Yesterday marked the end of my five-year directorship of LSE Saw Swee Hock Southeast Asia Centre. They were enjoyable, exciting and fulfilling years, and I was fortunate to have met thousands of people on various occasions. The attached blog is a summary reflection on my five years. I set out to make the centre more inclusive, diverse and vibrant, giving voice to colleagues – emergent and senior – working on Southeast Asia, especially those embedded in the region, while pursuing the project of de-centring knowledge production. Heartfelt thanks to all those who have kindly supported and encouraged me all this while.