Royal Society for Asian Affairs

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Royal Society for Asian Affairs

Advancing knowledge of Asia

03/10/2026

Trustee Opportunity

Founded in 1901, the RSAA is entering the most ambitious phase in its recent history: a renewed mission promoting Asian Studies and public understanding of Asia, an endowed programme of research and travel awards, and a new five-year strategy from 2028.

We are seeking up to four trustees with senior-level fundraising experience, outstanding networks across the UK, Asia or the US, and a genuine commitment to the field. Charity finance and governance skills are also welcome. We are keen to broaden the diversity of our board and encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Apply by 30 October 2026. Link in comments.

02/10/2026

What can a visit to a Tajik tea house tell us about the value of diplomacy? In our latest blog article, former UK Ambassador to Tajikistan Hugh Philpott reflects on why small embassies matter – from building local knowledge and trusted relationships to helping governments understand countries on their own terms. What can a tea house, and the people who bring it to life, teach us about the deeper purpose of diplomacy?

Link in comments.

01/10/2026

🌏 Discover Asia at the RSAA–SOAS Schools' Day 2026!

We are delighted to invite Year 12 and 13 students to join us at SOAS University of London for a day exploring the fascinating and diverse world of Asia.

Through talks, discussion and interactive activities, students will have the opportunity to:

🎓 Hear from experts and academics
🌏 Explore different aspects of Asia, its cultures and societies
🗣️ Try their hand at an Asian language
💡 Discover new subjects and perspectives beyond the classroom

The event is free to attend, but students must be registered by their school.

📅 4 November 2026 09:15 – 16:00 GMT

Teachers and schools: find out more about the programme and register your students using the link in the comments.

Please share this with colleagues and schools who may be interested in giving their students the opportunity to discover more about Asia.

01/10/2026

Shanghai: The Story of China’s Most Dynamic City - join us for this online lecture with Professor Michael Dillon, hosted by Professor Kerry Brown, on 15 October 2026 at 14:00 BST. Find out more and register using the link in the comments.

Yale University Press, London

25/09/2026

Yesterday, we were delighted to be joined by Dr Claire Smith of University of York, hosted by Dr Rónán Lee of Loughborough University London, for a fantastic talk on the complex situation in Myanmar and the prospects for peace. You can now watch the recording. Link in comments.

25/09/2026

What can Mongolia’s hosting of the UNCCD COP17 tell us about the country’s efforts to tackle environmental challenges? In our latest blog article, Bolor Lkhaajav examines Mongolia’s fight against desertification, water pollution, and land degradation - and the growing role of government, businesses, pastoralist communities, and international partners. What will it take to turn ambitious commitments into long-term, sustainable solutions for Mongolia’s land and people?

Link in comments.

23/09/2026

Did you know that ten back issues of Caravanserai, the RSAA’s supporters’ magazine, are now available to order in both print and digital formats (while stocks last)?

Each issue features Society news, event reports, and richly illustrated articles exploring a wide range of themes, including architecture, languages and scripts, women, sport, rivers, festivals, animals, and more.

Our latest available issue focuses on 35 years of independence for the Central Asian republics and the region's social, political and economic transformation since the 1990s.

While Caravanserai is free of charge, donations towards production costs are always appreciated.

Explore the collection and order your copies via the link in the comments.

21/09/2026

Ali Esmaiel, former CEO of Aga Khan Cultural Services in Syria, explains how the old souks of Aleppo were brought back to life by working with local people. Link in comments.

Aga Khan Foundation / Aga Khan Development Network

21/09/2026

Geethu Jayana & Loung Nathan investigated the lives of women from the Malaipandaram Scheduled Tribe, 70 years after they were resettled out of the forests of Kerala. Link in comments.

21/09/2026

Kalyani Yeola of the Refugee Law Initiative has spoken to young Tibetans about how they think about their religion, their leadership’s political legitimacy and their future. Link in the comments.

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Nova North 11 Bressenden Place
City Of Westminster
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Website

https://rsaa.org.uk/

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