Dr. Maria Serena I. Diokno is a professor of history and former Vice President for Academic Affairs of the University of the Philippines. She obtained her PhD in History at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. Recent publications include articles on the history of imperialism in Southeast Asia, perspectives of Southeast Asian studies in the region, history and identity studies, and memory, power and the contruction of history. She also sits on the International Steering Committee of SEPHIS, a South-South exchange program for research on the history of development.