Wahyuning Ndraha and Adi Hermawan, representing the Wadah Foundation, participated in the International Convention of Asian Scholars (ICAS) from Sunday, July 28, 2020, to Thursday, August 1, 2020, at Airlangga University, Surabaya. This conference, themed ‘Crossways of Knowledge,’ was organized by the International Institute for Asian Studies. The theme emphasized the exchange of knowledge across academic disciplines, knowledge sectors, and geographical areas, involving not only researchers and scholars but also practitioners, thereby bridging the gap between research and real-world application.
ICAS, held since 1998, is an international conference that aims to bring together academics and the public for a broader exchange of knowledge on issues related to Asia and beyond. The conference features various sessions, including academic presentations, panel discussions, and cultural activities.
The Wadah Foundation’s participation was encouraged by the Board of Yayasan Arsari Djojohadikusumo (YAD), who introduced ICAS to the Wadah Board. Although the Wadah representatives who attended were not researchers or scholars, their presence will enhance Wadah’s knowledge and network in delivering community services. Yayasan Arsari Djojohadikusumo is one of the sponsors of this conference.
During the 13th ICAS, representatives from the Wadah Foundation collaborated with those from YAD, actively participating in various activities. These ranged from asking questions during workshops and panel discussions to engaging in exhibitions and discussing materials at the end of each day. Presentations from researchers worldwide provided deeper insights into the latest trends in service delivery across various fields, such as the use of tools, approaches, methods, waste management, culture, health, and community engagement, especially in the Asian region.
As one of the participants, the author found one of the most memorable moments to be a discussion with Paul Rabe, a researcher from the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS), on the theme ‘Rethinking Community-Engaged Approaches’. This panel discussion explored ideal ways, methods, and tools used in community management. The author also gained new knowledge about Community Engagement Architecture, an approach that not only produces more functional and aesthetic buildings but also empowers communities by giving them an active role in shaping their own neighborhoods. Community engagement is a process of working with the community, making them subjects rather than objects, as they are the ones who best understand their needs and what actions to take. This panel discussion bridged the gap between the theory and practice of Wadah Foundation’s Community Engagement.
In practice, Wadah has played several roles in empowering the community. Not only as a facilitator, but Wadah also drives personal transformation (social change), acts as a catalyst, and enhances sustainable resilience through various empowerment programs that positively impact the quality of life of the assisted community.
Participation in the 13th ICAS had a significant impact on the posture and exposure of Wadah Foundation and YAD employees. It supported employees in working professionally through the latest theories from renowned researchers and increased their knowledge in adopting and implementing these theories in the field. The conference, attended by researchers and education activists from around the world, was conducted in English, helping participants from Wadah sharpen their English skills.
Author: Wahyuning Dwi Ndraha
Editor: Paula Stela Nova Landowero
