About Us
Learn about our vision, the challenges we address, and the people and principles driving our work. Whether you’re a scholar, student, or ally, find out how SEACAF is building a regional movement for open and independent education.
The Southeast Asian Coalition for Academic Freedom (SEACAF) was founded to defend and promote academic freedom in the Southeast Asian region. Hosted by the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies, Mahidol University, SEACAF builds upon the existing strong regional networks of academics working on human rights education and research. It also collaborates with and seeks to strengthen the national networks or associations of academics defending democracy and human rights.
SEACAF aims to raise public awareness on academic freedom and advocate for the endorsement of academic freedom and relevant policies among national and regional actors. To achieve these goals, SEACAF empowers existing domestic initiatives through support of research to better understand the state of academic freedom in the region. It will work with the academic community to develop a regional principle of academic freedom, based on the Surabaya Principle of Academic Freedom which was first drafted by a group of academics from Indonesia. In addition, the coalition will create a monitoring system to assist local stakeholders in reporting incidents and coordinating necessary interventions.
Our Objectives and Advocacy Strategy
Membership and Coalition-Building
SEACAF aims to establish itself and effect constructive change through a strong membership base. It will also engage in various coalitions to arouse, organise, and mobilise stakeholders around the importance of defending academic freedom.
Research and Monitoring
SEACAF’s works will be informed by research to gauge the relative levels of regional academic freedom and determine necessary interventions. SEACAF is developing monitoring indicators appropriate to the regional context.
Advocacy and Training
To raise awareness on academic freedom, SEACAF will lead trainings on academic freedom among stakeholders and disseminate relevant information through publications and social medias. The public understanding on the principle of academic freedom will support SEACAF’s advocacy for adoption of and adherence to academic freedom principles at the national, regional and international levels.
Aiming to strengthen regional coalition, SEACAF seeks to support local initiatives to defend and promote academic freedom while at the same time act as regional focal point for such efforts. SEACAF is governed by a steering committee comprising of individuals from the region who provides guidance on its strategic direction. It also supervises working groups on key areas (e.g., membership, research, advocacy).
SEACAF coordinates with its counterparts in the Americas and African regions through the Coalition for Academic Freedom in the Americas (CAFA) and the Africa Coalition for Academic Freedom (ACAF) respectively to ensure global concerted efforts in responding to the threats to academic freedom worldwide.
Our Key Values
Academic Freedom
The fundamental right of scholars, students, and institutions to pursue knowledge, research, and education free from political interference, censorship, or repression.
Integrity & Ethical Scholarship
The coalition is committed to truth, critical inquiry, and evidence-based discourse, ensuring that academic work upholds rigorous ethical standards.
Solidarity and Collaboration
We strengthen regional and global networks to build a united front in defending academic freedom through collaboration, advocacy, and mutual support.
Autonomy & Institutional Independence
We advocate for universities and academic institutions to remain free from state control, corporate interests, and ideological constraints.
Diversity, Inclusivity & Equity
We ensure that all voices, especially marginalized scholars and students, have a platform to engage in academic discourse without fear or discrimination.
Accountability & Transparency
We uphold openness, responsibility, and ethical governance in research, policy advocacy, and institutional partnerships.
Let's work together!
By joining our coalition, you become part of a dynamic community dedicated to promoting not just academic freedom, but a shared vision of a future where knowledge thrives without restraint.