The Asia Foundation

Every four years, The Asia Foundation convenes a series of high-level workshops in Asia and the United States to review the current state and future direction of Asia-U.S. relations. The Southeast Asia meetings are held in Singapore and have been chaired by Singapore's Ambassador-at-Large, Professor Tommy Koh.

Funding for a faculty member from the Department of International Relations of Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand, to spend an academic year of research at Stanford University.

Facilitating a series of dialogues among development cooperation experts and practitioners from Korea, China, India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand to discuss and compare development assistance strategies employed by these newer Asian aid donors.

Local Partner:

Korea Development Institute

Facilitating a dialogue among development cooperation experts and practitioners from Korea, China, India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand to discuss and compare development assistance strategies employed by these emerging Asian cooperation partners. The first dialogue in the series was held in Kuala Lumpur.

Local Partner:

International Institute of Public Policy and Management (INPUMA)

Fellowship honoring the Foundation's late chair of the board and chancellor of the University of California, Berkeley, awarded to a prominent Chinese economist who is also president of the International Finance Forum, Beijing, for public presentations and meetings with academic specialists in the U.S. focused on China's policies and strategies and issues of common interest to the U.S. and China.

Liaison with officials of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, and the School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University in screening of master's degree students applicants for a study tour in China focusing on the country's internal challenges and their effect on external relations.

Assisting the publication of a work of research reviewing U.S.-Vietnam relations, 1994-2010.

Local Partners:

Institute of American Studies; Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences

Promoting enhanced Thai-U.S. relations by supporting an officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Thailand) to complete a Congressional Fellows program in Washington, D.C.

Local Partners:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Saranrom Institute of Foreign Affairs Foundation; Chulalongkorn University

Contributing to the debate among Korean aid players on the most appropriate role and strategies for Korea's assistance to international development cooperation, as well as to support Korean experts preparing the agenda for the Fourth High Level Forum in Busan, hosted by the Korean government.

In cooperation with the UC Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation and The Asia Society, support for a delegation from Ministries of Agriculture, Finance, Foreign Trade, and Metal Industry to participate in a study tour on the U.S. economy and business practices, to advance engagement with North Korea.

Co-hosting an international conference in Korea to support peaceful relations on the Korean Peninsula and avert a humanitarian crises in the DPRK by way of development cooperation among Korean and international NGOs, governments, and individuals.

Local Partner:

Korea Sharing Movement

Facilitating training and exchange programs for other Asia Foundation offices, including: participation by three Indian experts in the Asian Approaches to Development Cooperation Dialogue; visits to New Delhi by four senior facilitators of the Nepal Transition to Peace project; participation by two Indians in a Leaders of Influence study program in Bangladesh; participation of 50 Afghan students in English-language training programs in Chandigarh and Hyderabad; and placement and monitoring of two Luce Scholars in India.

Engaging prominent intellectuals and retired diplomats/ambassadors from India and Bangladesh to explore priority areas for mutual collaboration between the two countries, including economic development and trade, transport and connectivity, water sharing, migration, climate change, education, culture, and people to people contact.

Local Partner:

Centre for Foreign Affairs Studies

Purchasing books for IFA's Library. Publication of the book Diplomatic Principles written by the vice minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Providing Internet access for IFA. Supporting the director of the Training Division to attend the 39th Annual Meeting of Deans and Directors of Diplomatic Academies and Institutes of International Relations.

Local Partner:

Institute of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Providing space for dialogue and reflection among civil society organizations engaged in aid and development to discuss how to strengthen the role of community service organizations as a development actor, as a follow-up to the Fourth High Level Forum in Busan.

Providing opportunities for development practitioners from government, NGOs, and advanced students in development studies in order to learn about development challenges and new approaches to respond to countries in fragile and conflict-affected states.

Fellowship honoring the Foundation's late Senior Advisor for China Programs, awarded to a young Chinese journalist from a prominent Chinese economic daily to participate in (1) the U.S. Foreign Policy Institute Summer Course at The Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University, (2) a visit to Houston, Texas to discuss energy issues, and (3) meetings in California to examine the state of the media in the U.S.

Two-day meeting for young, emerging leaders from Asia and the United States to discuss U.S.-Asia relations and strategic competition in the Asia-Pacific, co-sponsored with the Institute for Strategic and International Studies-Malaysia and the Pacific Forum.

Funding for three Indian young diplomats to attend the U.S. Foreign Policy Institute Summer Course at The Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University, followed by a Foundation-organized observation program on U.S. domestic concerns and their influence on U.S. foreign policy and implications for U.S.-India relations

Support for three young diplomats in masters' degree programs in international relations at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, and at the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Johns Hopkins University, followed by an observation program on the role of innovation in the U.S. economy and U.S. foreign relations.

Support for a diplomatic officer in the Ministry's Department of Public Information to participate in the American Political Science Association Congressional Fellowship program for 2010-2011

Providing opportunities for officials from the DPRK Institute of Disarmament and Peace to participate in regional meetings in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to interact with senior security experts and policy officials, and to engage in candid unofficial dialogue on key security issues and concerns.

Local Partner:

Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific

Facilitating the participation of six Indian experts in a dialogue on "Bangladesh-India Relations: The Way Forward" organized in collaboration with the Centre for Foreign Affairs Studies in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Local Partner:

Kunzru Centre for Defence Studies

Supporting the participation of three foreign service officers in a two-week seminar on U.S. Foreign Policy at George Washington University, followed by a two-week observation program to different parts of the United States to enhance their understanding of U.S. foreign policy and domestic issues that influence India-U.S. relations, and participation in the Aspen Institute's U.S.-India Dialogue.

Local Partners:

Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India; Kunzru Centre for Defence Studies

Support for three visitors from Osaka School of International Public Policy, Sony's Department of Corporate Social Responsibility, and Civil Society Organization-Network Japan (CSONJ), respectively, to participate in meetings focused on social entrepreneurship in the U.S. and innovative approaches to private development assistance.

Funding the printing of a report by the Human Rights Resource Centre for ASEAN (HRRCA) on "Rule of Law for Human Rights in the ASEAN Region: A Baseline Study."

Local Partner:

Human Rights Resource Centre (HRRCA)

Monthly roundtable discussions held in Washington, DC on salient political, economic, and security issues important to Southeast Asia and U.S. interests in the region.

Facilitating the Sri Lankan delegation's understanding while providing first-hand perspectives on the topics of economic development and local governance by closely examining the case of Korea.

Strengthening and expanding ties between the United States and Afghanistan through a cultural exchange program between Americans and governmental and civil society leaders in Ghazni province. Providing administrative and logistical support for a delegation of Americans to Afghanistan (Kabul and Ghazni) and of Afghans to the United States.

Assistance to the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam to support American Studies and the network of American Studies scholars in Vietnam through the preparation and publication of a comprehensive American Studies Reader, and the organization of a workshop on American Studies.

Local Partner:

Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam

Fourteenth conference in a series of meetings that provides an opportunity for an exchange of views among key officials and scholars in the American foreign policy community and their Chinese and Japanese counterparts on critical issues to the three countries, held in Tokyo, Japan.

Support for the leading Track 2 Forum focusing on security issues in the Asia-Pacific region.

Third U.S.-China-Vietnam Trilateral Dialogue in Annapolis, Maryland, examining the regional architecture of East Asia, political and security issues, and efforts at effective regional coordination of disaster relief and humanitarian assistance.

Fourteenth conference in a series held in Tokyo, Japan that provided for an exchange of views among key officials and scholars in the American foreign policy community, and their Chinese and Japanese counterparts on issues of critical importance to the three nations.

The third of three dialogues for Vietnamese scholars and experts to meet with their Chinese and American counterparts to discuss issues of common interest and concern to the three nations.

Local Partner:

Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam

Participation in the “United States-ASEAN Strategic Dialogue Roundtable” at American University in Washington, DC, which laid the groundwork for the government-to-government discussion at the Second U.S.-ASEAN Summit in 2010.

Participation in regional security meetings and conferences, particularly related to the Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific.

Convening former Indian and Bangladeshi diplomats and experts in dialogue to develop a set of recommendations on practical opportunities to advance Bangladesh-India relations.

Discussion co-sponsored by The Asia Foundation and the South Asia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies featuring remarks by Ms. Indrani Bagchi, a prominent Indian journalist and The Asia Foundation's Chang-Lin Visiting Fellow. Ms. Bagchi also spoke at a discussion, co-sponsored by the Foundation and the John L. Thornton China Center at The Brookings Institution, entitled "China's Place in Indian Foreign Policy", where her remarks addressed current themes and drivers of Indian foreign policy, focusing on India's relations with China, Pakistan, and the United States.

Roundtable discussion featuring Catharin Dalpino, visiting professor at Georgetown University's Asian Studies Program, and John Brandon, The Asia Foundation's director of International Relations Programs and associate director of the Washington, DC office. The roundtable brought together experts on Southeast Asia to discuss The Asia Foundation's findings in a national public opinion survey on current political trends and democracy in Thailand.

Participation in Foundation-sponsored study and observation programs in the United States to promote understanding, exchange, and dialogue between senior Chinese officials and U.S. counterparts.

National research grant competition for Vietnamese scholars under the age of 45 working on issues related to the U.S.; Symposium under the theme “Vietnam – U.S. Relations: Towards a Brighter Future” in Hanoi; Compiling the first-ever general reader on American Studies to support teaching of the subject at the university level; Workshop on American Studies to encourage networking and information-sharing among American studies lecturers and scholars across Vietnam.

Travel grants for American master’s degree students to participate in a China study tour designed to increase understanding and contribute to strengthened U.S.-China relations.

Multi-year dialogue program on regional security, including the Sino-United States Relations: Regional Security and Global Governance dialogues. Alternating between Shanghai and Honolulu, the dialogues gather well-established scholars and experts from China and the U.S. to examine key issues affecting bilateral ties, including such global governance issues as foreign aid policy, energy security and climate change, peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and reform of the international financial system; Related publications.

Facilitation of the Inner Mongolia and Shanghai visits by graduate students from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies of Johns Hopkins University.

Finalization and publication of Vietnam-U.S. Relations 1994-2010.

Participation in the “7th Annual Meeting of Deans and Directors of Diplomatic Training Institutions of ASEAN+3” in Singapore to strengthen the institute’s professional capacity to provide information, education, and international perspectives to Lao officials; Participation in the “38th Annual Meeting of Deans and Directors of Diplomatic Academies and Institutes of International Relations” in Malta; Providing internet access to facilitate IFA research, information-gathering, and communication; The Young Leaders Meeting at the Asia Pacific Roundtable (APR) held in Kuala Lumpur.

Research results and reports from twelve participants in The Asia Foundation’s 2009 Partnership in Asian Development study trips and fellowship programs.

Five experts on women's empowerment from Indonesia to study Korea’s experience on improving gender equality and the role of women in the process of Korea’s development.

A group of Korean development experts including government officials from official development assistance (ODA) agencies, NGO staff, and Korean graduate students to visit Cambodia to study governance and development status of the country and the program strategies of The Asia Foundation and other development agencies.

Staff of Korean NGOs and government development agencies to visit Indonesia to participate in a week-long program on women’s empowerment in an Islamic society.

Study trip to Sri Lanka where six participants from Korean NGOs, government development agencies, and universities studied issues related to strengthening economic governance at the local level.

Senior staff of the Cabinet Secretariat of Mongolia to visit Korea to study Korea’s efforts to improve transparency and accountability of ministries and key government agencies.

International conference that brought together experts in gender and development from multilateral and bilateral agencies, as well as NGOs to discuss mainstreaming gender in aid assistance and to draw practical lessons from the field.

International conference that brought together experts in gender and development from multilateral and bilateral agencies, as well as NGOs to discuss mainstreaming gender in aid assistance and to draw practical lessons from the field.

International conference that brought together senior government officials and development specialists from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Korea to identify and discuss some of their key development and security challenges.

Five legal experts from China to visit Korea to examine the country's experience with enacting and implementing the Act on Information Disclosure by Public Agencies.

Dialogue on “Bangladesh-India Relations: The Way Forward” in collaboration with the Centre for Foreign Affairs Studies in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Developing curriculum, coursework, and extra-curricular activities for students focused on American studies.

Fellowship for a foreign service officer at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace to conduct research and engage in discussions with policy specialists on challenges on the Pakistan/Afghanistan border and the implications for U.S.-India relations; Participation of four foreign service officers in a two-week course on U.S. Foreign Policy at George Washington University's Elliot School of International Affairs, followed by a study tour to promote greater understanding of U.S. foreign policy and domestic issues that may influence U.S.-India relations.

Supporting the Centre for Regional Cooperation; Support for the Kabul Conference; English-language training program for diplomats and staff.

Master’s degree fellowships at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and at the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) for the 2009-10 and 2010-11 academic years, followed by a post-academic study tour of selected cities in the U.S. to consider domestic factors that affect U.S. foreign policy.

American Political Science Association Congressional Fellowship Programs for two young diplomats to acquire practical knowledge of experience in the U.S. congressional system.

Public symposium co-hosted with The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation on the implications of wartime operational control transfer for the U.S.-South Korea alliance.

Participation by The Asia Foundation’s advisor in the Aspen Strategy Group-Confederation of Indian Industries India-U.S. Track II Strategic Dialogue.

Participation by the diplomatic editor in The Asia Foundation’s Chang-Lin Tien Visiting Fellowship for conducting research on U.S.- China relations and their impact on bilateral relations with other countries, including India.

Three-part symposium series co-hosted with The Brookings Institution in Washington and The Asia Foundation Korea Office in Seoul

Observation program on Open Government Information practices at the federal, state and local levels in the U.S. for a legal expert selected as The Asia Foundation’s Boeing Distinguished Visitor in 2010 as part of an ongoing series of tailored programs aimed at strengthening China-U.S. mutual understanding through dialogue and exchange.

An informal roundtable discussion to foster an exchange of ideas on the causes of subnational conflicts, with a focus on analysis of Southeast Asian ethno-religious civil conflicts and featuring a presentation by a Malaysian political scientist.

Monthly roundtable discussions on salient political, economic, and security issues important to Southeast Asia and U.S. interests in the region, cosponsored with Georgetown University's Asian Studies Program.

Two-day meeting for young emerging leaders from Asia and the United States to discuss U.S.-Asia relations and strategic competition in the Asia-Pacific, cosponsored with ISIS-Malaysia and the Pacific Forum.

Program co-sponsored by The Asia Foundation, Georgetown University's Thai Studies Program, and American University's ASEAN Studies Center featuring H.E. Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and member of The Asia Foundation's Board of Trustees.

Support for the leading Track 2 Forum focusing on security issues in the Asia-Pacific region.

U.S. Policy toward the Korean Peninsula report by the Council on Foreign Relations Independent Task Force, directed by the Foundation's Center for U.S.-Korea Policy director, Scott Snyder; Closed-door workshops with U.S. and South Korean counterparts on North Korea contingency planning.

Talk by Choi Jae-hyun, Korea's 2008-2009 Nieman fellow at Harvard University on the challenges faced by the Korean media industry with comparison to media in the U.S.

Public policy forum with participation of Korean and American experts to identify and discuss areas for future U.S.-ROK cooperation beyond military alliance.

Presentation by the executive director of the Mansfield Foundation at the annual general meeting and reception hosted by the Friends of The Asia Foundation in Korea.

Public policy forum to examine the role of media in the U.S-Korea relationship and its impact on public perceptions in the two countries toward bilateral relations and policy development toward North Korea.

Thirteenth conference in a series held in Washington, DC that provided for an exchange of views among key officials and scholars in the American foreign policy community, and their Chinese and Japanese counterparts on issues of critical importance to the three nations.

Support for select participants from ASEAN member countries to attend this strategic dialogue roundtable held at American University that examined priority issues of concern for the United States and ASEAN nations.

Release of findings and recommendations of companion reports compiled in "America's Role in Asia: Asian and American Views," with public events in Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

"Global Integration, Global Crisis: Challenges and Prospects for Vietnam's Development"

A panel discussion featuring the head of the business law department at Hanoi National University, director of research for the Fulbright Economics Teaching Program in Ho Chi Minh City, and The Asia Foundation's country representative in Vietnam. The panel provided insights into key challenges facing Vietnam's economy, legal reform and governance, and important factors in U.S.-Vietnam relations.

A two-year pilot program launched in 2008 to address challenges of economic governance in the four districts of Bogra, Rajshahi, Barisal, and Sylhet. The program focuses on improving communication between national and district level public and private sector players, as well as enhancing the participation by both sectors in formulation and implementation of the national policy reform agenda. The pilot program involves three main components: 1) Collecting, organizing and disseminating information on the current business climate of targeted districts using tools such as Economic Governance Index (EGI); 2) Promoting active dialogue between public and private sector actors through District Public Private Dialgoues; and 3) Supporting both sectors in carrying out actions for policy reform.

A conference commemorating the 175th anniversary of Thailand-United States relations.

Establishment of The Asia Foundation's Center for U.S.-Korea Policy, which supports and conducts research and dialogue to promote an agenda of issues for increased cooperation between the Republic of Korea and the United States.

Convening a dialogue and developing a set of recommendations on priority issues and practical opportunities in advancing Bangladesh-India relations.

Supporting the organization of a two-day workshop on American Studies at the College of Foreign Languages of Hue University, in which two American Studies scholars from Japan and China were invited to share their experiences in teaching and doing research on American Studies with 30 Vietnamese scholars.

Seminar in New Delhi to launch the "America's Role in Asia" report in India.

National research grant competition for Vietnamese scholars under the age of 45 working on issues related to the U.S. and widely advertised in universities and research institutes, with the five winning scholars selected by a distinguished selection committee.

Facilitation of China visit activities in Guangdong and Beijing for graduate students from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies of Johns Hopkins University.

Support to expand existing, multi-year dialogue program on regional security to include issues on global governance in the renamed "Sino-United States Relations: Regional Security and Global Governance" dialogues. Alternating between Shanghai and Honolulu, the dialogues gather well-established scholars and experts from China and the U.S. to examine key issues affecting bilateral ties, including such global governance issues as foreign aid policy, energy security and climate change, peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and reform of the international financial system; Support for related publications.

A half-day event to release The Asia Foundation's "American's Role in Asia" report in Shanghai; Participants included scholars, media representatives, and business representatives.

Conference and publication examining the "The Future of India's Foreign Policy."

Facilitation for the participation of Indian delegates in a dialogue on India-Bangladesh relations in Dhaka.

Purchasing materials for the IFA to conduct research and an English training course for government officials; Participation at the 6th Annual Meeting of Deans and Directors of Diplomatic Training Institutions of ASEAN+3 in Seoul, South Korea.

Administrative support for "Bridges: Dialogues towards a Culture of Peace" events in Thailand.

Local Economic Governance Program operating in four rural upazilas (sub-districts) in Greater Jessore and Greater Rangpur focusing on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the poultry, vegetables, flowers, fish, and compost fertilizers sectors at the village and union levels; Improving the business environment in these areas so that SMEs can generate income and employment opportunities for the poor and contribute more effectively to local economic growth; Training for samities in effectively articulating their interests to local public service providers (LPSPs) and higher-level business management organizations Training for LPSPs to facilitate more streamlined and faster service delivery; Setting up public-private dialogues that encourage cooperation between both sectors and finding cross trade opportunities between the large upazila-based traders and the village-level samities through networking and program activities.

Policy forum with a presentation by Dr. Jon Summers to faculty and students of Ewha Womans University, Graduate School of International Studies.

International conference bringing together experts in environment and development to discuss effectively addressing environmental problems while pursuing economic development, and to share best practices around Asia.

Sixteen participants from The Asia Foundation Partnership in Asian Development study trips and fellowship programs, reporting on their experience and research results.

Staff of Korean NGOs and government development agencies visited Bangladesh to study development cooperation and challenges in Islamic society, and the program strategies of The Asia Foundation and other development agencies.

Two-day seminar and consultations in Tokyo for senior Korean government officials on Korea-Japan cooperation in finance, trade and environmental policies.

Creation of an American studies program for university-level students, complemented by extra-curricular activities that will build further understanding and promote good will between the countries. This program is designed to develop a greater understanding of America, its people, and its policies among students, their families, faculty, and the broader community in Laos. Activities include curriculum development, support for the Lao-American soccer team, creation of a student body government, and American culture week.

Fellowship at Stanford University's Center for International Security and Cooperation for a Foreign Service officer to conduct research and engage in discussions with policy specialists on the U.S.-India nuclear agreement and related regional and international security issues; Participation of two Foreign Service officers in a two-week course on U.S. Foreign Policy at George Washington University's Elliot School of International Affairs, followed by a study tour to promote greater understanding of U.S. foreign policy and domestic issues that may influence U.S.-India relations.

Supporting the Deputy Director of INGO Division, International Organization Department of MOFA to participate in the "Current Developments in Southeast Asia" workshop in Singapore for the Foundation's America's Role in Asia project.

Support for one master's degree fellowship at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and one at the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies for the 2008-09 academic year; Support for two fellowships at each institution for the 2009-10 academic year.

American Political Science Association Congressional Fellowship Programs for two young diplomats to develop their knowledge and skills in how the U.S. government functions at a practical level.

Participation by officials from the DPRK Institute of Disarmament and Peace in two regional meetings of the Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific, one on East Asian security, and a second on preventing the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction.

Participation in the annual summit of the Forum of Young Global Leaders.

Support for the leading Track 2 Forum focusing on security issues in the Asia-Pacific region.

Public policy forum with participation of Korean and American experts to discuss the recommendations resulting from "America's Role in Asia."

Presentation by North Korean expert, Dr. Marcus Noland, Senior Fellow, Peterson Institute for International Economics at a dinner reception hosted by the Friends of The Asia Foundation in Korea.

A joint conference with Saejowi to examine the possibility of Korean unification and the challenging issues of social integration of the two Koreas.

Annual membership meeting of the Friends of The Asia Foundation in Korea, featuring a keynote talk by Thomas C. Hubbard, former U.S. Ambassador to Korea.

Public policy forum, organized with the Center for U.S.-Korea Policy, to explore prospects for expanding the alliance into new areas.

International conference that brought together experts from the U.S., China, and South Korea to discuss the state of the North Korean economy and how it may affect the future of the Korean Peninsula and beyond.

Supporting American Studies Program activities.

Twelfth conference in a series that provided an opportunity for an exchange of views among key officials and scholars in the American foreign policy community, and their Chinese and Japanese counterparts on issues of critical importance to the three nations.

Principal support to organize a two-part project called "Teaching American Studies in Vietnam - Reality and Solutions." At the end of 2008, a group of young lecturers and upperclassmen visited USSH/Hanoi to observe and discuss its multidisciplinary program in American Studies, followed by a networking workshop with lecturers and students from several universities taking part in an intensive experimental course in August 2009.

Participation of the Young Moro Professionals Network's director to participate and present his paper at the 2009 Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations.

Conference on current socio-scientific research in contemporary Mongolia that promotes exchange between academics, policymakers, and the private sector.

Editorial assistance to the Japanese guest speaker of America’s Role in Asia workshop in Seoul, Korea.

Support for foreign policy experts from Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka to attend a regional conference in New Delhi to discuss America’s Role in Asia.

Fifteen experts from China, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, and Korea discussed security, economic, and social issues affecting U.S.-Northeast Asia relations as input to the year-long America’s Role in Asia project.

International seminar on Cambodia Election and International Cooperation in cooperation with People’s Forum on Cambodia with presentations by The Asia Foundation’s Country Representative for Cambodia and partners in Cambodia.

Convening a dialogue and developing a set of recommendations on priority issues and practical opportunities in advancing Bangladesh-India relations.

Facilitation of China visit activities in Hebei Province for graduate students from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) of Johns Hopkins University.

Participation by the president of The Asia Foundation and a trustee at the eleventh China-Japan-U.S. Trilateral Dialogue in Tokyo.

Student debate project on American Studies issues to increase student understanding of U.S. politics and elections.

Publication of India Arriving: How this Economic Powerhouse is Redefining Global Business, by Rafiq Dossani, and accompanying event in Mumbai, India.

Conference organized by the United States Atlantic Council to foster trust-building in the effort to have a positive and concrete impact on relations between mainland China and Taiwan.

National research grant competition for Vietnamese scholars under the age of 45 working on issues related to the U.S. The call for proposals was widely advertised in universities and research institutes. The five winning scholars were selected by a distinguished selection committee.

Doshisha University American Study Center Presentation by The Asia Foundation’s Washington DC consultant on “U.S. Congress Politics and U.S. Foreign Policy in an Election Year” at the Graduate School of American Studies, Doshisha.

Fudan-Pacific Forum conference on Sino-U.S. relations.

Research and seminars to enhance the understanding of policymakers on U.S. politics and foreign relations.

Diplomatic and Administrative Training for Lao government officials to strengthen their diplomatic and administrative skills and to improve the management skills for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, line ministries, and provincial officials; Provision of Internet connectivity to facilitate IFA research, communications, and information-gathering activities; Publication of the book entitled, Diplomatic Negotiation, with the objective of strengthening the professional capacity of government officials, and diplomats as well as students at the National University of Laos; Support for two government officials to attend the 5th Annual ASEAN+3 meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, “Building Regional Identify from Diversity.”

Establishment of the Centre for American Studies (KAMERA), which provides a forum to network with U.S.-related institutions and organizations, and to better understand the full dynamics of U.S.-Malaysia bilateral relations and the broader regional context of the United States’ role in Asia.

Sponsorship of the 2008-2009, “Bridges – Dialogues Towards a Culture of Peace,” an independent contribution to the United Nations’ Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence. The event involved the participation of Nobel Laureates for Economics, Peace, Physics, Chemistry and Medicine, and other eminent keynote speakers as well as ASEAN leaders from all parts of society.

Presentation by The Asia Foundation’s Country Representative for Cambodia on the Foundation’s Economic Governance Index at the “Cambodia Investment Seminar,” organized by Japan Bank for International Cooperation.

Secretary General of ASEAN and a trustee of The Asia Foundation, Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, made a presentation in which he challenged Korea to expand its cooperation with ASEAN. The event was held in his honor and hosted by the Friends of The Asia Foundation.

Creation of an American studies program for university-level students, complemented by extra-curricular activities. This program is designed to develop a greater understanding of America, its people, and its policies among students, their families, faculty, and the broader community in Laos. Activities include American studies curriculum development, support for the Lao-American soccer team, and American culture week.

Partial support for the MAAS 25th anniversary seminar entitled, “The Global Economic Slowdown: Challenges and Prospects for U.S.-Malaysia Relations Under the Obama Presidency.”

Support for two one-year master’s degree fellowships at Fletcher and SAIS for the 2007-08 academic year and support for two fellowships at the same institutions for the 2008-09 academic year; Observation tour in the United States for Counsel, North American and Oceanian Affairs, as part of the Distinguished Visiting Fellow program, supported by Boeing, to strengthen China-U.S. relations through dialogue between Chinese and Americans on issues relevant to U.S.-China bi-lateral relations. The program provides opportunities for one-on-one dialogue and discussion with a broad range of American specialists and policy practitioners in the business, civic, and other spheres in several cities in the U.S. through a series of informal meetings. The visit is also aimed at enabling Americans to better understand China and its policies.

American Political Science Association Congressional Fellowship Programs for two young diplomats to develop their knowledge and skills in how the U.S. government functions at a practical level.

An observation tour in the United States for the Director General as part of the Distinguished Visiting Fellow program to strengthen China-U.S. relations through dialogue between Chinese and Americans on issues relevant to U.S.-China bilateral relations.

Essay contest, “Search for Cultural Ambassadors” asking Vietnamese students between the ages of 18-22 to summarize in 1,000 words or less their hopes for the future in Vietnam.

Participants from the North Korean Institute for Disarmament and Peace participated in two regional CSCAP meetings, one focusing on non-proliferation and a second on preventive diplomacy.

Travel support for participation in the conference for America’s Role in Asia.

Conducted a National Exercise Management training course for partners and stakeholders, including response agencies, Red Cross, government agencies, NGOs, and community leaders.

Assisted national disaster management offices to conduct national training courses: “Introduction to Disaster Management” and “Initial Damage Assessment” for the Cook Island and Vanuatu.

Conducted a National Exercise Management training course for Provincial Disaster Coordinators and other disaster management partners in the Solomon Islands.

Conducted “Initial Damage Assessment” and “Introduction to Disaster Management” training for disaster response staff and partners with Yap State Disaster Office; Delivered disaster management training: “Initial Damage Assessment” course for Chuuk State and “Introduction to Disaster Management” course for Kosrae State with State Disaster Offices of Chuuk and Kosrae.

Support to SOPAC’s Community Risk Program for program staff based at the Secretariat and for advocacy and coordination initiatives carried out in support of the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance-funded regional training program, the Pacific Disaster Risk Management Program.

Administrative support to organize the 10th International Conference on Thai Studies.

Participation in the annual summit of the Forum of Young Global Leaders.

Support for the Leading Track II Forum focusing on security issues in the Asia-Pacific region.

Eleventh conference in a series that provided an opportunity for an exchange of views among key officials and scholars in the American foreign policy community, and their Chinese and Japanese counterparts, on issues of critical importance to the three nations.

Second conference in a series that examined regional challenges facing East Asia and constructive ways for the three nations to resolve regional problems such as the environment and transnational crime.

Publication of India Foreign Policy Compendium by Sumit Ganguly, and accompanying conference of authors at the University of Indiana.

Partial support for USSH/HCMC’s Department of International Relations to organize the two-part project, “Teaching American Studies in Vietnam –Reality and Solutions.” At the end of 2008, a group of young lecturers and upperclassmen visited USSH/Hanoi to observe and discuss that institution’s multidisciplinary program in American Studies. This will be followed by a July 2009 workshop in which lecturers and students from several universities will take part in an intensive experimental course and share the results with the network.

Development of an American Studies program at the university level. Support includes providing faculty consultants, teaching materials, and textbooks (including translations of key texts into Vietnamese); long- and short-term training opportunities in the U.S. for selected faculty; and annual networking workshops to encourage networking and information-sharing among American Studies lecturers and scholars across Vietnam.

The annual membership meeting of the Friends of The Asia Foundation in Korea featuring a keynote talk by Mitchell B. Reiss, former U.S. Ambassador and now Vice Provost of International Affairs at the College of William & Mary.

The president of The Asia Foundation gave a presentation to a group of business, government, and civil society leaders at a lunch meeting hosted by the Friends of The Asia Foundation.

A conference which was the culmination of a nine-month research project to comprehensively examine the expanding range of interests and relationships, both public and private, between Korea and the countries of Southeast Asia and ASEAN.

The second roundtable meeting of Korean and U.S. journalists to promote better understanding of the challenges facing news media in the two countries.

Support for two meetings in this ongoing research and dialogue project: the first at Yonsei
University in Seoul and the second at the Institute for Southeast Asian Studies in
Singapore.

The annual membership meeting of the Friends of The Asia Foundation in Korea featuring a
keynote speech by Dr. David M. Lampton, Trustee of the Foundation.

Annual meeting to help foster cooperation between Japan, the European Union, and North America.

Seminar examining the history, politics, economics, security and other relationships between the United States and ASEAN countries.  Key policy makers and ASEAN Ambassadors in Washington met to assess the U.S.-ASEAN relationship in three panel discussions: U.S. Congressional views, Former U.S. and ASEAN Ambassadors, and the business sector.  The event was co-sponsored by The Asia Foundation and the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council.

A regional conference on “Keeping the Promise of Millennium Development Goals through
Education for International Understanding”.

Support for participation by a Nepali political scientist in the annual regional meeting of
the consortium held in Seoul.

Continued support for Chinese expert participation in the annual Congressional conference on China, in which American and Chinese experts meet to discuss key issues in US-China Relations.

Supported a fellowship at the Center for Strategic International Studies for an Indian Foreign Service officer from the Ministry of External Affairs to conduct a comparative study of Bangladesh and other Asian countries in addressing pressures from radical Islam.

Second trilateral conference on the relationship between China, the United States and
Vietnam.

Strengthening the American Studies Program (Phase II).

Travel support for participation in the conference, “Conflicting Priorities? Security and
Democracy as Challenges to Regionalism in Southeast Asia,” at the Shorenstein Asia-Pacific
Research Center, Stanford University, USA.

The conference brought together participants from the public and private sectors as well as
academics across the ASEAN region and the U.S. to: (a) assess the state of ASEAN-U.S.
relations; (b) analyze ASEAN-U.S. relations in terms of national and regional perspectives; and (c) examine potential for dialogue and partnering on community-building issues.

Conference organized by the Atlantic Council to foster trust-building and have a positive and concrete impact on relations between Mainland China and Taiwan.

Korean experts from various fields discussed the economic, security and social/cultural
aspects of community building in East Asia as well as the appropriate role of the United
States.

Project to engage leading opinionmakers in Asia and the United States in a critical dialogue about the challenges in forging an East Asian regional identity and the role the U.S. should play in cultivating this process.

Discussion among leading opinion-makers in Japan on the development of a stronger regional identity in East Asia and how the U.S. might most constructively respond to these
developments.

Technical support and delivery of “Emergency Operations Centres” (EOC), “Initial Damage Assessment” (IDA), and “Introduction to Disaster Management” (IDM) training courses; Training of trainers workshops conducted for EOC and IDA, and assistance to conduct a national exercise for testing of multi-agency cyclone plans and arrangements.  These activities were carried out in close collaboration with the Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The training targeted response agencies, national Red Cross Society personnel, government agencies, NGOs, and other representatives within the Cook Islands.

Support for the seventh recipient of The Asia Foundation’s L.Z. Yuan Fellowship in Media and
International Affairs to attend a summer course at the U.S. Foreign Policy Summer Institute at George Washington University; followed by a one-month professional affiliation with the Stanley Foundation in Muscatine, Iowa, and meetings with media outlets in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

East Asia Community Building workshop; Support to further the establishment of a new Master of Arts program in American Studies.

Support to enable the institute to host the ASEAN-ISIS Regional Workshop in Luang Prabang
during its term as chair of ISIS; support for IFA director to participate in the fourth
ASEAN+3 meeting of directors of diplomatic training institutions in Japan; tuition for
English language training courses for IFA staff; two-day workshop on Enhancing IFA Staff
Capacity on Program Development and Reporting.

Administrative support for “Bridges” events in Thailand.

Panelists included Mr. Frank S. Jannuzi, Chief Policy Advisor for East Asia, U.S. Senate
Foreign Relations Committee; Mr. Barry M. Hager, President, Hager Associates; Mr. Taro Kono, Member of the Japan House of Representatives; and Asia Foundation representatives.  The symposium brought together more than 80 journalists, NGO leaders, diplomats and officials.

Support for participation by experts from Vietnam and Malaysia in a regional conference on
“Opening Historical Reconciliation in East Asia through Historical Dialogue.”

Capacity-building support for the MIAF, a new international affairs institute designed  to
bridge the gap between the more defence-oriented work of the Malaysian Strategic Research
Center and the government policy work of ISIS.

Supported a summer course and study tour at the George Washington University’s Elliott
School of International Affairs for four Indian administrative service officers from the
Ministry of External Affairs to promote greater understanding of U.S. foreign policy and
domestic issues that may influence U.S.-India relations.

American Political Science Association 2007-2008 Congressional Fellowship Program.

Observation tour in the United States as part of the Distinguished Visiting Fellow program
to strengthen China-US relations through dialogue between Chinese and Americans; support for two one-year master’s degree fellowships at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and International Public Policy Program at the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies at John Hopkins University for the 2006-07 academic year;  and support for two fellowships at the same institutions for the 2007-08 academic year.

National training initiatives, including “Introduction to Disaster Management” course for national staff, Red Cross personnel and other response organization representatives; Workshops on Emergency Operations Centres (EOC) to finalize documentation for use in emergency and disaster operations; and technical support to the Fiji Prisons Service to conduct a “Training For Instructors” course which included personnel from other key agencies--education, disaster management and the public service.

Technical support for delivery of an “Introduction to Disaster Management” course for the Government of Nauru in collaboration with the Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC). The training targeted senior government personnel including response agencies.  This was the first training of this type for Nauru which is working towards formalizing management plans for greater disaster preparedness and risk reduction in the country. 
National Disaster Management Office, Government of Samoa

National “Initial Damage Assessment” course conducted for training of trainers and adaptation of a field reference guide for use by outer-atoll communities.  The course was conducted in Majuro and targeted response agencies, NGOs, and outer-atoll officials from the more populated communities.

A series of four courses coordinated with the Solomon Islands NDMO as part of a six-month orientation program for new provincial disaster coordinators. Courses conducted were “Introduction to Disaster Management”, “Initial Damage Assessment”, “Emergency Operations Centres” and “Training for Instructors”. The courses were aimed at increasing knowledge and awareness of hazards, vulnerabilities and disasters; enhancing ability to organize and conduct damage assessments; creating new skills for establishment, management and operations of emergency centers at the provincial level; and increasing competency to facilitate training in communities. 

National “Initial Damage Assessment” (IDA) course conducted for key agencies and organizations from national (Palikir), state (Pohnpei) and community levels.  “Introduction to Disaster Management” course for the State of Chuuk targeting disaster management staff, response agencies, NGOs, and outer-atoll officials.

Technical assistance to assist in developing government plans to join ASEAN and integrate
more fully into the Asia-Pacific region.

Support to the Aspen Institute's conference to educate Members of the U.S. Congress on political Islam and facilitate discussion with key analysts in the field.

Strengthening the American Studies Program (Phase II).

“Exercise Management” and “Risk Program Management” courses conducted for disaster management and response agency personnel from fourteen countries.  Exercise Management training developed knowledge and skill to design, develop and conduct discussion and operational exercises; Risk Program Management provided information and skills required to develop and manage programs related to risk, emergencies and disasters.

Extension of support for SOPAC’s Community Risk Program for program staff; Advocacy and coordination initiatives carried out in support of the OFDA-funded regional Pacific Disaster Risk Management (Training) Program.

Technical support provided for Initial Damage Assessment training for the Government of Samoa in collaboration with the Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC). The training targeted national disaster advisory council members who will assist the disaster management office in training village councils and community organizations to conduct damage assessments as part of village response activities stipulated in the national disaster management plan.

Participation in the annual summit of the Forum of Young Global Leaders.

Dr. Mari Pagestu – Minister of Trade, Republic of Indonesia
Dinner hosted by The Asia Foundation featuring the Honorable  Mari Pangetsu, Indonesian Minister of Trade, on the current status of the U.S.-Indonesia trade relationship.  Attendees included members of the Asian diplomatic community, Asia Foundation Board of Trustees and staff.

Leading Track II Forum focusing on Security issues in the Asia-Pacific region

Tenth conference in a series that provided an opportunity for an exchange of views among key officials and scholars in the American foreign policy community and their Chinese and Japanese counterparts on issues of critical important to the three countries.

Development of an American Studies program at the university level. Support includes
providing faculty consultants, teaching materials and textbooks (including translations of
key texts into Vietnamese); long- and short-term training opportunities in the U.S. for
selected faculty; and annual networking workshops to encourage networking and
information-sharing among American Studies lecturers and scholars across Vietnam.