Asian Studies Center at the University of Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh’s University Center for International Studies (UCIS) invites leading scholars and practitioners for a series of timely conversations aimed at reimagining area a
nd global studies for the next generations. Join us to think beyond enduring paradigms, inherited
structures, and established practices as we create
new horizons for interdisciplinary research &
learning, engagement, coalition-building, and more.

To those who celebrate Solar
New Year: ສະບາຍດີປີໃໝ່ (Sabaidee Pi Mai - Happy New Year in Lao), สุขสันต์วันสงกรานต์ (Suksan Wan Songkran - Happy Songkran Day in Thai), မင်္ဂလာ နှစ်သစ်ပါ (Mingalar Hnit Thit Par - Happy New Year in
Burmese), and សួស្តីឆ្នាំថ្មី (Sousdey Chnam Thmey - Happy New Year in Khmer)!

Southeast Asia's traditional New Year, a major
festival marking the beginning of the solar calendar year, is celebrated around mid-April every year. Whether it's Pi Mai in Laos, Songkran in Thailand, Thingyan in Myanmar, or Chol Chnam Thmey in Cambodia, the holiday is marked by water-splashing, temple visits, purification rituals, and family reunions. These water-based traditions symbolize the cleansing of bad luck and washing away the previous year's misfortunes, while welcoming the new year and honoring family and cultural heritage.

This semester, 10 University of Pittsburgh undergraduate students served as virtual mentors to 11 students in Myanmar through the Stars Do Shine program.

Through this exchange, Pitt and Stars Do Shine students also created a documentary examining the collapse of education in Myanmar following the 2021 military coup. Drawing on local interviews, the film highlights the educational challenges facing students in four communities: a town in Myanmar, a rural area, an active conflict zone, and a refugee community
along the Thai border.

When: FRI, April 17, 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Where: Posvar Hall Global Hub

Join ASIA POP for an exciting
and candid conversation with Chang Seungyeon.
Learn about the challenges, rewards, behind-the-scenes realities, and what it truly takes
to succeed as an idol. Whether you’re a longtime K-pop fan or just simply curious about Korean
musical entertainment, don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear from a veteran of the industry!

When: WED, Apr. 22, 6:00 PM
Where: David Lawrence Hall 205

Each year the University of Pittsburgh recognizes faculty members and young alumni for their contributions around the world. It is because of Dr. Sheth's mission and his generosity
that we accept nominations every spring for two awards that will benefit the University of Pittsburgh community and recognize commitments to the international community.

When: TUES, Apr. 14, 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Where: William Pitt Union, Lower Lounge

In this lecture,James A. Millward will discuss the idea of "Chinese dynasties", the misconceptions that surround them, and argue that their periodization was linear instead of cyclical.

When: April 7, 11:00 - 12:15 PM
Where: Hillman Library 340

The University Center for International Studies (UCIS) cordially invites students graduating in Spring and Summer 2026 to celebrate their academic achievements and receive their area studies credentials at the University Center for International Studies’ Graduation Celebration at the Charity Randall Theater, followed by a reception in
the Schenley Plaza tented area.

Graduating students should keep an eye on their emails for personal invitations from UCIS to RSVP.
For additional details, please contact the ASC academic advisor, Dr. Jessica Sun, or Laura Daversa.

We will be putting out more information about our ASC intern applications in mid-April. Stay tuned for updates here and in our newsletter!

K-pop idols have long been perceived as the antithesis of authenticity, manufactured personas shaped by entertainment companies. Yet the global rise of influencer
marketing, built on relatability and vulnerability, has pushed those same companies to rewrite the rules.
Dr. Mathieu Berbiguier examines how Korean entertainment companies increasingly adopt
influencer marketing codes — "authentic
storytelling," mental health disclosure, and less scripted formats — to reshape the idol persona and deepen parasocial bonds with fans.

When: WED, Apr 1, 6:00PM
Where: David Lawrence 205

Join us for a screening of this compelling documentary, 'Sakthi Vibrations: An Ethnomusicological Documentary Film'. This film is about the Sakthi Folk Cultural Centre in Tamil Nadu, India, and their efforts to empower young Dalit
women through folk arts.

The screening will be taking place Friday, March 27 from 6:00 - 7:00 PM in David Lawrence Hall 121!