Vancouver, Canada, became a global stage for two UH Mānoa graduate students who participated in the 2026 Association for Asian Studies (AAS) Conference in March. Supported by the Matsunaga Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Xiaoyun Neo and Areerat Worawongwasu shared insights from their field research in rural Thailand and Indonesia.
In 2025, the pair joined a group of students in Thailand to participate in the Luce-Southeast Asia Political Ecology Field Schools. Neo, a geography master’s student, shared her findings on the economics of elephant tourism in a rural upland village, while American studies doctoral student Worawongwasu highlighted the challenges of Pga K’nyau women who are continuing traditional ecological practices under shifting political and economic pressures.
The students also participated in three panels focused on political ecology in Southeast Asia. For Neo, the experience was more than just presenting – it was an opportunity to connect. “Participating in this conference helped us to not only improve our work, but also engage with and network with scholars from around the world.”
At the conference, Neo and Assistant Professor Micah Fisher also shared reflections from the 2025 South Sulawesi Field School, an experiential learning opportunity supported by the Matsunaga Institute. Through a collaboration with Hasanuddin University, students spent two weeks doing oral history research in rural Indonesia. From learning about land governance policies to traditional ecological knowledge, the students didn’t just study these topics; they lived them alongside local villagers. Neo described the field schools as “intellectually generative and personally meaningful.”
Xiaoyun Neo presents her research on elephant tourism in rural Thailand.
Areerat Worawongwasu presents her research on the traditional ecological practices of Pga K’nyau women.
Contributing to the AAS conference was a profound experience for both Neo and Worawongwasu, who valued the opportunity to “share with other scholars and practitioners of political ecology…about the immersive, collaborative, field-based experience we had.” Both student scholars have plans to continue their work, with Worawongwasu planning on joining the South Sulawesi Field School this summer to begin her own Indonesian chapter.
Mentor and field school coordinator, Micah Fisher, observed, “This is what we try to do at the Matsunaga Institute. It’s what makes our initiatives so unique. We meet students by starting with their interests and then provide opportunities for deep experiential and impactful learning…[Neo and Worawongwasu] took these experiences and then showcased their learning and research process at a prestigious global conference. They excelled on that stage. This demonstrates all that is possible with guided academic learning rooted in deep commitment to community engagement. This is just the beginning. I look forward to seeing the new collaborations and innovations that emerge from this.”
Areerat Worawongwasu and Matsunaga faculty Micah Fisher participate in a panel on political ecology field schools in Southeast Asia.
UH Mānoa students enjoyed the opportunity to network and share their research experiences at the 2026 AAS Conference.
If you’re interested in learning more about the field schools and hearing students’ experiences, check out the story below: