The 12th ACAS International Conference on Asian Studies (ACAS ICAS 12) aimed to shed light on the significant role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping Asian societies. By adopting a multidisciplinary and translocal approach, the conference explored the multifaceted impact of AI on Asia's social, economic, and political landscape.
The event brought together scholars and practitioners to discuss the opportunities, challenges, and risks associated with AI use. It delved into the transformative potential of AI in Asia, examined the contours of AI-shaped Asian societies, and offered Asian perspectives on the future of humanity in an AI-driven world. Ultimately, ACAS ICAS 12 sought to bridge gaps in contemporary AI research within the region and foster informed discussions on this critical topic.
The conference programme can be accessed here.
From Left to Right: Dr. Jerome Montemayor, FPE; Mr. Eric Yam, MCCI; Dr. Trixie Tangit, UMS; HE Dato' Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines; Dr. Czarina "Bopeep" A. Saloma-Akpedonu, Dean of SOSS; Dr. Jennifer Oreta, RLIGAS; Mr. Jeric Rionloc, European Studies Program; and, Dr. Diana J. Mendoza, AISEAS.
The Ateneo Initiative for Southeast Asian Studies (AISEAS), in collaboration with the Ricardo Leong Institute for Global and Area Studies (RLIGAS) convened the Philippines-Malaysia Forum on the theme “Meeting the Challenges of Ecological and Societal Sustainability: Participation of Business, Government, Civil Society and Local Communities” at the Leong Hall Auditorium of the Ateneo de Manila University's Loyola Campus last November 14, 2024.
H. E. Dato' Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Malaysia to the Republic of the Philippines; Mr. Eric Yam, Founder, Vice President, and Chair of Trade Affairs at the Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry Philippines Inc. (MCCI); Dr. Jerome Montemayor, Executive Director of the Foundation for Philippine Environment (FPE); and Dr. Trixie Marjorie Tangit, Senior Lecturer of Sociology and Social Anthropology at the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) spoke at the forum.
The Ateneo Initiative for Southeast Asian Studies (AISEAS) and the Ricardo Leong Institute for Global and Area Studies conducted an in-country field study in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, from June 24 to July 8, 2024. This two-week immersive experience was part of the Southeast Asian Studies (SEAS) 101 course. The report and itinerary can be accessed here.
In collaboration with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and University Malaysia Sabah (UMS), AISEAS designed an enriching itinerary centered around the theme "Malaysian Borneo. Sabah: Land Below the Wind – Cultivating Cultures of Ecological and Societal Sustainability." Students explored the diverse landscapes and communities of Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, and Tawau.
Guided by Dr. Diana J. Mendoza and Mr. Javier R. Tionloc, students delved into the intersections of ecology, society, and sustainable development.
The "Nama Saya" exhibit showcases the creative works of Ateneo students who participated in a field study in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Inspired by the theme of "Cultivating Cultures of Societal and Ecological Sustainability," students created visual art and music that captured the beauty and cultural richness of Sabah. Through their work, they highlight the importance of sustainable living and the harmonious relationship between people and nature in Sabah.
Jeffrey Sachs, a renowned economist and global leader, delivered a compelling lecture at Leong Hall Auditorium. Drawing inspiration from Aristotle's tripartite classification of knowledge—the physical, engineered, and sociopolitical—Sachs emphasized the urgent need to integrate these disciplines to address the complex challenges facing our world.
He argued that by synthesizing insights from these three realms, we can develop innovative solutions to pressing economic, social, environmental, and geopolitical issues. Sachs aligned these challenges with the papal encyclicals of Pope Francis: Laudato Si, which addresses economic well-being, social justice, and environmental sustainability, and Fratelli Tutti, which focuses on geopolitics and peace.
For Dr. Czarina Saloma-Akpedonu, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Sachs' advice to bridge Aristotelian types of knowledge with the four global challenges comes as a way forward for the problem-solving mode in the social sciences. Since her appointment in 2021, Dean Saloma-Akpedonu has been reminding social scientists that it is not enough to critique and analyze. Social scientists must offer practical results.
The video can be accessed here or by clicking the images above.
"Colloquies in the Humanities and Social Sciences" is supported by the Kwan Laurel donation for colloquies in the academe and organized by the School of Social Sciences. The inaugural lecture of the Colloquies was also an offering under Talakayang Alay sa Bayan (TALAB), the alternative class program of the Ateneo de Manila University.
A leading expert in organizational psychology, Dr. Alampay has dedicated her career to promoting mental health, especially among young people. Her recent work, particularly the USAID RenewHealth Project, has focused on community-based mental health programs. This project led to the development of the Lusog Isip Kabataan Education (LIKE) program, an app and website designed to support mental health in schools.
The lecture can be accessed here or by clicking on the image below.
"Contacts and Continuities II" was held from September 9 to October 4, 2024. This event built upon the success of "In the Wake of Empires" and delved deeper into the complex historical and contemporary relationship between the Philippines and the United States.
The conference explored a wide range of topics, including the impact of American education on Philippine identity, health and nutrition issues, cultural expressions, and environmental policies. By bringing together renowned scholars and researchers, the event fostered critical dialogue, promoted innovative thinking, and contributed to a better understanding of the enduring ties between the two nations. The conference was funded by the Kwan Laurel donation to the School of Humanities. The conference site can be accessed here and the recorded sessions can be found here.
From left to right: Dr Meynardo P Mendoza, History Department; Dr Fernando A Santiago, Jr, Director of Southeast Asia Research Center and Hub (SEARCH) at the De La Salle University; Prof Farish A Noor, UIII; Dr Diana J Mendoza, AISEAS Coordinator; Dr Patricia Irene N Dacudao, History Department Chair; and, Ianna Simone Villarin, AISEAS graduate assistant.
The Ateneo de Manila University’s Department of History, in collaboration with the Ateneo Initiative for Southeast Asian Studies (AISEAS), hosted a public lecture featuring Professor Farish A Noor, a distinguished scholar of Southeast Asian history and postcolonial studies. The lecture, titled “Nostalgia in Waiting: How the Visuals of Empire Inform Southeast Asians' Perception and Representation of Themselves Today,” explored the enduring influence of colonial-era visual culture on contemporary Southeast Asian identity.
Professor Noor discussed how historical imagery, from colonial-era photography to modern-day postcards, has shaped the collective memory, national narratives, and self-perception of Southeast Asians. He argued that these enduring images of imperial control perpetuate the "othering" of the Southeast Asian native, both within the region and beyond. By examining the lingering effects of Western imperialism, Professor Noor highlighted the ongoing struggle of Southeast Asians to confront historical trauma and construct their own identities.
The 2024 Philippines Update Conference (Oct 30-31) offered a thought-provoking exploration of the Philippines in the Marcos administration, with a focus on critical domestic and foreign policy shifts. Against the backdrop of strengthened ties between Australia and the Philippines, experts analyzed the implications of renewed Western alliances, territorial assertiveness, and evolving economic priorities, particularly in infrastructure and green energy.
The Marcos Jr. administration:
From populism to reformism
Link: https://vimeo.com/1029087207
Speaker: Carmel Abao, Ateneo de Manila University
Discussant: Cleo Calimbahin, ANU/DLSU
Chair: Björn Dressel, ANU
Memory, Community and Activism
Link: https://vimeo.com/1029093172
Speakers: Jocelyn Martin, University Catholique de l’Ouest; Michael Pante, Ateneo de Manila University and Soliman Santos, independent scholar
Chair and Discussant: Nicole Curato, University of Canberra
The Pamana Podcast is a monthly series that highlights the contributions of Filipino women writers and artists. It dives into the history of the Ateneo Library of Women’s Writings (ALiWW), exploring its establishment, challenges, and the significance of its collections. By sharing stories about the women whose works are preserved within the archives, the podcast aims to celebrate their legacy and inspire future generations.
The Ateneo Center for Organization Research and Development (CORD; formerly Human Resources Center or HRC) marked the end of its year-long 50th Anniversary celebration last September 28, 2024, bringing distinguished guests, alumni, and partners together for a memorable event. This milestone marked five decades of HRC and CORD’s unwavering commitment to nation-building by helping organizations grow and succeed. The celebration featured tributes to Dr. Tatti Licuanan and the late Dr. Lita Ortigas, whose vision and leadership laid the foundation for HRC, and a recognition of the invaluable contribution of Dr. Bopeep Franco and Dr. Gina Hechanova in paving CORD’s path into the center that it is now. Attendees enjoyed inspiring speeches and reconnected with fellow professionals who share a passion for organization development and human resource management.
A key highlight was the launch of the book, Evolving HR: Knowledge and Stories from Philippine Organizations which gathered insights and experiences from more than 30 practitioners and academics, alongside the re-launch of Fr. Jaime Bulatao's classic work, The Technique of Group Discussion. These publications reaffirm CORD's commitment to advancing knowledge in the field. The celebration was not just a reflection on the Center’s past but also a renewal of commitment to its mission and advocacy to promote workers’ well-being and organization sustainability. CORD remains committed to empowering future leaders and fostering positive change in the workplace as it embarks on the journey ahead.
Kakayanin (2024) is a heartfelt collection of stories from the Ateneo de Manila Class of 2024, the first to navigate college life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Six recent graduates candidly share their experiences of adapting to online learning, the challenges of transitioning to on-site classes, and the uncertainties of entering the workforce.
Through intimate interviews, the book delves into the personal journeys of these young individuals, weaving their narratives with digital artifacts that reflect their online lives. Kakayanin serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and adaptability of a generation shaped by unprecedented circumstances. As they move forward, the courage they cultivated during these formative years will undoubtedly guide them into the future.
Executive Producer Aaron Vicencio, Lead Producer Sita Valenzuela, Director Yv Salazar.
Credits and details can be found here.
Produced and directed by Ateneo KSP faculty,
Mr. Jeremiah Magoncia
Dr. Emma Porio, Maria Theresa Joy Rocamora, Alenn Jhulia Prodigalidad, Joshua Vidal, Brian Joseph Bango, and Silvestre Z. Barrameda.
Seoul, South Korea – The Smarter and Integrated Local Health Information System (SMILHISⓇ) project, spearheaded by the Institute of Philippine Culture - Dr. Rosita G. Leong School of Social Sciences at the Ateneo de Manila University funded by the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), achieved remarkable recognition at the Seoul International Invention Fair (SIIF) 2024. It was awarded the Bronze Prize and the Special Prize for Best International Invention at the Seoul International Invention Fair 2024.
The SMILHISⓇ pitch emphasized the journey of developing its technical solution for health systems interoperability in collaboration with partner Local Government Units (LGUs). The innovation is rooted in the everyday challenges faced by LGU health workers and promises to connect health facilities, enabling the secure sharing of patient information through authoritative records such as the Philippine National ID System and the COVID-19 Vaccination List. This ensures that patients’ medical histories are accessible across clinics and hospitals, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of healthcare delivery.
SMILHISⓇ supports the delivery of Universal Health Care (UHC) by facilitating efficient health information exchange across service delivery networks in local communities. As part of the eHATID LGU System, SMILHISⓇ reflects significant progress in health information technology and currently has a pending patent application.
SMILHISⓇ Project Team - Dennis B. Batangan, MD, MSc; Philip Christian Zuñiga; Jaztine Calderon; Patria Luwalhati Garcia; Jose Francisco Santiago; Jan Jacob Carpio; Queen Tayam; Andrew Lacsina