Seven PhD students and two faculty members from the School of Communication at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) made waves at the Asian Australian x Asian American Studies Symposium, held at UCLA from 4th - 6th June, 2024.
The event, funded by a grant from the US Embassy in Australia and supported by UCLA’s Asia Pacific Center and Asian American Studies Department, brought together a vibrant mix of scholars to exchange ideas on contemporary Asian diaspora, Indigenous, and Pacific studies.
A dynamic group of 20 undergraduate, MA, and PhD students, alongside faculty from UTS, UCLA, and California State University Los Angeles (CSULA), gathered to delve into a variety of fascinating research topics. The discussions were as diverse as the participants, covering a wide array of issues such as 'Approaches to Khmu Wellness in Laotian Refugee Diaspora,' 'Mobility, 'Stuckedness', and Queer Bangladeshi Women,' and 'Food Habits in Dual-Minority Mixed Asian American Households.' Other intriguing topics included 'How Thai Restaurateurs in Los Angeles Navigate Multiple Authenticities' and 'Intergenerational Memory Among Vietnamese American Women.'
The symposium’s goal was to foster dialogue around contemporary Australian and US Asian diaspora, and Indigenous and Pacific studies research. Participants were eager to engage in meaningful discussions and collaborations, exploring the nuanced intersections of identity and cultural heritage.
Looking ahead, the scholarly exchange will continue, with a reciprocal symposium set to be hosted at UTS in November, 2024. This event promises to further the rich conversations started at UCLA, strengthening the academic and cultural ties between Australian and American colleagues.
For the students and faculty involved, this symposium was more than just an academic exercise; it was an opportunity to build lasting connections and contribute to a deeper understanding of the Asian diaspora’s complex and evolving narrative.