One of our main activities is organising and hosting Luncheon Briefings on pertinent topics of EU-Asia relations. Beginning with an informal lunch, the Briefings usually last for 1.5 hours, including questions.

Attendees include EIAS members and other interested parties.

Experts wishing to discuss a possible topic for a Luncheon Briefing are invited to contact EIAS Director Dr Willem van der Geest.

Islam in South East Asia
12:30 - 14:30, 11 December 2003, EIAS, Brussels

In light of the recent dramatic events in traditionally insular Southeast Asia – the Bali and Jakarta bombings - and the global popular association of Islam and violence, it is timely to re-examine the nature and state of Islam, and its cultural practices in this highly pluralized part of the world.

Professor Shamshul will argue that the present so-called ‘global Islam’ could only embed itself with an already entrenched understanding of Islam in the region. Likewise, it is argued that Islam in Europe is one that is embedded into highly pluralized Europe. In this sense, the Southeast Asian case makes for an interesting comparison with Europe – indeed a mirror.

Co-organised by EIAS and the Asia Europe Foundation

Background Notes (pdf)

Profile of Professor Shamshul (pdf)