Yogyakarta, 19 December 2024 — The Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (CESASS) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) warmly welcomed Prof. James Robson, Director of the Harvard-Yenching Institute (HYI), and Dr. Ruohong Li, Associate Director of HYI. The visit marked a strategic step for HYI, which has primarily focused on East Asia, to expand its academic connections and initiatives to Southeast Asia. HYI is a prestigious institution supporting academic development in the Social Sciences and Humanities across Asia. It hosts Visiting Scholars and Fellows through its funded research programs at Harvard University.
The visit commenced with a reception at the Indonesia Room, CESASS UGM Library. Prof. Dr. Rini Rachmawati, S.Si., M.T., Director of CESASS UGM, welcomed the HYI delegation alongside CESASS staff. The session began with Prof. Rini presenting CESASS’s profile and activities, followed by presentations from Prof. Robson and Dr. Li on HYI’s mission and the purpose of their visit. The discussion covered various topics, including CESASS’s ongoing activities and the general academic landscape at UGM, particularly concerning faculty qualifications.
The delegation then proceeded to Ruang Sidang 2, Balairung UGM, where they met representatives from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, CESASS, ASEAN Studies Center (ASC) UGM, the Department of International Relations, and DKRG. The discussions highlighted three key points:
First, HYI encouraged UGM faculty members to utilize its Visiting Scholars Program, a fully funded 10-month research program hosted by HYI. Second, HYI recommended UGM lecturers holding master’s degrees consider the PhD Double Degree Program offered jointly by the National University of Singapore (NUS) and HYI, which is also fully funded.
Finally, UGM proposed a partnership with HYI for the upcoming ASEAN University Network (AUN) Summer Camp 2025, where UGM will serve as host. Prof. Robson expressed interest in collaborating and agreed to further internal coordination.