Call for Papers

The 2nd International Symposium on Southeast Asian Chinese

“Chinese Diaspora in the Dynamic Changes of Southeast Asia: Opportunities and Challenges”

Southeast Asia, a region geographically closely connected to China, holds immense importance as a hub for Chinese diaspora communities. The Chinese diaspora has played an indispensable role in the development and modernization of Southeast Asian countries, as well as in fostering China's relations with Southeast Asia. In this new historical era, the political and economic developments Southeast Asian countries face are complex and ever-changing and are found at domestic, regional, and international levels. The Chinese diaspora in Southeast Asia, as vital components of their countries, key drivers of regional economic growth, and crucial bridges connecting Southeast Asia and China, must navigate the opportunities, risks, and challenges brought about by these new circumstances.

In 2013, Indonesia’s University Kristen Petra, Soegijapranata Catholic University, and Maranatha Christian University, in collaboration with China’s Xiamen University, initiated the International Symposium on Indonesian Chinese Studies and successfully convened the first conference in November of the same year. Since 2020, this has been reframed as International Symposium on Southeast Asian Chinese. We are pleased to announce that the 2nd International Symposium on Southeast Asian Chinese will be held on April 12-14, 2024 at Xiamen University.

The symposium will focus on the theme of "Chinese Diaspora in the Dynamic Changes of Southeast Asia: Opportunities and Challenges." It aims to explore the historical significance and contemporary relevance of the Chinese diaspora in the development of relations between China and Southeast Asian countries from multidisciplinary and multifield perspectives. We welcome a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:

1. Chinese diaspora and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal in Southeast Asia

2. Southeast Asian Chinese and the Belt and Road Initiative

3. Evolving role of Chinese Diaspora in China-ASEAN relations

4. Chinese Diaspora and the nation-building of modern Southeast Asia

5. Comparative studies of new and old Chinese immigrants in Southeast Asia

Those who are interested in this symposium are welcome to submit an abstract related to the forementioned topics or related issues. Below are the details of the symposium:

I. Organizers:

School of International Relations and Research School for Southeast Asian Studies, Xiamen University

II. Dates:

April 12-14, 2024

III. Languages:

Chinese and/or English

IV. Registration Fee:

There is no registration fee. Participants are responsible for their travel and accommodation for the duration of the symposium. Meals will be provided by the organizers.

Applicants should send submission materials to rssasconf@xmu.edu.cn no later than November 15, 2023. The application form is available online here. Submissions should be in Word format and must include the following: name, institutional affiliation, and contact information (email and phone); paper title and a 250-300 word abstract.

For accepted applicants, the organizing committee will issue an official invitation. Full papers should be submitted by February 28, 2024.

Application Form

Application Form.docx