Culture

News

25 May 2026
Impart
From temporary pits drawn in sand to finely crafted wooden boards, pallanguzhi has been played across South India for generations. Associated especially with women’s leisure and festival gatherings, the game reflects traditions of strategy, arithmetic, and social exchange, alongside possible links to older mancala traditions circulating across the Indian Ocean trade routes.
19 May 2026
Lingnan University
To understand their awareness of and interest in the Chinese tea culture, the Asia-Pacific Institute of Ageing Studies at Lingnan University conducted a public opinion survey and analysis of the tea consumption habits of young people in the Hong Kong SAR. The findings show that more than three quarters of respondents drink Chinese tea regularly. However, as many as half also drink “flavoured tea” with sugar, floral flavours or milk frequently. The proportion of young people who drink tea regularly was significantly higher than soft and speciality drinks, although more than one third were unfamiliar with the health benefits of tea. Scholars point out that parents exert a strong influence on young people’s tea-drinking habits and suggest that different sectors of society might organise intergenerational activities to pass the Chinese tea culture on to younger generations.
Lingnan University organises the Lingnan University History Exhibition Hall Opening cum Lingnan Education Organization Ambassadors Appointment Ceremony.
15 May 2026
Lingnan University
To mark the forthcoming 60th anniversary in 2027 of Lingnan University’s re-establishment in Hong Kong and the 140th anniversary in 2028 of its founding in Guangzhou, the University has officially established the new Lingnan University History Exhibition Hall on its Tuen Mun campus, and held the Opening cum Lingnan Education Organization Ambassadors Appointment Ceremony. The Exhibition Hall presents, through valuable archival materials and exhibits, the University’s development over a century, tracing its origins to its Guangzhou-based predecessor, the Christian College in China, founded in 1888 during the late Qing period. The exhibition offers students, alumni, and members of the public a profound understanding of Lingnan’s historical roots and educational ethos.
13 May 2026
More than a decade after the Nagoya Protocol, which aims to fairly share the benefits of utilizing genetic resources, became law, microbiologists and other scientists still face practical challenges and confusion. A new guide published by a team of microbiologists provides universally applicable frameworks for anyone working with biological resources.
28 Apr 2026
Impart
Sculpted from a granite rock face in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, the Avukana Buddha is an early example of colossal Buddha imagery in Sri Lanka. Its form and detailing suggest connections with sculptural traditions from Amaravati and the Gupta period, while its execution reflects regional adaptation. Discover how the sculpture and its associated finds have been linked to the doctrine of Lokottara or transcendence, later adopted by Mahayana Buddhism.
24 Apr 2026
Ateneo de Manila University
The Ateneo Press and Ateneo Journals are bringing literature and research to a broader public audience.
Dr Tobby Kan Shiu-tao, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Digital Arts and Creative Industries at Lingnan University (second from right), led the development of the Transforming film education through interactive game – CineSim, which wins the Technological or Digital Innovation of the Year award at the Times Higher Education Awards Asia 2026.
23 Apr 2026
Lingnan University
Transforming film education through interactive game – CineSim, developed by the Department of Digital Arts and Creative Industries at Lingnan University, received the Technological or Digital Innovation of the Year award at the Times Higher Education Awards Asia 2026 on the evening of 22 April. Widely regarded as the Oscars of higher education, the Awards are highly competitive, and Lingnan University stood out from more than 500 entries worldwide to become the only institution to receive the Technological or Digital Innovation of the Year award. This achievement clearly demonstrates the University’s lead in educational innovation and the application of digital technologies, which have earned full recognition from the international higher education community.
Lingnan University and Peking University co-organise the Lingnan-Yuanpei STEM Summer Academy (LYSSA).
20 Apr 2026
Lingnan University
Lingnan University and Yuanpei College of Peking University (PKU) organised the Lingnan-Yuanpei STEM Summer Academy (LYSSA) jointly for the third consecutive year. Coordinated by the Lingnan’s Office of Student Affairs, the LYSSA 2026 opening ceremony took place virtually on 20 April 2026, and attracted more than 40 experts, instructors, and students from both universities, providing a platform for Beijing-Hong Kong SAR youth to discuss innovation and entrepreneurship, improve their future competitiveness at work, and promote cultural exchanges and cooperation. The winning team will receive a cash prize of HK$50,000, as well as an incubation fund of up to HK$500,000 from the Lingnan Foundation, to support students in transforming their innovative ideas into entrepreneurial projects, products, or services with market potential.
Prof Richard M. Walker (right) delivers a keynote speech on his latest research, and receives the Routledge Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 annual conference of the International Research Society for Public Management.
15 Apr 2026
Lingnan University
Prof Richard M. Walker, Head of the Department of Government and International Affairs and Lee Shau Kee Foundation Chair Professor of Public Administration at Lingnan University, has been given the prestigious Routledge Lifetime Achievement Award by the International Research Society for Public Management (IRSPM) in recognition of his sustained dedication and outstanding contributions to the field. Prof Walker is the first scholar in HKSAR to receive this honour, bringing distinction to Hong Kong's academic community and emphasising Lingnan University's international leadership in the discipline.
01 Apr 2026
Ateneo de Manila University
New technology coming out of Ateneo de Manila University is helping reveal the technology of the Philippines' deep past.
01 Apr 2026
Ateneo de Manila University
Philippine Studies: Historical and Ethnographic Viewpoints has launched its latest issue, Volume 74, Number 1 (2026), a special issue titled Under Imperial Japan, now available on the Archīum.
16 Mar 2026
Impart
From royal armouries to international exhibitions, koftgari reflects a metalworking tradition shaped by conquest, courtly patronage, and shifting markets. Across Persia and South Asia, artisans inlaid steel with gold and silver, turning arms and regalia into symbols of power, protection, and prestige. Explore the craft across changing political landscapes as its patronage and purpose evolved.
The opening reception of Fleeting, Fleeting Light—Imagery of Time in Chinese Art at the Chamber of Young Snow Art Exhibition Hall, Lingnan University.
05 Mar 2026
Lingnan University
In the fast pace of urban life, time slips quietly away amid daily routines. From 6 March to 4 September, the Chamber of Young Snow Art Exhibition Hall at Lingnan University presents Fleeting, Fleeting Light—Imagery of Time in Chinese Art, featuring 24 rare ink paintings, porcelain, lacquerware, and jade dating from the late Yuan dynasty to the modern era. The exhibition highlights the internationally acclaimed Space Series by Liu Kuo-sung, revered as the father of modern ink painting. The seasons, landscapes, immortal realms, and cosmos shown here invite visitors to think anew about the meaning of time.
Henna Liu says that she is honoured to participate as a student, showcasing the confidence, cultural literacy, and social awareness of youth from Hong Kong SAR.
03 Mar 2026
Lingnan University
The grand final of the 15th Miss China Pageant was recently held on 28 February in Putian, Fujian Province. Representing the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Lingnan University Year Four Human Resource Management student Henna Liu Yeuk-tung competed against more than 30 top finalists who had advanced to the national stage. Demonstrating the cultural literacy, confidence, and talent of Hong Kong youth, she achieved an impressive fourth-place finish, bringing pride to Hong Kong.
Lingnan University’s School of Graduate Studies examines intergenerational housing support from the perspective of parents. The results show that only 26 per cent surveyed parents plan to provide financial assistance to their children for home purchase, while 37 per cent believe that subsidising children’s property purchase is not their responsibility.
24 Feb 2026
Lingnan University
Home ownership remains one of the most important decisions in life. A study conducted by Lingnan University’s School of Graduate Studies examined intergenerational housing support from the perspective of parents. The results show that only about one in four (26%) surveyed parents plan to provide financial assistance to their children for home purchase, 37 per cent believe that subsidising children’s property purchase is not their responsibility, and nearly seven in ten (67%) believe the government should provide more subsidised housing to help the younger generation achieve home ownership. The study, Housing opportunities and family reciprocity: intergenerational support for young people and the role of housing and welfare policy in Hong Kong, was published in the latest issue of the internationally recognised Journal of Social Policy.
23 Feb 2026
Impart
From apostolic legend to colonial revival, the Santhome Cathedral Basilica stands at the crossroads of faith, history, and architecture. Built over a site associated with Saint Thomas — the Apostle of the East — it layers early Christian memory, maritime exchange, and neo-Gothic ambition into a living shrine.
"Toward gender equality in scientific organizations: assessment and recommendations" report cover
13 Feb 2026
A new report released by IAP, ISC and SCGES shows that in leadership roles, governing bodies, and senior positions and awards women presence is still modest.
A makeshift dining area inside a Philippine jail, where PDLs share meals–capturing how ordinary routines like mealtimes occur within sensory confinement, overcrowding, and silent resilience.
12 Feb 2026
Ateneo de Manila University
New research examines how carceral punishment in Philippine jails extends far beyond legal sentences by permeating every bodily sense.
02 Feb 2026
Duke-NUS Medical School
With one in four Singaporeans expected to be 65 and above by 2030, Duke-NUS' inaugural ageing conference addressed themes such as technology, dementia care and social connectedness. Duke-NUS’ Centre for Ageing Research & Education marks its 10th anniversary, with the conference highlighting the need for innovative policies and practices to enhance the quality of life for Singapore's ageing population.
photograph of the rock art panel with the two hand stencils
22 Jan 2026
Hand-stencil motifs found in caves in Sulawesi, Indonesia, dating to at least 67,800 years ago, may be the oldest rock art discovered, according to a study published in Nature.
Japan Scicom Forum / PCST Symposium 2025 participants
21 Jan 2026
Science communication in Asia is entering a new chapter, built on listening, adapting, and co-creating with diverse communities.
digital Myanmar landscape
21 Jan 2026
International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
Myanmar’s digital ecosystem has been a lifeline for many, from education to community and humanitarian support, bringing a sense of stability in the midst of chaos. Alas, it is also a tool for repression, crime, and abuse. IDRC’s Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar has supported researchers looking into these complex issues.
19 Jan 2026
Impart
From nomadic looms to global collectors, Afghan war rugs chart the region’s turbulent history through an age-old weaving tradition. Incorporating weapons, maps, and political imagery into familiar motifs, these rugs reflect shifting political realities, the ingenuity of Baloch weavers, and the influence of a rapidly commercialised market.
15 Dec 2025
Impart
From Jesuit apothecaries in Goa to royal treasuries in Europe, Goa stones were sought-after remedies and status objects in the seventeenth century. Discover how these artificial bezoars were made, traded, and treasured across continents.
From left: Prof Richard M. Walker, Director of LUIAS; Prof Kim Jeong Bon, Lingnan Fellow; President Qin; Prof Lars Tummers, Senior Lingnan Scholar; Prof Li Lianjiang, Senior Lingnan Scholar.
24 Nov 2025
Lingnan University
The Lingnan University Institute for Advanced Study (LUIAS) held a conferment ceremony today, 24 November, to honour three renowned scholars: Prof Kim Jeong-Bon, Distinguished SFU Professor at Simon Fraser University; Prof Li Lianjiang, Professor of the Department of Politics and Public Administration at The University of Hong Kong; and Prof Lars Tummers, Chair Professor of Public Administration and Organisational Science at Utrecht University.
24 Nov 2025
Impart
Known as chattra, koda, godugu, sesath and hti in several Indian, Sri Lankan and Burmese languages, the ceremonial parasol has remained a symbol of divinity and political authority across South and Southeast Asia. Discover some of its earliest depictions and read about its making and use today.
12 Nov 2025
On 20 November 2025, the Young Activists Summit (#YAS25) will honour five outstanding young people using technology to drive positive change. The event will take place at the European headquarters of the UN, in the recently renovated Assembly Hall of the historic Palais des Nations, in Geneva (Switzerland). The Summit will be webcast live and open to media participation.
Lingnan University hosts International Day 2025 “Around the World”.
28 Oct 2025
Lingnan University
The campus of Lingnan University became a whirlwind journey across continents as the Office of Global Education (OGE) and Office of Student Affairs (OSA) successfully hosted International Day 2025 “Around the World” recently, a dynamic celebration of cultural diversity that brought the globe to the doorstep and drew over 800 participants, marking a remarkable 60 per cent increase in attendance.
The opening ceremony of the Lingnan Arts Biennale at The Box, Freespace, West Kowloon Cultural District, Kowloon.
24 Oct 2025
Lingnan University
As Artificial intelligence (AI) gradually becomes integrated into artistic creation, how can traditional artistic and cultural values be preserved and passed down? Organised by the Faculty of Arts of Lingnan University, the Lingnan Arts Biennale 2025, “Metamorphoses”, opened officially today, 24 October, at The Box, Freespace of the West Kowloon Cultural District, bringing together creative forces from multiple disciplines to explore the relationships between life, technology, and culture through forms such as dance, opera, music, and the digital arts. The event is open to the public free of charge, and audiences are invited to consider the significance of art and cultural inheritance in this digital age.
20 Oct 2025
Impart
In 2022, Bangladeshi architecture firm Sthapotik designed a mausoleum for the influential 20th-century Uwaisi pir (saint), Shah Muhammad Mohshin Khan. Located in Manikganj, approximately 54 kilometres from Dhaka, this building stands out as a most unconventional interpretation of the traditional dargah, or Sufi tomb.

Events

30 May 2024
The two-day online seminar “Exploring Ethics in Transnational Media Collaboration” will take place on May 30th and 31st. Speakers from Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the UK, the USA, Canada, Germany, Africa, and Nigeria will discuss important topics such as storytelling, decolonizing feminism, and the challenges of transnational media research.
16 Nov 2023
The conference is a forum for experts and leaders in the media industry both domestically and internationally. At ICMC 2023, we aim to explore the diverse aspects of digital communication in the context that data science and AI are increasingly involved in the production cycle and operation of the media and communication industry, thereby capturing the opportunities and challenges presented by these technologies.
29 Feb 2024
Calling interested media studies practitioners, educators, researchers and enthusiasts! In line with the upcoming Southeast Asian Media Studies Conference (SEAMSC 2024), we are thrilled to announce that we are calling for paper submissions related to the conference’s theme: “Interrogations of Media, Sustainability, Development and Power in ASEAN”.
17 Apr 2023
To achieve Net Zero, the governments of the UK and Singapore are targeting ambitious carbon reduction goals, and electromobility has emerged as a key strategy. Now, Newcastle University (UK) and ERI@N (Singapore) are jointly hosting an international event, known as the Electromobility symposium, in Singapore to debate and discuss experiences in implementing land transport electrification in Singapore and the UK, evaluate policy landscapes, and identify successes and obstacles to inform future strategies.
09 Jun 2022
After a successful launch of the Inaugural Southeast Asian Media Studies Conference 2021 (SEAMSC'2021), the Southeast Asian Media Studies Association (SEAMSA) are delighted to announce the 2nd edition of the annual conference, the Southeast Asian Media Studies Conference 2022 (SEAMSC'2022), which will be held from 9-11 June 2022 using a virtual platform.
19 Feb 2022
Organised by Tohoku University, this webinar will explore the achievements and challenges of partnership for education in diverse policy context.
17 Jul 2021
To highlight the challenges, resilience and roles of artists, SEA Junction will hold a blended event on 17 July 2021 with the title of “From Fear to Resilience: Artists Amid the Pandemic”. The gathering will explore the resilience of both traditional and contemporary artists in Thailand and wider Southeast Asia.
21 Oct 2021
Call for Papers for 2021 conference: People, Power, Politics, Pandemics and Other Perils in Southeast Asia. The event will take place on 21-24 October 2021 at University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada. Deadline: Thursday 8 April 2021. Submit from the link below.
15 Dec 2020
The exhibition provides a platform to showcase the images and stories of migrant workers taken on the field. Opening of photo exhibition is on 15th December 5.30pm - 6.30pm at Bangkok Art and Culture Centre.
15 Oct 2020
The Science Walden Center of South Korea's Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), in collaboration with Artist Jieun Gu exhibited an art work, along the Taehwa River in Ulsan, S. Korea.
3rd International Conference on Burma / Myanmar Studies Logo
05 Mar 2021
It aims to be a platform for regional/international scholars and practitioners interested in Burma/Myanmar society as it undergoes economic, political and social transformation.
17 Jun 2019
Are you Human? Communication, Technology, & New Humanism
21 Apr 2018
We would like to invite you to prepare a proposal for the 11th International Convention of Asia Scholars (ICAS). ICAS attracts participants from over 60 countries to engage in global dialogues on Asia that transcend boundaries between academic disciplines and geographic areas. Meeting place for the 11th edition of ICAS is Leiden, the Netherlands.
07 Apr 2018
Twenty sets of fashionable outfits created by aged or disabled designers, in pairing up with about 100 students of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), were showcased in the catwalk of the “Youreable” Fashion Design 2018 Award Presentation Ceremony today (6 April).
20 Jun 2018
The 4th Annual AIDF Asia Summit, hosted by the Aid and International Development Forum (AIDF), will be held on the 20-21 June 2018 at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand.
17 Jan 2018
We are pleased to invite applications for a six days intensive, interactive In Situ Graduate School in Vietnam on Delta Cities.
02 Nov 2017
We invite proposals for (institutional) panels, roundtables, exhibitions, documentaries, papers, (MA and PhD) dissertations and book presentations for the international conference Africa-Asia, A New Axis of Knowledge - Second Edition.
09 Jan 2018
The 2018 International Conference on Performing and Visual Arts is investing the importance and relevance of regionalism in culture and the arts.
17 Jul 2017
With the dedicated effort of 34 students under the strong support from the industry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) held the 4th Intimate Fashion Show on 12 July.
01 Jun 2017
For this upcoming 6th Asian Borderlands conference in Bishkek, we invite panels and papers that address the following questions: How are borderlands in Asia creating alternative spaces for heritages, self-definition and the extraction of resources? How can these cases serve to rethink social theories of various kind?
14 Jun 2017
Gathering 250+ humanitarian and development professionals, The Aid & Development Asia Summit will bring together regional and global expertise to discuss innovations and partnerships for aid and development programmes in Asia, with a particular focus on Myanmar.
25 Sep 2017
We welcome applications for our Summer School on Asian Food. This unique occasion will provide wide ranging coverage of this growing interdisciplinary field with contributions from international experts with at least one of whom each student will be guaranteed an individual consultation about their own work.
23 Nov 2016
The 10th Global RCE Conference will take place from 23 to 25 November 2016 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
02 Nov 2016
This two week workshop aims to engage both the theory and practice of craft knowledge by teaching participants the Lanna techniques of weaving alongside expert weavers, at the same time engaging with the scholarly challenge of making embodied craft knowledge explicit.
05 Dec 2016
The conference is co-organised by QS Quacquarelli Symonds and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
03 Mar 2017
We are organising a two-parts conference In Comparison: Korea and Vietnam in History. For the first part, we invite the submission of paper abstracts on the ‘pre-modern’ and ‘colonial’ periods of Vietnam and Korea.

Researchers

Mr. Wyrlo Dela Cruz is a faculty in University of Santo Tomas Legazpi. He is teaching research, philosophy subjects and social science subjects. He has published several researches in local and international journals. He used to be a researcher in National Commission on Indigenous Peoples-V and currently and a researcher coordinator in Univeristy of Santo Tomas Legazpi. His research interest is in continental philosophy, education, and research management. He is currently a member National Research Council of the Philippines.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Abdul Basit
Dr. Muhammad Abdul Basit is an established academician who is concomitantly working in science and arts, accomplishing the publications of multiple books as well as more than 100 international research publications in the field of nanomaterials, thin-film techniques, and photoenergy applications. Dr. completed did his PhD & Post-Doc. from Hanyang University, south Korea and currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Institute of Space Technology, Pakistan where he is leading the Nanomaterials for Advanced Energy Applications research group and lab. Dr. Basit has won multiple intellectual capability awards from various agencies such as HEC Pakistan, PCK Korea and DAAD-Germany.
Jeconiah Dreisbach is a Filipino interdisciplinary social scientist specializing in the sociolinguistics of migration, family language policy, language contact, and Philippine Studies.
Shimi Chak is a climate advocate and Indigenous youth leader. Her interest lies in renewable energy, policy advocacy, and community-led solutions, helping refugees and Indigenous groups adapt to climate change and preserve traditions.
International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
Mosaddika Mounin is a dedicated researcher in education policy, refugee education, and AI in education. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics with minors in Finance and Development Studies and a Master's in Education from the Asian University for Women (AUW). Mosaddika is actively engaged in the education sector, serving as a primary school mentor and a high school teacher. Her work aims to bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring quality education for marginalised communities.
stephenpoon
A dynamic force in social creative catalyst, navigates the global landscape with a unique perspective, work across disciplines in sustainability, creativity, human factors, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Nehaluddin Ahmad (born in 1952) is a public figure and prominent academician from India who served as a law professor at the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Faculty of Law, Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University (UNISSA) in Brunei Darussalam
Zheimie H. Zamri is a Bruneian Senior Research Assistant and Tutor, pursuing a Ph.D. in Law at UNISSA, with research interests in human rights and legal social issues.
I'm currently an adjunct professor at the Asian Institute of Management in Manila. I crafted a course called Art-Science Thinking based on my dissertation on Culture as Transformative Innovation: Filipino Care in the Practice of Family Medicine. Since 2017, my consultancy & studio has been collaborating with the Dept. of Science & Technology in the Philippines.
Aye Lei Tun from Mandalay holds a master’s degree in development Practice from the University of Queensland and Gender, Human Rights, and Conflict Studies from the International Institute of Social Studies in The Hague. She enrolled in the Ph.D. program in Political Science at McMaster University, Canada, in 2021. She has a background in journalism with local newspapers and media and communications (for UNODC, UNDP, and Oxfam). She works as a Research Consultant for Gender and Media related studies. Aye Lei is a published author - under the pen names Myat Shu, Thawda Thit, and Thawda Aye Lei. Her research interests are the issues related to Gender and Sexuality, Gender and Politics, Media, and Cultural studies.
His personal aspiration is to teach English and linguistics, educate bilingual for ethnic students in Viet Nam, and do language research.
SpiderThailand
Biology of Spiders is my interest for research. Thai spiders are my focus group.
Trần Thị Vân Dung
I bring over 10 years of teaching and research experience at the university, college, and intermediate levels, with a strong focus on academic excellence and student development. In addition to my teaching roles, I have contributed to the scholarly community as a reviewer for the Horizon Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Research (ISSN: 2682-9096), a respected international peer-reviewed and open-access journal (https://horizon-jhssr.com/). I am a disciplined and dedicated academic with a keen eye for detail and a strong commitment to ethical research and scientific advancement. My work is driven by a sense of purpose, responsibility, and the belief that the pursuit of knowledge should serve the broader good of society. As a proactive and results-oriented professional, I possess strong leadership, time management, and communication skills. I value mutual respect, collaboration, and adaptability in academic and professional environments. Passionate about science communication, I actively promote Vietnamese education and culture both nationally and internationally, especially within the context of developing nations. I am deeply committed to continuous learning and professional growth, and I view lifelong learning as essential to meaningful academic and social contribution.
Southeast Asia Media Studies Association
University professor with 20+ years of experience in higher education sectors in Thailand, Philippines, and Cambodia.
I am Grace Joy Palmes Betonio currently taking Bachelor or Secondary Education Major in Filipino. I am in my 4th year.
Southeast Asia Media Studies Association
LE THU MACH holds a PhD in Journalism (Monash University, Australia). She is a lecturer at the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, Vietnam. Her research interests include journalism, social media, public sphere, media research ethics, advertising, and public relations. Since 2022, she has been serving as the External Relations Director on the Executive Board of the Southeast Asian Media Studies Association (SEAMSA).
Southeast Asia Media Studies Association
Erwin James A. dela Cruz (he/they) or Alonzo, is a graduate student and researcher in Philippine Studies with a sub-specialization in Development Studies at the University of the Philippines Diliman and also serves as the Secretary General of the Southeast Asian Media Studies Association (SEAMSA). Their research interests are political economy of media, media industry studies, Boys’ Love studies, and development studies. They intend to engage with Asian media industries and their production of LGBTQ+ media.
Young scientist from Kulgam,  Kashmir.
Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University
Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad Shah 'اشفاک,' born on 6 June 1992, from south Kashmir, Dodarkoot ددیرکوٹ Kulgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India, is the microbiologist whose broad area of specialization incorporates infection immunity. He served as a researcher at the Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun, UK, India, from 2020 to 2025. Currently he is working as Postdoctoral researcher and Junior Scientist in the KIET School of Pharmacy at KIET University. As a microbiology scientist, Dr. Shah has pursued novel dimensions of infection immunity pertaining to the correlation and impact of elicitation-triggered phytoalexins and phytoanticipins on the benign immune system of human beings. This parameter of immunology is termed phytoalexin-immunomodulation scrutiny in the contemporary era. Dr. Shah's research encompasses a range of areas, including the indagation on anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds, evaluation of antibiotic resistance, study of immunomodulatory activities, disease model studies, protease isolation against specific protein antigens, study of novel compounds via the hyphenated techniques of GCMS, HPLC, FTIR-MS, etc., and the discipline of kalology, including tyrosinase inhibition, PPO inhibition, skin whitening agents, kerato-peeling, etc. Dr. Ashfaq is a scientist, doctoral researcher, reviewer, and editorial member of several journals and books of national and international repute. He has contributed extensively to scientific literature by publishing his research in journals of national and international repute. So far he has published more than forty infection/immunology/pharmacology scientific papers in Scopus and SCI-indexed journals, including two international books. In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Shah received the Young Scientist Award in August 2023 for his groundbreaking academic performance in the field of infection immunity. Dr. Shah has also been an active editor of Wikipedia pages in the field of medical science since 2015, with more than 1000 edits in medical topics available to medical literature worldwide.
Professor Joshua Mok Ka-ho
Lingnan University
Professor Joshua Mok Ka-ho is the Vice-President and concurrently Lam Man Tsan Chair Professor of Comparative Policy of Lingnan University. He researches and publishes on higher education policy and governance, comparative development and policy studies, and social development in contemporary China and East Asia
Professor Beena Giridharan is the Dean for Learning and Teaching at Curtin Malaysia, and provides academic leadership to Curtin Malaysia, with a particular focus on academic operational efficiency. Her research and academic interests include: vocabulary acquisition in ESL, educational administration and leadership; higher education practices, transnational education (TNE), ethno-linguistic studies in indigenous communities, and social and cultural studies. As a member of an OLT (Office of Learning and Teaching, Australia) funded project entitled ‘Learning without Borders’ she has investigated leadership roles in Trans-National Education (TNE) and internationalization of the curriculum.
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
Department of Microbiology / Biomolecular Sciences Universiti Teknologi MARA Malaysia
Ms. Nagal is an alumnae of the University of Santo Tomas, who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the College of Education and a Master in Business Administration major in Entrepreneurship from the UST Graduate School. An academician with more than 10 years of experience in several capacities, she is currently a full-time academic staff for the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management, and concurrently the College Coordinator for International Relations and Programs and an Affiliate and Associate Researcher for the UST Sentro Turismo.
Director Technology Transfer Office (TTO) at Multimedia University (MMU). One of her main duties at TTO is to manage the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) of the academic researchers as TTO. Dr Olivia Tan is also involved in Erasmus+ Spire, European grant project as Quality Manager in 2018 to 2020. SPIRE’s overall objective is contributing to the effectiveness of Research and Innovation management at HEIs by enhancing IPR  matters.
Dr. Olivia Tan Swee Leng was a Legal Counsel at Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration (KLRCA) and in charge of the Domain Name Dispute Resolution for both .com from Asian Domain Name Dispute Resolution Centre and .my cases, as well as Mediation/Arbitration case management.  She obtained her Bachelor of Law Degree with honours in 1993 from University of London (UK) and completed her Certificate of Legal Practise (CLP) in 1996.  She was the book prize winner for the Civil Procedure Paper and General Paper awarded by the Certificate of Legal Practise Board (Malaysia) in 1996.  She practised as an advocate and solicitor in Malaysia in the area of Corporate Litigation, Intellectual Property (Trademark), and Banking and Conveyancing. She continued to pursue her Masters in Law at the National University of Malaysia (UKM) in 2002. Later that year, she ceased legal practise to lecture Company Law, Business Law and Commercial Law at Nilai University in Malaysia as a Senior Lecturer in Law and headed the Department of Admission and Records as a Deputy Registrar.  She obtained her PhD in Law at the National University of Malaysia (UKM) in 2014.  Presently, she is the Director Technology Transfer Office (TTO) at Multimedia University (MMU). One of her main duties at TTO is to manage the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) of the academic researchers as TTO. Dr Olivia Tan is also involved in Erasmus+ Spire, European grant project as Quality Manager in 2018 to 2020. SPIRE’s overall objective is contributing to the effectiveness of Research and Innovation management at HEIs by enhancing IPR capacities at three complementary levels, thereby addressing major difficulties identified in the target ASEAN countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand). She is also currently a legal consultant for Valiantlytix Sdn Bhd (a Data analytic platfom) .
https://www.iium.edu.my/v2/
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
Dr. Irina's research focuses on sustainability, including an analysis of environmental management, the urban environment, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and education for sustainable development, or ESD, and its application in real-world contexts.
Emilie Yeh Yueh-yu
Lingnan University
Professor Yeh is a recognized specialist in Chinese and Asian cinema studies.
May Sabe Phyu
Gender Equality Network (GEN)
May Sabe Phyu is Director of the Gender Equality Network and a recipient of International Women of Courage Award as well as the Global Trailblazer Award for her role in advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda in Myanmar.
Picture of Dr. Tsui Lik Hang
City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK)
Dr.Tsui Lik Hang specializes in middle period Chinese history and culture, as well as the digital humanities. He is currently writing a book on Song dynasty epistolary culture and planning another one on digital humanities in China.
Advanced Centre for Sustainable Socio-Economic and Technological Development (ASSET), University of Technology Sarawak (UTS)
Dr. Tariq is a Professor in the School of Computing and Creative Media, University of Technology Sarawak, Sibu Malaysia. He has 20 years of experience working as a lecturer, researcher, consultant and development practitioner with indigenous and underserved communities of Malaysia, Namibia and Pakistan. His research interests include Indigenous Knowledge Management (Governance), Community-based Co-design (HCI), Rural ICT, Community Informatics and ICT4D.
Alexandre Pelletier's research is on religious violence, ethnic conflict, and peace in Southeast Asia, with a focus on Indonesia and Myanmar, where he has conducted extensive fieldwork. He has a Ph.D. in political science from University of Toronto and is currently Senior Researcher and Managing Director at the Postcor Lab based at the University of Toronto. He is also a visiting fellow at the Southeast Asia Program at Cornell University.
I'm Senior Lecturer at the School of East Asian Studies, University of Sheffiield. I research and teach about post-developmental Japan in the Asia-Pacific region.

Giants in history

Through her iconic stories featuring fictional scenes from the history of the Philippines, language teacher and academic Genoveva Matute (3 January 1915 – 21 March 2009) helped strengthen the Filipino identity.
Hwang Hye-seong (5 July 1920 – 14 December 2006) was an expert on Korean royal court cuisine, the knowledge of which she dedicated her career to keeping alive. Formerly an assistant professor of nutritional science, Hwang met the last kitchen court lady in the Joseon Dynasty Han Hui-sun and, from her, learned about the culinary traditions of the royal court.