In December 2024, a major milestone for academic freedom was achieved as advocates from across Southeast Asia launched the Southeast Asian Coalition for Academic Freedom (SEACAF). This new regional alliance, founded on the shared commitment to safeguard academic freedom, envisions to strengthen regional effort in defending the rights of scholars and institutions.

The launch event, hosted by the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies at Mahidol University, brought together scholars, activists, and academic organizations to address the growing challenges facing higher education. SEACAF’s mission is to monitor and respond to threats to academic freedom, drive essential and critical research, and advocate for stronger protections for universities and scholars in Southeast Asia.

Dr. Bencharat Chua, Regional Director of SEACAF, emphasized the significance of the coalition’s formation, stating, “SEACAF is a critical step in uniting voices across Southeast Asia to protect the rights of scholars and academic institutions. This alliance is not just a reaction to current threats but a long-term, collaborative effort to ensure that academic freedom remains a cornerstone of higher education in the region.” 🖊️