Asian Studies Center at Michigan State University

09/09/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us today for our first public event of the academic year, supported by the Joseph & Lucy Lee Endowment.

Professor Jiqin Han of Nanjing Agricultural University delivered a fascinating lecture on China’s approach to food security, with a focus on the country’s arable land “red line” system and regional spatial planning.

We are grateful to Professor Han for sharing her research and insights with the MSU community, and to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion.

09/08/2026

Celebrating 20 years of the MSU Muslim Studies Program 🕌

The anniversary celebration will feature special guests and a keynote presentation by Dr. Mohammed Ayoob, the program’s founding coordinator and University Distinguished Professor Emeritus.

📅 Friday, September 18 | 3:30–5:00 p.m.
📍 MSU International Center, Room 303

Come celebrate two decades of Muslim Studies at MSU!

09/07/2026

September 10 | Translating International Experiences Workshop - Global Mindset Development

Learn how to identify and effectively communicate the skills you have developed through international and cross-cultural experiences. This session will feature Dr. Rajiv Ranjan, Associate Professor in the Department of Linguistics, Languages, & Cultures as a guest speaker.

📍 Minskoff Pavilion, Room M200
🎓 Open to all MSU students

Register on Handshake: https://msu.joinhandshake.com/events/1964885/share_preview

09/04/2026

For those working on Southeast Asia and in social science disciplines, this is one of the best conferences to go to! Check it out!

09/04/2026

If you’re in social sciences & humanities and work on Cambodia, check out this research funding opportunity. Deadline: Nov 30, 2026

📣 Applications Now Open: 2027–2028 CKS U.S. Scholar Research Fellowships!

CKS is inviting U.S. citizens to apply for its annual research fellowships in the social sciences and humanities. We are seeking innovative projects focused on Cambodia or that situate the country within a broader regional or international context.
Key Details:
• Tracks: Senior Research (PhD holders) & Dissertation Research (Current PhD candidates)
• Duration: Up to 11 months of funded research
• Eligibility: U.S. citizens in eligible disciplines
• Preference: Applicants without other major sources of funding
🗓️ Deadline: November 30, 2026 | 11:59 PM EST
👉 Learn more and submit your application: https://khmerstudies.org/us-scholar-research-fellowships/

09/03/2026

Join PeaceWorks on Campus for "a powerful conversation with Israeli and Palestinian peacebuilders" who are challenging the status quo and working toward a better future. Bringing firsthand experience and deep insight from the ground, these peacebuilders will share their vision for coexistence and discuss how emerging leaders in the United States can help uplift and support their efforts. This is a unique opportunity to hear personal stories, ask questions, and explore meaningful ways to engage in dialogue on this topic.

Tuesday, Sept. 8, 5-6:30 p.m. James Madison College Library 332 Case Hall, 842 Chestnut Rd.

*PeaceWorks is limited to current MSU students, staff, faculty, and administrators. This event is not open to the public. A complimentary dinner will be provided to attendees.

09/02/2026

Applications for the 2027–2028 Luce Scholars Program are now open!

The Henry Luce Foundation Scholars Program provides an in-depth experience in Asia to emerging leaders who would not otherwise have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the country where they are placed.

- Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Applicants may be graduating seniors, recent graduates, or young professionals under the age of 33 at the time they depart for Asia who have earned at least a bachelor’s degree before the start of the Program.
- Applicants who have spent a total of six consecutive months or more than one cumulative year within the past five years in only one of the countries where we place Luce Scholars may still apply; however, they will not be placed in the country where they have spent significant time.

Those with a total of six consecutive months or more than one cumulative year within the past five years in more than one Luce placement country within the past five years are not eligible.
Eligibility FAQs

Apply by September 8, 2026: https://lucescholars.org/selection/

09/02/2026

PeaceWorks on Campus: Tuesday, Sept. 8, 5-6:30 p.m., James Madison College Library, 332 Case Hall.
**This event is limited to current MSU students, staff, faculty, and administrators. It is not open to the public.**

Join PeaceWorks on Campus for a powerful conversation with Israeli and Palestinian peacebuilders who are challenging the status quo and working toward a better future. Bringing firsthand experience and deep insight from the ground, these peacebuilders will share their vision for coexistence and discuss how emerging leaders in the United States can help uplift and support their efforts. This is a unique opportunity to hear personal stories, ask questions, and explore meaningful ways to engage in dialogue on this topic.

Co-sponsors: The Michael and Elaine Serling Institute for Jewish Studies and Modern Israel, College ofArts and Letters, James Madison College, College of Social Science, International Studies and Programs,Asian Studies Center, Department of History, and MOSAIC Center for Education and Outreach

08/28/2026

Join Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU) alumni and staff next week to learn about study abroad opportunities in Japan, hear from JCMU alumni, meet Ben McCracken (JCMU Resident Director), and welcome new JOI Coordinator Yuka Yoshida.

A great opportunity to connect with JCMU, explore programs in Japan, and learn how students, faculty, and staff can get involved.

📆 September 1, 2026
⏰ 3:30 - 5:00 pm
📍 International Center, Room 303
🍕 Pizza will be provided while supplies last

08/27/2026

A recently published article in Water Security and column in The Kathmandu Post regarding the recent floods in Nepal shared by our MSU experts, Dr. Yadu Pokhrel, Red Cedar Distinguished Professor of Civil Engineering, Asia Hub Associate Director, and Asian Studies Center Affiliated Faculty -- and PhD candidate Saugat Aryal, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University College of Engineering

Article on Water Security (open access), "The Asian Water tower under threat: hydropower expansion and Water security in a changing climate," https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasec.2026.100211

Column on Kathmandu Post: https://tinyurl.com/2euvbpmk