Siem Reap Angkor

Building human resources is essential to economic and social development. Whatever the stage of their development, each Southeast Asian country has tried to address this fundamental issue by improving their higher education system. Holding on to skilled human resources is yet another challenge in the context of global competition for highly qualified human resources. This conference aims at providing a platform for experts from Southeast Asian institutions of higher education to explore three major themes. The first covers faculty development, which is the key human resource for any educational institution that wishes to provide students with the best learning experience. The second theme includes the analysis and evaluation of the role of information technology in the enhancement of teaching and learning. Finally, the issue of transnational higher education will be addressed in order to explore how a foreign educational model can enhance existing higher education institutions in Southeast Asia. Discussion around these three themes, in a comparative context, may shed light on challenges posed by the intensification of the global economy and the fast pace of science and technology development that are both opportunity and threats to the current model of higher education in Southeast Asia.

Ancient Khmer and Southeast Asian Ceramics: New Archaeological Findings, Production and the Revival of Techniques A collaboration between the Center for Khmer Studies, National Center for Khmer Ceramics Revival and Heritage Watch and part of the International Khmer Ceramics Festival, December 11-29, 2007 CKS Conference Hall, Wat Damnak, Siem Reap, Cambodia December 13-15, 2007 CALL FOR ABSTRACTS This conference aims to bring together Cambodian and international scholars specialized in ancient Khmer and mainland South East Asian ceramics, with contemporary potters and craftspeople working to revive ancient production techniques. In light of illicit trading in antiquities, the objective is to raise awareness of the archaeological importance of ancient Cambodian and mainland South East Asian ceramics, and to highlight the new opportunities for sustainable economic development in the region through contemporary ceramic technology. Scholars based in Southeast Asia are especially encouraged to participate. Dr. Dougald O'Reilly, Chair Prof. John Miksic, Mr. Chhay Rachna, Dr. Philippe Peycam, Mr. Serge Rega, Mr. Eric Llopis, Miss Suzanne Freilich Panels Include: Economics of ceramics in ancient Cambodia and mainland South East Asia. Craft and production in ancient Cambodia and mainland South East Asia. Appraisal, typology and chronology of ancient Khmer ceramics. Revitalization of ceramic production in Cambodia. Contemporary ceramic production and slowing the illicit trade of antiquities. AGENDA Thursday, December 13, 2007 13:30 Optional visit to two ancient Khmer sites 19:00-20:30 Cocktail reception Friday, December 14, 2007 8:00 Registration 8:30 Opening of the Conference Philippe Peycam, CKS Director, & Mr. Serge Rega, NCKCR 8:40 Panel 1: Economics of ceramics in Ancient Cambodia and mainland South East Asia. 9:30 Panel 2: Craft and production in ancient Cambodia and mainland South East Asia. Tea Break 10:30 Panel 3: Appraisal, typology and chronology of ancient Khmer ceramics. 11:30 Discussion 12:00 Lunch 14:00 Panel 4: Chronology of Khmer ceramics. 15:00 Panel 5: Revitalization of ceramic production in Cambodia. Tea Break 16:00 Panel 6: Contemporary ceramic production and slowing the illicit trade of antiquities. 16:30 Discussion 16:50 -17:00 Closing by Dr. Philippe Peycam, CKS Optional dinner Saturday, December 15, 2007 8:30 - 10:30 Visit to the ceramics workshop and ancient kiln reconstruction at the National Center for Khmer Ceramics Revival If you wish to participate, please fill in the short attendance form attached, and email it no later than November 20, 2007 to conference@khmerstudies.org.