Asian Humanities Today: Tradition, Transformation and Future

Join us for the Australian Society for Asian Humanities Inaugural Conference in 2026 at the University of Sydney.

Asian Humanities Today: Tradition, Transformation and Future

Australian Society for Asian Humanities Inaugural Conference
Earlybird registration ends: 13 March 2026
Regular registration ends: 1 May 2026

This conference is presented by the Australian Society for Asian Humanities, supported by the China Studies Centre and the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre at the University of Sydney.

In a time when the humanities face existential challenges, we invite scholars to reflect on the meaning of Asian humanities today, foregrounding Asia not merely as a subject of study or an expression of region, but as a vital source of knowledge, practice and insight for rethinking the humanities. Over a decade since the Gillard government issued the ‘Australia in the Asian Century’ White Paper, Asia’s centrality to every aspect of global humanities is undeniable. Yet, this same decade has also witnessed a worrying decline in Asian humanities research and education in Australia and New Zealand.

Originally founded in 1956 as the Oriental Society of Australia, the Australian Socecity for Asian Humanities is committed to revitalising the field. Please join us for the two-day conference and immerse yourself in research and presentations in every aspect of Asian humanities, including Music, Art, Architecture, History, Literature, Translation Studies, Philology, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Archaeology, Cultural Studies, STS, Anthropology, etc. without limitation of era. We are hoping this conference serves as a platform for contributors to engage Asian traditions, trace the forces of transformations shaping Asia, envision new futures for Asian humanities, and consider Asian-Australian or Asian-New Zealand humanities.

This conference will be held at the University of Sydney, the oldest university in Australasia, located in a city deeply shaped by rich historical interaction with Asia.

The ASAH Conference Organising Co-conveners:

• Josh Stenberg (University of Sydney)
• Shin Takahashi (Monash University)
• Ying Xin Show (Australian National University)

Conference manager

• Yanping Zhang (University of Sydney)

Conference Format:
In-person only

Registration Fees in AUD:

• Tier 1: Full-time academics based in OECD countries, HK, Macau, Singapore
• Tier 2: Full-time academics based in all the other countries and territories
• Tier 3: Students, Independent scholars, Sessional and Retired Academics

Fees will include conference catering (lunch and teas) and printed conference materials.

An optional dinner ticket at $80 Per Person.

The above rate includes payment fees.

ASAH members enjoy a reduced registration rate.Please consider joining the Society when purchasing your tickets by selecting the ASAH member rate for your tier and then selecting your membership rate in the same order.

General membership: $60/year

Concession: $25/year

Retiree: $30/year

Enquiry:
asah.members@sydney.edu.au

Additional information

Participants are welcome to make their own accommodation arrangements during the conference period. The following hotels are all within walking distance of the conference venue:

- Rydges Camperdown

- Four Points by Sheraton

- Adina Apartment Hotel Chippendale

- Central Studio Hotel Sydney

In addition, we have negotiated a conference-discounted rate with Urban Newtown.

Promo Code: ASAH0726
Discount: 10%
Stay Dates: From Thursday, 02 July 2026 to Monday, 06 July 2026
Early Bird Booking Dates: From today, Monday, 19 January 2026, to Saturday, 28 February 2026

Promo Code: ASAH0726
Discount: 5%
Stay Dates: From Thursday, 02 July 2026 to Monday, 06 July 2026
Booking Dates: From Sunday, 01 March 2026 to Friday, 03 July 2026

To book, the attendees need to visit our website: The Urban Newtown ASAH Conference

Enter their stay date and promo code and complete the booking process.