Centre for Asian Modernisation

OVERVIEW

The Centre for Asian Modernisation (CAM) explores how Southeast Asian (SEA) societies respond to the forces of global change. Central to its mission is the development of locally grounded research capable of fostering dialogue between Southeast Asia, North Asia, and the West on different forms of modernisation, their consequences, and their political management.

CAM draws on Taylor's pioneering work in Food, Cultures and Health studies to conceptualise new approaches to understanding modernisation in the region. It adopts an interdisciplinary approach rooted in the social sciences and humanities, utilising quantitative surveys on national representative samples and behavioural analyses conducted in an experimental social Lab.

Purpose

Explore the dynamics of transformation in Southeast Asian societies to refine and develop theories of compressed modernisation. Create the conditions for basing public policies on a better understanding of socio-cultural contexts.

Mission
Highlight the forms and impacts of rapid modernisation in Asia, with a focus on Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

ABOUT US

RESEARCH CLUSTERS

PUBLICATIONS

Shaping the Future of Modern Asia

Asian societies have undergone rapid transformations over the past several decades. The concepts of 'compressed' modernisation aim to capture how, within the span of just one or two generations, deep changes have taken place in areas such as demography, consumption patterns, living environments, urbanisation, transportation, and communication—changes that unfolded over six generations or more in Western contexts.

However, the nature and impact of these transformations vary significantly from one country to another, depending on social and ethnocultural factors. CAM explores the dynamics of Asian modernity through diverse lenses, including relationships to food and health, the political management of social identities, the interplay between modernity and heritage in architecture, performing arts, gastronomy, and the role of psychology in social regulation.

Based on empirical data from Southeast Asia and highlighting the diversity of forms of modernisation, CAM contributes to the theoretical debates on modernisation.

CAM explores the rapid and diverse transformations in Asian societies—shaped by 'compressed modernisation'—where changes in demography, consumption, urbanisation, and communication occurred over one or two generations, unlike the longer timelines seen in the West. These shifts vary across and within countries, influenced by social and ethnocultural contexts.

CAM examines these dynamics through themes like food and health, identity politics, modernity versus heritage in arts and architecture, and the role of psychology in social regulation. By drawing on Southeast Asian data, CAM enriches theoretical debates on the varied paths of modernisation.

OUR TEAM

The Centre for Asian Modernisation is driven by a diverse team of researchers, academics, and thought leaders united by a shared commitment to exploring Asia’s evolving landscape.

Professor Jean Pierre Poulain

Chair for the Center

Associate Professor Dr Elise Line Mognard

Cluster Lead for Food, Cultures and Health

Associate Professor Keith Tan Kay Hin

Cluster Lead for Innovative Tropical City

Professor Rozainee Khairudin

Cluster Lead for Psychology of Modernisation

Professor Dr Andrea Passeri

Cluster Lead for Politics and International Relations

Professor Anindita Dasgupta

Cluster Lead for Creative Arts

Food Culture and Health

This research explores food systems through social structures, health outcomes, risk perceptions, and heritage. It examines modernisation in Asian food cultures via food morality, safety policies, gastronomy, and sustainability. Bridging humanities and sciences, it fosters interdisciplinary collaboration across sociology, anthropology, psychology, epidemiology, nutrition, and technology to analyse societal transformations.

Value Proposition

To manage the transition toward healthy sustainable food systems, contextualised in cultures.

UNSDGs Committed

#2: Zero Hunger
#3 Good Health and Wellbeing
#5: Gender Equality
#12: Responsible Consumption and Production
#13 Climate action

AREA OF FOCUS

Each focus area reflects a commitment to addressing complex societal challenges through interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging collaboration across fields to generate impactful insights and real-world solutions.

Transitions in Food Systems and Cultures

Exploring how modernisation, globalisation, and urbanisation are reshaping food systems and cultural practices across Asia.

Protein Transition and Food Security

Investigating shifts in protein sources—such as from meat to plant-based or alternative proteins—and their implications for nutrition, sustainability, and equitable access to food.

Interactions Between Food Models and Health Outcomes

Analysing how different dietary patterns, food environments, and consumption behaviours influence public health, including obesity, chronic illness, and nutritional wellbeing.

Risk Perception and Management

Examining how individuals and societies understand, evaluate, and respond to food-related risks, including safety, contamination, and regulatory frameworks.

Heritage and the Construction of Collective Identities

Studying the role of food heritage in shaping collective memory, cultural belonging, and identity formation within communities.

Politics and International Relations

The Politics and International Relations research cluster investigates how compacted modernisation, intended as the rapid socio-economic and technological growth unfolding in Southeast Asian nations, reshapes the region’s political landscape and diplomatic engagements.

As ASEAN countries acquire enhanced cultural, educational, and technological appeal, they are increasingly positioned as active subjects in global affairs, exercising soft power and negotiating from positions of growing influence. By analysing government strategies, foreign policy evolution, and societal shifts, our research aims to assess Southeast Asia’s role in shaping international norms, coalitions, and governance frameworks.

Value Proposition

Providing in-depth, interdisciplinary insights into how Southeast Asian nations leverage rapid socio-economic growth, technological innovations, and soft power strategies to reshape diplomatic engagements and regional security frameworks.

UNSDGs Committed

#4: Quality Education
#16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
#17: Partnerships for the Goals

AREA OF FOCUS

Foreign Policy and Compacted Modernisation

Explores how Southeast Asia’s accelerated modernisation shapes national foreign policies, influencing regional strategies, international alignments, and global diplomatic behaviour.

Gastrodiplomacy and Soft Power

Investigates the use of food as a diplomatic tool to project cultural identity, foster international goodwill, and strengthen a country’s soft power influence on the global stage.

Emotions in International Decision-Making

Examines how emotional dynamics—such as pride, fear, empathy, or resentment—affect foreign policy decisions, diplomatic negotiations, and international relations in both crisis and cooperation.

Borders, Identities, and Migration

Analyses the evolving concepts of national borders, identity construction, and migration patterns in Southeast Asia, particularly in the context of regional integration and transnational challenges.

Innovative Tropical Cities

As a research cluster located in one of the most culturally diverse urban centres in Asia, the Innovative Tropical Cities Cluster will build on this competitive advantage to engage in challenging, forward-looking research via 4 linked areas.

Focus on architectural research that highlights socio-economic, heritage and environmental sustainability in the context of tropical cities in Asia. They will encourage technological innovation as a tool and solution to many of the diverse challenges faced by cities in the Indo-Pacific region.

Value Proposition

Sustainable urban development through innovative, socially equitable architecture, ecological design, and digital solutions, addressing climate challenges and cultural sustainability in diverse cities.

UNSDGs Committed

#8: Decent Work & Economic Growth
#11: Sustainable Cities & Communities
#13: Climate Action

AREA OF FOCUS

Historic and Future Tropical Cities

Explores the evolution of tropical cities, linking historical insights with future-focused strategies for sustainable urban development.

Urban Community Identity

Examines how architecture and public spaces shape, reflect, and reinforce the cultural identity and social cohesion of urban communities.

Intelligent Building Solutions

Focuses on smart technologies and adaptive systems that enhance building performance, energy efficiency, and user experience in urban environments.

Climate-Proof Future Design

Develops resilient design strategies to future-proof cities and infrastructure against the impacts of climate change, particularly in tropical regions.

Business woman in a conference having conversation

Psychology of Modernisation

The Psychology Research Cluster studies how modernisation influences individuals' minds and behaviours in Asia. It examines the psychological impact of rapid economic, social, and cultural changes, focusing on well-being, identity, and behaviour.

Key areas include urbanisation, technological advancements, educational reforms, and global economic integration shaping psychological experiences.

Value Proposition

Examining modernisation’s psychological impact on mental health, identity, social relationships, and family dynamics in rapidly evolving Asian societies.

UNSDGs Committed

#3: Good Health and Wellbeing
#4: Quality Education
#8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
#10: Reduced Inequalities

AREA OF FOCUS

Urban and Technological Mental Health.

Investigates the psychological impacts of rapid urbanisation and advanced technology on mental well-being and distress within Asian societies.

Modern Mindset Impacts

Examine how embracing modern values and lifestyles affects individual identity, well-being, and cognitive processes in evolving Asian contexts.

Hyperconnected Psycho-Social Risks

Explores the psychological and social challenges arising from constant digital connectivity and information overload in modern Asian communities.

Asian Family Dynamics and Parenting.

Analyses how modernisation and socio-economic changes are transforming family structures and parenting approaches across diverse Asian cultures.

Creative Arts

This cluster explores how Asia’s rapid modernisation reshapes artistic narratives in literature, theatre, music, and dance. As cultural identities evolve, artists navigate tradition and change, creating new forms that reflect shifting societal landscapes.

Using critical theory and performance studies, this initiative examines artistic expression as a site of negotiation, resistance, and reinvention, redefining modernisation through creativity and its impact on identity, hybridity, and sociopolitical change.

Value Proposition

By bridging tradition and transformation, it highlights creativity’s role in redefining sociopolitical expression in rapidly evolving societies.

UNSDGs Committed

#4: Quality Education
#5: Gender Equality
#10: Reduced Inequalities

AREA OF FOCUS

Hybridity and Cultural Identity in Art

Examines how Asian artists blend diverse cultural influences, creating new art forms that reflect evolving, hybrid identities amidst rapid modernisation and societal shifts.

Gender, Performance, and Representation

Investigates how artistic performances and creative works challenge, explore, and redefine gender roles and their representation within evolving Asian societies.

Urbanisation, Space, and Aesthetics

Explore how rapid urbanisation and the transformation of spaces in Asia directly influence the themes, forms, and aesthetics of contemporary artistic expression.

Tradition, Innovation, and Art Forms

Analyses how artists reinterpret established traditions while fostering innovation, leading to the dynamic reinvention of artistic forms in response to societal change.

Language, Imagination, and Creative Politics

Delves into how language and imaginative processes in creative expression serve as powerful tools for political commentary, resistance, and societal critique.

Rochedy, A., Valette, M., Tauber, M., & Poulain, J. P. (2025). Dietary care and familialisation of children with Prader-Willi syndrome. SSM - Qualitative Research in Health, 8, 100574. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmqr.2025.100574
URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667321525000526

Wan, P. M., Ali, A., Mognard, E., Jegathesan, A. J., Lee, S. L., Ganesan, R., Noor, M. I., Rochedy, A., Valette, M., Tauber, M., Thong, M.-W., & Poulain, J. P. (2024). Management of food socialization for children with Prader-Willi Syndrome: An exploration study in Malaysia. PLOS ONE, 19(8), e0307874. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0307874
URL: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0307874

Drewnowski, A., Monsivais, P., Mognard, E., Noor, M. I., Karim, N., Laporte, C., Alem, Y., & Poulain, J. P. (2024). A short dietary assessment instrument to evaluate protein quality and the diversity of protein sources in Malaysian diets. Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health. https://doi.org/10.1177/10105395231219049
URL: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/10105395231219049

Gibney, M. J., Angeles-Agdeppa, I., Mognard, E. L., Khusun, H., Poulain, J.-P., Ducay, A., Toledo, M. B., Anggraini, R., Februhartanty, J., & Hopkins, S. (2024). The International Breakfast Research Initiative—Evaluation and comparison of breakfast nutrient intakes in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines with a view to proposing a harmonised nutrient-based breakfast recommendation. Nutrients, 16(14), 2180. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142180
URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/14/2180

Khusun, H., Anggraini, R., Februhartanty, J., Mognard, E., Fauzia, K., Maulida, N. R., Linda, O., & Poulain, J. P. (2023). Breakfast consumption and quality of macro- and micronutrient intake in Indonesia: A study from the Indonesian Food Barometer. Nutrients, 15(17), 3792. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15173792
URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/17/3792

Khusun, H., Februhartanty, J., Mognard, E., Anggraini, R., Hapsari, W., & Poulain, J. P. (2023). Indonesian Food Barometer: Food, cultures, and health. SEAMEO RECFON.
URL: https://irasec.com/Indonesian-Food-Barometer

Mognard, E., Sanubari, T. P. E., Alem, Y., Yuen, J. L., Ragavan, N. A., Ismail, M. N., & Poulain, J. P. (2023). Breakfast practices in Malaysia, nutrient intake and diet quality: A study based on the Malaysian Food Barometer. Nutrients, 15(9), 2197. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15092197
URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/9/2197

Mognard, E., Naidoo, K., Laporte, C., Tibère, L., Alem, Y., Khusun, H., Februhartanty, J., Niiyama, Y., Ueda, H., Dasgupta, A., Dupuy, A., Rochedy, A., Yuen, J. L., Ismail, M. N., Nair, P. N., Ragavan, N. A., & Poulain, J. P. (2023). “Eating out”, spatiality, temporality and sociality: A database for China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and France. In A. Durazzo, I. Pravst, & M. Lucarini (Eds.), Databases and nutrition, volume II (pp. 81–88). Frontiers in Nutrition, 10, 1307370. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2023.1066737
URL: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1066737/full

Poulain, J. P., Mognard, E., Kong, J., Yuen, J. L., Tibère, L., Laporte, C., Yang, F. M., Dasgupta, A., Nair, P. K., Ragavan, N. A., & Noor, M. I. (2023). Much more than food: The Malaysian breakfast, a socio-cultural perspective. Sustainability, 15(3), 2815. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032815
URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/3/2815

Rochedy, A., Valette, M., Tauber, M., & Poulain, J. P. (2023). Food socialization of children with Prader-Willi syndrome: An interdisciplinary problematization. Frontiers in Nutrition, 10, 1177348. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2023.1177348
URL: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1177348/full

Khusun, H., Februhartanty, J., Anggraini, R., Mognard, E., Alem, Y., Noor, M. I., Karim, N., Laporte, C., Poulain, J. P., Monsivais, P., & Drewnowski, A. (2022). Animal and plant protein food sources in Indonesia differ across socio-demographic groups: Socio-cultural research in protein transition in Indonesia and Malaysia. Frontiers in Nutrition, 9, 762459. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.762459
URL: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.762459/full

Poulain, J. P. (2021). Food in transition: The place of food in the theories of transition. The Sociological Review, 69(3), 702–724. https://doi.org/10.1177/00380261211009092
URL: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/00380261211009092

Drewnowski, A., Mognard, E., Gupta, S., Ismail, M. N., Norimah, A. K., Tibère, L., Laporte, C., Alem, Y., Helda, K., Judhiastuty, F., Roselynne, A., & Poulain, J.-P. (2020). Socio-cultural and economic drivers of plant and animal protein consumption in Malaysia: The SCRiPT Study. Nutrients, 12(5), 1530. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12051530
URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32466102/

Niiyama, Y., Poulain, J. P., Ueda, H., Labeaut, M., Tibère, L., Kito, Y., & Kudo, H. (2020). Associated images of the health effects of radioactive substances in food and their origins: Studies in Japan and France. Japanese Journal of Risk Analysis, 29(4), 273–285. https://doi.org/10.11447/sraj.29.273
URL: https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/sraj/29/4/29_273/_article

Poulain, J.-P., Tibère, L., Laporte, C., Mognard, E., Neethiahnanthan, A. R., Ashrafzadeh, A., & Ismail, M. N. (2020). Malaysian Food Barometer (MFB): A study of the impact of compressed modernization on food habits. Malaysian Journal of Nutrition.
URL: https://agris.fao.org/search/en/providers/122640/records/647480e62d3f560f80b18f54

Rochedy, A., Raynaud, J. P., Maffre, T., & Poulain, J. P. (2020). (Dé)formations du processus de néophobie: Une approche sociologique des particularités alimentaires des enfants avec un trouble du spectre autistique. Neuropsychiatrie de l'Enfance et de l'Adolescence, 68(7), 347–355. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurenf.2020.06.001
URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0222961720301240

Tibère, L., Laporte, C., Poulain, J. P., Mognard, E., & Aloysius, M. (2019). Staging a national dish: The social relevance of nasi lemak in Malaysia. Asia Pacific Journal of Hospitality and Tourism, 8(1).
PDF URL (Taylor's Journal)

Augustin, J.-L., & Poulain, J.-P. (2018). Risk and food safety in China and Japan: Theoretical perspectives and empirical insights. London, UK: Routledge.

Drewnowski, A., & Poulain, J. P. (2018). What lies behind the transition from plant-based to animal protein? AMA Journal of Ethics, 20(10), 987–993. https://doi.org/10.1001/amajethics.2018.987
URL: https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/what-lies-behind-transition-plant-based-animal-protein/2018-10

Poulain, J. P., Smith, W., Laporte, C., Tibère, L., Ismail, M. N., Mognard, E., Aloysius, M., Neethiahnanthan, A. R., & Shamsul, A. B. (2015, April). Studying the consequences of modernization on ethnic food patterns: Development of the Malaysian Food Barometer (MFB). Anthropology of Food. https://doi.org/10.4000/aof.7735
URL: https://journals.openedition.org/aof/7735

Stay tuned as we continue to share exciting developments on the work of our research.

Have questions or want to learn more about our research? Whether you're a prospective collaborator, researcher, student, or industry partner, we welcome your enquiries. Get in touch with us to explore opportunities, request information, or start a conversation.

CAM

Centre for Asian Modernisation

Taylor's Lakeside Campus,

Subang, Malaysia

cam@taylors.edu.my

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OVERVIEW

Shaping the Future of Modern Asia

OUR TEAM

Food Culture and Health

AREA OF FOCUS

Transitions in Food Systems and Cultures

Protein Transition and Food Security

Interactions Between Food Models and Health Outcomes

Risk Perception and Management

Heritage and the Construction of Collective Identities

Politics and International Relations

AREA OF FOCUS

Foreign Policy and Compacted Modernisation

Gastrodiplomacy and Soft Power

Emotions in International Decision-Making

Borders, Identities, and Migration

Innovative Tropical Cities

AREA OF FOCUS

Historic and Future Tropical Cities

Urban Community Identity

Intelligent Building Solutions

Climate-Proof Future Design

Psychology of Modernisation

AREA OF FOCUS

Urban and Technological Mental Health.

Modern Mindset Impacts

Hyperconnected Psycho-Social Risks

Asian Family Dynamics and Parenting.

Creative Arts

AREA OF FOCUS

Hybridity and Cultural Identity in Art

Gender, Performance, and Representation

Urbanisation, Space, and Aesthetics

Tradition, Innovation, and Art Forms

Language, Imagination, and Creative Politics

CAM

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