goverance and the interaction of civil society and institutions. The social sciences agenda includes public policy and management, regional integration, economics and inclusive growth, planning and the environment, energy and sustainable society, law and human rights, arts and religion, and humanitarian action and disaster preparedness. The science and technology agenda includes chemistry and environmental technology, and health and medicine.

2017 fall conference

Preparation is underway for the 2017 fall conference to be held at Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta together with our strategic partners in the region, including the University of Malaya, Thammasat University, and the University of Philippines, Diliman. The theme of the conference is new conceptions of governance in Southeast Asia and ASEAN, focusing on societal impact, social inclusion, resiliency and sustainable society in the 21st century.

Joint organization

The conference is jointly organized by SEA ASEAN and the UGM ASEAN Centre. The UGM ASEAN Centre is housed within the Faculty of Social and Political Science (FISOPOL), led by Dean Dr. Erwan Purwanto. SEA ASEAN is an interfaculty cooperation under the auspices of Globalisation Studies Groningen housed in the Faculty of Arts led by Dean Prof. Gerry Wakker. Conference organization will be spearheaded by the Director of UGM ASEAN, Dr. Dafri Agussalim and the SEA ASEAN leadership consisting of Director Prof. Ronald Holzhacker, Associate Director dr. ir. Wendy Tan, Chief International Officer Mr. Tim Zwaagstra and Research Fellow and Special Representative Prayoga Permana.