François Tainturier on the Inya Institute’s Mission, Myanmar’s Languages, and Global Academic Collaboration
In this interview, François Tainturier, co-founder of the Inya Institute in Yangon, Myanmar, reflects on two decades of experience in cultural and academic exchange across Southeast Asia. He discusses the origins of the Institute—founded in collaboration with international and local scholars—as an independent platform for interdisciplinary research on Myanmar’s diverse societies. Tainturier highlights the Institute’s unique online language program that focuses on underrepresented ethnic languages such as Karen, Shan, and Kachin, and explains how these courses serve not only foreign researchers but also members of the Myanmar diaspora seeking to reconnect with their heritage. He also outlines future plans to strengthen educational institutions in Myanmar and expand international partnerships, emphasizing the importance of academic continuity amid political uncertainty.
CSEASI Award Winner and McMaster University Graduate Student Aye Lei Tun on Civil Society Resilience, Pro-Democracy Movements, and the Future of Myanmar
This interview features Aye Lei Tun, a CSEASI award recipient and PhD candidate at McMaster University, whose research focuses on civil society resilience and democratic transformation in Southeast Asia. Originally from Myanmar, Aye Lei discusses her academic journey across Australia, the Netherlands, and Canada, and reflects on how the 2021 military coup shaped both her personal life and scholarly focus. She shares insights from her dissertation on transnational networks among pro-democracy organizations in Myanmar and Thailand, and offers a nuanced perspective on Myanmar’s uncertain political future. This conversation highlights the intersection of activism, academic research, and lived experience under authoritarian regimes.
UBC Graduate Student and CSEASI Award Recipient Shintia Arwida on Indigenous Land Rights, Climate Research, and Academic Life in Canada
In this interview, UBC graduate student and CSEASI Award recipient Shintia Arwida reflects on her academic and professional journey from Indonesia to Canada. She shares insights into her interdisciplinary research on indigenous land governance, her career trajectory through journalism, NGOs, and international development organizations, and her experience navigating academic life in Vancouver as a Southeast Asian emerging scientist. With a strong focus on making research accessible beyond academia, Shintia also discusses her plans to produce a short documentary to amplify indigenous voices and socio-ecological concerns in Indonesia.
Dr. Patrick Alcedo on Philippine Folk Dance, the Filipino Diaspora in Canada, and the Upcoming Film Showcase at York
In this interview, Dr. Patrick Alcedo, a professor at York University and an expert in dance ethnography, discusses his research on Philippine folk dance, its role in maintaining cultural identity, and its evolution within the Filipino diaspora in Canada. He also talks about his film A Will to Dream, which will be screened at York University during Echoes of Southeast Asia: A Film Showcase.
A conversation with SEADL librarian Emily Zinger
This talk explores the Southeast Asia Digital Library (SEADL), its mission to digitize and provide open access to rare Southeast Asian materials, its evolution, and funding. Key initiatives like the Thai Film Project and opportunities for collaboration and student engagement are highlighted, alongside future goals to expand collections, partnerships, and global impact in Southeast Asian studies.
A conversation with Indonesian scholar Yuyun Sunesti
This is a conversation with Dr. Yuyun Sunesti, Associate Professor of Sociology at Universitas Sebelas Maret and a visiting fellow at the University of Saskatchewan. She discusses Canada-Indonesia connections, her research, and the Indonesian Muslim community in Saskatoon.
Canadian Southeast Asian Studies Initiative 