Navigating our culturally interconnected world

The concept of interculturality between Asia and the world was a central theme at the 9th International Convention of Asia Scholars (ICAS 9), held recently in Adelaide, Australia. While the notion of interculturality is relatively new, its prominence at ICAS 9 highlighted the importance of rethinking the diverse cultural variations in existence and their impact on our increasingly interconnected and interdependent world. The notion encourages mutual understanding between various interacting cultures. Academic researchers play a pivotal role in identifying, analysing and articulating the diff ering cultural phenomena, and all being well, they also help to increase levels of intercultural understanding. Equally important is that policymakers take into account the effects of intercultural issues on societies, and consider fi ndings produced by academic researchers.