Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 01 August 2023 Period start date To 31 July 2024 Period end date
Charity name: Association of Southeast Asian Studies in the United Kingdom
Charity registration number: 1170590
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | The overall object of ASEAS(UK) is to advance the education of the public on the subject of Southeast Asia and to promote research for the public benefit in all disciplines of that subject and to disseminate the useful results by such means as the trustees see fit. |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
ASEAS Conference 2023 The Association of Southeast Asian Studies’ 32nd conference was the first to be held in Southeast Asia and took place at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, from 27 to 30 November 2023. Building on the success of the 2022 ASEAS Online Conference, the 2023 conference at the Universitas Indonesia was a hybrid event, with online panels taking place on 27 November and in-person events from 28 to 30 November. The programme featured 210 speakers subdivided into 54 panels, 4 plenaries, and 4 keynotes, covering a range of topics across eras, geographies and disciplines. There was a great mix of early career researchers and established experts in the field of Southeast Asian Studies. ASEAS’ biennial conference offers an invaluable opportunity to engage with the latest research, foster collaborations, and contribute to shaping the future of Southeast Asian Studies. The next conference will be held from 15 to 17 September 2025 at St John’s College, University of Cambridge. Research Impact Award The 2023-24 Research Impact Award was awarded to Wichuta Teeratanabodee, a |
PhD candidate in the Department of Politics and International Studies, University of Cambridge. Wichuta is examining the formation of the Milk Tea Alliance (MTA), a digital transnational network among prodemocracy activists from Hong Kong, Thailand, Myanmar, and Taiwan. The Research Impact Award enabled Wichuta to visit Chiang Mai and Bangkok, Thailand to conduct interviews with pro-democracy protestors and activists, meet scholars, participate in political protests, and visit activist and progressive spaces. Master’s Dissertation Prize The 2023/2024 ASEAS Master’s Dissertation Prize was jointly awarded to Gilang Mahadika and Htet Lynn Oo. Gilang Mahadika’s dissertation, ‘Gardening in the Plantation: Indigenous Agroforestry System of Smallholders for Balancing Commodity Needs, Subsistence, and Restoring Biodiversity in Borneo’ was submitted as part of their MA in Anthropology at the Department of Anthropology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Gilang’s thesis explores Indigenous gardening practices in Kalimantan (Borneo), as an alternative way to restore biodiversity following the massive expansion of oil palm monocultures. Htet Lynn Oo’s dissertation, ‘Dynamics of 21st Century Anti-Coup Resistance in Myanmar: The Triangle Model of Resistance in Myanmar’, was submitted as part of their MA in Peace and Conflict Studies in the Politics Department at the University of Manchester, UK. Htet’s MA dissertation puts forward a novel model to analyse resistance: the triangle of resistance, which connects nonviolent, armed and diaspora movements. Their analysis investigates the internal contradictions between these three poles and examines the process through which resistance has been institutionalised in Myanmar. The ASEAS Master’s Dissertation Prize showcases outstanding humanities and social science research on Southeast Asia from postgraduate students across the world. International PhD Workshop The inaugural ASEAS international PhD workshop, sponsored by the University of Leeds, was held on 21-22 May 2024 at Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia.
| Twenty-four PhD students from across Southeast Asia, Australia and Europe participated in the workshop, alongside six academic advisors. PhD topics covered politics, economics, international relations, media, gender studies, history, humanities, and other applied social sciences. The workshop was an excellent opportunity for current and prospective PhD students to receive an intensive review of their papers and proposals by senior academic advisors. It was also a great way to meet like-minded PhD students and experts working in Southeast Asia, to exchange views on cutting edge research and the most critical issues of the day. Participants also benefited from additional skills sessions on ‘career development’ and ‘how to get published’. The next PhD workshop will take place on 20 and 21 May 2025 at Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand. |
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|---|---|---|
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | ASEAS Trustees have had due regard to the Charity Commission’s public benefit guidance. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Policy on grant making | Para 1.38 | In accordance with ASEAS(UK) Constitution clause 18(1) (Delegation by charity trustees), the Executive Committee shall appoint a Research Committee of three members, at least one of whom should also be a member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall appoint the Chair and Secretary of the Research Committee for the purpose of raising research funds and deciding upon their allocation on behalf of ASEAS(UK). |
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 | |
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | |
| Other |
Achievements and Performance
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | Awards and Prizes The Research Impact Awards enable early career scholars to undertake fieldwork in Southeast Asia, fostering new research and publications, whilst advancing their careers. The Awards also support the development or dissemination of a film, audio piece, website, or other artistic project to communicate research outside of academia and to engage broader audiences with the Southeast Asian Studies community. The Master’s Dissertation Prize provides a small financial reward but significantly raises the profile of Master’s students. They are also awarded a free ASEAS membership, enabling them to foster new connections and networks. Conference ASEAS conferences are an invaluable opportunity for Southeast Asia-focused researchers to network and present their research. They also provide a chance for early career scholars to build their profile and establish important connections. Work presented at the conferences covers a range of topics across eras, geographies and disciplines and has the potential to reshape the wider field of Southeast Asian Studies. Hosting the 2023 conference in Southeast Asia made this biennial staple much more accessible to the Southeast Asia-based Southeast Asian Studies community. We plan to host future conferences in the region, alternating between the UK and Southeast Asia, to ensure ASEAS retains this accessibility. Website The ASEAS website continues to publish articles and book reviews, encompassing a range of Southeast Asian Studies topics. This is an invaluable tool for researchers, particularly at a time when traditional journals are publishing fewer reviews. Member Newsletter The monthly membership newsletter is an invaluable addition to the ASEAS membership offering, providing information on opportunities, the latest research, as well as highlighting the achievements of members, including recent publications, awards and grants. |
Membership and Social Media We currently have 223 members, which is a decrease of 101 from last year’s report. This is due to losing a significant number when the memberships of those who joined for the 2023 conference, expired in October 2024. However, 223 is still a healthy figure for a non-conference period and is 100 more members that we had in the few years before the 2023 conference, which was the first in-person conference following the COVID pandemic. ASEAS should see a boost in membership when people join to attend this year’s conference, as well as to participate in the upcoming PhD workshop. Online, Facebook group membership has seen a 15.03% increase and the Facebook page seen a 37% increase in followers. Our social media pages provide a lively forum for news and discussion between academics and interested members of the public across the UK and Southeast Asia.
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | |
| Other |
Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | Total of £22,524 in assets at the end of the period. Income of £21,454 against a total expenditure of £17,176. Annual profit of £4,278. |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | The charity does not have a reserves policy. |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | N/A |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | N/A |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | N/A |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | We have done a good job of generating profit this year in order to keep the charity financially viable. We have earnt more through membership revenue as well as event revenue. We underperformed our annual profit target of £5,000 but still managed to generate significant revenue from successful conferences and fundraising events. This allows the organisation to continue to offer competitive research awards and put on large-scale conferences such as our most recent one in Jakarta. These events and their popularity demonstrate how we have found sustainable ways of generating income to remain financially viable. Our membership base has expanded and the diversity of events we are able to hold has also grown. |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | Membership fees and the biennial conference. |
|---|---|---|
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | |
| Other |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
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|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 |
Constitution |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | Charitable Incorporated Organisation |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | Members of the Executive Committee of ASEAS(UK) will become trustees of ASEAS(UK) on first election to the Executive Committee (unless they are ineligible for one of the reasons described in clause (2) below) and will remain a trustee until they leave the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee will manage the affairs of ASEAS(UK) and may for that purpose exercise all the powers of ASEAS(UK). (2) Eligibility for trusteeship • Every charity trustee must be a natural person. • Membership of the Executive Committee (including renewal of Executive Committee membership) is through nomination and support of two other full members of ASEAS(UK). • Each nominee must have been a full member of ASEASUK for at least a year prior to being nominated. • No one may be appointed as a charity trustee: - if he or she is under the age of 16 years; or - if he or she would automatically cease to hold office under the provisions of clause 15(1)(d). No-one is entitled to act as a charity trustee whether on appointment or on any re- appointment until he or she has expressly acknowledged, in whatever way the charity trustees decide, his or her acceptance of the office of charity trustee. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Policies and procedures adopted for the induction Para 1.51 and training of trustees
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | |
| Other |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | Association of Southeast Asian Studies in the United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | ASEAS(UK) / ASEAS |
| Registered charity number | 1170590 |
| Charity’s principal address | Centre of South East Asian Studies SOAS, University of London Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square WC1H 0XG |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (if any) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adam Tyson | Chair | |||
| KimberleyWeir | Operations Director | |||
| Elliot Newbold | Financial Director | |||
| Kellynn Wee | Communications Director |
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| Thomas Kingston | Editorial Director | |||
| Stephanie Benzaquen-Gautier |
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| Mike Charney | ||||
| Fakhriati Fakhriati | ||||
| Tilman Frasch | ||||
| Dylan Gaffney | ||||
| Michael Leadbetter | ||||
| Ronan Lee | ||||
| Nick Long | ||||
| MayTan-Mullins | From June 2024 | |||
| Ben Murtagh | ||||
| Louis O'Sullivan | From February2024 | |||
| Laurie Parsons | ||||
| Amanda Rogers | ||||
| Charlie Rumsby | ||||
| Russell Yap |
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets held in this capacity
Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
| Type of | Name | Address |
|---|---|---|
| adviser |
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Other optional information
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s) Adam Tyson Full name(s) Kimberley Weir ~~a~~ Position (eg Secretary, Operations Director Chair Chair, etc) ~~ee~~ Date 28.01.2025 ~~Pp~~
| CC16a 31/7/2023 31/7/2024 1170590 Association of Southeast Asian Studies (UK) Receipts andpayments accounts Period start date Period end date To For the period from ~~ae~~ |
CC16a 31/7/2023 31/7/2024 1170590 Association of Southeast Asian Studies (UK) Receipts andpayments accounts Period start date Period end date To For the period from ~~ae~~ |
CC16a 31/7/2023 31/7/2024 1170590 Association of Southeast Asian Studies (UK) Receipts andpayments accounts Period start date Period end date To For the period from ~~ae~~ |
CC16a 31/7/2023 31/7/2024 1170590 Association of Southeast Asian Studies (UK) Receipts andpayments accounts Period start date Period end date To For the period from ~~ae~~ |
CC16a 31/7/2023 31/7/2024 1170590 Association of Southeast Asian Studies (UK) Receipts andpayments accounts Period start date Period end date To For the period from ~~ae~~ |
CC16a 31/7/2023 31/7/2024 1170590 Association of Southeast Asian Studies (UK) Receipts andpayments accounts Period start date Period end date To For the period from ~~ae~~ |
CC16a 31/7/2023 31/7/2024 1170590 Association of Southeast Asian Studies (UK) Receipts andpayments accounts Period start date Period end date To For the period from ~~ae~~ |
CC16a 31/7/2023 31/7/2024 1170590 Association of Southeast Asian Studies (UK) Receipts andpayments accounts Period start date Period end date To For the period from ~~ae~~ |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section A Receipts and payments | |||||||||
| Unrestricted funds |
Restricted funds |
Endowment funds |
Total funds | Last year | |||||
| to the nearest £ |
to the nearest | to the nearest £ | to the nearest £ | to the nearest £ | to the nearest £ | ||||
| A1 Receipts | |||||||||
| MembershipPayments | 5,223 | - | - | 5,223 | 2,603 | ||||
| Gross Interest | 328 | - | - | 328 | 145 | ||||
| Event Revenue | 15,903 | - | - | 15,903 | 1,495 | ||||
| - | - | - | - | ||||||
| - | - | - | - | ||||||
| - | - | - | - | ||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| Sub total(Gross income for AR) |
(Gross income for AR) 21,454 |
- | - | 21,454 | 4,243 | ||||
| A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). - - - - - - - - - Sub total - - - - - Total receipts 21,454 - - 21,454 4,243 ~~——————~~ |
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| A3 Payments Research Awards 227 Stipend 3,500 Reimburse for Services 13,317 Bank charges 132 - ~~SSS ~~ |
- - 227 1,650 - - 3,500 2,500 - - 13,317 127 - - 132 66 - - - - - - - ~~SSS~~ |
||||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| **Sub total ** | 17,176 | - | - | 17,176 | 4,343 | ||||
| A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table) - - - - - - - - Sub total - - - - - Total payments 17,176 - - 17,176 4,343 Net of receipts/(payments) 4,278 - - 4,278 - 100 A5 Transfers between funds - - - - - A6 Cash funds last year end 18,246 - - 18,246 - Cash funds this year end 22,524 - - 22,524 - 100 ~~———=—~~ ~~SSS55=~~ |
- 100 - - - 100 |
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
1
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
| Categories Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees B1 Cash funds B2 Other monetary assets B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use B5 Liabilities B3 Investment assets |
Signature Details Details Community Account Business Account Details Details Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Details |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ 2,337 - 20,187 - - - 22,524 - OK OK Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - - - - - Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) - - - - - Print Name |
Endowment funds to nearest £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| OK | |||
| Endowment funds to nearest £ |
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| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| Current value (optional) |
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| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| Current value (optional) |
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| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| When due (optional) |
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| Date of approval |
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CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
2