New hub brings global and area studies in in one space

At a time where global spaces and diversity in perspectives are essential in connecting to one another, the School of Social Sciences (SOSS) at the Loyola Schools has launched the Ricardo Leong Hub for Global and Area Studies. The Leong Hub will serve as a collaborative platform for teaching and research in global studies, strengthening the synergies among the different area studies programs in SOSS.

 

Launched on 27 May, the Ricardo Leong Hub for Global and Area Studies combines the expertise of the Chinese Studies Program, European Studies Program, Japanese Studies Program, Korean Studies Program, the Ateneo Initiative for Southeast Asian Studies, and the Development Studies Program.
 

 

The hub will play a pivotal role in advancing the academic commitment of Ateneo de Manila in the areas of globalization and regional formations. Given the University’s long-standing dedication to fostering global partnerships and collaboration, the Ricardo Leong Hub for Global and Area Studies is built on Ateneo’s commitment to continually work together with global partner universities and think tanks to create a space for inter-disciplinary efforts to thrive. The hub will also be an invaluable resource in furthering Ateneo’s mission for social development as lessons on democratization, urbanization, community resilience, security, resource conservation, and regional integration will be investigated. It also hopes to develop and facilitate joint degree and research programs on global and development studies.

 

“Our vision is clear. We will be the Ricardo Leong Institute for Global and Area Studies, an academic leader in the Philippines and the region in the study of cultural diversity and issues affecting the world. It will have its own unique academic programs that will attract the most promising students who will one day be leaders in government, diplomacy, and civil society. We want to be an academic leader in tackling global issues,” says Dr. Fernando T. Aldaba, dean of SOSS. 

 

Initial events in the pipeline include an international forum on Myanmar and a seminar series featuring ambassadors.

For more news and stories on Loyola Schools, visit http://www.ateneo.edu/ls/loyola-schools-bulletin.