The Asian Institute and The Centre for the Study of the United States Introduce Jason Lau, the Richard Charles Lee Postdoctoral Fellow
Meet Jason Lau, the Richard Charles Lee Postdoctoral Fellow for the Asian Institute and Centre for the Study of the United States. Dr. Lau earned his Ph.D. in Anthropology from the New School for Social Research, where he focused on the impact of digital technologies in Chinese society. His research, supported by the National Science Foundation and the Wenner-Gren Foundation, among others, examines the transformative effects of smartphones and the mobile internet on governance, identity, and everyday life in Asia.
Recent Academic Journey: I completed my Ph.D. in Anthropology at the New School for Social Research, where I explored the transformative impacts of digital technologies on Chinese society. My research, particularly focused on the roles of smartphones and the mobile internet, delved into how these technologies reshape aspects of governance, community identity, and everyday life. This work was generously supported by the National Science Foundation, the Wenner-Gren Foundation, and the Graduate Institute for Design, Ethnography & Social Thought.
Research Interests: My research focuses on digital development within Asia and its intersections with American and global contexts, exploring how technological innovations influence societal norms and cultural exchanges. This includes a recent project with the M+ Museum in Hong Kong on "Chinese alternative design," examining innovative practices outside mainstream industry paradigms. I am eager to expand these discussions at both CSUS and the Asian Institute at the University of Toronto.
Teaching Philosophy and Goals: This year at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, I will lead courses that explore the impact of technology on cultural transformations across Asian and American contexts. At Parsons School of Design in New York, I taught various courses that delved into the interplay between social sciences, design, and technology, focusing on how these fields inform and transform each other. My teaching approach emphasizes critical thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration, aiming to engage students in the broader societal impacts of technological advancements.
Looking Ahead: I am particularly excited about the potential for interdisciplinary projects at CSUS and the Asian Institute that will deepen our understanding of Asian and American digital cultures within a global context. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across disciplines at the Munk School to develop innovative research initiatives that will not only broaden our academic insights but also significantly enhance societal impact.
