The opening ceremony of the ASEAN Center for Applied Studies and Research, established under the Rectorate of the Social Sciences University of Ankara (SSUA), was held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 10:30 AM, on the SSUA campus.

The event was attended by Her Excellency Berris Ekinci, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; His Excellency Sazali Bin Mustafa Kamal, Ambassador of Malaysia and Chair of ASEAN for the current term; ambassadors and diplomatic representatives of ASEAN member states; as well as numerous scholars and invited guests.

The ceremony began with a brief welcoming address by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hatice Çelik, Director of the ASEAN Center for Applied Studies and Research, who greeted the protocol and attendees. In the subsequent opening speech delivered by SSUA Rector Prof. Dr. Musa Kâzım Arıcan, it was emphasized that the center represents not just a space for academic research but a broader intellectual vision rooted in a shared quest for wisdom. Rector Arıcan highlighted that the center would play a vital role in strengthening science diplomacy, fostering collaborative academic production, and promoting cultural affinity between peoples.

The Rector also recalled that Turkey became a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN in 2017, noting that this collaboration is not only geopolitical in nature but also deeply rooted in historical, cultural, and philosophical ties. He further underlined how Turkey’s “Asia Anew” initiative has brought a new dimension to its engagement with Asian societies—grounded in knowledge, wisdom, and shared values.

As part of the program, opening remarks were also delivered by His Excellency Sazali Bin Mustafa Kamal, Ambassador of Malaysia and current Chair of ASEAN, and Her Excellency Berris Ekinci, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. Across all speeches, the center’s potential to strengthen multilateral dialogue between Turkey and ASEAN countries, create new opportunities for academic diplomacy, and contribute to cultural diplomacy was strongly emphasized.

Following the speeches, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in front of the office space allocated to the center within the SSUA Rectorate Building. With the participation of Rector Prof. Dr. Musa Kâzım Arıcan, Deputy Minister Berris Ekinci, and ambassadors, the formal launch of the center was symbolically declared. Afterwards, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hatice Çelik gave a brief presentation to the guests outlining the center’s scope and objectives.

She explained that the center features a comprehensive structure, including multilingual seminars, region-focused research, student and faculty exchange programs, and socio-cultural initiatives