The 2017 Southwestern Texas Asian Symposium is to bring scholars, researchers, practitioners, and students together to discuss issues related to teaching and researching in the Asian contexts. Specifically, it aims to provide a forum that allows participants across disciplines to explore critical issues about Asia and fosters a community of professionals specialized in Asia-related research and Asian scholars. Promoting and serving for diversity and globalization in higher education, the Southwestern Texas Asian Symposium will be an avenue for academic and professional discourse amongst faculty, students, and practitioners in various fields and specialties.