Asia and Asians at Harvard Conference — Day 1
This is the first day of the two-day conference. Check full conference details here.
Harvard’s longstanding, reciprocal relationships with Asia have shaped scholarship, policymaking, and cultural life both on our campus and across the region. This two-day conference will illuminate history by showcasing pivotal encounters, initiatives, and collaborations linking Harvard and Asia since the late 19th century; by celebrating Asian students, faculty, and visitors whose work has redefined disciplines and campus culture; by critically examining Harvard’s role in Asian policymaking, development, and institution-building, acknowledging successes and shortcomings; and by sparking new, equitable collaborations that broaden Asia-related teaching, research, and public engagement at Harvard.
Registration is not required but appreciated for planning purposes.
Day 1: Thursday, November 13, 2025
4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Welcome and Opening Reflections
Michael Puett, Victor and William Fung Foundation Director, Harvard University Asia Center; Walter C. Klein Professor of Chinese History and Anthropology, FAS; Harvard College Professor
Opening Panel
Moderator: Michael Puett, Victor and William Fung Foundation Director, Harvard University Asia Center; Walter C. Klein Professor of Chinese History and Anthropology, FAS; Harvard College Professor
Panelists:
Susan J. Pharr, Edwin O. Reischauer Research Professor of Japanese Politics, FAS, Harvard University
“Harvard’s Japan Encounter”
Sugata Bose, Gardiner Professor of Oceanic History and Affairs, FAS, Harvard University
“Harvard and Asia: Brief Encounters, Abiding Relationships”
Traditional Sumatran Dance Performance
Presented by Harvard Indonesian Students Association
Kamila Muyasarah, MMSc Candidate in Clinical Investigation, Harvard Medical School
Luluk Furu, MMSc Candidate in Global Health Delivery, Harvard Medical School
Emir Jayaringga, MMSc Candidate in Global Health Delivery, Harvard Medical School
Reception
Concourse Area, CGIS South, 1730 Cambridge Street
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Exhibition
Memories and Milestones: Asia and Asians at Harvard
On view November 2025 – March 2026
Harvard Asia Center
CGIS South, First Floor Lounge
1730 Cambridge Street, Cambridge
Concurrent Pop-up Exhibition at Houghton Library
15 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA
On view November 14–15, 2025
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Organized by the Transnational Asia Initiative, Harvard University Asia Center
Director: Professor Michael Puett
Faculty Lead: Professor Sugata Bose
With guidance and support from: Professors Sun Joo Kim; Annette Damayanti Lienau; Malavika Reddy; James Robson; Jay Rosengard; Mark Wu.
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Co-sponsored by the Program on U.S.-Japan Relations, Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, the Korea Institute, the Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies, the Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute, the Harvard-Yenching Institute, and the Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies.
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Related course: See the course HIST 1966 - Asia and Asians at Harvard taught by Professor Sugata Bose.