Academic Freedom in Southeast Asia
Issued Date
2022-01-01
Resource Type
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85149084949
Journal Title
Local Responses to Global Challenges in Southeast Asia: A Transregional Studies Reader
Start Page
67
End Page
88
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Local Responses to Global Challenges in Southeast Asia: A Transregional Studies Reader (2022) , 67-88
Suggested Citation
Petcharamesree S. Academic Freedom in Southeast Asia. Local Responses to Global Challenges in Southeast Asia: A Transregional Studies Reader (2022) , 67-88. 88. doi:10.1142/9789811256462_0005 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/87595
Title
Academic Freedom in Southeast Asia
Author(s)
Author's Affiliation
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
This chapter aims to critically examine the state of academic freedom in Southeast Asia (SEA). It argues that while the exercise of academic freedom should be contextualised, the universal nature of the concept remains unchanged. On top of a review of the relevant literature and official documents, data were drawn from research about the state of human rights and peace education and research carried out in 2019 in 11 countries in Southeast Asia. This chapter finds that despite acertain level of academic freedom enjoyed by academics and students in some countries in the region, on the whole, institutions of higher education in SEA are facing difficulties because of shrinking political space. As such, their academic freedom has been constrained by the political predicament of their respective countries. In addition, several states have implemented restrictive laws and policies. The practice of governmental censorship leads to selfcensorship among academics. Some issues perceived as contentious are left undiscussed. Moreover, the current commercialisation of higher education, with itsincreased precariousness for academics, also contributes to the marginalisation of their voices. This study concludes that even though academic freedom is not explicitly recognised by international human rights treaties and, in many instances, isactually regulated by domestic law and regulations, the universal values of such rights remains.