This week’s honor goes to WENCHI YU, who is Co-Founder and Board Director of Privii, a privately-owned Singapore-based social capital investment firm connecting the Asia Pacific region to the world through private investment and philanthropic activities. Prior to joining the Privii recently, she served as a Senior Advisor in the Office of Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton and led key initiatives in the Asia Pacific region with a focus on women and girls. Continue reading
Asia 21 Young Leader of the Week: WENCHI YU
Asia 21 Young Leader of the Week: CHEVAAN DANIEL
CHEVAAN DANIEL is this week’s Asia 21 Young Leader. CHEVAAN recently won Sri Lanka’s most prestigious corporate leadership award—the Chief Executive of the Year award. He was also selected as one of Sri Lanka’s 40 Under 40 Young Leaders by the Echelon—a leading business publication—for his efforts in wielding significant influence on the country’s news agenda. Chevaan is the head of News 1st—the largest electronic news network that has been feted both locally and internationally with many accolades—and the most powerful media brand in Sri Lanka, reaching over 15 million in a country of 21 million. In addition to his responsibilities at News 1st, Chevaan also sits on the boards of two media companies, MTV and MBC which own and operate a total of nine channels.
Voices of Asia 21: “Enlightening the Gray” by Nader Yama
Enlightening the Gray – 2014 and Beyond: Thoughts, Scenario Clarity, Dynamism – Way Forward by Mohammad Nader Yama, Director for Strategic Coordination, Independent Directorate of Local Governance; Member of Afghan Young Leaders Initiative (AYLI) -2013
Posted in Asia 21, Asia 21 Young Leaders Initiative, AYLI, Newsletter, Voices of Asia 21
Tagged Afghan Young Leaders Initiative, Director for Strategic Coordination, Dynamism – Way Forward, Enlightening the Gray – 2014 and Beyond: Thoughts, Independent Directorate of Local Governance, Mohammad Nader Yama, Scenario Clarity
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Voices of Asia 21: Adnan Malik Premiers “My Punjabi Love for You”
Adnan Malik (A21 Fellow, 2012) recently premiered his latest music video last month, My Punjabi Love for You. The video is the first of its kind, female-revenge-action video as it is an evocative and propulsive experimental music and film hybrid, which tells a story of a young rural wife who attempts to overcome the challenges faced by independent women in a male dominated society.
Voices of Asia 21: “From the Field” by Lida Hedayat
In an article for Voces Creative Voices in Development, Lida Nadery Hedayat (Asia 21 Young Leader, Tokyo 2008) looks into the effect of peace process in Afghanistan is motivated by the international community’s desire to disengage militarily and the effect of that policy on Afghan women.
Voices of Asia 21: “India’s Resource Nexus” – Priorities for Action by Arunabha Ghosh
Arunabha Ghosh
In an article for Live Mint and the Wall Street Journal, Arunabha Ghosh (A21 Young Leader, New Delhi 2011) discusses one of India’s main concerns: resource security and meeting the basic material needs of its growing population.
Voices of Asia 21: Cora De Ungria Writes about Forensic DNA Technology as a Tool for Judicial Reform
Writing for Philstar.com about forensic DNA technology, Dr. Maria Corazon A. De Ungria (A21 Young Leader, Seoul 2006) calls DNA testing a “powerful tool for human identification,” which, with recent advances in technology, has begun “reforming the manner by which cases are resolved in courts.”
Voices of Asia 21: Rucha Writes about the Role of Women-Farmers
Rucha Chitnis (A21 Young Leader, New Delhi 2011) is writing a four-part series blog for Global Greengrants Fund on the crucial role women-farmers play in India to promote food security, and why it is essential to engage and empower grassroots women and girls at all levels to mitigate hunger, and promote holistic people-centered sustainable development.
Social Conversations with Asia 21 Philippine Young Leaders
Asia Society Philippines in cooperation with the Young Public Servants launched the Asia 21 Philippines Young Leaders Discussion Series: Social Conversations on Leadership, Democracy, and Multi-Sectorial Partnerships for Progress and Development.
Seasons of Cambodia Ongoing in NYC
New York City is currently playing host to 125 artists from Cambodia who are performing in 30 major arts and educational institutions all over the city until the month of May. The Seasons of Cambodia feature music, dance, visual art, ritual, film, puppetry, and academic forums.
Farina Studies Cham Muslim Immigrant Families
Farina So (A21 Young Leader, New Delhi 2011) has been recently admitted in a PhD in Global Studies at University of Massachusetts Lowell for the fall of 2013. Farina is the head of Cham Muslim Oral History/Identities Project at the Documentation Center of Cambodia.
Swati Ramanathan’s TenderSURE Project Recognized by the Indian Government
The State Government of Karnataka in India recognized Swati Ramanathan’s (A21 Young Leader, Singapore 2007) initiative called TenderSURE—a project that aims to improve the quality of life in India, by getting urban road infrastructures right.
John Montilla Published 2nd Creative Brief About The River of Life Initiative
John Piermont Montilla (A21 Young Leader, Jakarta 2010), has published his 2nd Starbucks Creative Update in his pursuit of helping the Philippines reach its Millennium Development Goals (MDG) by 2015.
Vivian Liu’s Project Audacious Hope Receives PKR 2.9 Million
Vivian speaking at Harvard.
Vivian Claire Liu (A21 Young Leader, Kuala Lumpur 2009), founder of PhilanthropyWorks (“PW”), is delighted to announce the success of their project proposal for PKR 2.9 million of funding from an EU Embassy, to anchor its job-training program in Project Audacious Hope, Pakistan.
Huan Le Launches a New Patient Collaboration Platform
Huan Le (A21 Young Leader, Seoul 2006) just started a new company called Medifr, which is a patient collaboration platform that is based upon the referral of a patient from one healthcare giver to another.
Andrew Klaber co-published book: Social Entrepreneurship in the Age of Atrocities
Andrew Klaber (A21 Young Leader, Tokyo 2008) co-wrote a chapter in Social Entrepreneurship in the Age of Atrocities, a book edited by Dr. Zachary D. Kaufman. The book provides crucial insight into social entrepreneurship from visionaries in the field as well as other experienced practitioners and renowned theorists. While this book focuses on social entrepreneurship as it relates to genocide and other atrocities, the experiences and lessons learned also apply to critical social, economic, legal, and political problems such as healthcare, development, education, and literacy.
Safeena Husain Expands Educate Girls’ Reach
Safeena Husain (A21 Young Leader, New Delhi 2011), Executive Director at Educate Girls is happy to announce that a memorandum of understanding has been signed on 9th April 2013 with the Government of Rajasthan. The successful non-profit she created 5 years ago to reduce the gender-gaps districts of Rajasthan is now officially extending to the Sirohi district. Safeena hopes to help an even larger number of Indian rural girls get access to education. After focusing previously on the Pali and Jalore districts, Educate Girls’ model has proven to be sustainable and efficient. Safeena says her team is thus ready to scale and to have 542 more villages joining the program.
Posted in Asia 21, Asia 21 Young Leaders Initiative, Newsletter
Tagged Educate Girls, Safeena Husain, Team Balika
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Diana David Launches the Non-Executives Directors Diploma
With a greater focus on transparency and independence on boards, Diana David (A21 Young Leader, Seoul 2006), Regional Corporate Development Director, Financial Times Asia, recently launched the Independent Non-Executive Directors Diploma. Developed with Pearson, this is the first global post-graduate course specifically focused on training independent non-executive directors in the skills necessary to make a positive impact on board effectiveness and governance. The Hong Kong-based course covers the whole range of expertise needed for any non-exec role from legal liabilities and corporate governance to the all-important behavioral skills needed to ensure an effective contribution to the board.
She highly encourages the exceptional network of Asia 21 Young Leaders to find out more about the program, by clicking here.
Sharmeen Premiers Latest Film Humaira: The Dream Catcher
Academy Award Winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy (A21 Fellow, 2011) recently premiered her latest documentary Humaira: The Dream Catcher at the Chime for Change press conference in London last March.
Posted in Asia 21, Asia 21 Young Leaders Initiative, Fellows, Newsletter
Tagged Academy Award Winner, Chime for Change, Emmy Award Winner, Humaira: The Dream Catcher, John Legend, Mariane Pearl, Oscar, Pakistan, Salma Hayek Pinault, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, The Sound of Change, Women of Impact 2013
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Raymond Tam Manages Titanic II
In addition to Raymond Tam’s (A21 Young Leader, New Delhi 2011) role as Project Director of Mineralogy Pty Ltd, he is also the Director of Asia Operations for Blue Star Line Pty Ltd—the company that has undertaken the task of building Titanic II. Raymond is responsible for managing the development and business operations of Titanic II in Asia.
Zafar Sobhan Launched Dhaka Tribune
Zafar Sobhan (A21 Young Leader, Tokyo 2008) has recently launched Dhaka Tribune last month. Dhaka Tribune is an independent media house free from political ties or outside influence. Dhaka Tribune’s focus is on continuous growth and delivery of information at the right time. The idea of starting Dhaka Tribune came since Zafar wanted to serve the young readers of Bangladesh and give voice to the transformation of modern Bangladesh. He aims to promote Bangladesh to the rest of the world and capture the spirit of the youth through Dhaka Tribune within the country.
Posted in Asia 21, Asia 21 Young Leaders Initiative, Fellows, Newsletter
Tagged Asif Saleh, Bangladesh, Dhaka Tribune, Zafar Sobhan
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Aamir Rehman is now Managing Director of Fajr Capital Advisors
Aamir Rehman (A21 Young Leader, Jakarta 2010) has been appointed Managing Director of Fajr Capital Advisors, a financial firm serving the Middle East and Southeast Asia based in Dubai. The company fosters investment flows between emerging markets and advises the private and public sectors on Islamic finance. Aamir is an advisory and private equity professional. He is also the author of two books on Gulf business and investments (Dubai & Co, and Gulf Capital & Islamic Finance), both published by McGraw-Hill.
He is keen to help start a Gulf chapter of Asia 21 alums and would welcome interest from others.
Armen Orujyan is now UN Broadband Commissioner
Armen Orujyan (A21 Young Leader, Tokyo 2008), has taken a position with the UN Broadband Commission as a Commissioner.
Tingjin Lin is now Dean at Nanjing University
Tingjin Lin (A21 Young Leader, Kuala Lumpur 2009) is now a dean of Urban Development Studies at the Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, and a Jiangsu Distinguished Professor of Public Administration.
Ziena Jalil is now Regional Director of South Asia for Education New Zealand
Ziena Jalil (A21Young Leader, New Delhi 2011) has been appointed Regional Director of South Asia for Education New Zealand, the New Zealand Government’s international education promotion agency and will be based in India from late May 2013. Her role encompasses regional education diplomacy and cooperation, business development, marketing and student recruitment.
Anshu Gupta is 2012 India Social Entrepreneur of the Year
Anshu Gupta (A21 Young Leader, Tokyo 2008) has been awarded the 2012 India Social Entrepreneur of the Year award by the Schwab Foundation, which is a complementary foundation of the World Economic Forum that aims to promote social entrepreneurship and innovation.
Lesley Cordero Appointed as Undersecretary
Lesley Cordero (A21 Fellow, 2012) was recently appointed as the Undersecretary of the Office of the Cabinet Secretary of the Government of the Philippines. She was Undersecretary for Policy and Planning at the Presidential Communications Operations Office of the Philippines, and is also the Vice-Chairman of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board Appeals Committee.
Lesley was recently featured in an article by Sun Star Cebu, Idealist in Government.
Steve Chung is Now CEO of TicToc Planet, Inc.
Steve Chung (A21 Fellow, 2009) took up a new post as CEO of TicToc Planet, Inc. an innovative smartphone instant messaging and social networking service based in Silicon Valley, San Francisco. The company is funded by SK Planet, South Korea’s leader in web and mobile services and a key subsidiary of SK Telecom.
Posted in Asia 21, Asia 21 Young Leaders Initiative, Newsletter
Tagged Inc. SK Planet, Steve Chung, TicToc Planet
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Esther Benjamin Now CEO for Laureate Education – Africa
Esther Benjamin (A21 Young Leader Delegate, 2009) is now CEO for Africa Operations with Laureate Education (www.laureate.net). She will be responsible for developing and launching the company’s strategy for the Africa Region. Esther will initially work from corporate headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland, but will relocate to Johannesburg, South Africa this summer.
Posted in Asia 21, Asia 21 Young Leaders Initiative, Newsletter
Tagged Esther Benjamin, Laureate Education
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Suryani Alias Launches “Senijari”
Suryani Senja Alias (A21 Fellow, 2007) just launched her own social enterprise called Senijari (or “art by fingers” in Malay), which is a heritage lifestyle brand that works on fair terms with artisans, artists and designers to re-interpret ancient and dying crafts such as the Malaysian songket textile through the infusion of modern design.
Posted in Asia 21, Asia 21 Young Leaders Initiative, Newsletter
Tagged Art by Fingers, Senijari, Suryani Senja Alias
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Rafay Alam Forms Saleem, Alam & Co.
Rafay Alam (A21 IPRYLI 2012) has formed a partnership, Saleem, Alam & Co., that deals with energy, water and urban development issues. He has since been elected Chairman of the Lahore Waste Management Company and Vice-Chairman of the Punjab Urban Sector Planning & Management Unit (Private) Limited. Rafay has also been appointed Secretary of River Ravi Commission and Fire Safety Commission constituted by the Lahore High Court in various public interest and environment litigations.
Asia 21 Young Leader Alan Huynh – A Recipient of the 2013 Australian Leadership Awards
Alan Huynh (A21 Young Leader, New Delhi, 2011) is a recipient of the 2013 Australian Leadership Awards which aim to “develop leadership, address priority regional development issues, and build partnerships and links between Australian organizations and their partner organizations in developing…” As an award recipient, he had the opportunity to attend the ADC Future Summit for which this year’s theme was “China – where to from here?” which explored various aspects of Australia’s engagement with China, including opportunities and challenges presented by the recent leadership change in the country. There is also an opportunity to be part of the leadership award alumni network.
Asia 21 Young Leader Bhavani Fonseka Offered a Mason Fellowship by Harvard
Bhavani Fonseka (Asia 21 Fellow, 2010) was recently offered a Mason Fellowship at the Harvard Kennedy School for 2013-14, and will be heading to Cambridge, Massachusetts this summer. Bhavani is a Senior Researcher with the Centre for Policy Alternatives, a think tank in Sri Lanka, conducting research, documentation, national and international advocacy and litigation. She is a human rights lawyer and activist, with a focus on assisting victims and affected populations in various parts of Sri Lanka. She has worked on a range of issues including the rights of the displaced, women, children, minorities, HIV/AIDS, land and legal issues. She has also been involved in and supported several key fundamental rights cases protecting the rights of victims and affected populations in recent times in Sri Lanka. Bhavani has a LLB (Hons, UK) and LLM (in international human rights law, USA). In 2007, she was awarded ‘The Young Outstanding Persons’ (TOYP) in the category of human rights by the Junior Chamber International and HSBC Bank.
Prodyut Bora Nominated as Yale World Fellow
Prodyut Bora (A21 Young Leader, Jakarta 2010) was recently nominated as a Yale World Fellow for the year 2013. As a Fellow, he will participate in an academic curriculum that advances their critical-thinking and leadership skills. He will also teach at Yale by conducting guest lectures in classes and meet with the student groups, deliver campus-wide lectures, and contribute to informal dialogue and learning across the campus. Moreover, he was also inducted as a National Executive Member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which is India’s principal opposition party. Prior to his current role, he was the State General Secretary of the Party’s unit in the northeastern state of Assam. Prior to that, he was the first National Convener of its Information Technology (IT) Cell.
Humaira Bachal Awarded the 2013 Women of Impact Award in NYC
We would like to congratulate Humaira Bachal (A21 Young Leader, Dhaka 2012) who was recently awarded the Women of Impact Award 2013 at the 4th Annual Women of the World Summit that was held in New York earlier this month. Humaira, along with Khalida Brohi, 2 young women from Pakistan were honored by the Daily Beast’s Tina Brown for their courage, passion, and tireless work, “…for doing it by themselves, doing it without recognition…”
Posted in Asia 21, Asia 21 Young Leaders Initiative, Newsletter
Tagged Anjelina Jolie, CNN, Cristiane Amanpour, Daily Beast, Diane Von Furstenberg, Dream Foundation Trust, Humaira Bachal, Khalida Brohi, Melanne Verveer, Oprah Winfrey, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Tina Brown, Women of the World 2013
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Donya Aziz Named as Top Legislator in Pakistan
Donya Aziz (A21 Young Leader, Seoul, 2006) was recently named as one of the top legislator’s in Pakistan’s National Assembly. She has authored the second most number of Private Members’ Bills, according to the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).
From Snowy NYC, to Tokyo, Beijing, and Sunny India
During her 6-month stay in Japan as a Council on Foreign Relations Fellow, Asia 21 Fellow Alexandra Harney was delighted to have the support from her fellow Asia 21 young leaders in Japan who made sure that she felt at home. Gen Kanai, Claire Chino, and Daisuke Kan were incredibly helpful to her and Daisuke, in particular, went the extra 10 miles to connect Alexandra to interesting people in Tokyo, including both family, and friends. “Daisuke opened the doors to his world—full of creative, inspiring people trying to make Japan and the world a better place. He transformed my six months in Japan, and for that, I am extremely grateful to Daisuke, and to Asia 21” she says.
Posted in Asia 21, Asia 21 Collaborations, Asia 21 Young Leaders Initiative, Fellows, Newsletter
Tagged Alexandra Harney, Asia Unlocked, Claire Chino, Daisuke Kan, Danny Levinson, Dee Lee, Eric Wong, Gen kanai, Sapna Desai, Scarlett Li, Sonam Tashi, Suvani Singh, Undraa Agvaanluvsan, Xing Danwen
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Secretary’s Cup: Asia 21 Philippines Collaboration
To achieve a healthy nation, policy makers must look at how different sectors of society interact to achieve sustainable health gains. The complexities and often, the misconceived notion that health lies only in the clinics, can put many Filipinos at risk of ignorance to important health reforms that are shaping the health care status of the country.
Asia 21 Young Leaders Collaborate on Nepali Issues
Six month ago, Umanga Pandey (Asia 21 Young Leader, Dhaka 2012), Executive Director of KG (Kehi Garaun) in Nepal and Jinqian Liu (Asia 21 Young Leader, Dhaka 2012), Assistant Professor at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences (SASS) in China didn’t have the slightest idea that their paths would cross as they have, courtesy of “Asia 21”.
The 2012 Asia 21 Fellows’ Public Service Trip to Bhutan
As part of their commitment to public service—the hallmark of the Asia 21 Initiative—last week, a group of Asia 21 Young Leaders (representing the classes of 2009, 2011, and 2012) spent a week in Bhutan, carrying out public service activities relating to their areas of expertise.
Posted in Asia 21, Asia 21 Collaborations, Asia 21 Young Leaders Initiative, Fellows, Newsletter, Public Service Award
Tagged 2012 Asia Society-Bank of America Merrill Lynch Asia 21 Young Leaders Public Service Award, baby warmers, Embrace, Embrace Global. Bhutan, Health Secretary, hypothermia, Incubator, Infant Warmer, NASA, PSA 2012 Winner, Public Service Award
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Asia 21 Young Leader ERIC GARCETTI elected Mayor of Los Angeles
On May 21, 2013, Asia 21 Young Leader Eric Garcetti won a hard-fought contest to succeed outgoing mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and will take office on July 1 as the 42nd Mayor of Los Angeles. A fourth-generation Angeleno, he is among the youngest mayors in the city’s history.
Posted in Asia 21, Asia 21 Young Leaders Initiative, Newsletter
Tagged 2013, Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles, Mayor
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Asia 21 Young Leader of the Week: DAMCELLE TORRES-CORTES
This week’s honor goes to DAMCELLE TORRES-CORTES who currently serves as Chairperson of Wedpro Philippines—an NGO that seeks to empower women. Her work with Wedpro involves the challenging task of empowering women sex workers who had been trafficked and abused, rejected by their families and communities, and consequently, are forced to live in a seemingly inescapable cycle of poverty.
Congratulations to Asia 21 Young Leader Bam Aquino on his Senate Victory!
Asia 21 Young Leader Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV was officially proclaimed a member of the Philippine Senate on Friday, May 17, after winning over 14 million votes in the Philippine mid-term elections last week. With this victory, Bam follows in the steps of his uncle–former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino II, his aunt who is former Philippine President Corazon “Cory” Aquino, as well as his cousin Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, the current President of the Philippines.
Posted in Asia 21, Asia 21 Young Leaders Initiative, Newsletter, Philippines
Tagged Bam Aquino, Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, Hapinoy, Inc., MicroVentures, National Youth Commission, Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, Philippine Senate, Pnoy, President Benigno Aquino II, Presidential Youth Fellowship Program, Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations
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Voices of Asia 21: “India. Travel to Paradise” by Nitin Das
Asia 21 Fellow Nitin Das (Asia 21 Fellow, 2009) launched a new short film entitled, India. Travel to Paradise.
Asia 21 Fellow Ejaj Ahmad Receives “Rising Star” Award from Harvard
Asia 21 Fellow Ejaj Ahmad, founder and president of Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC), the country’s first leadership institute, received the 2013 Rising Star Award from Harvard Kennedy School, at a ceremony held at the John F. Kennedy Forum of the University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Saturday, May 11. The prestigious Rising Star Award recognizes an alumna or alumnus who, ‘within six years of beginning his or her career, has stood out as a leader, a catalyst for change, or a person making a meaningful difference to individuals, organizations, or governments.’ Ejaj had received a Master in Public Policy from Harvard in 2008.
Asia 21 Young Leader of the Week: OMAID SHARIFI
Omaid Sharifi is our Asia 21 Young Leader of the week! A human rights activist, Omaid who is the Co-Founder of Sela Foundation—an organization that works in improving the lives of the most vulnerable people of Afghanistan. He is also the Country Representative of the Hungary-based International Centre for Democratic Transition. He is also directly involved with Afghanistan’s civil society with his work as the Regional Manager of Tawanmandi—a civil society strengthening project. Omaid has worked with several national and international organizations such as USAID, the World Bank, British Council, and the Afghan government in different managerial and decision-making positions. He has also been working voluntarily for the rights of women, children, and youth in Afghanistan since 2004. He has been involved in establishing youth and social networks and organized workshops, seminars, conferences, radio broadcasts and TV shows around the country to enhance awareness about his advocacies. Omaid’s work to tackle corruption has been recognized by both Afghan civil society and the international community.
Asia 21 Young Leader of the Week: AUDRY HONG LI
This week’s honor goes to AUDRY LI, who was recently recognized as the #1 lawyer of the Top 15 Women Lawyers in China for 2012 by Asia Legal Business. Asia Legal Business is a world-leading provider of legal news and information regarding China, North and South East Asia, Japan, Australia and the Middle East. Audry was also previously selected by the Shanghai Bar Association as the Top Woman Lawyer of Shanghai in 2011.
Asia 21 Young Leader of the Week: EJAJ AHMAD
EJAJ AHMAD, founder and president of Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC) is the Asia 21 Young Leader of the Week!
BYLC is Bangladesh’s first youth leadership institute which aims to foster a more tolerant, inclusive, and just society by training the next generation of leaders in Bangladesh. As president, Ejaj spearheads BYLC’s international award winning leadership program which unites youth from diverse educational and socio-economic backgrounds, equips them with leadership skills, and engages them in service-oriented projects in local communities toaddress Bangladesh’s most urgent developmental needs.
Asia 21 Young Leaders Recognized as Young Global Leaders Class of 2013
While we are overjoyed to see the familiar names on the World Economic Forum’s recently announced list, it came as no surprise because we are already cognizant of their potential and commitment to value-based leadership. They have all been deeply involved with our Asia 21 Young Leaders Initiative as we help build relationships, engage in transnational and interdisciplinary dialogue and cultural exchange, and develop cooperative responses for addressing shared challenges.
Asia 21 Young Leader of the Week: PHLOEUN PRIM
Photo credit: Dylan Maddux / Season of Cambodia
This week’s honor goes to PHLOEUN PRIM, Executive Director of Cambodian Living Arts (CLA). He currently serves as the CEO of the Season of Cambodia (SOC) initiative by spearheading the festival, which is an international platform designed for showcasing Cambodian arts, culture, and humanities to audiences in New York City and around the world. Asia Society is delighted to play its part by collaborating with Phloeun and hosting some of the events in our NY headquarters.
Regarding his involvement with Asia 21, Phloeun maintains, “The Asia 21 conference provides a great platform for networking, particularly among the leadership of Asia. I have attended other conferences where leaders from both the East and the West have had the chance to meet, but this time, all of the participants belong to the same continent and we share many common values and concerns. Continue reading
Tudor Clee wins CREATE UNAOC 2012 Award for Touchable Earth App
Asia 21 Young Leader Tudor Clee won the CREATE UNAOC 2012 Award for his efforts in developing Touchable Earth, a world-atlas app.
Tudor has traveled around the world to gather information from children while developing Touchable Earth, and disseminated the app in Google Nexus tablets to the schools in places he visited.
Seasons of Cambodia in NYC
During the months of April and May, New York City will play host to 125 artists from Cambodia who will be performing in 30 major arts and educational institutions all over the city. The Seasons will feature music, dance, visual art, ritual, film, puppetry, and academic forums.
“Learn to Fly” A Short Film by Asia 21 Fellow, NITIN DAS
Asia 21 Fellow Nitin Das (Asia 21 Fellow, 2009) launched a new short film entitled, Learn to Fly.
This film has been shot in Harike Wetland, the largest wetland in Northern India. It serves as a winter home to many species of migratory birds, a few of which are globally endangered species. Because of it’s rich biodiversity, Harike is a designated Ramsar site. One of the rare locations on Earth that are recognized as nature’s treasures. Enchanted lands that need to be preserved and protected.
Watch the video, here.
Nitin Das runs an independent film production house that works with communities to train them in acting and makes short fiction films. He is an alumnus of one of India’s top B-schools, and his last assignment was with India’s larest news magazine as a Brand Manager. He has done a filmmaking course in New York and has an interesting repertoire of award winning films. He has also won a special award by the British Council for creative entrepreneurship in the social sector.
Asia 21 Young Leader of the Week: SHARMEEN OBAID-CHINOY
Please join us in congratulating Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, this week’s Asia 21 Young Leader!
Sharmeen is an Academy and Emmy Award winning documentary film-maker from Pakistan. She was recently appointed as South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Goodwill Ambassador for HIV and AIDS for the year 2013 and 2014.
Posted in Asia 21, Asia 21 Young Leader of the Week, Asia 21 Young Leaders Initiative, Fellows
Tagged Academy Award, Emmy Award Winner, Oscar Winner, Pakistan, PolicyMic Top 5 Most Inspiring Millennial Women of 2012, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People of the World 2012
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Asia 21 Young Leader of the Week: CLAIRE MITSURU CHINO
This week’s honor goes to Claire Chino, who has been appointed as the first female executive director on the board of a Japanese trading company. Claire was appointed Executive Officer and General Manager, Legal Division, of Itochu Corporation effective this April. She has the distinction of being the “youngest and the first female executive officer” of any major Japanese trading company. Claire views this not so much as her personal achievement but rather as a sign that global companies are, by necessity, placing more importance on diversity. She adds, “Japan unfortunately ranks very low in the gender parity area. In fact, according to the report compiled by the Asia Society (Rising to the Top? A Report on Women’s Leadership in Asia) on gender empowerment, as of 2011, Japan ranked 98th out of 135 countries, mostly driven by the fact that there are so few women in leadership positions within corporations. I would be more than happy if my appointment can bring hope for other working women in Japan.”
Asia 21 Young Leader Claire Chino Recently Named as Board of Director of Itochu Corporation
Asia 21 Young Leader Claire Chino was recently named to be a part of the board of directors of Itochu Corporation–and the first woman in Japan on board in major trading companies. Read the article here.
Asia 21 Young Leader of the Week: MARK RUIZ
Mark Ruiz has recently attended the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. He was a discussion leader in the session Catalyzing Markets through Philanthropy, as well as a participant in The Global Innovation Heatmap: Future of Philanthropy. Given that Hapinoy was awarded as SEOY for Asia in 2011, Mark feels “extremely humbled and privileged to have been able to attend this year, as a member of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurs.”
Asia 21 Young Leader Bhavani Fonseka on “The ‘Bleak’ State of Rule of Law in Sri Lanka” on the Asia Blog
Asia 21 Young Leader Bhavani Fonseka wrote an article, The ‘Bleak’ State of Rule of Law in Sri Lanka for the Asia Blog. Fonseka says that recent events, including the impeachment of the countries first female chief justice, could “have a chilling effect on hopes for a functioning democracy and sustainable peace in Sri Lanka.” Read the article here.
Posted in Asia 21, Asia 21 Young Leaders Initiative, Fellows, Uncategorized
Tagged Asia 21, Asia 21 Fellows, Fellows, Sri Lanka
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Asia 21 Young Leader E. Tammy King Featured on BBC World Have Your Say
Asia 21 Young Leader and Korean-American writer based in New York, E. Tammy King was recently featured on BBC World Have Your Say: Is it time to take North Korea more seriously? Watch the video here.
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Asia 21 Young Leader STUTI JALAN featured in India, Inc’s”Women in Command”
Asia 21 Young Leader STUTI JALAN is a young entrepreneur at 23, she founded Crosshairs Communication, a marketing and media company. Watch the video here.
Photos: 7th Annual Asia 21 Young Leaders Summit
Check out photos from the 2012 Asia 21 Summit in Dhaka here.
Posted in Asia 21, Asia 21 Young Leaders Initiative, Fellows, Summit
Tagged Aaron Maniam, Adam Gilmore, Arnel Casanova, Asia 21, Asia 21 Fellows, Bangladesh, BRAC, Dhaka, Ejaj Ahmad, Fellows, Michael G. Kulma, Mike Kulma, Nitin Das, Public Service Project, Savar, Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Sir Fazle H. Abed, Summit, Tom Nagorski
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Asia 21 Summit 2012 in the Dailies of Bangladesh
Check out articles about the recent Asia 21 Summit in the dailies of Bangladesh!
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Asia 21 Summit in the News
Asia 21 Summit in Dhaka was covered by Bangladesh’s Daily Star and picked up by Asian-focused websites and news outlets.
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Asia 21 Young Leader Pushpa Basnet of Nepal named 2012 CNN Hero of the Year
Asia 21 Young Leader (Class of 2011), Pushpa Basnet from Nepal has been named as the CNN Hero of the Year!
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Asia 21 Young Leaders Discussion Series
MANILA, December 17, 2012 –- Thirteen of the Asia 21 Young Awardees from the Philippines gathered to talk about their upcoming activities and possible collaborations within the group.
Over 100 Young Leaders gathered for the Asia Society’s 7th Annual Asia 21 Young Leaders Summit at BRAC, Savar
This year’s Asia 21 Young Leaders Summit took place in BRAC-CDM, Dhaka, Bangladesh, over a three-day period, beginning, December 7th. The event gathered over 100 delegates, representing diverse backgrounds and from over 20 different countries.
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EMBRACE named 2012 Asia Society-Bank of America-Merrill Lynch Asia 21 Young Leaders Public Service Award Winner
Dhaka – In recognition of their outstanding work in providing quality maternal and child health support in China, India, Zambia, Uganda, and Somalia—Embrace has been named winner of the 2012 Asia Society-Bank of America Merrill Lynch Asia 21 Young Leaders Public Service Award (Asia 21 PSA). Rajan Patel, Area Manager of Embrace based in Gujarat, India, accepted the award during the ceremonies at the Asia 21 Young Leaders Summit in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Asia 21 Fellow Bam Aquino featured on the Asian Journal in an article entitled “Community-Builder of Happy Pinoys”
Read an article about Asia 21 Fellow Bam Aquino on the Asian Journal here: http://www.asianjournal.com//galing-pinoy/59-galing-pinoy/18352-community-builder-of-happy-pinoys.html
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Call for Nominations and Applications: Bernard Schwartz Fellows
We are now accepting applications for the 2013Bernard Schwartz Fellows Program. Please click here for more information: AsiaSociety.org/SchwartzFellows
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Asia 21 Fellow FAIYSAL ALI KHAN interviewed by the BBC
Asia 21 Fellow, FAIYSAL ALI KHAN was interviewed by BBC World about the Taliban attack on Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai. Please click here to watch video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPwXDPZ567s&feature=youtu.be
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Read Asia 21 India-Pakistan Regional Young Leaders Initiative Fellow, Zafar Choudhary’s Op-Ed, “Disorder in the House”
Asia 21 India-Pakistan Regional Young Leaders Initiative Fellow, Zafar Choudhary wrote “Disorder in the House” in Rising Kashmir: http://www.risingkashmir.in/news/disorder-in-the-house-34597.aspx
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Read Asia 21 India-Pakistan Regional Young Leaders Initiative Fellow Zafar Choudhary’s piece on Kashmir “The Regional Heritage” in Rising Kashmir.
Asia 21 India-Pakistan Regional Young Leaders Initiative Fellow, Zafar Choudhary wrote a piece on Rising Kashmir. Read about “Rising Kashmir’s arrival in Jammu is celebration of 166 years of unity in diversity.”
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Asia 21 Young Leader Pushpa Basnet Nominated for CNN’s Top 10 Heroes for 2012
Asia 21 Young Leader (Class of 2011), Pushpa Basnet from Nepal has been nominated as one of the Top Ten CNN Heroes for 2012.
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Read India-Pakistan Regional Young Leaders Initiative Fellow Zafar Choudhary’s Op-Ed, “Clueless at Bakshi Stadium”
India-Pakistan Regional Young Initiative Fellow ZAFAR CHOUDHARY explains how Indian national holidays are (not) observed Jammu and Kashmir. Click here to read his op-ed, “Clueless at Bakshi Stadium,” published in Rising Kashmir.
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New York Times Post: ‘Saving Face’ Provokes Questions in India
The India Blog of the New York Times has posted an article about the Oscar-winning documentary “Saving Face,” co-directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Asia 21 Fellow.
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Where Roots Grow Deep – Asia Society 21 Fellows Visit Palawan
Originally posted on Roots of Health.
Click to see pictures from the visit
Puerto Princesa, Palawan:It began as an informal open-air meet during a coffee break at the Asia 21 Summit in Gurgaon – India, in November 2011. The winners of the Asia Society Asia 21 Public Service Award, Roots of Health, had travelled from Palawan in the Philippines, to receive their award and meet the Class of 2011 fellows. Selected after a comprehensive elimination process by the 2011 fellows class and Asia 21, RoH (Ugat ng Kalusugan in Filipino), a reproductive health NGO focused on improving the health of women and girls and their communities, came out tops. Continue reading
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‘Saving Face’ screened at India’s Habitat Film Festival
Asia 21 Fellow Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy‘s Academy Award-winning documentary Saving Face captivated audiences at the Habitat Film Festival in New Delhi on Monday. The film was produced with support from the Asia Society India Center. Sharmeen was also one of five Pakistani delegates who participated in the inaugural India-Pakistan Regional Young Leaders Forum this weekend.
Read about the film festival and the post-screening interview with Sharmeen in The Hindu.
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Dr Rohullah Ahmadzai, AYLI member quits Afghan Investment Agency to protest corruption
The New York Times published a story on July 13 2012, concerning 7 officials in the Afghan Investment Support Agency who resigned to protest mis-mangement, corruption and graft within the agency. Dr. Rohullah Ahmadzai, formerly the director of investment promotion and one of the 7 officials who resigned, is a member of the Afghan Young Leaders Initiative (AYLI).
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CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: 2012 Public Service Award
The Asia Society is pleased to announce a call for applications for the Asia 21 Young Leaders Initiative 2012 Public Service Award (PSA). The deadline for applications is midnight ET, September 10, 2012.
Please submit all applications by email to blinden@asiasociety.org. (Click on the link to download the application form.)
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India-Pakistan Regional Young Leaders Initiative
The 2012 India-Pakistan Regional Young Leaders Forum, which will convene July 20-22 in New Delhi, was featured today in The Daily Rising Kashmir and Pakistan’s The News.
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Event Recap: Roots of Health 2011 receives the Asia 21 Young Leaders Public Service Award
Roots of Health Named 2011 Asia Society-Bank of America Merrill Lynch Asia 21 Young Leaders Public Service Award
New Delhi, 19 November 2011 – In recognition of its outstanding work in providing quality reproductive health education and an introduction to human rights and empowerment to the women of rural communities in Puerto Princesa, Palawan in the Philippines, Roots of Health has been named winner of the 2011 Asia Society-Bank of America Merrill Lynch Asia 21 Young Leaders Public Service Award (Asia 21 PSA). Patricia Amina Swanepoel, Founding Executive Director, represented the two-year-old startup organization and received a US$10,000 cash prize during ceremonies at the Asia 21 Young Leaders Summit in New Delhi, India.
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Congratulations to Aaron Maniam, Asia 21 Fellow!
Aaron Maniam (Asia 21 Fellow, Class of 2008) was one of three young leaders who received the Singapore Youth Award (SYA) from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday.
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