UNAIR NEWS For the first time in Indonesia, 51动漫 () is set to host the 13th International Convention of Asia Scholars (ICAS). This year, UNAIR has designated 11 locations across Surabaya for the event.
ICAS was initiated by the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) in Leiden, the Netherlands. It was created as a platform for discussing and sharing the latest insights about Asia. ICAS not only serves as a forum for academic discourse but also involves cultural practitioners, artists, and civil society.
淯niversities are not the only places where knowledge is produced. They also synergize with communities, artists, and various societal groups, said Lina Puryanti PhD, Director of AIIOC.
Understanding ICAS history and goals
ICAS aims to create a collaborative space for various stakeholders, including professional academics, cultural practitioners, and government representatives. IIAS, the founding institution, promotes ICAS’s vision of bridging academic fields and communities by fostering creative and sustainable discussions about Asia’s future.
淚IAS is a 30-year-old program that strives to collaborate with academics and communities from Asia, Africa, and Latin America to promote inclusivity of knowledge, stated IIAS Director, Prof. Philippe Peycam.
Prof. Peycam further explained that IIAS檚 main objectives are to promote research, support education, connect international communities, and facilitate connection of Asian countries. Aligning with these goals, the 13th ICAS centers on the theme of “Crossways of Knowledge” and takes the form of a conference festival or “Confes.”
淐onfes is vital as it transforms Surabaya into a playground for researchers, artists, and cultural figures. Through ICAS, we hope Surabaya will further develop, said Prof. Peycam.
To achieve this conference festival, numerous parties will be involved. Beyond academics and government representatives, various community groups and civil society will also participate. This involvement and collaboration are key to ICAS’s success.
淭he 13th ICAS this year attains its objective by empowering communities in selected cities. Surabaya was chosen for its unique cultural richness, Prof. Peycam explained.
IIAS partners with AIIOC to realize ICAS vision
For the 13th ICAS, IIAS has partnered with the Airlangga Institute of Indian Ocean Crossroads (AIIOC) as the secretariat. AIIOC is an independent institution of UNAIR, officially established on May 8, 2023. The founding of AIIOC is a follow-up to UNAIR檚 collaboration with IIAS.
AIIOC was established to reflect UNAIR檚 dedication to interdisciplinary development. It serves as an international platform focusing on knowledge development and collaboration across disciplines, borders, and regions.
淎IIOC is a newly established institute, founded not by individuals or a single party, but by the Faculties of Medicine, Public Health, Social and Political Sciences, and Humanities, and is monitored by IIAS, explained Lina Puryanti PhD.
Author: Syifa Rahmadina
Editor: Edwin Fatahuddin Ariyadi Putra
