The China Studies Programme, the Advanced Institute for Contemporary China Studies, the Department of History and the Modern History Research Centre of HKBU joined hands with the School of Social Sciences of Tsinghua University and Central Washington University to hold the “Second Conference on East Asian Culture and International Relations” in mid-April.

The conference, which aimed at serving as a scholarly platform for sharing different ideas and network building for further research and academic collaboration, was attended by over 70 scholars and researchers from around the world. During the conference, they explored East Asian culture and international relations from different perspectives.

Mr. Andy Lee, Vice-President (Administration) and Secretary, delivered the opening remarks. Keynote speeches were delivered by two renowned scholars. Professor Tam Yue-him of Macalester College, USA, addressed the new trends in East Asian culture and international relations. Professor Togo Tsukahara of Kobe University, Japan, spoke on “East Asian STS, a new academic challenge: its scope and perspective.”

A total of 16 panels were held which covered the themes of Contemporary Northeastern Asian Relations, Studies in Regional Perspectives of the Commercial Press, Studies in Print Culture of the Commercial Press, Studies in Economic Opportunities in 21st Century China, Re-forming and Re-inventing Traditions in East Asia, Socio-Economic Conditions in 21st Century China, Beyond Eating and Drinking: Food Culture, Identity and Coloniality, Languages, Texts and East Asian Cultures, Macao studies, Japanese and Korean Popular Culture in Hong Kong, Modern Chinese Diplomatic Relationship, War and Civilization, Studies in Ming Qing History, Medical History in Modern East Asia, East Asian Culture and International Relations in the Medieval Age, and Changes and Continuities in Culture and Value.