Dean Turingan PH SEA Humanities Summit Delegates
UST Dean Represents Philippines at Inaugural Southeast asian Humanities Deans Summit
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Faculty of Arts and Letters Dean, Prof. Melanie D. Turingan, PhD, recently participated in a landmark event for regional humanities education: the inaugural South East Asian Humanities Deans Summit 2025 (SEA-HUDS). Hosted by Chulalongkorn university Faculty of arts in Bangkok, Thailand, on July 25, 2025, the summit brought together leading academic figures from across Southeast Asia to address the evolving landscape of humanities disciplines.
A platform for regional Collaboration
SEA-HUDS was conceived as a vital forum for fostering partnership and reinforcing the crucial role of the humanities in regional development. The summit convened deans and academic leaders to engage in focused discussions around four key themes:
Reimagining Humanities Curricula in Southeast Asia: Exploring innovative approaches to education that reflect the unique cultural and societal contexts of the region.
Promoting Regional Research Agendas and Collaboration: identifying opportunities for joint research initiatives and strengthening academic networks.
The Humanities and Public engagement: Examining how humanities scholarship can contribute to public discourse and address pressing societal challenges.
The Futures of the Humanities in the Age of AI: Considering the impact of artificial intelligence on humanities disciplines and preparing for future opportunities.
Dean Turingan Champions Humanities and Public Engagement
Representing the Philippines, Dean Turingan delivered a compelling presentation focused on the critical connection between the Humanities and Public Engagement. Her contribution highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between academic research and broader societal impact, emphasizing how humanities perspectives can inform public policy and enrich civic life.
The summit’s overarching goal extends beyond immediate discussions.Organizers aim to establish a lasting framework for collaboration between Southeast Asian institutions and international partners. This long-term vision seeks to solidify the humanities’ position as a cornerstone of regional integration and sustainable development – a future where cultural understanding and critical thinking are valued assets.
SEA-HUDS signifies a renewed commitment to the humanities in Southeast Asia, recognizing their enduring relevance in a rapidly changing world. By fostering dialog and collaboration, the summit paves the way for a more vibrant and impactful future for humanities scholarship and education across the region.