Rawaaopakonsel.ac.id, Andoolo – The SEA-UK Symposium on Area Studies will run a session namely “Roundtable Discussion and Closing Session”, bringing together a diverse group of scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from Southeast Asia and the United Kingdom ( 3 July 2025: 12.30 London). The symposium conducted through collaboration SEAAM, Universitas LIA, University of South Wales, and Dublin City University, with a partnership with Universitas Muhammadiyah Barru, and Institut Agama Islam Rawa Aopa Konawe Selatan.
This final segment of the symposium served as a critical platform for synthesizing the insights gleaned from earlier sessions, fostering cross-regional dialogue, and charting future directions for Area Studies.
Participants engaged in a robust exchange of ideas, reflecting on the evolving landscape of academic inquiry into Southeast Asia and the UK, and exploring the interconnections between these regions in a globalized world.
The Roundtable Discussion explores key themes that emerged throughout the symposium, including the challenges and opportunities in interdisciplinary research, the role of Area Studies in addressing contemporary global issues such as climate change and geopolitical shifts, and the importance of fostering collaborative research networks.
Experts shared their perspectives on methodologies, ethical considerations, and the practical applications of Area Studies knowledge. The discussion highlighted the necessity of moving beyond traditional disciplinary silos to embrace more integrated approaches that can provide nuanced understandings of complex regional dynamics.
The Closing Session provided an opportunity to summarize the symposium’s achievements and outline actionable recommendations for future collaboration. Speakers emphasized the value of sustained partnerships between academic institutions in Southeast Asia and the UK, advocating for joint research projects, student and faculty exchanges, and the co-creation of knowledge.
The session concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening Area Studies as a vital field for promoting mutual understanding, informing policy, and contributing to sustainable development in both regions and beyond.