Yogyakarta, August 6, 2026 — What drives Vietnam’s rapid economic transformation and enduring stability? This core question defined CESASS Talk #54, themed “Vietnam Outlook: Past, Present, and Future Trend,” featuring Dr. Nguyen Hoang Phuong of Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, and moderated by Dr. Muhammad Rum.

Strategic Leadership and Institutional Reform

During the session, Dr. Phuong highlighted that Vietnam’s development is grounded in the decisive leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and its capacity for consistent, long-term policy execution. Under the CPV’s strategic vision, the Đổi Mới policy successfully established a Socialist-oriented market economy, combining political stability with dynamic economic modernization. read more

Yogyakarta, March 31, 2026 – Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS) held CESASS Talk #53 titled “Talking Border in a Borderless ASEAN” discussing maritime boundaries, ocean governance, and regional cooperation across ASEAN.

This discussion featured I Made Andi Arsana, S.T., M.E., Ph.D. from the Department of Geodetic Engineering at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) as the speaker, whose expertise focuses on maritime boundary delimitation, marine geodesy, and international law of the sea, particularly within the framework of United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. read more

Yogyakarta, June 3, 2025 — CESASS Talk Series #5 was held online, featuring Dr. Tufan Kutay Boran from the Department of Area Studies, Social Sciences University of Ankara, Türkiye, who delivered a presentation on “How Indonesian Political Parties and Islamic Organizations Influence Foreign Policy Making”. The session was moderated by Dr. phil. Vissia Ita Yulianto, guiding the discussion and Q&A with participants from diverse academic backgrounds, including international young scholars. read more

[Yogyakarta, November 2^nd, 2023] – The Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS) successfully hosted the third installment of its Talk Series on November 2nd, 2023. The event, held via Zoom, commenced at 10.30 a.m., bringing together renowned experts and participants from various disciplines and backgrounds to deliberate on the complex nexus of human trafficking, border studies, and the globalization of Southeast Asia.

Carrying the theme of “Bridging the Divide” the event sought to cultivate a comprehensive grasp of the intricate challenges and prospects pervading the Southeast Asian region. The movement of people across borders is predominantly motivated by economic considerations. However, this has amplified the gravity of human trafficking and smuggling, posing formidable challenges in the pursuit of effective countermeasures. Therefore, the discussions emphasized the imperative for collaborative endeavors and holistic strategies to effectively confront the pressing issues affecting the socio-political and economic fabric of the region. read more

Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS), Universitas Gadjah Mada presents CESASS Talk Series #2 Part 2: The Narrative and Construction of ASEAN Identity

🗓️Date: Wednesday, September 27th, 2023
⏰Time: 13.00 – 15.00 PM (Jakarta Time)

Join us offline at CESASS Library, PAU-UGM Building, 2nd Floor, East Wing (limited seat!)
Or online with the link below!

Zoom Meeting ID: 991 4890 8113
Passcode: CTS2023
Link: ugm.id/ZoomCTS2

With:
Monica Ari Wijayanti (Diplomat, Directorate of ASEAN Social-Cultural Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs) read more

[Yogyakarta, Indonesia] – On September 4, 2023, the Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS) brought together scholars, experts, and enthusiasts for an enlightening session of the CESASS Talk Series #2 part 1. Held in sync with the 2023 ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, this discussion delved into the heart of ASEAN identity and unity.

Dr. Piti Srisangnam, the Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation, served as the speaker, captivating the audience with his presentation on “The Narrative and Construction of ASEAN Identity.” The discussion was moderated by Dr. Luqman Nul Hakim, a CESASS Researcher and accomplished International Relations Lecturer. read more

Looking Back, Peering Forward: A Journey of Reflection and Anticipation

On the 17th of July, the Center for Southeast Asia Social Studies conducted the first CESASS Talk Series with the topic of Urban Future Development in Southeast Asia. There are four speakers for this Talk Series, The Director of CESASS UGM, Prof. Dr. Rini Rachmawati, S.Si., M.T., CESASS Researcher, Dr. Arif Akhyat, M.A., Secretary of Asian Urban Research Association, Shippensburg University, Pennsylvania, Prof. George Pomeroy, Ph.D., AICP and Senior Lecturer at Vietnamese-German University and Organizing Team of 16th Asian Urban Conference, Dr. Le Thi Thu Huong, moderated by CESASS Researcher, Drs. Muhadi Sugiono., M.A.. The event was conducted online through Zoom, with over 40 participants joining eagerly. read more