At the beginning of the academic year, the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia (UBCHEA), through the Institute for Advanced Study in Asian Cultures and Theologies (IASACT) in Hong Kong, made a final selection of scholars that included our resident faculty Dr. Robert V. Panaguiton of the Social Sciences Department of the School of Arts and Sciences.
These privileged scholars were chosen from the different parts of the globe particularly Asia, to constitute a forum for research, reflection and writing. The gathering of these scholars was held on June 2 to July 6 at the Chung Chi College of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Since 2004, 142 scholars from 74 institutions in 14 countries have benefited from the mentorship, reflection, interaction and network-building afforded by IASACT. When asked of his experience of the entire process, Dr. Panaguiton appraised “the IASACT 2013 as a productive program for research, scholarship, and fellowship.”
IASACT is a five-week residential program that provides space and time for scholars to deepen their understanding of theologies and traditions. Participants undertake research and writing in the broad area of Asian cultures and theologies and complete a working paper while in residence. The proposal should clearly demonstrate how topics of research interest relate to Asian theologies, Asia religious studies and/or Asian cultures.
The academically demanding tasks of research and writing are harmonized by the guidance and support of mentors of the institute. The heavy demands from Monday to Thursday where scholars conduct their individual research and writing get paid off on a Friday where scholars engaged in enrichment activities such as mini-conferences or visits to places of interest.
Dr. Panaguiton’s completed paper was recently presented for a public lecture presentation on August 23, Friday at the SDC Session Hall of the newly inaugurated JMR Hall.
