The Association for Asian Studies (AAS) is a scholarly, non-political, non-profit professional association, open to all persons interested in Asia. With over 10,000 members worldwide, representing all the regions and countries of Asia and all academic disciplines across the humanities and social sciences, the AAS is the largest organization of its kind. AAS membership has grown significantly in recent years, with an increasing number of scholars from Asia crossing the Pacific to attend AAS annual conferences. Responding to this trend, the AAS Board of Directors enthusiastically endorsed the idea to have AAS conferences in Asia in partnership with local institutes and universities. The AAS-in-Asia does not replace the large annual conference held each spring in North America. This conference gives our members and others interested in Asian Studies, who are unable to attend the Annual Conferences held in North America, the opportunity to participate on panel sessions and network with colleagues in a more intimate setting. Although smaller in size, these conferences include the same exciting features as the Annual Conference, including special sessions, keynote speakers, book exhibits and receptions.