The Asia Future Fellows program is a global mobility initiative that promotes educational and cultural understanding. The program kicked off in July 2014 with a week long program in Brisbane, which incorporated academic presentations, industry liaison and cultural exchange. Students from Peking University and Griffith University concluded the week by forming groups to write a paperthat they worked on and presented at the November program in Beijing. This group work provided a cross cultural work experience that also fostered friendship by ensuring regular contact throughout the year.
Asia Futures Fellow,Nicholas Filer explains that the Asia Futures Fellows Program,had afforded him the opportunity of a lifetime. “We went beyond the headlines and the textbooks and saw the real China. Our experiences were not tempered by biased media or myopic pundits – we got to talk to the people that comprise Chinese society.
Academics, business people, diplomats and artists graciously gave us their time to explain what it is to live, work and study in modern China. Throughout this immersive program our friends from Peking University were right beside us ready and willing to help and explain both the practical and philosophical elements of Chinese society. This ranged from the finer points of their political system, to understanding the cultural significance of Chinese mannerisms”.
The Beijing program was officially opened by Professor Liu Shusen, Secretary-General, Peking University Australian Studies Centre.Professor Ding Dou, School of International Studies, Peking University delivered the keynote address. This was followed by the students’ presentations of their papers which will be published in the Griffith Asia Institute’s working papers series Regional Outlook in January 2015. Their topics include
- Analysis of the Potential Mutual Benefits from the Proposed Sino–Australian Free Trade Agreement
- Australia–China Relations in Intergovernmental Organisations – Building Bridges or Exacerbating Conflict?
- The Australian Carbon Tax: A Comparison between China and Australia
- Comparison of High School Dropout in China and Australia – Causes and Solutions
- Youth Political Participation in Australia and China: A Comparative Analysis
“This program not only gave me an insight into the close political, economic and cultural ties between our two countries, but also helped me to have a more comprehensive understanding of our own culture from a different angle” explains Lucy Zhang from Peking University.
During theBeijing program the group had the opportunity to meet with Ms CathrynHlavka, Minister-Counsellor Education; Mr Lachlan Crews, Counsellor Economic and Jennifer Mason, First Secretary Public Affairs at the Australian Embassy, Beijing. The students also met with representatives from Thirst, a NGO teaching water education to Chinese youth; Red Gate Gallery;Norton Rose Fullbrightand the Australian Chamber of Commerce.
Braden Rowe explains that he has gained from the program a more informed insight into Chinese culture. “Previously all I had to base my opinion on Chinese people, culture and way of life was predominately through popular Western media but this program gave me the opportunity to transform that view into a more realistic and modern one. Importantly, the program has allowed me to make many good friends, both Chinese and Australian, and will prepare me for undertaking my NCP scholarship in China next year”.
The program will be held again next year and applications to apply will be taken early 2015. For further information, contact Mr Cui Zhe at email: cui.zhe@pku.edu.au
Asia Future Fellows with (front row L to R) Lucy Zhang, Peking University, Mrs Jeanne McConaghie, Manager, Griffith Honours College, Professor Liu Shusen, Secretary-General, Peking University Australian Studies Centre, Associate Professor Liu Hongzhong, Australian Studies Centre and Professor Ding Dou, School of International Studies, Peking University
Australian Embassy with Ms Cathryn Hlavka, Minister-Counsellor Education and Jennifer Mason, First Secretary Public Affairs.
Great Wall Mutianyu
at Peking University
