AYSEA 2025 Report

I recently had the wonderful opportunity to take part in the Asian Conference for Young Scholars of Southeast Asian Studies (AYSEA) 2025, held on 4–6 September 2025 at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. The theme was “Asia in a Fragile World.” The three days included inspiring presentations, active discussions, and a memorable field trip.

First of all, I would like to thank my Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS) for supporting my participation, and also express my appreciation to the Institute of Asian Studies, Chulalongkorn University for their excellent organization and warm hospitality.

The conference opened with a welcome remark by Associate Professor Pavika Sriratanaban, Director of the Institute of Asian Studies, which set a friendly and inclusive tone for the whole program. The venue and arrangements created a space where participants felt encouraged to share ideas openly.

I was glad to see CSEAS well represented throughout the conference. Associate Professor Nishi Yoshimi gave the opening remarks and chaired a panel, while Assistant Professor Mariko Ogawa presented her research on land use and human livelihoods under climate change in Indonesia. I also presented my study on supporting quality of life in elderly care settings. Sharing the program with colleagues from my center gave me a strong sense of motivation.

The first two days featured diverse panels on themes such as climate change, governance, migration, and identity. What impressed me most was how scholars from different countries and disciplines engaged openly in discussion, making the sessions both rich and stimulating.

The final day was a field trip to Ayutthaya, which became the highlight of the conference for me and provided a perfect opportunity to connect with everyone in a more relaxed setting. We visited the Klongtakien Community, explored the history of Islam at Kudee Chawfa Mosque, and observed Buddhist practices at Wat Phanan Choeng during the Hungry Ghost Festival. Other highlights included Wat Mahathat, local markets, and a boat trip along the Chao Phraya River. The day ended with dinner on the boat, where we enjoyed the fresh evening air and created lasting memories with the flowing river.

This was my first visit to Bangkok, and it became a truly rewarding experience. The conference gave me the chance to connect with both young and senior scholars, and casual conversations often led to discussions about potential collaborations. I also took every chance to enjoy the local culture, especially the street foods. I drank fresh coconut water every day, and while the Kway Teow and Pad Thai were delicious, my favorite was definitely Khao Soi.

Looking back, AYSEA 2025 was meaningful both academically and personally. I am grateful to Chulalongkorn University for their kind welcome and excellent hosting, and to my colleagues at CSEAS, whose contributions made me feel part of a strong and supportive academic community. I returned to Kyoto with new knowledge, wider networks, and lasting memories of this well-organized event.