Ken Calang, Mahidol University and Doctoral Visiting Fellow, SCMR
Ken Calang, a PhD candidate in Multicultural Studies at Mahidol University, recently completed a Doctoral Visiting Fellowship at the University of Sussex. From February 3 to March 28, 2025, he was hosted under the ‘Doctoral Researcher Supervised Visit Under Partnership MoU’ scheme at the School of Global Studies, where he deepened his engagement with critical migration studies. The fellowship was also funded by Mahidol University through the Scholarship for Postgraduate Student Mobility Program 2025.
Throughout his fellowship, Mr. Calang actively collaborated with scholars at the Sussex Centre for Migration Research (SCMR), benefiting from a vibrant academic exchange. Under the guidance of his host adviser, Dr Sarah Scuzzarello, he participated in regular seminars and contributed with insightful perspectives to ongoing discussions. His time at Sussex was dedicated to advancing the three empirical chapters of his dissertation, which now stand as well-developed drafts. Reflecting on his experience, Mr. Calang described the fellowship as a vital experience in his academic journey.
This opportunity has been incredibly enriching, both as a PhD student and as a researcher immersed in the complexities of migration studies. Engaging with leading scholars, refining my theoretical approach, and working within such a dynamic academic environment have significantly strengthened my dissertation on migration. Beyond academia, this experience has broadened my global outlook, emphasizing the value of global collaboration.
His dissertation, which examines the intersectionality in the lives of Filipino migrant workers in Bangkok, took significant strides forward during his time at Sussex. With a strong focus on the development of key chapters, he leveraged the fellowship to refine his research arguments.
As he continues his doctoral journey, Mr. Calang’s experience at Sussex stands as a testament to the power of academic mobility in shaping research and fostering cross-cultural intellectual exchange. “My time at Sussex was more than a research visit—it was a period of intellectual growth, self-discovery, and meaningful academic engagement,” he shared.
This post was originally posted on the Phd Program in Multicultural Studies, Mahidol University’s Facebook page