Royal Society for Asian Affairs

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Royal Society for Asian Affairs

Advancing knowledge of Asia

12/10/2026

Israel Votes: Security, Sovereignty and the Search for a New Consensus - join us for this online panel discussion with Dr Shira Efron, Professor Alain Dieckhoff and Dr Ehud Eiran moderated by Sir Tom Phillips KCMG, on 19 October 2026 at 18:30 BST. Find out more and register using the link in the comments.

09/10/2026

Imagining A City: Moving Image, Architecture and the Urban Memory of Dushanbe - join us for this hybrid lecture with Anisa Sabiri and Oyat Shukurov, on 29 October 2026 at 14:00 GMT. Find out more and register to attend using the link in the comments.

Image – Zero Sum, Anisa Sabiri, 2026

09/10/2026

What can the career of a colonial governor tell us about the complexities of diplomacy, power and cultural understanding? In our latest blog article, Graham Hutchings explores the extraordinary life of Cecil Clementi, whose deep knowledge of China shaped his governorship of Hong Kong during a period of revolutionary upheaval. From navigating anti-colonial nationalism to balancing British interests with local relationships, Clementi’s story reveals the challenges of understanding a country undergoing profound change – and the limits of expertise when the world moves on.

Link in comments.

08/10/2026

🌏 Applications are now open for the RSAA Travel Awards 2027

Are you aged 21–28, normally resident in the UK, and planning research or a project involving travel in Asia?

The Royal Society for Asian Affairs offers awards of up to £2,000, plus two years’ RSAA membership, to support projects that can contribute to scholarly or public knowledge.

This year, we particularly welcome applications exploring:

🌱 Environment & Climate Change
💻 Technology, AI & the State
🧠 The Politics of Memory
🏛️ Colonialism & its Legacies

Projects can span research, journalism, travel writing and more.

📅 Deadline: 31 January 2027

Find out more and apply via the link in the comments.

06/10/2026

📢 We’re recruiting a new Chief Executive Officer

The Royal Society for Asian Affairs is looking for an ambitious, entrepreneurial and highly connected leader to take the Society into its next chapter.

Celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2026, the RSAA is entering an exciting period of development and change. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of an independent organisation dedicated to advancing knowledge, understanding and informed debate about Asia.

We’re looking for a senior leader with strong fundraising and relationship-building skills; experience leading an organisation, team and budget; excellent judgement, communication and networking skills; an informed interest in Asia and contemporary Asian affairs; and the energy and appetite to lead a small organisation through significant change.

📍 Largely remote | London events and meetings
⏰ 22.5 hours per week
💷 £80,000 FTE, pro rata
📅 Permanent | Closing date: 30 October 2026

Interested in leading the RSAA into its next 125 years?

Find out more and apply here using the link in the comments.

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

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City Of Westminster
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Website

https://rsaa.org.uk/

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