The establishment of the ASEAN Community in 2015 and the expansion of China's economic and political power has led to great changes in the Southeast Asian region and the growing global community. This transition, occuring at both domestic and international levels, led to the foundation of the International Studies (ASEAN - China) program. This program aims to enrich students' understanding of the
various dimensions of the ASEAN region and China, as well as encourage the students to identify as ASEAN and global citizens. Therefore, IAC is a gateway to promoting regional and global understanding about ASEAN and its member states, and China from Southeast Asian and Chinese perspectives. With English as the medium of instruction, the programme introduces students to a theooretical and practical interdisciplinary approach which is aimed at encouraging a deeper understanding of both the historical and modern importance of ASEAN and China, especially in the areas of politics, economics, and the socio-cultural relationships among these countries. This degree will also help students focus on issues such as the mass media, multiculturalism, nationalism, identity and transnationalism in this region. The IAC programme ensures that students are able to choose from a variety courses that are compatible with the multidisciplinary nature of ASEAN and China from renowned professionals in the government and private sectors. Teaching the national languages used in ASEAN and China helps the students better understand these different regions from an insider's point of view. Thus, students are required to select a third language course of study in their second and third years, taught by native and renowned linguists. Furthermore, the IAC programme cooperates with partner universities in ASEAN member countries and China, strengthening students' opportunities in gaining experiences with the international community. After their graduation, IAC students will be well-prepared to make an immediate and lasting impact on the international arena.
