This project, an initiative of Professor Anthony Reid during his tenure as President of the Asian Studies Association of Australia, arose out of the developing understanding that, in an important sense and for important reasons, the core region for the study of Asia must be the Asian region itself.

An initial meeting of Asia area specialists from around the region was held at Hua Hin, Thailand in August 1998. The meeting created a steering committee to develop networking amongst scholars, and started work on a Directory of Asian Studies in Asia (defined here as the systematic study by Asian scholars of one or more Asian societies other than their own). A follow up conference at Sariska, north India, held in February 2000, made further progress in exemplifying the particular intellectual contributions which can result from the study of Asia in Asia. In particular, it explored new and promising paradigms which can emerge from the study of Asian studies in the Asian region.

Following this conference, an Asian Studies in Asia Participation Scheme was initiated, to provide support particularly for younger scholars within the region wishing to participate in Asia related conferences within the region.

The network seeks to support and complement the activities of Asian Studies scholars throughout Asia in developing networks for the exchange of ideas and information. Please feel free to contact us if you would like further information or have initiatives you would like to share with members of the network.

The activities of the network are assisted by the generous support of the Ford Foundation.