East and South East Asian Heritage Month

Colourful banner with the words East and South East Asian Heritage Month

Why Celebrate East and South East Asian Heritage Month?

Besea.n, Britain’s East and South East Asian Network, launched East and South East Asian Heritage Month in 2022. The aim of the month is to celebrate the contributions of people from ESEA to the UK, bring joy to the community, and reflect on forgotten histories. It is also a safe space and time to discuss issues faced by ESEA communities in the UK.

Countries in East Asia

  • China
  • Hong Kong
  • Japan
  • Macau
  • Mongolia
  • North Korea
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan

Countries in South East Asia

  • Brunei
  • Cambodia
  • Indonesia
  • Laos
  • Malaysia
  • Myanmar
  • The Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Timor-Leste (East Timor)
  • Vietnam

2026 Theme

This year’s ESEA Heritage Month theme, Evolving Threads, invites us to reflect on how our stories, identities, and communities are continually shaped by movement, change, and connection. It celebrates the adaptability of East and Southeast Asian communities as we navigate shifting social, cultural, and political landscapes while preserving and reimagining heritage. The theme also highlights the interconnectedness of our experiences across generations, borders, and communities, and the importance of solidarity in building collective futures. Evolving Threads encourages us to honour the past, strengthen relationships in the present, and weave new possibilities for tomorrow.

More information, events, and resources

East and South East Asian Heritage Month

besea.n - Britain's East and South East Asian Network

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Our EDI Team

Lancaster University's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Team works to support EDI initiatives across the university and to develop relevant EDI policies and practices.

As part of our role, we support the University's Staff Networks, including the Black, Asian, and Ethnic Minority Staff Network.

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