Society, sustainability, and global perspective take center stage at Buffalo State’s 2025 Southeast Asia Week
Buffalo State provides an unparalleled opportunity for students, faculty, and the broader community to engage with the political, societal, environmental, and economic dimensions of Southeast Asia during its 14th annual Southeast Asia (SEA) Week March 17-20.
Vida Vanchan, director of Buffalo State’s Global Studies Institute and professor of geosciences, founded the celebration in 2012 and continues to organize it every year.
“SEA Week provides an innovative way to learn from distinguished guest speakers, professors, and students about topics that reflect what is happening in the world,” she said. “It enhances our knowledge and understanding of the connectedness of people, places, cultures, politics, and economies. It also enables us to appreciate diversity and richness of our global community at home and abroad.”
This year’s theme, “Society & Sustainability: Southeast Asia & Global Insights,” highlights critical issues shaping the region, with special focus on the dynamic interactions between civil society, democracy, political climate, and cultural experience.
SEA Week fosters deeper connections between Southeast Asia and the Western New York community through a combination of lectures, discussions, and exhibits.
Vida Vanchan, Ph.D.
The complete lineup of talks taking place during the week is as follows:
What should we expect of civil society in Southeast Asia?
Speaker: Meredith Weiss
Monday, March 17
5:30-6:45 p.m.
Technology Building 160
Dr. Meredith Weiss, professor of Political Science at University at Albany and founding director of SUNY/CUNY Southeast Asia Consortium (SEAC), kicks off SEA week with a discussion on the evolving role of civil society organizations in Southeast Asia. The talk explores how these organizations are reshaping the political landscape, even in the face of growing autocratic consolidation.
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Democratization, presidentialism and politics: Where do we go from here?
Speakers: Adamu K. Shauku and Ikhee Cho
Tuesday, March 18
12:15-1:30 p.m.
Technology Building 160
This panel discussion focuses on South Korea’s journey from authoritarian rule to democratic reform and examines whether South Korea’s democracy can survive the turbulence, as well as the lessons Americans can learn from these developments.
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Sukabumi to Cikembar: Photos exhibit focused on the street scene between two small cities in West Java, Indonesia
Speaker: Tim Sager
Wednesday, March 19
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Upton Hall, Bacon Gallery
Tim Sager, a Buffalo State instructional support associate, speaks about his photographs depicting daily life along a frequently traveled route in Southeast Asia. Sager’s work showcases local commerce, transportation, family life, and youth culture. (This exhibit is available for viewing all week.)
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SEAC 2025-2026 Online Course and Field School Information Session: Climate change, sustainability, and geography
Speakers: Michitake Aso, Peter J. Marcotullio, and Vida Vanchan
Wednesday, March 19
12-1 p.m.
Virtual, advanced registration required
This virtual session provides detailed information on the SUNY/CUNY Southeast Asia Consortium (SEAC), including upcoming online courses and field school opportunities. The SEAC initiative strengthens academic resources focused on Southeast Asia and supports both students and researchers engaged with the region and partnerships within New York and between the U.S. and Southeast Asia. At this session, students can learn about eligibility, the application process and how they can get involved in these exciting opportunities for global engagement.
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A region of focus: Southeast Asia
Speakers: Students in GEG 300: World Regional Geography
Thursday, March 20
1:40-2:55 p.m.
Science and Math Complex 106
Students present on various environmental, geopolitical, cultural, and economic aspects of Southeast Asia. This student-led session offers valuable and fresh perspectives on the region’s complex and interconnected challenges.
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All events are free and open to the public.
SEA Week is made possible by the generosity and support of sponsors and partners: Small Business Development Center, SUNY/CUNY Southeast Asia Consortium, Global Studies Institute, Department of Geosciences, Department of Government, Planning and Philosophy; Department of Economics and Finance, School of Arts and Sciences, and Institutional Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
