Fudan  has always been a welcoming hub for international academic exchange,  and we are proud to showcase the experiences of those who have come to  share their knowledge and learn from our vibrant community.

Prof. Shofwan Al Banna Choiruzzad from Universitas Indonesia is visiting Fudan this November as a fellow through Fudan-Sinarmas Fellow Program,  which aims to strengthen academic research and collaboration between  Indonesian and Fudan scholars. His research focuses on the dynamics  surrounding the development of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its relationship with other ASEAN global and regional actors, including China.

Choiruzzad poses with a colleague inside a canteen on Jiangwan Campus

Q: What attracted you to Fudan?

Choiruzzad:  I have been involved in various research and academic collaborations  focusing on ASEAN-China relations. I was involved with some second track  diplomacy processes such as the Network of East Asia Think Tanks (NEAT) and the Network of ASEAN-China Academic Institutes (NACAI). Fudan University is a leading institution in China and has played a key role in this process, especially the NACAI. 

Since  about eight years ago at regional forums in Thailand, I had the  opportunity to work alongside scholars from Fudan. Since then I had  opportunities to meet and engage with many scholars from Fudan, such as  XUE Song from Center for China’s Relations with Neighboring Countries at  Fudan University and YAO Wen and QI Huaigao from Institute of  International Studies of Fudan University. Since our topic was pretty  much connected, we often meet in conferences or seminars in Indonesia or  other countries. When there was talk of the possibility of a deeper  engagement with Fudan through this fellowship, I decided to take the  opportunity. I have been in Washington DC for a visiting fellowship and  learn about the US perspectives, so I think it is important to learn  more about China’s perspectives from China’s academic community and  policy circles. This, I think, is crucial to developing a stronger  mutual understanding and people-to-people connectivity between Indonesia  and China.

Choiruzzad poses in front of Jiangwan Stadium, Shanghai

Q: What’s your impression of Fudan?

Choiruzzad:  The buildings, the environment, and all that, are fascinating of  course. But the most impressive part is the people. The scholars at  Fudan University are always enthusiastic about developing mutual  understanding and better understanding between China and Indonesia.

We  are witnessing the rise of China, the rise of middle powers, including  Indonesia, and the possibility of creating a more equal and fair global  order. To realize this, we need to understand each other better. This is  why I find these academic initiatives important. The people of Fudan  are very active in developing a bridge to better understand between  Indonesia and China, and I’m very happy to be part of it.

Q: What does your research during this fellow program focus on?

Choiruzzad:  My project examines how different countries perceive the Indo-Pacific  region. The term has become a key regional construct, often viewed  through a geopolitical lens. I’m exploring how countries, including  Indonesia and China, understand the term, and how these interpretations  shape political and economic cooperation in this region. Essentially, my  research looks at how regional imagination is socially constructed and  contested.

Q:  The 2019 ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) aspires to offer a  genuine and unified perspective, reflecting ASEAN’s comprehensive and  cohesive vision for the Indo-Pacific region. How can it, according to  your research, be used to strengthen cooperation between Indonesia and  China?

Choiruzzad:  The AOIP’s strategic role is to advocate regional cooperation in the  Indo-Pacific, emphasizing inclusivity rather than conflict or great  power rivalry. ASEAN should be at the center, encouraging great powers  including China and the U.S. to listen more to non-Great Powers for  mutual benefit. However, concrete action is needed to bridge the gap  between strategic documents and on-the-ground initiatives. ASEAN can  leverage its outlook to connect various regional connectivity  initiatives, such as the Belt and Road, Japan’s infrastructure projects,  and U.S. economic frameworks, transforming them from competing efforts  into cooperative projects.

Q: What are your expectations for future collaborations and academic exchanges with Fudan?

Choiruzzad:  I’m excited to continue working with Fudan scholars because we share a  commitment to strengthening the relationship between China and  Indonesia. I’ve already discussed potential research collaborations with  young scholars and future connectivity initiatives for ASEAN 2025.  I’m also looking forward to institutional partnerships, including  student exchanges and possibly joint academic programs between  Universitas Indonesia and Fudan.

Choiruzzad poses in front of the Indonesia Booth at CIIE

Q: You’ve been invited to attend this year’s China International Import Expo (CIIE). What do you think of this event?

Choiruzzad:  An event of this scale is spectacular. As a scholar, I usually work  with data and statistics, but the expo provides a unique opportunity to  see real-world economic interactions. It was exciting to hear  perspectives from business actors from different countries. 

Q: Do you have any plan besides research during your stay?

Choiruzzad:  I enjoy history a lot, and Shanghai is fascinating with its rich  historical background. China’s ancient civilization offers so much to  explore. Also, I’m hoping to visit cities like Xi’an. If possible, I  also want to learn directly from short courses on China’s experiences  for development.