Centre for Asia-Pacific Initiatives

Coming up next week, a talk hosted in collaboration with our colleagues at Centre for Global Studies and Centre for Studies in Religion and Society (CSRS) - UVic.
On Tuesday, March 17 (10:30–11:30 AM PT), The Harold Coward India Research Fellow Shubham Arora will present “Sexual Pleasure as Thought: Erotics in Premodern South Asia.” His talk explores the rich intellectual tradition in South Asia that treated pleasure as a subject of serious reflection, examining how texts such as the Kāmasūtra engaged with questions of desire, relationships, social roles and human fulfillment.
Rather than viewing these works only as manuals of practice, this discussion highlights how they contributed to broader conversations about intimacy, emotion, and the principles of a well lived life across centuries.

Hybrid event
Fraser Building 152, University of Victoria or join via Zoom
Tuesday, March 17 | 10:30–11:30 AM PT
https://events.uvic.ca/capi/event/105963-sexual-pleasure-as-thought-erotics-in-premodern

Curious about what's next for Canada after Prime Minister Mark Carney's deal with President Xi Jinping? Join us on Wednesday for an expert perspective on the impact and implications for Canada China trade relations.

Wednesday 28 January | 3:00pm-4:00pm | FRA 158

https://events.uvic.ca/capi/event/105052-canada-china-reset-impact-and-implications

Image attribution: European Union/ President.az

On Friday, October 4, 2025, the Centre for Asia-Pacific Initiatives (CAPI) hosted the 2025 CAPI Asia Forum at the University of Victoria; a day dedicated to exploring research across the Asia-Pacific and Indo-Pacific regions.

The forum featured UVic faculty, graduate students, and visiting scholars who presented their work through engaging 5x5 presentations, joined a fun trivia challenge, and took part in thought-provoking discussions on “Asia in the News.”

It was an inspiring day of collaboration and community. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the forum’s success! 🌏💡

Calling UVic students!

Thinking about interning abroad next year?

The Centre for Asia-Pacific Initiatives (CAPI) is offering fully funded internship opportunities for 2026 in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Nepal, and Japan. These 3 and 6 month placements provide students with hands-on professional and cross-cultural experience through partnerships across the Asia-Pacific. The application deadline for the program is January 30, 2026.

Join our information session with Program Manager Robyn Fila TOMORROW to know more about the program.

Info Session: Wednesday, Oct 15, 12:30–1:30 PM in the CAPI Boardroom (Fraser A168a, within the Law Library)
https://events.uvic.ca/capi/event/100055-capi-2026-internships-info-session-1

Photo - 2025 Intern Christy Wittkamp (right) with colleague Helika in Nepal.