Sydney Southeast Asia Centre - SSEAC

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Sydney Southeast Asia Centre - SSEAC Supporting research, education and partnerships in Southeast Asia.

Australia and Southeast Asia: it’s a marriage some may have taken for granted, but we haven’t. At the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre, we put our researchers into fields, classrooms and labs across the region to do real work. We build on the expertise of and facilitate collaborations between over 270 University of Sydney academics who specialise in Southeast Asia.

27/10/2026

A day of fresh insights, thoughtful questions and new connections at the Indonesia Research Showcase 2026.

Researchers from across the University of Sydney came together to share work exploring Indonesia’s evolving challenges and opportunities, with sessions on natural resources and the environment, society and politics, and healthy and resilient societies.

From coastal resilience and land access to digital migration, women’s entrepreneurship, community health and neonatal infection, the presentations showed the breadth of Indonesia-focused research across the University - and the many connections between disciplines.

Thank you to everyone who attended, asked questions and contributed to such engaging discussions. The panel and lunch conversations were a valuable part of the day, sparking ideas for future research and collaboration.

A special thank you to Sydney Southeast Asia Centre (SSEAC)’s Indonesia Country Convenor, Associate Professor Jeff Neilson, for chairing the showcase, and to our amazing presenters and moderators:

Session 1: Natural Resources and the Environment
Associate Professor Luke Hespanhol
Ardiyanto Nugroho
Dr Sabin Zahirovic DFGSAust
Dr Bing Lin
Moderator: Associate Professor Sophie Webber

Session 2: Society and Politics
Dr Udiana Puspa Dewi
Fani Pramuditya
Ayu Siantoro
Benni Hasbiyalloh
Professor Michele Ford
Moderator: Nicholas Dobrijevich

Session 3: Healthy and Resilient Societies
Dr Elizabeth Kirkwood
Erni Astutik
Lucie Downer
Michelle Harrison
Moderator: Professor Mu Li

Building on the University’s long history of engagement with Indonesia, we look forward to continuing these conversations and strengthening connections across our research community and with partners in Indonesia.

Thank you very much our SSEAC Ambassadors Muhammad Novsyaroni Umar Fathia Hashilah Ayendha Pangesti ❤️

We are absolutely over the moon and profoundly honoured to have hosted His Excellency the President of Timor-Leste at th...
22/10/2026

We are absolutely over the moon and profoundly honoured to have hosted His Excellency the President of Timor-Leste at the University of Sydney! 🇹🇱✨
With over 500 people joining us in MacLaurin Hall and online, his keynote on democracy, resilience, and ASEAN integration was a monumental moment for SSEAC. A true highlight was the “In Conversation” panel, where five exceptional student scholars shared the stage with their President—an inspiring glimpse into the bright future of Timor-Leste.
Thank you to His Excellency and everyone who joined this historic dialogue!

One day to go until the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre (SSEAC) public lecture with H.E. Dr José Ramos-Horta! 🇹🇱It’s been a...
15/10/2026

One day to go until the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre (SSEAC) public lecture with H.E. Dr José Ramos-Horta! 🇹🇱

It’s been a busy day in Sydney for the President of Timor-Leste and 1996 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. This morning, he met for a briefing with Sydney Southeast Asia Centre Deputy Director (Partnerships), Associate Professor Sandra Alday, and the University of Sydney (USYD) Senior Media Adviser, Luisa Low. This afternoon, he was interviewed by ABC News .

Meanwhile, our wonderful team of volunteers has been hard at work at the University of Sydney, getting everything ready for tomorrow’s event. A big thank you to everyone helping bring it together!

Join SSEAC tomorrow for Revisiting Democracy in Turbulent Times: Lessons from Southeast Asia and Southeast Asia’s Role in the World.

President Ramos-Horta will reflect on Timor-Leste’s journey to democratic nationhood, its accession to ASEAN, and its evolving role in the region and the world.

📅 Friday 16 October 2026
🕑 2–4 pm Sydney time
🎟️ In-person registrations are sold out, but you can still register to watch via livestream!

Use the link in our bio to register.

08/10/2026

Join the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre for a special public lecture with H.E. Dr José Ramos-Horta, President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and 1996 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.

In this timely address, President Ramos-Horta will reflect on Timor-Leste’s journey from resistance to democratic nationhood, its historic accession to ASEAN, and the country’s evolving role in Southeast Asia and the world.

Registration essential. Link in our bio.

🇮🇩 What are the ideas, insights and collaborations shaping research on Indonesia today?Join researchers from across the ...
05/10/2026

🇮🇩 What are the ideas, insights and collaborations shaping research on Indonesia today?

Join researchers from across the University of Sydney for a showcase of Indonesia-focused research, exploring the country’s evolving challenges and opportunities across environment, language, law, culture, economics and health.

Chaired by SSEAC’s Indonesia Country Convenor, Associate Professor Jeff Neilson, the showcase brings together researchers from across disciplines to share new perspectives, spark conversations and explore opportunities for future collaboration.

✨ What to expect:
✔️Discover new research and fresh perspectives on Indonesia
✔️Connect with researchers working across disciplines
✔️Explore opportunities for collaboration and engagement
✔️Hear from experts with deep regional knowledge
Whether you’re a researcher, policymaker, student or simply curious about Indonesia and its role in the region, come along and be part of the conversation.

And to wrap up the day, join us for an Indonesian social lunch — a chance to continue the conversation and connect over good food.

📅 Tuesday 27 October 2026
📍 University of Sydney, New Law Building Annex (F10A), Lecture Theatre 026.
⏰ 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
🎟️ REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL as capacity is limited. Register via the link in bio.

🇹🇱 A major event in SSEAC’s 2026 calendarThe Sydney Southeast Asia Centre is delighted to host H.E. Dr José Ramos-Horta,...
30/09/2026

🇹🇱 A major event in SSEAC’s 2026 calendar

The Sydney Southeast Asia Centre is delighted to host H.E. Dr José Ramos-Horta, President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and 1996 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, for a special public lecture at the University of Sydney.

In this timely address, President Ramos-Horta will reflect on Timor-Leste’s journey from resistance to democratic nationhood, its historic accession to , and the country’s evolving role in Southeast Asia and the world.

📅 Friday, 16 October 2026
📍 The University of Sydney
🕐 Doors open at 1:00pm | Seating at 1:50pm | Lecture begins at 2:00pm

🎟️ Registration is essential. Learn more and secure your place via the link in our bio.

🌏 Registration is now open: From the Ground Up: Regional Collaborations for Advancing Climate and Health Equity Across t...
29/09/2026

🌏 Registration is now open: From the Ground Up: Regional Collaborations for Advancing Climate and Health Equity Across the Indo-Pacific

Join us for the 6th Annual Forum on Sustainability, Climate and Health Collaboration (SCHC) on Friday 30 October 2026, in person at the University of Sydney or online via Zoom.

This year’s forum will bring together communities, researchers, policymakers and practitioners from Australia, China, the Pacific, Southeast Asia and beyond to explore how regional climate responses can advance health and social equity.

The program will feature:
🔹 Keynote presentations from leading experts in climate, sustainability and health
🔹 Three expert-led sessions with interactive panel discussions
🔹 Insights into health equity, nutrition and the experiences of rural communities, young people and older people
🔹 Opportunities to build regional connections and develop future research collaborations
🔹 An HDR and EMCR poster competition, with $100 prizes for the top three entrants and an invitation to present their research in a flash-talk session

📅 Friday 30 October 2026
⏰ 9.30 am to 3 pm, Sydney time
📍 The University of Sydney, or online via Zoom
👉 Register now: https://lnkd.in/gpjV3WsQ (link in bio)

Hosted by the Sustainability, Climate and Health Collaboration and co-hosted by the Sydney School of Public Health, Sydney Environment Institute, China Studies Centre and Sydney Southeast Asia Centre (SSEAC).

We’re excited to share an upcoming event from our ASEAN Society UNSW friends: the 2026 UNSW ASEAN Conference (UAC26)! Ce...
29/09/2026

We’re excited to share an upcoming event from our ASEAN Society UNSW friends: the 2026 UNSW ASEAN Conference (UAC26)!

Centered around the theme “Navigating the Future,” the event features a fantastic lineup of regional experts and thought leaders.

Head over to their profile page for all the details and to register via the link in their bio.

🌟 Special Offer for SSEAC Members: ASEAN Society UNSW is offering our members an exclusive 50% discount on registration! Send us a message or contact the UAC26 organizers directly to get your promo code.

💫APPLY NOW | The Gabrielle Ewington Equity Scholarship in Southeast Asian Studies is open to prospective and current und...
17/09/2026

💫APPLY NOW | The Gabrielle Ewington Equity Scholarship in Southeast Asian Studies is open to prospective and current undergraduate students in the University of Sydney Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences who are planning to enrol or are enrolled in subjects with a focus on Southeast Asia.

💻Applications close Friday 2 October 2026: https://bit.ly/3Li0Dlf

03/09/2026

Today’s Sydney Southeast Asia Centre (SSEAC) social lunch was a wonderful celebration of connection, community and contribution. ☀️✨
 
Bringing together academics, professional staff and students, our second social lunch of the year provided an opportunity for members to network, reconnect and form new relationships across the SSEAC community.
 
We were also delighted to recognise our outstanding SSEAC Brand Ambassadors, who were presented with Certificates of Recognition by Associate Professor Sandra Alday, Deputy Director, Partnerships.
 
Our Ambassadors generously volunteer their time to represent SSEAC at public events, welcoming guests and supporting our activities with professionalism, enthusiasm and warmth. Their contributions play an important role in promoting the Centre’s work and strengthening our engagement across the University and with the broader community.
 
A heartfelt thank you to each of our Ambassadors Muhammad Novsyaroni Umar Andina Ramadita Estri Oktarena Ikrarini Tatya Alifa Koeswanto As Syahidah Al Haq Ayendha Pangesti Yohanes Usbobo and many more - for the energy, generosity and positivity you bring to SSEAC. Your contribution is deeply valued, and our community is stronger because of you.
 

Address

Level 7, Jane Foss Russell, University Of Sydney
Sydney, NSW
2006

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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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