The 25th annual ASEASUK Conference
Swansea University (UK) (11-13 September 2009)
by Naw Liang (in Kyoto, Japan)

Mai soong kha!
Spring is finally upon us - the UK and Japan have been blooming with cheery blossoms so I can only assume that winter is over - and that means new growth and renewed energy. It also means that, as one university year comes to an end (in Europe and North America), another one waits in the wings or is just about to begin (Asia in particular). This is not only exciting for students, but important for scholars as now is the season of upcoming conference announcements, a time to see what ideas are rolling around the academic ether. I wonder what's on their minds today...

The 25th Annual ASEASUK Conference (11-13 September 2009 at Swansea University (UK)
The Association of South-East Asian Studies in the United Kingdom (more succinctly known as ASEASUK) (http://aseasuk.org.uk) is the UK's foremost academic community devoted to South-East Asian studies and research; it is a key associations of its kind in Europe (within EuroSEAS, the main European body) and is a growing authority worldwide. With an impressive pedigree - research, publications, presence and panel of experts - the ASEASUK holds annual conferences on SE Asian topics annually, except when EuroSEAS, which holds an event every three years, is organised. Previous conferences have brought together leading South-East Asian scholars from around the world to discuss, share and learn about this vibrant region and its people.

This year ASEASUK will be holding its 25th conference in Wales at Swansea University, which has a schedule that clearly illustrates the wide ranging topics possible, the growing interest and the increasing depth and wealth of experts in this South-East Asian academic fields.

While the deadline for papers has passed (1 April 2009), the following tentative schedule will give Shan and South-East Asian enthusiasts an idea of the depth and breadth of information to be presented at the conference in Swansea. Please remember that the following information is a rough overview of topics and their speakers to date; this information may change prior to the conference.

Note: While this is an exceptionally interesting, distinguished, varied and, well, long list, our attention should be drawn to the wonderful Dr. Susan Conway (see my previous post on her most recent work) and Session 3: Theravada Buddhism and culture of the Tai of the Shan States and south-west China (see below), which will be a must see for any Shan enthusiast. Knowing Dr. Conway and her excellent research, this bodes to be a popular and insightful event.

For a full list of (and summaries on) the sessions schedule, including the always intriguing 'Emerging Scholars Panel', please visit the 25th annual ASEASUK conference's webpage on the ASEASUK website. See you in Swansea from 11-13 September 2009.

-------------
Session 3: Theravada Buddhism and culture of the Tai of the Shan States and south-west China
The Southeast Asian inland region of the Shan States, Sipsong Pan Na (south-west China), Lan Na (north Thailand) and Lan Xang (western Laos) is inhabited by Tai people who have a distinctive culture expressed in secular and religious scripts, literature, architecture, and arts and crafts. The Tai in this region practice a form of Theravada Buddhism distinguished by monastic literary traditions and rituals. This panel focuses on the religious and cultural traditions of the Tai of the Shan States and south-west China that in recent history have been under pressure as a result of extensive cross-border migration, major changes in social structure and loss of traditional monastic sponsorship.

Session contact is:
Susan Conway (SOAS) at susanmconway@ hotmail.com / sc66@soas.ac. uk
-------------

Until then,

Naw Liang