Description

The SEASREP (Southeast Asian Studies Regional Exchange Program) Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit registered in the Philippines, for the purpose of advancing the study of Southeast Asia (SEA) in the region. Between 2020 and 2023, HLF partnered with SEASREP to conduct a mapping exercise to assess the landscape in Southeast Asian Studies there, provide recommendations aimed at addressing needs and concerns, convene representatives from a core group of regional centers to discuss findings and potential collaborations, and further develop the network. Building on these previous efforts, SEASREP requests Luce funding to continue engaging with the public and centers of Southeast Asian studies in the region to build the institutional infrastructure for SEA knowledge creation. A research project on house museums in SEA and a subsequent gathering of local historical and heritage societies will serve as a pilot to share best practices on “Public Southeast Asian Studies,” premised on the belief that members of the public produce knowledge and their collaboration with academics will promote a nuanced understanding of the region, its peoples and cultures.