Commencing at the IPSA World Congress in Seoul, this landmark 50th Anniversary celebration of the Research Committee on Asian and Pacific Studies (RC18) honors five decades of scholarly leadership, international dialogue, and global impact.
Founded by the visionary Dr. Teh-Kuang Chang—a founding professor of the Department of Political Science at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, USA, who established its International Studies program—RC18 has served as a vital platform for exploring the diverse and dynamic Asia-Pacific region. It continues to foster an inclusive community of scholars dedicated to advancing knowledge and understanding across borders.
From foundations to current frontiers, RC18 evolved from groundbreaking regional studies to a leading force at the forefront of global political science. The committee embraces innovative methodologies, interdisciplinary exchange, and worldwide collaboration. This celebration honors Dr. Chang’s enduring legacy, inspiring leadership, and the foundational values guiding RC18’s mission.
Building on a distinguished legacy of scholarly engagement, RC18 looks ahead with a forward-thinking vision grounded in intellectual rigor and global relevance. It invites the next generation of scholars to carry the torch—pursuing innovative research, fostering intercultural dialogue, and addressing evolving complexities of the Asia-Pacific with insight, creativity, and academic integrity.
In recognition of his leadership and contributions, the inaugural Outstanding Scholar in Asian and Pacific Studies Award will be presented in honor of Dr. Teh-Kuang Chang. This award henceforth bears his name as the Dr. Teh-Kuang Chang Award.
Special performance by GRAMMY® Award-winning pianist Angelin Chang, active in IPSA since World Congress Paris 1985. As a classical pianist, she is the first of Asian heritage and first American woman to win a GRAMMY®.
Join us in honoring this remarkable journey and celebrating a legacy that bridges continents, generations, and disciplines—a legacy that continues to inspire the worldwide academy for decades.
With deep appreciation to the International Political Science Association (IPSA), Ball State University, and the Cleveland State University College of Law—and to all touched by Dr. Teh-Kuang Chang’s legacy and the enduring work of RC18. This 50th anniversary celebrates scholars, board members, and participants whose contributions have shaped and sustained this global scholarly community across generations.
