Myanmar

This academic essay considers what decolonial and postcolonial approaches mean in the context of Asian Studies and how it offers an alternative mode of understanding the region’s place in the world and in knowledge production. In particular, it addresses how the current knowledge environment continues to reflect hegemonic modes of knowledge production, prioritising dominant discourse, values, and canon that has historically emerged from the ‘West’. While it is not to say that this knowledge is not valuable or does not have a place in the future of Asian Studies, decolonial and postcolonial approaches seek to empower scholars from the region to see value in their research and discourses, advocate for theories emerging from the region, and shift to a more Asia-centric approach to studying Asian Studies.

Tidbits from last month in Asia: Vietnam becomes part of the UN Human Rights Council, while China holds its 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party.

News in October: China's energy crisis intensifies, further tensions in the Taiwan Strait, Japan goes to the polls, South Korea's growing entertainment industry and new electoral system proposed in Myanmar.

This month news review, features Japans preparation for the upcoming elections, ongoing conflict in Myanmar, economic turmoil in China, a new government in Malaysia, as well as the appeal of one of the last Khmer Rouge leaders

This month's mix: unending turmoil in Myanmar, bilateral talks in Washington and architectural discussions in China. Aaaah, and the Oscars of course! And Thailand's new bid to revitalize tourism.

Here comes our March round-up: violent crackdown on protesters in Myanmar, sprees of violence against Asian-American communities and military threats from the Korean peninsula. But that's not all: scepticism over the Olympics in Japan and civil activism in Singapore.

Gaffes and gender inequality in Japan, ongoing political unrest in Myanmar, Clubhouse in China. And there is more: turnover at the WTO leadership and an eminent debate on economic recession in North Korea.

The Milk Tea Alliance: HK and Thailand united in protests. And economically: after years of negotiations, the RCEP sees the light. Rocky elections in Myanmar.

Vehement protests in Thailand, diplomatic tensions in Beijing and tensions in Myanmar! Ah, and a new PM in Japan and a...curious case of smuggling in Vietnam!