Conferences

At the annual EUROSEAS (European Association for Southeast Asian Studies) Conference, held this year at the University of Amsterdam, two research papers concerning platformization studies were presented during the panel “Platformization in Southeast Asia”. The conference provided an opportunity for researchers to showcase their work and engage with scholars focused Southeast Asia's evolving political and social dynamics.

The first presentation, by Prof. Dr. Wolfram Schaffar and Amelie Wasmayr, both from the University of Passau, “Idols, Fandoms, and Skinship: The K-Popization of Politics in Thailand” explored the growing influence of K-pop fandom strategies on political mobilization during Thailand's 2019 and 2023 elections.

The second presentation, by Lieke Fröberg (University of Heidelberg) and Min Htin Kyaw Lat (University of Passau), on the topic “Donating Time as a Political Act - Click Farms and Contentious Politics” investigated how politically motivated internet users leverage click farms to generate income for political causes, and how this phenomenon can be conceptualized within the current debates on platformization. 

Both presentations were successful, sparking lively discussions and offering fresh perspectives on how digital platforms are shaping political engagement in Southeast Asia. The session was well-received by attendees, leading to productive exchanges.