Our Purpose

Amplifying Voice Co-creating Change in Southeast Asia

SHAPE-SEA envisions a Southeast Asia rooted in a culture of human rights and peace, fostered through the generation of indigenous, evidence-based knowledge, applied research, inclusive education, inter-sectoral partnerships, and informed policy advocacy. Its mission is to empower academic communities to actively contribute to the advancement of human rights and peace in the region, bridging research and action to create meaningful, sustainable change.

Mission

To bridge local knowledge production with regional policy through academic excellence.

Community

Connecting over 400+ researchers and 36,000 students, academic across platforms annually

Advocacy

Building on 10 years of increasing research capacities, and policy advocacy

Our Journey

A decade of progress in supporting Indigenous knowledge production and strengthening the research capacity of homegrown scholars in Southeast Asia.

Emphasizing sustained growth of locally led scholarship, regional collaboration, and locally grounded research that amplifies Southeast Asian voices and perspectives.

Read the 2021 Programme Evaluation

2015

The Foundation

SHAPE-SEA was established to foster active participation and expand a dynamic network of scholars advancing human rights and peace across the region.

2016-2019

Phase I

Contribute to the improvement of the Human Rights situation in Southeast Asia through applied research and education.

2020-2023

Phase II

Strengthening the capacity of regional stakeholders to effectively address human rights and peace challenges through advancing research and education.

2025

10 year Anniversary

Amplify diverse voices across Southeast Asia while fostering collaborative, impact-driven partnerships that advance research, education, and policy advocacy in human rights and peacebuilding research.

The SHAPE-SEA logo features a vibrant, interwoven pattern inspired by traditional Southeast Asian textiles, such as batik and woven fabric motifs. The intricate design reflects the region’s cultural diversity, shared heritage, and the collaborative spirit that underpins SHAPE-SEA’s mission.

The interlacing patterns symbolize connection, solidarity, and strength through unity, core values central to our work in promoting human rights and peace education and research across Southeast Asia. Just as each thread contributes to a larger, unified design, SHAPE-SEA brings together diverse voices, institutions, and communities to shape a more just and peaceful region.