Commencing at the IPSA World Congress in Seoul, this landmark 50th Anniversary celebration of the Research Committee on Asian and Pacific Studies (RC18) commemorates five decades of scholarly leadership, international dialogue, and global impact.
Founded by the visionary Dr. Teh-Kuang Chang—a founding Professor of the Department of Political Science at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, USA, who established its International Studies program—RC18 has long served as a vital platform for exploring the diverse and dynamic region of Asia and the Pacific. It continues to foster an inclusive community of scholars dedicated to advancing knowledge and understanding across borders.
From foundations to frontiers, we trace a journey from groundbreaking regional studies to a leading role at the forefront of global political science, embracing innovative methodologies, interdisciplinary exchange, and worldwide collaboration. This celebration honors Dr. Teh-Kuang Chang’s enduring legacy, inspiring leadership, and foundational values that continue to guide RC18’s mission.
A distinguished legacy of scholarly engagement while advancing a forward-looking vision grounded in intellectual rigor and global relevance, RC18 invites the next generation of scholars to carry the torch forward—pursuing innovative research, fostering intercultural dialogue, and addressing the evolving complexities of the Asia-Pacific region with insight, creativity, and academic integrity. Announcements of upcoming opportunities and initiatives affirm enduring commitment to academic excellence and to cultivating the next generation of global scholars.
In recognition of his distinguished leadership and scholarly contributions, the inaugural Asian and Pacific Studies Award will be presented in honor of Dr. Teh-Kuang Chang. This award will henceforth bear his name as the Dr. Teh-Kuang Chang Award.
A special highlight will be a performance by GRAMMY® Award-winning pianist Angelin Chang, an active IPSA participant since the 1985 IPSA World Congress in Paris. As a classical pianist, she is the first of Asian heritage and the first American woman to win a GRAMMY®.
Join us in honoring this remarkable journey and celebrating a legacy that bridges continents, generations, and disciplines—a legacy that continues to inspire Asian and Pacific Studies and the global academic community for decades to come.