About Us
The Istanbul Gedik University Center for Strategic Studies on Southeast Asian Countries was established by the decision published in the Official Gazette, issue no. 31368, on Monday, January 18, 2021. Our center aims to enhance intellectual and academic interest in the Asia-Pacific region, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and Asia both in academic circles and among the general public.
Following a decision regarding a name change from the Higher Education Executive Board dated April 24, 2024, and communicated to our university by the Council of Higher Education’s letter dated May 7, 2024 (E-75850160-101.04-25776), the center’s name was updated in the regulations. The name of “Istanbul Gedik University Center for Strategic Studies on Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN)” was changed to the more comprehensive “Asia-Pacific Strategic Studies Application and Research Center,” reflecting its broader scope.
Objectives, Mission, and Action Plan of the Center:
The primary objective of the center is to conduct scientific research, applications, education, and training activities of national and international nature in economic, social, political, and legal fields between Turkey, Asia-Pacific countries, Southeast Asian countries, and ASEAN. It also aims to enhance international relations and cooperation through travel and other activities, assist relevant official and private institutions, and collaborate with them to organize events.
The center’s main mission is to increase awareness related to the Asia-Pacific region and ASEAN, develop priority areas of cooperation in Turkey-Asia-Pacific and Turkey-ASEAN relations, and formulate constructive policy proposals for Turkey’s “Asia Anew” and “Belt and Road” initiatives.
In line with these objectives, the action plan includes:
- Analyzing the dynamics of the Asia-Pacific region and ASEAN,
- Examining the historical, political, and economic position of the region within the international system in both historical and contemporary contexts,
- Highlighting the economic, political, and cultural differences and diversity of the Asia-Pacific region and ASEAN while emphasizing common themes,
- Aligning Turkey’s economic and diplomatic priorities and objectives in Asia with those of Asia and ASEAN.
When evaluated from a broad perspective, the action plan aims to provide intellectual and knowledge infrastructure to decision-makers, academic circles, the business community, intergovernmental organizations, and share insights and experiences on regional dynamics, needs, organizational structure concerning institutional and member states, investment and business opportunities, legal and political systems, and cultural and economic settings of the Asia-Pacific region and ASEAN.
To increase academic and public awareness, the center plans to organize seminars, conferences, and panels that explore the global economic, trade, and historical significance of the Asia-Pacific region and ASEAN and examine current developments in collaboration with various universities, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations.
The center also aims to ensure data and information flow on the economic outlook, trade practices, financial policies, and recent legal, political, and diplomatic developments of the Asia-Pacific region and ASEAN through analyses, reports, media, and social media, as well as seminars, meetings, and panels targeting academic circles and the business community.
Additionally, it aims to provide access to students through educational activities (related courses, seminars, panels, media) within the university.
The Asia-Pacific Research Center at Istanbul Gedik University will also promote inter-university information exchange, organize student exchange and visiting researcher programs, and establish a database.
Furthermore, the center plans to coordinate with representatives, local administrators, academic institutions, and civil society units of Asia-Pacific and ASEAN countries. Collaborations in public and commercial diplomacy activities with chambers of commerce and commercial attachés are also part of its objectives.
One of the key goals is to prepare expert reports, research, and analyses tailored to target sectors to foster interest in conducting specialized research related to the Asia-Pacific region and ASEAN.