Recent archaeological discoveries have provided potential new insights into the early peopling of mainland and island East and Southeast Asia. Yet, these early settlements and finds are still often considered in isolation, rather than being integrated into more comprehensive overviews of possible migration waves and dispersals. The aim of this session is to bring together practitioners to discuss the latest research related to the early hominin colonisation of the East and Southeast Asian regions. These include, for example: Can distinct traditions be identified within and across Mainland and Island East and Southeast Asia? Are observed similarities within this vast area related to hereditary processes or convergences due to, for example, environmental factors? What subsistence strategies can be identified and how did they differ from each other? This session will attempt to address these various questions in the context of the early settlement of East and Southeast Asia. We appreciate contributions from across all chronological periods and all disciplines and we welcome presentations on ongoing and completed research programmes. Site-specific communications as well as synoptic reviews will be accepted.