12 January 2026 – Tsinghua SEA, Bali
Bali, Indonesia – The Tsinghua Southeast Asia Center (TSEA) is hosting the 3rd Bali Workshop on Music & Brain on January 9-11, 2026, at the TSEA Center in the Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone (SEZ). This prestigious forum brings together scientists, academics, and practitioners from various disciplines to discuss the relationship between music, the brain, technology, and culture through a scientific approach that is relevant to real life. Supported by the Tsinghua Laboratory of Brain and Intelligence (THBI) and international academic partners, this workshop presents interdisciplinary discussions with an applied approach.
Key figures such as Prof. Stella Christie, Ph.D. (Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia) and Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan (Chair of the National Economic Council) will also be present, further emphasizing the significance of this forum for the advancement of science and technology and the creative economy in Indonesia.
Over three full days, the workshop provided an immersive experience that combined in-depth research presentations with lively panel discussions. In addition to theory, participants also witnessed firsthand demonstrations of cutting-edge technology and musical performances that explored the wonders of rhythm, melody, and the secrets behind human creativity. Another interesting point came from Prof. Charles Limb (UCSF), a world-renowned expert in music neuroscience. In his presentation, he highlighted how future technology can create an inclusive musical experience for people with hearing impairments.
Prof. Stella Christie, Ph.D., said, “Research and knowledge do not stop at the laboratory, but occur in our daily lives. As Indonesians, we should be proud that we have musical diversity, and we can learn from it.” In addition, Nimas Mega Purnamasari, Executive Director of the Tsinghua Southeast Asia Center, emphasized, “The Bali Workshop on Music & Brain is designed as an open, cross-disciplinary collaboration space where science, art, and culture can meet on equal terms. We hope this forum will encourage new approaches to research and education, especially in the Southeast Asian region.”
The series of activities concluded with a public lecture open to the general public in the TSEA environment, as an effort to expand public access to scientific discourse and strengthen the connection between the world of research and society. More than just an academic forum, the 3rd Bali Workshop on Music & Brain became a global dialogue space on the role of music in understanding the brain, humans, and social life, while strengthening Bali’s position as a host for international scientific discourse.
About Tsinghua Southeast Asia Center (TSEA)
Tsinghua Southeast Asia Center (TSEA) is Tsinghua University’s regional center in Southeast Asia, located in Kura Kura Bali SEZ. TSEA focuses on developing international collaboration in education, research, innovation, and public policy, bridging the exchange of knowledge between China, Southeast Asia, and the global community.
Further information:
Website: https://tsea.tsinghua.edu.cn
Instagram: @tsinghua_sea
LinkedIn: Tsinghua Southeast Asia Center