The UP Asian Center in partnership with the Orient Institute (Instituto do Oriente) and the Colégio Tropical of University of Lisbon, Portugal will host the online panel discussion, Portugal and Southeast Asia: Shared Histories, Current Synergies on 8 and 9 July 2025, 3 PM to 5 PM (GMT+8), online via Zoom. The event is free and open to the public, but signing in to a (free) Zoom account is required.
ABOUT THE PANEL DISCUSSION
The relationship between Portugal and Southeast Asia spans several centuries, shaped by early maritime expeditions, encounters across diverse cultures, and evolving forms of exchange. Initial contact during the early modern period laid the groundwork for patterns of interaction that extended beyond trade and conquest, influencing language, religion, and local customs. These historical foundations continue to resonate in contemporary contexts, where migration, cultural diplomacy, and bilateral cooperation reflect both enduring ties and new opportunities for engagement. This webinar aims to outline the trajectory of Portugal- Southeast Asia relations by examining their historical roots, intercultural dynamics, and present-day developments.
Objectives
- To trace the historical foundations of Portugal’s presence and engagement in Southeast Asia, particularly during the early modern period.
- To examine the nature and impact of intercultural encounters between Portuguese and Southeast Asian societies, including socio-cultural and economic exchanges.
- To analyze contemporary connections between Portugal and Southeast Asian countries, with emphasis on migration, diaspora communities, and cultural cooperation.
- To identify areas for further dialogue and collaboration rooted in shared histories and present-day regional and transnational frameworks.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
ARIEL C. LOPEZ, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Asian Center, UP Diliman
Dr. Ariel C. Lopez is an Associate Professor at the Asian Center of the University of the Philippines Diliman, where he also serves as the Assistant to the Dean for Research, Publications, and Information. He earned his Ph.D. in History from Leiden University, Netherlands, in 2018, following a Research MA (MPhil) in History in 2012 and an Advanced BA in History in 2010 from the same institution. Dr. Lopez began his academic journey with a BA in History from the University of the Philippines Diliman in 2007. Specializing in Indonesian Studies, colonial and maritime History, Philippine History, and Southeast Asian History, Dr. Lopez has made significant contributions to these fields through his research and publications.
JOEFE B. SANTARITA, Ph.D.
Professor, Asian Center, UP Diliman
Dr. Joefe B. Santarita is a Professor at the Asian Center, University of the Philippines Diliman. He earned his Ph.D. in South Asian Studies from the National University of Singapore in 2012, following an M.A. in Asian Studies with a focus on Southeast Asia from the same institution in 2004. Dr. Santarita began his academic journey with a B.A. in History-Community Development from the University of the Philippines in the Visayas in 1997. His extensive educational background has equipped him with a profound understanding of Asian cultures, histories, and political economies. Dr. Santarita has made significant contributions to these fields through his research and publications specializing in Indian studies, migration studies, Philippine culture and society, maritime history, and Southeast Asian political economy.
MICHELLE R. PALUMBARIT, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Asian Center, UP Diliman
Dr. Michelle R. Palumbarit is an Associate Professor at the Asian Center, University of the Philippines Diliman, where she also serves as the Assistant to the Dean for Curriculum and Quality Assurance. She earned her Ph.D. in Political Science and International Relations from Yonsei University in Seoul in 2016, following an M.A. in Korean Studies from the same university in 2012. Before pursuing graduate studies in Korea, she completed a Masters in Asian Studies, specializing in Korea Studies, at the University of the Philippines Diliman in 2007 and a B.A. in History from the University of the Philippines Visayas in 1999. Dr. Palumbarit's research interests encompass Korean studies, Filipino migration to Korea, environmental politics, and Korea-Southeast Asia relations. In addition to her academic roles, she serves as the Director of UP-CIFAL Philippines, where she leads capacity-building initiatives and policy development efforts related to migration and sustainable development.
