Five East-West Center alumni have been selected to receive the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award from the East-West Center and the East-West Center Association. This award recognizes outstanding accomplishments, including significant contributions to the promotion of better relations and understanding among the peoples of Asia, the Pacific, and the United States; significant achievement in your career field and continuing support for the goals and objectives of the Center.

Dr. Hao Ping, (China) (Research Intern ASDP 1993) Vice Minister of the Chinese Ministry of Education. He is honored for his accomplishments as a leading national educator and government official in China combined with his work with the Center’s Asian Studies Development Program and his dedication to the goals of the East-West Center to improve relations throughout the region

Dr. Rajendra K. Pachauri, (India) (Fellow Resource Systems 1982) Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change which received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007. He is honored for his accomplishments as the chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change as well as receiving the “Padma Vibhushan Award” by the President of India and the “Officier de La legion d’Honneur” by the Government of France. These accomplishments are combined with almost 30 years of contributions to the ongoing programs of the East-West Center and a commitment to improve relations throughout the region

Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma, (Nepal) (Phd Student 1979), Nepalese Ambassador to the United States, and President of the EWCA Nepal Chapter. He is honored for his accomplishments as the Nepalese Ambassador to the United States, his long and distinguished service with the government of Nepal, including the Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission, Economist with CEDA, and for his many years as leader of the EWCA Nepal Chapter during which he revitalized the chapter.

Dr. Delia B. Rodriquez-Amaya, (Brazil-Philippines) (MA Student 1963 – 65), Professor of Food Science at University of Campinas. She is honored for her work as professor and scientist in food science, food chemistry and nutrition. In addition to her extraordinary work in Brazil, she has provided training to many countries in South America, Asia, and Africa. In addition, she has written over 200 publications including basic reference works for laboratories.

Ann Dunham Soetoro, (Phd Student in Anthropology, 1973-8 Resource Systems). She receives this award posthumously in recognition of her outstanding work in anthropology, including work in Indonesia on micro financing, which has been recognized by Duke University Press which recently published her Phd dissertation. Throughout her career, she supported the Center’s mission to serve others and improve relations throughout the region. Her life served as an inspiration for her son, President Barack Obama, who shares her values and dedication to make the world a better place.

Links:

• View the list of past EWC Distinguished Alumni Awardees
• Learn how to nominate candidates for the EWC Distinguished Alumni Award

EWC Senior Fellow Fereidun Fesharaki

On March 9, 2010, EWC Senior Fellow and prominent energy market analyst Fereidun Fesharaki has established a fund to help Iranian and other participants attend the East-West Center’s Asia Pacific Leadership Program.

Under an agreement recently signed with the Center, Dr. Fesharaki has pledged to donate his full monthly take home EWC salary, which will exceed the $25,000 necessary to establish a scholarship fund. The Fesharaki Scholarship Fund will be used to fund awards of at least $1,000 each year for one or more students, with a preference for (but not limited to) Iranian students from Iran or elsewhere outside the United States. Awards will be granted based on financial need, leadership experience, educational achievement, and funding availability.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have been able to develop my professional career in part through my association with the East-West Center,” Fesharaki said. “I want to contribute back and set an example for others to do so.”

“Dr. Fesharaki has long been a mentor for many of our participants, providing both inspiration and direction,” said EWC Senior Education Specialist Scott Macleod. “With this initiative he has taken his commitment to the EWC community and the Asia Pacific’s young leaders to the next level. The Fesharaki Scholarship Fund will open many new windows of opportunity.”

About Fereidun Fesharaki

Born in Iran, Fereidun Fesharaki attended the OPEC Ministerial Conferences in the late 1970s in his capacity as energy adviser to the Prime Minister of Iran. He joined the East-West Center in 1979, and has been an adviser to a wide variety of energy companies and governments in the Middle East, Pacific Basin, and Latin America, as well as the U.S. government. In 1989, Dr. Fesharaki was elected a member of the Council on Foreign Relations in New York. Since 1991, he has been a member of the International Advisory Board of Nippon Oil—Japan’s largest oil company. Dr. Fesharaki is also a member of the Pacific Council on International Policy. In 1993, he served as President of the International Association for Energy Economics, the key professional organization representing some 3,000 energy economists in more than 70 countries. In 1995, Dr. Fesharaki was elected as a Senior Fellow of the U.S. Association for Energy Economics for distinguished services in the field of energy economics. In 1998, he joined the Board of Directors of the American-Iranian Council. In 2002, Dr. Fesharaki was appointed a Senior Associate of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C. In 2008, Dr. Fesharaki was appointed a member of the National Petroleum Council by the US Secretary of Energy. In 2009, Dr. Fesharaki was appointed a member of Dubai Mercantile Exchange Limited (DME) Board of Directors. Dr. Fesharaki is currently Chairman of FACTS Global Energy, an advisory service with offices in Asia, Europe, and the United States.

Links:

• View the EWC profile of Dr. Fesharaki
• Learn more about the Asia Pacific Leadership Program (APLP)
• Contact the East-West Center Association APLP Chapter

EWC/EWCA 50th Anniversary International Conference

Mark your calendars now for July 2-5, 2010!

In 2010, the East-West Center will mark 50 years of working to promote understanding and cooperation in the Asia Pacific region, including the United States. This golden anniversary year is an opportunity both to celebrate the accomplishments of the Center’s first 50 years and to look forward to addressing the needs and challenges of the Asia Pacific community today and in the years to come.

Registered Participants

Over 500 alumni and associates have registered already and we expect close to 1,000 to visit the East-West Center this July 2010. See who is coming to Hawaii this July 2010.

Invited Speakers

Among the invited guests are Senator Daniel Inouye, Governor Linda Lingle, Rajendra Kumar Pachauri, Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which received the Nobel Peace Prize, and China’s Vice-Minister of Education Hao Ping. View the full list of invited speakers.

The Hawai`i Convention Center combines the modern requirements of a state-of-the-art meeting facility with the beauty, comfort and culture that are uniquely Hawai`i. The site for the Center was selected for its close proximity to 10,000 committable hotel rooms. A limited amount of rooms are available at the EWC housing facilities, University of Hawai`i at Manoa, and various hotels in Waikiki and Ala Moana area, which are listed at the conference website.

Register for the 50th International Conference

The registration fees go up on May 1, 2010. Registration will include some meals and all program sessions including conference materials. Here’s the schedule of registration fees:

Regular Registration – Until April 30, 2010

• EWCA members and guests, UH alumns, Fullbrighters $275
• Non-EWCA members $325

Late Registration – May 1, 2010 thrugh on-site registration

• EWCA members and guests, UH alumns, Fullbrighters $300
• Non-EWCA members $350

There are several, easy ways to register at the 50th Anniversary International Conference website.

Photo: UH Manoa Campus Events Calendar

The East-West Center Arts Program and University of Hawai’i at Manoa Music Department and Outreach College are co-presenting three concerts by nine professional Tokyo musicians—the AURA-J Ensemble—on Saturday March 6th, Sunday March 7th and Tuesday, March 9th, 2010.

The Sunday March 7th (4:00-5:30 p.m.) performance is at the EWC’s Imin Center-Jefferson Hall, and will feature both traditional pieces and new works—including a composition by EWC’s degree fellow, Yoko Sato.

AURA-J is a professional musical ensemble performing and promoting new music composed for Japanese and Asian instruments.  Based in Tokyo, the ensemble is comprised of some of Japan’s finest musicians, and performs both as a large ensemble and in smaller groups of one to five instruments.  Since its founding by renowned composer Minoru Miki in 1998, AURA-J has presented numerous concerts and lectures in Tokyo, as well as in various rural areas in Japan.  In addition, AURA-J participates in a cultural program called Honmono no Butaigeijutsu Taiken Jigyô (Authentic Stage Arts Experience Program), sponsored by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

In addition to the three public performances, the group will reach out to the Honolulu community through several performance-demonstrations, including a presentation to introduce Japanese music to Hawaii’s schoolchildren. All events are open to the public. For a schedule of educational/outreach events from the AURA-J Ensemble, please contact DWomack@hawaii.edu or ChangE@EastWestCenter.org.

This series of performances is supported by the UHM Music Composition Program, the Japan Foundation, the UHM Diversity and Equity Initiative, the Hawaii Pacific Rim Society, the Friends of Hawaii Charities, and generous contributors to the EWC Arts Program.

Links:

• Purchase tickets in advance at ETicketHawaii or charge by phone at (808) 944-BOWS
• Read about the East-West Center Arts Program
• Learn more about EWC and UHM educational outreach events

Photo: Maryland State Archives

On February 4, 2010, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake succeeded Sheila Dixon as mayor of Baltimore. It has been reported that Stephanie, at age 39, is the second youngest mayor in the city’s history; second only to Martin O’Malley, who was 36 at the time he entered office.

In November 2007, Stephanie participated in the East-West Center’s 17th New Generation Seminar, when she was Council President at the Baltimore City Council.

Each year the East-West Center invites rising young leaders from the United States and Asia Pacific to participate in The New Generation Seminar (NGS), a two-week intensive educational, dialogue and study tour travel program. The program is developed around a thematic focus and provides participants with an opportunity to strengthen their understanding of Asia Pacific-U.S. developments and challenges, build a regional network and to become leaders with a more international perspective. The first week of the program is held in Hawaii. In discussions with East-West Center researchers, other experts in the Hawaii community and one another, participants are introduced to key regional policy issues such as international relations, security, economics, population, health and environment. The second week involves field travel to either the United States or Asia Pacific for exploration of the program theme.

Stephanie is active in many organizations and committees. In 1993, she served as the Annapolis lobbyist for the Young Democrats of Maryland. She currently serves on the board of directors for Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association, the Greater Northwest Community Coalition, the Living Classrooms Foundation, the Maryland Science Center, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Park Heights Health Association, and the Parks and People Foundation. From 1998 to 2006, she  was an attorney with the Baltimore Office of the Public Defender from 1998 to 2006. She is a member of the Federal Bar Association and the Maryland State Bar Association. Stephanie is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Epsilon Omega Chapter and a former at-large member of the Alliance of Black Women Attorneys.

Links:

• Read the profile of Stephanie Rawlings Blake at the Maryland State Archives website
• Learn more about The New Generation Seminar

The 2010 Asian Studies Development Program (ASDP) National Conference will be held in Honolulu this year on June 29th, 30th, and July 1st.

The University of Hawaii Kapiolani is host this year with Joseph Overton serving as the local arrangements chair. Further assistance is being provided by the ASDP staff at the East-West Center.

Forms and information may be found at the Asian Studies Development Program website.

The 2010 EWC/EWCA 50th Anniversary International Conference venues will be the Hawaii Imin International Conference Center and the Campus Ballroom on the University of Hawai’i at Manoa.

This year’s ASDP National Conference will be held in conjunction with the EWC/EWCA 50th Anniversary International Conference.

ASDP NC attendees are encouraged to stay over for the July 2-5, 2010 EWC/EWCA International Conference because over 1,000 alumni are expected.

Links:

• Learn more about the EWC Asian Studies Development Program
• Read about the venues and accommodations for the EWC/EWCA 50th Anniversary International Conference
• Visit the EWC/EWCA 50th Anniversary International Conference website
• Visit the University of Hawaii Kapiolani website

Presented in partnership with the William S. Richardson School of Law, UH Mānoa

China, Soft Power and the Rule of Law

Professor Jerome A. Cohen
New York University School of Law
Of Counsel, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, LLP

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Monday, March 15, 2010
4:00 p.m., reception to follow
Imin Conference Center (1777 East-West Road), Koi Room

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China’s explosive economic growth has been accompanied by a dramatic expansion of its cultural and diplomatic influence throughout the world. What are the implications of this surge in “soft power” for the rule of law in China and its role in international legal relationships?

Professor Jerome A. Cohen, a professor of law at NYU since 1990 and co-director of its U.S.-Asia Law Institute, is the leading American expert on Asian law and the founder of Chinese legal studies in the United States. From 1964 to 1979, he served as Jeremiah Smith Professor and Director of East Asian Legal Studies at Harvard Law School, where he helped introduce the teaching and study of Asian law to American law schools. Professor Cohen formerly served as the C.V. Starr Senior Fellow and Director of Asia Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and continues to serve as a senior fellow for Asia Studies. He has published many books and articles on Chinese law; his current research focuses on dispute resolution, criminal justice reform, human rights, and the role of international law in China. He also frequently testifies before Congress on issues relating to Chinese legal reform.

Professor Cohen pioneered the foreign practice of law in China when he opened the first U.S. law firm in Beijing in 1979, and he is widely recognized as the most influential American lawyer in this field. In his law practice, Professor Cohen represented many companies and individuals in contract negotiations as well as in dispute resolution in various Asian countries. He retired from the partnership of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in 2000 but remains of counsel to the firm. He also continues to serve as an arbitrator in many Asian legal disputes.

Professor Cohen is a graduate of Yale College (1951) and Yale Law School (1955), where he was editor-in-chief of the Yale Law Review. After graduation, he clerked for Chief Justice Earl Warren and Justice Felix Frankfurter at the U.S. Supreme Court

Happy Chinese New Year – the year of the Tiger!

The EWC South California Chapter invites all EWC alumni and associates to its Chinese New Year’s party gathering on Feb. 27^th, 2010.

See old friends, meet new ones, bring guests as well.  They will have great food, learn new things and plan for the 50^th Anniversary in Hawaii! A flyer is available for download at http://bit.ly/9n4APk.

EWC Southern California Chapter

New Year’s Party!

When: Saturday, February 27th, 2010, 5:00PM

Where: Vijay and Sushma Trehan’s

23666 Lagarto, Mission Viejo, CA 92691

Sushma and Vijay Trehan have graciously offered to host our party. You are invited (optional) to contribute a dish to a typically fantastic EWCA Pot Luck!!

Catch up with Friends!! Great food!!

Fantastic Speaker!! Hawaii 50th Anniversary Planning!!

Speaker: Bonita Chamberlin, Ph.D. on AFGHANISTAN

Dr. Bonita Chamberlain (degrees in anthropology from SDSU and a doctorate from the Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Columbia, taught at Thunderbird School of Global Management) was working in Switzerland on assignments to assist Middle Eastern countries in development projects during the 1970s. After completing projects in Turkey and then in Iraq, she took off time to spend 4 months traveling with one of the nomadic tribes in Afghanistan. She has returned annually to Afghanistan for 25 years, and in 2002 created an income-generating jewelry mining / designing project providing jobs for women and men. This project generated $850,000 for humanitarian projects in Nuristan, Afghanistan.

Please RSVP to Claire Langham:   clangham@ucsd.edu

Download flyer from: http://bit.ly/9n4APk

Links:

• Contact the EWCA Southern California Chapter

All sessions at the 9th East-West Center International Graduate Student Conference (IGSC), to be held on February 11-13, 2010 are free and open to the public. The updated conference program/sessions will be posted on our website at:

http://www.eastwestcenter.org/studentconference

The reception and meals are for registered conference participants only.

The EWC International Graduate Student Conference Co-chairs invite and encourage you all to attend and participate in their sessions, and share this conference information to your colleagues or interested friends.

Please see the summary of the program/sessions below.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Opening Ceremony Keoni Auditorium, 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm

Welcoming Hula
Chant
Conference Report
Welcoming Addresses
Introduction of Keynote Speaker
Keynote Address:
Mr. C. H. Tung
Vice Chairman, Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference
Founding Chairman, China-United States Exchange Foundation
and
Former Chief Executive of Hong Kong

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Friday, February 12, 2010

Parallel Session 1, 8:30 am – 10:15 am

1.1        Education in the Asia-Pacific Region

1.2        Navigating Postmodernity I: The Transformation of the Modern

1.3        Asian Democratic Systems

1.4        Responses to Social Traumas in Asia-Pacific Contexts

Parallel Session 2, 10:30 am – 12:15 pm

2.1        Second Language Acquisition in Asia

2.2        Navigating Postmodernity II: The Transformation of the Traditional

2.3        Taking the Pulse of Global Market Liberalization: Views from Asia

2.4        National Unity in Nations and Regions of Ethnic Diversity

Poster Session

1:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Parallel Session 3, 1:30 pm – 3:15 pm

3.1        English Education in Asian Contexts I

3.2        Asian Diasporic Identities

3.3        Leadership and Development in the Asia-Pacific

3.4        Post-Conflict Reconciliation & Healing I: Representing the Past

Parallel Session 4, 3:30 pm – 5:15 pm

4.1        English Education in Asian Contexts II

4.2        Health Security in the 21st Century

4.3        Economics in Asia: Theory and Prediction

4.4        Post-Conflict Reconciliation & Healing II: Assessing the Present

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Saturday, February 13, 2010

Parallel Session 5, 8:30 am – 10:15 am

5.1        Language Conservation & Linguistics in the Asia-Pacific

5.2        Dialogue & Identity at the Periphery of Islam

5.3     Postmodern Identities: Heterogeneity & Transformation

Parallel Session 6, 10:30 am – 12:15 pm

6.1        Emerging Trends in Regional Reconfiguration

6.2        Layers of Identity in China

6.3        Fresh Perspectives from Disaster Recovery Areas 

Parallel Session 7, 1:30 pm – 3:15 pm

7.1        Graying Societies in the Asia-Pacific

7.2        Ritual & Subjectivity in Asian Cultures

7.3        Business Management & Governance in Asian Nations

Parallel Session 8, 3:30 pm – 5:15 pm

8.1        Health & Environmental Issues in the Asia-Pacific Region

8.2        Sustaining Culture & Conserving Tradition in the Era of Globalization

8.3        Identifying & Addressing Emerging Threats in the Asia-Pacific

Dr. Ashok Kumar Malhotra

We are pleased to announce that the University of Hawaiʻi Alumni Association (UHAA) has released the list of the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients and one of the UHAA Distinguished Alumni awardees for 2010 went to Ashok Kumar Malhotra, Distinguished Teaching Professor of Philosophy at State University of New York at Oneonta. Dr. Malhotra (ISI: PhD Philosophy, 63-69) received a Distinguished Alumni Award from the East-West Center Association in 2000.

Also, he is the President of The Ninash Foundation. The mission of this foundation is  to mitigate suffering for the socially and economically disadvantaged within the US and abroad; to provide educational funding to promote literacy among children and adults throughout the world; to assist the cultural community within US and abroad by providing funding relating to artistic education.

Congratulations to Ashok! The official award ceremony for the 2010 UH Distinguished Alumni Award is scheduled for  May 11, 2010 at Sheraton Waikīkī hotel in Honoulu, Hawaii.

Links:

• View the full list of Distinguished EWC Alumni Awardees
• Nominate a candidate for the Distinguished EWC Alumni Award
• Read about the other 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients
• Learn more about The Ninash Foundation
• Attend the UHAA 2010 Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner