This Programme takes a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of Southeast Asia as a region as well as its component countries, and will focus on in-depth studies into such topics as local history, ethnic and linguistic diversities, demographic trends, educational developments, environmental complexity and related topics. It is designed to provide students with the requisite analytical and methodological skills to acquire a broad understanding of ASEAN as a region and as an important regional association, as well as an in-depth professional knowledge of a reliance topic of research.

The spectrum of choices for study is broad. Studies may be undertaken at the local or national levels of selected countries or on the region as a whole. Topics may be related to the areas of study below:

1. The regional setting of ASEAN/Southeast Asia as well as history and historiography;
2. Cultural, religious, and sociological issues including folk culture;
3. Languages, literature and education including Chinese-language education;
4. Ethnic communities, demography, settlements including Malaysian New Villages, clan associations, migration, urbanization and environmental issues;
5. International and geopolitical relations;
6. Trade, the economies, and development including business enterprises, networks and entrepreneurs, ASEAN-China trade and infrastructure projects related to the Belt and Road Initiative;
7. Politics, nation building and integrative or divisive forces at the local and national levels;
8. Integration of ASEAN and the creation of the ASEAN Community.