At the Crossroads of Scholarship: Reflections from the AAS Conference.
By Qianyu Ma, PhD in History
Attending the Association for Asian Studies (AAS) conference from March 12 to 15 marked a transformative milestone in my academic journey. Beyond its formal panels and scheduled sessions, the conference functioned as a vital crossroads for an international community of scholars dedicated to the study of Islam in China.
Supported by a Humanities Center Graduate Student Conference Grant, I had the privilege of co-organizing the panel, “Chinese Muslim Networks and State Power: Agency, Adaptation, and Resilience from the Late Qing through the Xi Jinping Era,” where I also presented my paper, “Shadian: Struggle, Revival, and Networks of Hui Muslims (1911–2000s).” My research examines Shadian’s interregional connections across shifting historical periods, highlighting the enduring presence of internal Hui networks. I argue that these networks often operate beyond the direct reach of political authorities, bridging diverse Hui communities across geographic and sectarian divides.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the conference was the opportunity to build both personal and professional connections. Engaging with scholars from the United Kingdom, Poland, Japan, Canada, Germany, Turkey, and the United States underscored the global relevance of this field. The thoughtful feedback and genuine encouragement I received from established scholars were especially affirming. Knowing that others recognize the value of my work made the often-solitary nature of academic research feel far less isolating.
"One of the most meaningful aspects of the conference was the opportunity to build both personal and professional connections".
The conference also immersed me in the cutting edge of humanities scholarship. Through both formal panels and informal conversations, I gained a clearer sense of emerging academic directions. More importantly, I began to see new possibilities for connecting rigorous historical research with the contemporary challenges facing Muslim communities in China today.
I am deeply grateful for the support of the humanities center, which made this experience possible. This opportunity did more than fund my participation—it opened the door to a global intellectual community that will continue to shape my scholarship for years to come.
