As part of its Diplodemy series, the U.S. ASEAN Young Professionals Association (UAYPA) this month hosted "The State of ASEAN American Studies in the US." where three educational experts discussed the importance of integrating more foreign policy education and Southeast Asian language programs and history into K-12 and higher education curriculum. 

 

The panelists include Dr. Mike Rattanasengchanh of Midwestern State University, Dr. Connie Park of James Bell Associates, Dr. Christine Su of the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and Lasamee Kettavong of Laotian American National Alliance (LANA).

 

Most ethnic studies regarding Asia covered the topics of East Asian Americans, specifically Japan, Korea and China. Most Southeast Asian perspectives have only begun to get more attention recently in the classroom. However, the Asian community from East Asia and Southeast Asia have had two different immigration stories in the United States. For example, the first major wave of Asian immigration from China to the United States occurred during the 1800s for economic mobility. In contrast, Vietnamese Americans came to the United States as refugees fleeing the Vietnam War. 

 

Teaching curriculums incorporating more Southeast Asian stories will allow more diverse perspectives that highlight the various contributions of ethnic groups within the U.S.

 

And what goes in our border can also impact how Americans view its foreign policy. 

 

“More education on Southeast Asian Americans, and especially the connection between the United States and the Diaspora here, will lead citizens of all ethnic groups to be better informed and ready to engage the world community, Dr. Rattanasengchanh said. 

 

Dr. Rattanasengchanh also noted that the Council on Foreign Relations cited a study that stated the lack of preparedness poses threats on five national security fronts—economic growth, competitiveness, physical safety, intellectual property, and U.S. global awareness. 

 

Community programming is also a key to ensuring stories of the Asian diaspora in the U.S. and awareness of how it connects with the U.S. and ASEAN relations. 

 

Dr. Sue applauded Lowell, a city 30 miles northwest of Boston and a key destination for many immigrants, created a center for Asian American Studies and Southeast Asian Digital Archive, and  Asian American Center for Excellence & Engagement (AACEE) in its public university to reflect the diverse Asia diaspora that has shaped the city. To bring the program more to life, more courses in Southeast Asian American studies are needed, Dr. Sue said. 

 

Advocacy efforts to fund and integrate more Southeast Asian American history should also be implemented, Dr. Conie Park said. Drawing on her experience as the daughter of Vietnamese refugees who experienced the challenges of just navigating the American educational system, she understands many families who still could be in the same boat today. 

 

For example, applying for college for students who are the first in their families to go to college can come with challenges, Kettavong said. That’s why programs that integrate curriculum on Southeast Asia Diaspora and its connection with the U.S. foreign policy should also create opportunities to help communities gain upward mobility.

 

Integrating more diverse voices of the Southeast Asia diaspora, especially in schools, through curriculums that combine the history, culture, and connection to U.S. foreign policy can help share the future leaders of the next generation. 

 

This event was conducted in partnership with the Make Us Visible Virginia Chapter, Center for Lao Studies, and Laotian American National Alliance. To view the full recording, visit usaseanypa.org/the-state-asean-american-studies.