Flowing Ideas, Lasting Connections

My time at Leiden as the Taiwan Chair has been not short of rewarding and intellectually stimulating. Thanks to IIAS, I had the invaluable opportunity to organise an international conference, bringing together scholars from around the world in a dynamic exchange of ideas.

The experience has been deeply fulfilling—not only because of the academic opportunities but also because of the collegial and intellectually vibrant atmosphere at the Institute. The team at IIAS is welcoming and collaborative, and the interdisciplinary energy here is truly remarkable. Hardly a week goes by without an event, a seminar, or a stimulating discussion, making every moment of my stay both engaging and inspiring.

One of the things I appreciate most about IIAS is its robust and ever-growing community of scholars. With new fellows joining every year, the intellectual momentum never wanes; it is always alive, evolving, and forward-looking. IIAS has firmly established itself as a leading institution in Asian Studies, not only through its prestigious book prizes, fellowships, and conferences but also through its dedication to fostering meaningful scholarly connections.

Personally, I find that IIAS merges seamlessly with the deep cultural and international spirit of Leiden. The city’s historic canals and its centuries-old academic legacy provide the perfect backdrop for intellectual inquiry and exchange. Walking along the water, under the shifting Dutch skies, I often reflect on how scholarship, much like these canals, serves as a conduit—connecting ideas, disciplines, and people across time and space.

For me, IIAS is more than an institution; it is a community, a meeting ground, and a bridge—one that I am truly grateful to be part of.