China-Southeast Asia Sustainable Development Workshop

China and Southeast Asia have been bound together for centuries through a complex web of trade, cultural exchange, and geopolitical influence. Historical maritime trade routes fostered the flow of goods, knowledge, and even political systems, laying the groundwork for a deep economic interdependence. Today, this relationship has reached unprecedented levels of economic integration. China’s economic and political status has positioned it as a dominant trading partner and investor in Southeast Asia. Initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) aim to further solidify these connections through innovation, infrastructure development, and regional connectivity.

However, navigating this economic dynamism presents complex socio-economic challenges. While Southeast Asia benefits from increased trade and foreign direct investment (FDI), concerns remain regarding equitable distribution of benefits, potential debt burdens associated with BRI projects, and the impact on local industries and social wellbeing. Additionally, the pursuit of economic growth must be balanced with long-term sustainable development and quality of life. Environmental degradation, resource depletion, and the looming threat of climate change necessitate collaborative efforts to ensure a prosperous future for both regions.

With this background in mind, we, on behalf of the Young Scholars Initiative (YSI) and the Department of Urban Planning and Design at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), extend a warm invitation to PhD scholars and early career researchers for a two-day workshop on socio-economic development research between China and Southeast Asia, or a specific country in Southeast Asia. We welcome submissions focusing on various aspects of the region’s socio-economic development landscape, including but not limited to the following areas:

• Economic Development and its Influence on Government Policy between China and Southeast Asia
• Impact of Belt and Road Initiatives on Infrastructure Development in Southeast Asia
• The Rise of Regional Value Chains: How Southeast Asia can Leverage China’s Growth
• Managing Transboundary Environmental Issues
• Promoting Responsible Resource Management in the Extractive Industries
• Role of Smart Cities in Fostering Sustainable Urban Development

This conference seeks to facilitate a thorough comprehension of the complex Southeast Asia-China relationship, fostering international collaboration in academic research and knowledge exchange. Additionally, the workshop offers a platform for both young and seasoned scholars to showcase their work, receive constructive feedback, and establish connections with colleagues investigating similar themes.

Workshop Format

The workshop will feature a plenary session, followed by parallel sessions. All papers presented in the parallel sessions will undergo a refereeing process before being accepted for presentation. Additionally, case studies focusing on any of the sub-themes of the workshop will be considered for inclusion in panel discussions, facilitating interactive engagement. Esteemed scholars will be invited to participate in the panel discussions, offering insightful perspectives on economic thought, structural change, and macroeconomics. Following the presentations on the second day, participants will be invited to engage in a collaborative workshop, facilitating a constructive conversation on climate change adaptive strategies.

Participation, Travel, and Accommodation Expenses

Participation in the workshop is free for authors of selected papers and invited guests. We are pleased to offer a limited number of travel and accommodation support grants to junior scholars. To be considered for such grants, please indicate your interest and eligibility in your application.

Academic Committee

Daniel Yonto (Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University), Sophat Phon (National Bank of Cambodia and Cambodia Econometric Association), Kosal Nith (Young Scholars Initiative), Thirunaukarasu Subramaniam (Universiti Malaya), Hyung-Chul Chung (Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University), Ju Hyun Lee (Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Yudo Anggoro (Bandung Institute of Technology), Danilo Spinola (Birmingham City University)

Organizing Committee

Daniel Yonto (Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University), Jakkrya Sey (Cambodia Development Resource Institute), Kosal Nith (Young Scholars Initiative), Sinoun Him (Ministry of Post and Telecommunication)

Important Dates

Application Deadline: August 1, 2024

Notification of Acceptance: August 15, 2024

Workshop Dates: October 21-22, 2024

Please submit your application via this link. For any further information, please contact us at daniel.yonto@xjtlu.edu.cn or nithkosal@gmail.com