The research cluster on Sustainability and Global Studies focuses on issues surrounding global phenomena via-a-vis sustainability, resilience, and related transitions and transformation. With a focus on society, environment, and economy, the research cluster examines emergent issues at multiple levels: from the global to regional, national, sub-national, and local involving societies, communities, and individual peoples. The research cluster applies a cross-cutting lens of policy, and governance Given the wide range of expertise in the cluster, its research areas encompass approaching global studies from multiple perspectives of sustainability.

This research cluster will examine the following areas:

1. Global urbanism, resilience, and sustainability
2. Social innovation and entrepreneurship
3. Community-led approaches to sustainable urban and rural development
4. Gender, social development, and global studies
5. Sustainable consumption and production, and human behavior
6. Media and sustainability

Key contact persons: Bharat Dahiya and Piya Pangsapa

The research cluster on Peace and Culture will focus on issues surrounding cultural change, community development and creativity, the impact of globalization, and related concerns influencing peace and conflict. Given such a broad area of interest, research will encompass topics including but not limited to relations within and between the countries of Southeast Asia, the West, and the Asia-Pacific region. 

This includes topics such as:

1. The intersection of tangible and intangible heritage, where community festivals and other cultural forms enable placemaking and collective identity formation; 
2. Where peace and culture encompass several scales or dimensions, from personal well-being to community resilience, cultural resistance, and political empowerment.
3. The impact of global events such as Covid-19 on issues ranging from higher education in Thailand to the economic and political competition between China and the West throughout Southeast Asia.

Such an interdisciplinary focus combined with an equally diverse cohort of researchers, will contribute a nuanced perspective to what are often compartmentalized domains of interest.

Key contact person: Matthew O’Lemmon

The technology and society research cluster explores the social dimension of emerging technologies and how technologies contribute to sustainable development. Our research aims to explore how technology can support the creation of inclusive economies in Southeast Asia and empower marginalized communities. We examine various areas, such as digital platforms, the gig economy, AI and big data, and the digital divide. We deploy statistical and ethnographic approaches to understanding how society engages with technologies.

The technology and society research at SGS is dedicated to investigating the social implications of emerging technologies and their role in promoting sustainable development. Through our interdisciplinary approach, we delve into various areas of study, including digital platforms, the gig economy, AI and big data, and the digital divide. One of our key focuses is on understanding the dynamics of digital platforms and their impact on society. By studying the responsible use of AI, we aim to develop frameworks and guidelines that can promote the positive and beneficial deployment of these technologies. Furthermore, we are committed to bridging the digital divide, particularly in Southeast Asia. Our research aims to provide actionable insights for policymakers and organizations to develop initiatives that promote digital inclusion and equal opportunities for all. 

This research cluster will:

1. Analyze the effects of platforms on labor markets, examining issues such as worker rights, income inequality, and job security. 
2. Investigate the implications of AI and big data in different sectors of society.
3. Explore the ethical and social considerations associated with the implementation of AI systems, seeking to address issues such as algorithmic bias, privacy concerns, and the impact on human decision-making.
4. examine the barriers that prevent marginalized communities from accessing and benefiting from technology, such as limited internet access, lack of digital literacy, and socio-economic disparities.

Key contact person: Rene Van Berkel