On 4 July 2025, Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) hosted Franklin Obeng-Odoom as a guest lecturer in the 2025 Summer Course on Smart City. Prof. Obeng-Odoom is an internationally recognized political economist whose research focuses on urban development, political economy, inequality, and global social justice, with significant contributions to debates on land, housing, and urban transformation. In his session titled Social-Political Aspects of Smart City, Digital Transformation, and Society in Southeast Asia, he provided critical insights into the governance dimensions of smart city initiatives and their broader implications for society in the region. read more

Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) was honored to host Minako Sakai for an academic visit and scholarly discussion. Prof. Sakai is a Professor of Asian Studies at the University of New South Wales and a leading scholar in Southeast Asian studies, particularly known for her research on Islam, gender relations, family law, and social change in Indonesia. With extensive fieldwork experience and numerous publications on Muslim communities and women’s roles in contemporary Indonesia, she has made significant contributions to the understanding of religion and society in the region. The visit offered a valuable platform to exchange research insights, discuss potential collaborations, and further strengthen international academic networks between CESASS UGM and global partners. read more

On 13 August 2024, Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada welcomed exchange students from the Netherlands and Germany who are currently studying Geography. The visit introduced the students to PSSAT’s research focus on Southeast Asian social dynamics and interdisciplinary approaches to regional studies. The session provided an interactive forum for discussion, allowing participants to exchange perspectives on geographical and socio-cultural issues while fostering international academic engagement. read more

Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) recently welcomed Kristina Garalytė and Gintas Karalius from Vilnius University, Lithuania, for an academic visit aimed at strengthening international collaboration. Prof. Garalytė is known for her work in social and cultural studies with a focus on regional dynamics and comparative perspectives, while Dr. Karalius has contributed to research on political processes and interdisciplinary area studies in Europe and beyond. Their visit created a valuable forum for exchanging research experiences, discussing potential joint projects, and exploring opportunities for sustained cooperation between CESASS UGM and Vilnius University. read more

Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) received a visit from students of National Chengchi University (NCCU), Taiwan, who are currently studying at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences Universitas Gadjah Mada. With a strong interest in Indonesian language and culture, the students were eager to learn more about Southeast Asian social dynamics through CESASS’s research and academic activities. The visit provided an engaging platform for dialogue, allowing them to deepen their understanding of Indonesia’s cultural and societal contexts while strengthening academic connections. read more

Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) was pleased to host Yuzuru Shimada from University of Tokyo for an academic visit and discussion. Prof. Shimada is a Japanese scholar specializing in Southeast Asian politics and governance, with particular interests in decentralization, local politics, and state–society relations in Indonesia. Through his extensive research, fieldwork, and publications on democratic processes and regional autonomy, he has contributed significantly to the study of contemporary political developments in Southeast Asia. His visit provided a valuable opportunity to exchange research perspectives and explore potential avenues for future academic collaboration. read more

Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) welcomed Dr. Rattikarn Khambud as a guest lecturer in the Smart City, Digital Transformation and Society Summer Course 2024. Dr. Khambud is a Thai scholar specializing in urban planning, sustainable development, and smart city innovation, with academic and professional experience in infrastructure strategy and built environment management in Southeast Asia. Her research focuses on urban development models, smart building systems, and the integration of digital technologies in city governance. During the program, she delivered a session titled Urban Development and Building Strategy (Smart Building), offering practical and regional insights into how smart infrastructure and planning strategies contribute to sustainable urban transformation. read more

Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) welcomed Khoo Suet Leng from Universiti Sains Malaysia as a guest lecturer for the Smart City, Digital Transformation and Society Summer Course 2024. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khoo is an established scholar in urban studies and regional development, with research interests spanning urban governance, sustainable cities, and socio-economic transformation in Southeast Asia. Through her academic publications and engagement in interdisciplinary research, she has contributed to discussions on how digital innovation and policy frameworks shape contemporary urban societies. Her participation enriched the summer course by offering comparative regional perspectives on smart city initiatives and their societal implications. read more

Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) welcomed DAS Diganta Kumar Das from the National Institute of Education, Singapore as a guest lecturer in the Smart City, Digital Transformation and Society Summer Course 2024. Dr. Das is an academic specializing in governance, public policy, and comparative education, with research interests that intersect digital transformation, institutional reform, and Southeast Asian development. In his session titled Smart Governance: Case of Southeast Asia, he examined governance frameworks and policy innovations shaping smart city initiatives across the region, providing participants with comparative and critical regional perspectives. read more

On 9 July 2024, Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada (CESASS UGM) welcomed Jalaluddin Abdul Malek as a guest lecturer for the Smart City, Digital Transformation and Society Summer Course 2024. Prof. Jalaluddin is a Malaysian scholar whose expertise lies in urban and regional planning, community development, and sustainable city governance, with extensive research on smart city frameworks in Southeast Asia. During the program, he delivered a lecture titled Smart City Case of Southeast Asia, which was also integrated with his participation as a speaker at the Association for Asian Studies in Asia Conference 2024 hosted by Universitas Gadjah Mada. His contributions provided valuable regional case studies and strengthened academic engagement between the summer course and the international conference forum. read more