A fourth-year political science student from West Visayas State University (WVSU) has proudly represented the university and the Philippines at the Regional Conference of the International Society for the Studies of Chinese Overseas (ISSCO) held at Universitas Kristen Maranatha in Bandung, Indonesia last November 7-8, 2024.

The ISSCO conference themed “Diaspora and Development: Exploring the Contributions of Chinese Communities Worldwide,” brought together scholars, researchers, and students from across the globe to discuss the cultural, economic, and political influence of Chinese populations outside China.

Representing the WVSU, Ericah Villacarlos took center stage to present her study on the “落叶归根: Tsinoys Reconnecting with Cultural Roots through Huayu Education”, delving into the rich history and socio-political contributions of Chinese-Filipino communities within the globe.

Furthermore, this research was a collaborative effort co-authored with fellow senior Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (BA PoS) students John Rey Mar A. Flores and Christian Erick C. Baguio.

WVSU’s participation in the ISSCO conference also served as a valuable networking opportunity, allowing them to connect with international scholars and researchers working in the field of diaspora studies. These connections could lead to future collaborations and further research opportunities.

With Villacarlos’s successful presentation, WVSU remains committed to encouraging students to participate in global academic conversations, empowering future leaders and researchers who will continue to explore issues that matter on both regional and international scales.