Wednesday, May 7, 2008

19th International Youth Forum 2008: Youth Challenges in the ASEM Context

15-22 July 2008
Seoul and Goesan, Korea

The 19th International Youth Forum 2008: Youth Challenges in the ASEM Context will take place from the 15th to the 22nd of July, in Seoul and Goesan, Republic of Korea.

The project is co-organised by the National Council of Youth Organizations in Korea, the Korean Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs and the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF).

The project will bring together one hundred thirty (130) participants from the ASEM countries, motivated young people, currently involved as volunteers or employees in various youth organisations/ institutions in different ASEM countries.

Background information on the event and the criteria for participation can be found in www.asef.org or contact:

Bogdan Imre (Mr.)
Project Officer
People-to-People Exchange
Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)

31 Heng Mui Keng Terrace
Singapore, 119595
Tel: +65.68749737
Fax: +65.68721206
Email: bogdan.imre@ asef.org

Chinese-government–scholarship Basis Sun Yat-sen University, 2008-2009

Application for M.A/M.S and Ph. D on a Chinese-government–scholarship Basis Sun Yat-sen University, 2008-2009

Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, which is located in Guangzhou, was founded by Dr. Sun Yat-sen in 1924, the great pioneer of the Chinese democratic revolution. It is a multi-disciplinary institution, ranking as one of the major universities in China and the top in South China. On October 26, 2001, the former Zhongshan University and former Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Sciences were merged into a new Sun Yat-sen(Zhongshan)University.

The university offers an extensive range of curricula covering the fields of natural science, humanities, social science, medical sciences, technology and managerial science.

Ⅰ. Admission Requirements

1. An Applicant for the master’s degree should have a bachelor’s degree or have completed undergraduate programs while an applicant for the doctorate degree should be a master’s degree holder or have completed the postgraduate programs. The applicant should be under the age of 45 and in good health;
2. The applicant should not be a college student in China at the time of application;
3. Those who intend to study sciences and technology or medical sciences and who will receive class instruction in Chinese should have the Chinese Language Proficiency Certificate of Band 4 or above for the HSK (Chinese Proficiency Test); Those who intend to major in liberal arts or management and who will receive class instruction in Chinese medium should have the Chinese Language proficiency Certificate of Band 6 or above for the HSK (Chinese Proficiency Test);
4. Scores for the specialized courses, on a hundred-percent basis, should be above 70 while scores for the basic courses should be above the passing grade. The specific decisions will be made by the tutors, under the supervision of the departments or colleges concerned and the graduate school.
5. Those who will receive class instruction in Chinese but whose Chinese language proficiency has not met the requirements at the time of admission will be provided with the arrangement to study Chinese for a year.
6. Those tutors and departments that are capable of giving instructions in English can enroll students from English speaking countries and instruct them in English.
7. It is required that only those can be enrolled who, according to the stipulation of the Chinese government, be from the countries that permit the applicants to go through the routine visa application procedures smoothly.

8. The applicant must have the good behavior.

Ⅱ. The Length of Schooling

Three years for both M.A /MS candidates and Ph. D candidates (exclusive of training in Chinese language ).

Ⅲ. The Treatment for the Chinese Government Scholarship

1. Tuition : Waived.
2. Cost for two-bed-room accommodation: free of charge.
3. Living expenses :RMB1100 per month for a M.A /M.S candidate and RMB1400 Yuan for a Ph. D candidate.
4. Fees for textbooks: RMB500 each person annually.
5. Medical insurance: the same as the Chinese college students.
6. Round-trip Traveling Expenses: c/o student

Ⅳ. Application Materials

1. A xerox copy of the certificate for the degree and a copy of the record of the schooling;
2. A xerox copy of the transcript for the BA/BS or MA/MS;
3. A research plan;
4. Two references from two professors or associate professors;
5. A xerox copy of the valid passport (Photo page);
6. A xerox copy of the certificate for Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK);
7. Application Form for Chinese Government Scholarship (can be downloaded from the website: http://www.csc.edu.cn (for the China Scholarship Council - CSC).
8. Application Form for International Students at Sun Yat-sen University (can be downloaded from the website of the university: http://www.sysu.edu.cn/2003/zsjy/hwlxs.htm
9. The Physical Examination Record For Foreigner (can be downloaded from the website:http://www.csc.edu.cn (for The China Scholarship Council - CSC).

Ⅴ. Application Period

April 10th to May 20th

Ⅵ. The time to enter the school

August 25th to September 3rd

Ⅶ. Enquiry:

1. Liberal arts & Sciences: Tel: 0086-20-84110819,
E-mail: tanjx@mail.sysu.edu.cn
2. Medical Sciences: Tel: 0086-20-87331675 zsumbbs@mail.sysu.edu.cn
3. Mailing address: Office for International Students’ Affairs, Sun Yat-sen University, #135 Xingang Xi Rd.,Guangzhou, China
4. Website of Sun Yat-sen University: http://www.sysu.edu.cn

Asia 21 Young Leaders Forum



The Philippines 21 Young Leaders Initiative seeks to identify 10 young promising men and women who will form a community of young leaders who will be part of shaping the unfolding of this Asia Pacific century.

The selected leaders will be invited to attend a 2-day forum wherein they will discuss key issues concerning the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific Region.

This year’s theme is “Enlightened Self-Interest: Promoting Social Responsibility and Social Entrepreneurship for a better Philippines.”

The selected Philippines 21 Fellows will also serve as the country’s official delegates to the annual Asia 21 Young Leaders Forum. Organized by Asia Society, the forum provides a venue for dialogue with fellow young leaders across the Asia-Pacific Region.

We are currently looking for 25-40 year old young leaders in the following fields:

a.) Academe
b.) Business
c.) Non-Profit Sector
d.) Media
e.) Culture and the Arts
f.) Military
g.) Religious Sector
h.) Government (National and Local)

Our main criteria for selecting these leaders are as follows:

a.) Must be a Filipino citizen
b.) Must have already gained substantial leadership experience
c.) Must have demonstrated a commitment to serve Philippine society
d.) Must be willing to commit time and effort towards the achievement
of the goals set before, within and after the Forum

Please send nominations and a resume to
the Philippines 21 Secretariat at philippines21@gmail.com on or before
June 20, 2008.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

ASEM Youth Dialogue: 2nd Asia-Europe Youth Interfaith Dialogue

23 - 27 June 2008
Bandung, Indonesia

Following the success of the 1st Asia-Europe Youth Interfaith Dialogue held in Spain in 2006, ASEF is preparing the 2nd Asia-Europe Youth Interfaith Dialogue, as part of its ASEM Youth Dialogue series. The meeting will take place in Lembang, West Java, Indonesia in June 2008, with the support and commitment of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Youth as well as the Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU).

The aim of the annual ASEM Youth Dialogue is to provide a valuable channel through which youth in ASEM countries could exchange perspectives on priority themes in the ASEM agenda. Focus is given to the role and participatory nature of youth in the ASEM process, particularly with regard to coming up with solutions to identified common challenges.

In this case the main theme will be the further development of closer youth interfaith co-operation between Asia and Europe, following the example given by the previous Interfaith Dialogue and its valuable result: The Javier Declaration.

Please find the Fact Sheet, the Tentative Programme, the Call of Application and the Participant Application Form in the Project Info Box.

For further information, please contact Ms Katerina Ragoussi.

Deadline: 25 May 2008

For more information and to download application form: http://www.asef.org/index.php?option=com_project&task=view&id=16

Monday, May 5, 2008

518 Accepts Application for 2008 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School




Korea

"I recognized that the power of small individuals could forge and unite in solidarity to bring about the constructive change to the world. Eventually, Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School (GAHRFS) was a true moral blessing and encouragement to me” a reflection made by Ms. Ratchada Arpornsilp, participant from Thailand last year.

The May 18 Memorial Foundation is announcing the application for the 2008 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School. For this year, application is made more competitive to screen the number of applications. Emphasis on organizational partnership is given importance, so applicants endorsed by their organization will be the priority. Since the foundation will not be able to provide multiple translations, English language will be the medium for exchange.

The GAHRFS aims to contribute to the development of democracy and human rights throughout Asia. Twenty five (25) participants will be selected from among applicants from all over Asia who have been working for human rights, peace and democracy. They will be given an opportunity to learn and experience the history and development process of human rights and democracy in South Korea. The folk school will also serve as an opportunity for participants to exchange and network with other human rights activists.

One of the perks of attending the Folk School is the opportunity to be endorsed for a scholarship. For the last two years the foundation has been supporting scholars to Sungkonghoe University for their Master of Arts in Inter-Asia NGO Studies (MAINS). They were chosen and selected by the folk school committee based on their active participation and performance during the folk school.

Interested applicants should download the form enclosed. Applicants are advised to read carefully the guidelines and the rules for their application to be considered. The foundation shall only accept and entertain applicants who will properly comply with the set guide and rules.

Deadline for application: June 20, 2008

http://eng.518.org/main.html?TM18MF=B04&bc_table=ENG_NOTICE&form_act=V&bnum=45&page=1

Programmes in Economics - Italy

PhD Program in Economics at the University of Siena, Italy:
http://www.econ- pol.unisi. it/dottorato/
The 10 most qualified candidates (as resulting from the admission list) are awarded a grant. The grant comprises a yearly allowance of €10,561 (EUR 10,068 net of social security contribution) for the whole duration of the Doctorate course (4 years maximum).

PhD Program in Economics at the University of Bologna, Italy:
http://www.phdeco. unibo.it/
The University of Bologna provides grants consisting an yearly amount of approx. EUR 10,000 net paid in monthly instalment.

International Doctoral Program in Economics at the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy:
http://www.sssup.it/idpe
Four positions with four fellowships (amounting to EUR 12,500 per year + free meals at school's canteen + Campus facilities) are offered.

Scholarships Granted by Italian Government

Request for dissemination from the First Secretary, Mr. Mario Bartoli, Italian Embassy

The Italian Embassy is pleased to inform that, for the academic year 2008-2009, the General Directorate for Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is offering 20 monthly allowances as scholarship grants to Filipino citizens, to be subdivided among the selected candidates.

Potential candidates are allowed to apply for scholarships in the following courses:

1) Undergraduate and Graduate Programs (Corsi di Laurea). An entrance test from the Italian University is a requirement for admission to these courses. (Medical courses are excluded).

2) Graduate level single courses (monographic or of general knowledge).

3) Ph.D. Level courses. These courses are also submitted to a selection from the hosting Italian University.

4) Research and Master courses in all subjects for a period than can vary from 3 to 12 months, depending on the kind of research.

5) Italian language and culture courses, only for teachers of Italian as well as student majoring in Italian enrolled in the third year at least.

Duration

Only scholarships from a min. of 3 up to 12 months will be granted except for Italian language and culture courses whose duration is from 1 to 3 months.

Requirements

Knowledge of Italian language is a prerequisite.

If not certified by School or University transcripts, it will be ascertained in an interview at the Cultural Office of the Italian Embassy.

The academic requirements are as follows:

- Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree for Graduate and Postgraduate level courses.

- High School Diploma plus two years of College for Bachelor's level courses, Conservatoires and Academies.

- In order to attend Single Courses, enrollment in the Philippine University is required.

Terms of application and deadline

Applicants must send to the Cultural Office of the Embassy, on or before May 23, 2008:

- Application form;

- Detailed Curriculum Vitae with contact numbers;

- Specific information on the studies they intend to pursue in Italy;

- High School and University Transcripts.

The announcement, the application forms and list of required documents can be downloaded from the website www.esteri.it > opportunita' di studio e lavoro > borse di studio > per cittadini stranieri.

Eligible candidates, selected by a Joint Committee composed of the Ambassador of Italy (or other members of the Embassy), as well as University Deans and professors and other Filipino cultural authorities, will be notified within June 19, 2008 and requested to submit the following documentation:

- Two (2) letters of recommendation from Professors or Authorities.

- A Medical Certificate attesting the candidate's good health with translation in Italian.

The above said documentation has to be submitted on or before June 26, 2008.

Additional information

Age limit: 35

Airfare: covered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Accommodations: not included in the monthly allowance.

Insurance: health and accident insurance will be covered by the scholarship, except in case of previous illnesses, dental care or accident in consequence of dangerous activities.

Contact person: the Cultural Office of the Italian Embassy will get in touch with a Tutor, belonging to the Institution where the scholar is going to study, who will assist the recipient of the scholarship in his/her study or research.

Enrollment: pre-enrollment will be processed by the Embassy. The applicants must submit within July 15, 2008 the following documentation:

- 3 photos

- Photocopy of the passport or of the ID.

- Certified true copy of Diploma or Degree with translation into Italian. Only documents certified by the Department of Foreign Affairs will be accepted.

Visa: the Italian Embassy is authorized to release a visa for study to successful applicants as soon as the authorization regarding the grant is officially communicated. The visa issued will then expire at the end of the period of their courses.

For further information, please do not hesitate to contact the
Cultural Office of the Italian Embassy through tel. ns.892 4531 or fax
n.817 1436 or via e-mail to culturale.manila@ esteri.it