Assistant Prof. Kester Conducted Two-day Talk in NSYSU

On December 26, 2019, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a personalized invitation from Dr. Chuang, a highly respected director associated with the International Graduate Program of Education and Human Development (IGPEHD). The invitation was extended for me to attend a thought-provoking talk by A/P Kester, who is renowned for sharing profound insights on a wide range of compelling and engaging topics related to education and human development.

1. The United Nations and Higher Education: Peacebuilding, Social Justice and Global Cooperation for the 21st Century.
2. Decolonizing Higher Education: Some Practical Examples from International and Intercultural Educators in Korea.

During the dates of January 8 and 9, 2020, Domingo Gaces Samontina, Jr., who also goes by the name Mingae, received an invitation from a member of the staff belonging to the International Graduate Program of Education and Human Development (IGPEHD) at the National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU). The purpose of the invitation was for Mingae to attend a comprehensive two-day lecture delivered by Assistant Professor Kevin Kester.

A/Prof. Kester and Mingae at the SS2002-1, College of Social Sciences in the National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) - 15:10 PM to 16:40 PM.

Dr. Kester, hailing from Kentucky, USA, now holds a position at the prestigious College of Education and School of Global Affairs at Keimyung University in South Korea.

The upcoming two-day discussion will delve into two important topics: "The United Nations and Higher Education: Peacebuilding, Social Justice, and Global Cooperation for the 21st Century" and "Decolonizing Higher Education: Some Practical Examples from International and Intercultural Educators in Korea."

“Day 1 – The United Nations and Higher Education: Peacebuilding, Social Justice and Global Cooperation for the 21st Century.”

Image courtesy of International Graduate Program of Education and Human Development (IGPEHD), NSYSU, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

On January 8, 2020, in a captivating presentation, Dr. Kester passionately elucidated the intricate relationship between education, conflict, and peacebuilding. The thought-provoking talk delved into the vital role of peace in ensuring the delivery of high-quality education in areas affected by conflict. Providing valuable insights into his work, Prof. Kester shed light on his research methods and project carried out in collaboration with the United Nations (UN). Attendees were engrossed as they gained a comprehensive understanding of diverse research methodologies, including critical ethnographic and case study approaches, extended participant observation, qualitative in-depth interviewing, meticulous field notes, thorough document analysis, and meticulously designed surveys.

Image from the PowerPoint presentation of Dr. Kester

“Day 2 – Decolonizing Higher Education: Some Practical Examples from International and Intercultural Educators in Korea.”

Image courtesy of International Graduate Program of Education and Human Development (IGPEHD), NSYSU, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

On January 9, 2020, Dr. Kester delivered his second presentation on the topic of decolonizing intercultural education. The aim of this project is to address the growing internationalization of Korean higher education in light of shifting demographics and citizenships within academic settings. During his presentation, Dr. Kester provided an overview of the project's objectives and tackled common questions related to this initiative. Additionally, he delved into an analysis of various decolonization movements across the globe, shared insights from decolonial literature, and meticulously scrutinized the strengths and weaknesses of different decolonization strategies. Finally, he concluded by offering practical tips and strategies for implementing decolonial education.

Image from the PowerPoint presentation of Dr. Kester

Dr. Kester provides valuable insights into the themes covered in the book "How to Publish a Lot and Still Have a Life: Tips and Tricks for PhD Students and Early-Career Researchers." In the book, he shares practical advice and strategies for academic publishing, aimed at helping PhD students and early-career researchers achieve a healthy work-life balance while maintaining a prolific publication record.

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