• SUVANNABHUMI
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.13-38
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• 2024

The present paper intends to explain the probable reasons and practical circumstances for the paucity of local scholars in the region in attaining international recognition as Southeast Asianists. Far from being an apologetic piece, on the contrary, our goal is to first ascertain the causal factors for the lacuna, and in turn, to propose hopeful and realistic panaceas in resolving and overcoming the dire situation. Why? The rationale and advantageous factors in nurturing Southeast Asians as Southeast Asianist follow in the later part of the paper.