Dear Partners and Friends of SEA Junction,
Our photo exhibition “Women Out on the Streets for a New Burma” ended with a grand finale thanks to performances by Myanmar musicians and their colleagues over the weekend. The exhibition to highlight women’s contribution for democracy and justice in Myanmar as part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence attracted public attention and media coverage in Khaosod English, Bangkok Post and Tachileik News (in Burmese). Those who were unable to attend can view the photographs here and documentation of the exhibition and related events on our Facebook page and, soon, on our website.
As you can read below, our concern about the ongoing atrocities in Myanmar continues with the #WhatsHappeninginMyanmar Bi-Weekly Updates series and with the screening of a documentary that takes the viewer to the streets of Myanmar in the days following the February 2021 military coup.
Our attention also focuses on other regional issues. We recently completed our Thai monthly forum on environmental issues with the Bangkok Tribune, which can be viewed here. COVID-19 and its dire impacts remain a priority. You can find the videos of our events on the role of social sciences in the COVID-19 response here in English and Thai. The call for the “From Fear to Resilience: Visual Storytelling of COVID-19 in Southeast Asia” special initiative is still open, and we hope you can submit stories of your experiences during the pandemic. Also, we will open the third batch of applications for our Small Grant Program “Staying Resilient Amid the Pandemic in Southeast Asia” next month to help strengthen community-based responses to the long-term socio-economic impacts of the pandemic.
With the end of the year fast approaching, in the spirit of solidarity, we like to ask you to support the aforementioned initiative for the community groups to more effectively address the current pandemic. You can also support our activities to help us expand space for public discourse in Southeast Asia. To donate is easy, just click the box below and it will bring to our designated website page where you can transfer electronically with PayPal. If you prefer to transfer via bank, our dedicated account for our Foundation for Southeast Asia Studies is TMB #043 -7-18114-2.
I take this occasion to wish you the best for the holiday season and the New Year: may our dreams come true and our common action contribute to a better world!
Best regards,
Lia Sciortino Sumaryono
Founder and Executive Director SEA Junction
EVENT PROGRAM
16th #WhatsHappeninginMyanmar Bi-Weekly Updates
8 December 2021, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Born out the awareness that it is crucial to keep Myanmar on the public agenda in the midst of many other global worries, since the coup we have held bi-weekly updates. We are continuing the series with Debbie Stothard, an active promoter of human rights in Burma and the ASEAN region, continuing our collaboration with AJAR. The updates consisting of 20-minute analysis and 40-minute Q & A are moderated by our Founder and Director Rosalia Sciortino and are held via Zoom and livestreamed on our Facebook Page. To join via Zoom, just click on this link.
See further: http://seajunction.org/event/16th-whatshappeninginmyanmar-bi-weekly-updates-by-debbie-stothard/
Documentary Screening and Discussion
“Padauk: Myanmar Spring”
10 December 2021, 5:00 pm – 6:45 pm
Produced by Kirana Productions and enriched by poetry and art, Padauk: Myanmar Spring shows the resilience and determination of the people of Myanmar, and the sacrifices they’ve made. The documentary will be introduced by one of the two directors, Jeanne Hallacy and will be commented upon by free-lance journalist Wai Moe. SEA Junction’s Director Rosalia Sciortino will moderate the discussion. Reservations are required due to COVID-19 prevention compliance and limited seating.
See further: http://seajunction.org/event/documentary-screening-and-discussion-padauk-myanmar-spring/
Southeast Asia Mini Book and Craft Fair
18-19 December 2021, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Once a month, SEA Junction holds a mini book and craft fair focusing on Southeast Asia. Besides small craft from the region, three kinds of books are displayed: (1) New books given in consignment from recognized publishers; (2) New and used books, double to those in our library; (3) Few literature and development-related works from outside the region that have been donated to SEA Junction. All funds raised with the fair contribute to SEA Junction’s functioning and activities.
See further: http://seajunction.org/event/southeast-asia-mini-book-and-craft-fair-20/
SPECIAL INITIATIVES
From Fear to Resilience:
Visual Storytelling of COVID-19 in Southeast Asia
With the current surges in COVID-19 infection across Southeast Asia, the fear of contracting the disease remains and is even escalated when the vaccine is in shortage and not accessible to many. Many also suffer from socio-economic hardship. At the same time, people are displaying strength in coping with the continuing uncertainties. SEA Junction invites all to make an effort to collectively provide a visual story of the pandemic in Southeast Asia that shows the worries as well as the resilience and hope in our experience. We are calling for short photo essays or illustrated art essays in any language of the region (to be later translated into English) or in English and shared on our platforms.
See further: http://seajunction.org/special-initiatives/
Small Grant Program
“Staying Resilient Amid the Pandemic in Southeast Asia”
This initiative launched by SEA Junction with a grant by China Medical Board (CMB) and with additional support of in WIEGO, INEB, JTS Korea, and individual donors aims to provide funds to build social capital, strengthen community resilience, improve the living and health conditions of local communities, and enhance their capacity to cope with the pandemic in Southeast Asia. For the second batch, 23 activities across Southeast Asia have been supported and are now being carried out. The applications for the next batch will be open soon next month.
For information please email southeastasiajunction@gmail.com and phone/wa: +66970024140
About SEA Junction, OUR Venue on Southeast Asia
SEA Junction aims to foster understanding and appreciation of Southeast Asia in all its socio-cultural dimensions – from arts and lifestyles to economy and development. Conveniently located at Room 408 of the Bangkok Arts and Culture Centre or BACC (across MBK, BTS National Stadium) SEA junction facilitates public access to knowledge resources and exchanges among students, practitioners and Southeast Asia lovers.
Please join the Facebook group and page & follow us on Twitter and Instagram @seajunction
