(A lively discussion is currently underway.)
(Dr.Shen Huifen is chairing the lecture.)
(Professor Barbara is giving a lecture.)
(Lecture in progress.)
On the afternoon of April 15, 2025, the 71st lecture in the "Southeast Asian Issues and Global Perspectives" series was held in Meeting Room 301-3, Nan'an Building, Xiamen University. This lecture featured Professor Barbara Andaya as the distinguished speaker, with the theme "Reflections on and Prospects for Southeast Asian Studies." Professor Andaya is Professor Emerita of Asian Studies at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. She has taught at leading institutions including the Universiti Malaya, the University of Auckland, and the National University of Singapore. Her research has long focused on the early modern history of Southeast Asia, with particular attention to gender issues and the historical evolution of sociocultural dynamics. She was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2000, served as President of the Association for Asian Studies (AAS) from 2005 to 2006, was appointed Raffles Professor at the National University of Singapore in 2010, and held the Tan Chin Tuan Distinguished Visiting Professorship at the same university from 2011 to 2012. The lecture was chaired by Dr. Shen Huifen.
During the lecture, Professor Andaya first pointed out that the definition of Southeast Asia as a geographical and cultural region has undergone complex historical transformations.
Next, Professor Andaya outlined the development and evolution of Southeast Asian studies in the 20th century. Professor Andaya also traced the historical trajectory of Southeast Asian studies in East Asia.
Finally, she emphasized the significant challenges currently facing Southeast Asian studies and outlined potential directions for its future development. She strengthed the agency of Southeast Asian scholars within global academia—thereby better addressing the region’s historical diversity and contemporary complexities.
Discussant Professor Shi Xueqin offered a response and commentary on Professor Andaya’s presentation. Professor Andaya addressed each question thoughtfully, sparking lively discussion in the room.At the conclusion of the event, Dr. Shen Huifen, speaking on behalf of the school, expressed her gratitude to Professor Andaya. The lecture ended successfully amid warm applause.
