CityU and TKU Host Young Scholar Forum to Expand Interdisciplinary Perspectives in Regional- and Country-specific Studies
The Institute for Research on Portuguese-Speaking Countries (IROPC) of City University of Macau (CityU) and the College of International Affairs of Tamkang University (TKU) co-hosted an academic seminar on “Exchange and Dialogue on Cross-disciplinary Research Methods” and the 2nd (Macao-Taiwan) High-end Academic Forum for Young Scholars in Regional- and Country-Specific Studies. Senior and young scholars from relevant fields gathered together for in-depth academic exchanges.
Prof. Chen Hsin-chih, professor at TKU, chair of the Department of Diplomacy and International Relations at the College of International Affairs, delivered a welcome address. She noted that the contemporary international situation is rapidly changing and intertwined, fully demonstrating the cross-disciplinary nature of global issues. Chen emphasized that interdisciplinary and collaborative dialogue can help enhance research capacities for addressing international issues. With the establishment of cooperation universities, TKU and CityU, the two universities have held the Young Scholar Forum for two consecutive years. She expressed her pleasure in witnessing such exchanges gradually develop into a regular, well‑organized, and healthy academic platform.
Associate Professor Kung Kwo-wei, director of the Centre for Latin America and Caribbean Studies, noted that IROPC actively fosters substantive interaction between young scholars of the two universities, mentioning that the enthusiastic submission every year indicates eager expectations of the young scholars for academic exchanges. He hoped that this academic exchange would continue.
Associate Professor Juan Pin-Ju, chair of the Department of International Tourism Management, reckoned that cross-field and interdisciplinary methods in international studies have become a mainstream trend as reflected in the diverse research topics presented by young scholars at this year’s forum. She highlighted that young scholar have broadened their research into interdisciplinary areas, exploring themes that are more grounded, diverse, and interesting, mentioning the opportunities to learn from different research methods and topical perspectives and allowing them to overcome traditional restrictions and improve their academic skills.
Assistant Professor João Simões, program director of IROPC, CityU, expressed his gratitude to TKUy for its great support for this forum. He pointed out that the number of submissions and participants has continued to grow, reflecting that this form of exchange is highly recognized and regarded by young scholars.
IROPC Associate Professor Chianhsin Leou, speaking on behalf of the organizing committee, extended sincere gratitude to TKU for hosting the forum once again. He noted that this year’s edition received great support from TKU, especially having Vice President for International Affairs Professor Chen Hsiao-Chuan and Dean of the Office of International Affairs Professor Yeh Chien-Mu attended the event and served as commentators. Prof. Leou said the Department of International Tourism Management of TKU joined as a new co-organizer, reflecting the high importance the university places on this event. He highlighted that among the young scholars from Macao whose papers were selected for presentation this year, some will be going to TKU as exchange students in the coming academic year. This showed that the exchanges and interactions between the two universities over the years have begun to bear fruit.
The two-day forum included three sub-forums: “European Regional- and Country-Specific Studies”, “Interdisciplinary Approached to Regional- and Country-Specific”, and “Cross-Regional Country-Specific Studies”. The organizing committee chose over ten research papers for presentation and discussion in sub-forums. Senior experts gave feedback on relevant subjects. Apart from that, young scholars from both universities engaged in in-depth exchanges and mutual learning through various forms such as informal launches and visits. Associate Professor Chianhsin Leou believed that this forum’s practice is of great significance for postgraduate students’ academic progress. He expressed his hope that attendees would cherish this academic opportunity and the friendship that grew from it.