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UC Berkeley-UCLA Southeast Asian Studies Conference

UC Berkeley-UCLA Southeast Asian Studies Conference

Making Southeast Asian Cultures: From Region to World

April 22-23, 2016

at UC Berkeley

Abstract deadline: January 8, 2016

Keynote speaker: Melani Budianta, Professor of Literature, University of Indonesia

The aim of this conference, jointly sponsored by the Center for Southeast Asia Studies at UC Berkeley (Director: Prof. Pheng Cheah) and the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at UCLA (Director: Prof. George Dutton), is to reopen the question of Southeast Asia's culture both by looking back at the history of the region and at the dynamic transnational processes at work in contemporary globalization that actively make Southeast Asian cultures today. 

For example, how have Indian Ocean trade and religious networks shaped various aspects of Southeast Asian culture and how has their localization in Southeast Asia in turn inflected these networks?  In the field of contemporary art, are the different arts communities in Southeast Asia connected to and contemporary with each to other?  Can we speak of a self-conscious regional identity among these communities so that visual artists from Burma who are relatively new to international art practices and discourses can be curated alongside artists from highly "globalized" Singapore in an international biennale?  In the field of film studies, how have the Shaw and Cathay film empires, which were multilingual and multicultural, established a foundation for Southeast Asian film? In literary studies, has the public phenomenality of literary festivals and literature prizes such as the Man Asia Literary Prize or the Ramon Magsaysay Award in Journalism, Literature and Creative Communication Arts helped to create a body of Southeast Asian literary works?

The conference seeks to understand the production of Southeast Asian cultures by drawing on different humanities and social science disciplines.  By self-consciously adopting a world perspective and transnational frame in the study of Southeast Asia, the conference hopes to correct the normative Eurocentrism of the disciplines, their methodological nationalism, and the relative undertheorizing of Southeast Asia in Asian studies.

The organizers invite submissions for presentations from scholars and graduate students conducting original research in the social sciences and humanities that address the primary themes of the conference. Some travel funding is available, with priority for funding directed towards faculty and graduate students at UC and CSU campuses. 

Abstracts (up to 500 words) should be sent to CSEAS at UC Berkeley by Friday, January 8, 2016. Abstracts should include your name, affiliation and discipline and contact information (including e-mail address).

About the Keynote Speaker

Melani Budianta teaches Indonesian and English-language literature at the University of Indonesia. She has been instrumental in establishing Cultural Studies as a field of study at the University of Indonesia. Well regarded in Indonesia as a literary critic and also as a women's rights activist, she was a founder of Suara Ibu Peduli, a women's NGO that played a significant role in the May 1998 protests against Suharto. She has an M.A. from the University of Southern California and a Ph.D. from Cornell University.

Contact: CSEAS, 1995 University Ave., 520H, Berkeley CA 94704-2318

Tel: (510) 642-3609; Fax: (510) 642-5035; E-mail: cseas@berkeley.edu.

The Center for Southeast Asia Studies at UC Berkeley and the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at UCLA form a consortium U.S. Department of Education Title VI National Resource Center for Southeast Asian Studies.

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Research Intern, Sumitro Chair for Southeast Asia Studies

Position Title:              Research Intern, Spring 2016

Program/Dept.             Sumitro Chair for Southeast Asia Studies

Position Location:       Washington, DC
Reports To:                 Associate Director, Southeast Asia Chair

FLSA Status:               Non-Exempt

Revision Date:             November 4, 2015

           

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) provides strategic insights and policy solutions for decision-makers in government, international institutions, the private sector, and civil society. A bipartisan, nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, DC, CSIS conducts research and analysis and develops policy initiatives that look into the future and anticipate change.

The Sumitro Chair for Southeast Asia Studies at CSIS provides substantive research and dialogue on Southeast Asia policy and regional issues. Since the program began in 2009, the need for a serious and sustained policy focus on Southeast Asia continues to grow. As strategic interest in Asia rises, CSIS remains committed to its position as a premier outlet for research, analysis, and dynamic policy dialogue with Southeast Asia.

CSIS offers full and part-time internships for undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates who are interested in gaining practical experience in public policy. The Southeast Asia program is looking for full-time and part-time interns. The position is paid.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Sumitro Chair is recruiting interns who are highly motivated, professional, and have a strong foundation in Southeast Asia studies and international relations/political economy. We operate a fast-paced, dynamic program, and require interns who are detail-oriented and can work independently or as part of a team. Strong preference will be given to candidates who:

•                    Demonstrate excellent writing and research skills

•                    Possess a deep grasp of Southeast Asia’s current political climate and history

•                    Have a positive attitude and outstanding communication/interpersonal skills

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Interns will contribute to long-term research projects, assist with events hosted by the program, compile the “Southeast Asia from Scott Circle” newsletter, contribute to the program’s social media presence, and provide general support.

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE:

·         Must be at least a college junior in good standing, an advanced student, or a recent graduate.

·         Must have at least a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) from an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent from a non-U.S. institution.

·         Must be able to work in the United States.

·         Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK CONDITIONS:

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Performances of duties require the use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The job frequently requires ability to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND DEADLINES:

Application materials must be submitted by COB on January 4, 2016, to southeastasiaprogram@csis.org. Interested applicants please submit the following:

·         Please include your name on all application materials.

·         A resume, preferably in lieu of or addition to the online application resume.

·         A one page cover letter

·         A short writing sample of 500-1,500 words. This may be taken from a larger work, but please do not include submissions above 1,500 words. Writing samples relating to Southeast Asia are strongly recommended. 

·         Unofficial Transcripts

·         PDFs are preferred for all documents

You can find out more about the Sumitro Chair for Southeast Asia Studies on our website,  Facebook, Twitter, and blog. Videos of recent events and the latest publications are also available on the website. 

Questions about the internship can be directed to the Southeast Asia Program, at southeastasiaprogram@csis.org. 

U-S Asean Business Council Associate Position

Associate Position at U-S Asean Business Council

Associate

Reports to:  Director
Based in: Washington, DC

Overview

The Council’s Associate position is based in Washington, DC and supports a number of the Council’s programs and initiatives pertaining to specific countries and industry sectors represented by the Council’s members.  The successful candidate will monitor media/press in Southeast Asia and internationally on the industry/country areas s/he is assigned, which may include a mixture of the following:  Cambodia, Philippines, Singapore, Defense & Security, Energy, Health & Life Sciences, Infrastructure and Manufacturing.  S/he will identify partnership opportunities with relevant stakeholders including the U.S. government, ASEAN member governments and other trade/sector-specific organizations and associations.  S/he will also identify, monitor and address policy challenges and opportunities affecting those stakeholders and is expected to have the ability to develop and grow contacts with them.  In addition, s/he is expected to develop contacts with leading business executives, academics, think tank leaders and the media in Washington, DC and beyond.  S/he will interact regularly with the leadership of the Council’s pertinent committees and with the ASEAN-based liaisons as well as representatives of the Council’s member companies throughout ASEAN, Asia and the United States.  S/he will also provide support to the membership team’s goals of expanding the Council and assist in the retention of current Council members, potential upgrades and recruitment of new members.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead public initiatives around trade policy in specific industries as well as country focuses
• Monitor media/press in each country as assigned, regionally and internationally, to ensure members and colleagues are aware of the latest developments in the industry or country area s/he is assigned
• Work directly with Council members to drive initiatives in countries across ASEAN by identifying local government priorities and expanding on public-private engagement opportunities such as regular dialogues and consultations
• Develop and execute programming such as roundtables, briefings, seminars, workshops and business missions advancing the objectives of the member companies
• Build relationships with U.S. and ASEAN government officials and policy makers/influencers
• Build a network of industry partners and relationships with key industry associations
• Work cross-functionally to position corporate messages, create advocacy among stakeholders and reinforce efforts to properly position private sector views
• Conduct research on trade policy
• Work with the staff in Washington, DC and throughout Southeast Asia to ensure all projects and daily workload are being completed and escalated to the supervisor as needed
• Monitor implications of policy and political activity on sector-specific business areas and provide regular updates to member companies, including staying up to date on key contacts and regional and U.S.-based events
• In concert with the Council’s senior leadership, undertake necessary and appropriate steps to provide strategic advice on policy matters to member companies as well as government stakeholders.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in Business Administration, International Relations, Political Science, East Asian Studies or a related field.  A Master’s Degree is a plus.
• Exposure to and experience with American companies is preferred.
• A minimum requirement for this U.S.-based position is the ability to work legally in the United States on a permanent basis (U.S. citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, or Qualifying Asylee/Refugee).
• 1-3 years of work experience, including government, government relations, research, business development and/or multinational management.
• Demonstrated experience successfully managing programs and budgets, and tracking and advocating on key policy issues.
• Must be able to work independently without significant direction and achieve concrete results.
• Must be organized, detail-oriented and be able to successfully handle multiple tasks at the same time and function in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be willing to work beyond normal business hours in order to speak with colleagues in Southeast Asia, participate in regular staff calls and consult with Council members based in Asia.
• Needs to be member-focused and maintain good and open working relationships with the Council’s 150+ member companies and their representatives.
• Must be fluent in English with excellent written and verbal communication skills.  Should be able to demonstrate the ability to produce high-quality English-language publications.
• Must be proficient in Windows Office software including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Must have good research skills and be able to learn and absorb quickly.
• Must be able to interact with all organizational levels including senior management of member companies, senior business leaders from ASEAN countries, senior government leaders from ASEAN countries, academics, think tanks and media.
• Must have a good sense of logistics and ability to plan, run and execute programs.
• Must be a strategic thinker who understands key variables and can execute a plan to move members’ issues forward. 
• Needs to have knowledge of Southeast Asia, including its history, culture, politics and business environment.
• Knowledge of ASEAN as an organization and its key programs and players is a plus.
• Written and verbal language skills in a Southeast Asian language is a plus.

To apply, please send your cover letter and resume to jobs@usasean.org.

Young Professionals in Foreign Policy Fellowship

The YPFP Fellowship Program is currently in the process of recruiting a new Fellow focused on Asia. The selection process is moving fast and will likely be finished within a month, and I can help with recommending individuals directly.

The Asia Fellowship is a roughly ten month appointment starting January 2016. YPFP fellows write op-eds, book reviews and interviews and with the assistance of our editorial team, publish them in national and international media to develop their voice as a foreign policy expert. This year's fellows published in Foreign Policy Magazine, Business Insider, the Huffington Post and others. Fellows also benefit from the program's other opportunities including special events, workshops, and networking/mentorship opportunities. The selected Asia Fellow will be paired with a second fellow based in Asia, offering opportunities for peer-review and co-publication. More information about the position and the application process can be found in the hyperlink at the top of the paragraph. 

Call for Papers "Access & Control: Resources and Technology in the Global South" Conference at Indiana University

The theme of the conference is "Access & Control: Resources and Technology in the Global South," and it will take place March 3-5, 2016. The deadline for submission of abstracts is January 22, 2016. 

The conference is specifically designed to not be exclusively focused on Latin America and the Caribbean. Our hope is to feature presentations on research about access and control of resources and technology from various geographical areas that fit into the Global South paradigm. To that end, we would greatly appreciate if you could relate that detail to potentially interested students.

A highlight of our conference is our ability to offer travel grants to students coming from outside of Indiana University to cover transportation costs (ranging $200-600).  We can also provide accommodations and a majority of meals, making participating in our conference an affordable way to present research to a wider, multidisciplinary audience. 

An opening address will be presented by Indiana University Geography Professor Dr. Majed Akhter, titled "Drones, dams, and uneven development: Historical and emerging techno-geographies of the Global South.” The conference keynote will be a talk by Dr. Marion Werner of the State University of New York, Buffalo, Geography Department, titled "Food Systems and Sovereignty in the Caribbean." 

The Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC) Job Announcement

Higher Education Policy Advocate    The Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC) is seeking a highly skilled individual with strong background in policy analysis and advocacy to join a dedicated team of passionate professionals working on social justice issues impacting Southeast Asian American communities. The ideal candidate will have expertise in higher education issues affecting Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) and underserved communities and will be able to effectively manage and produce program outcomes as well as work productively in large coalitions and partnerships.   The Higher Education Policy Advocate reports to the Director of Education Policy as a member of SEARAC's policy team. This full-time position is based in Washington, D.C.

Major Roles The Higher Education Policy Advocate is a new position that will support SEARAC's Director of Education in developing and implementing the infrastructure, process, and programs for SEARAC's expanded work in higher education policy. S/he will be primarily responsible for leading policy analysis, advocacy strategies, training and technical assistance, and community engagement as they relate to increasing college access, affordability, and attainment, with a focus on addressing the unique challenges and needs of Southeast Asian American (SEAA) students, first-generation college students, and English language learners. The Higher Education Policy Advocate will work with national partners, local SEAA community partners, and institutes of higher education (IHEs) in advocacy campaigns at the national and local level.  Responsibilities Policy and Advocacy Conduct policy analysis and advocacy on select federal and state legislation, regulations, and guidance affecting AAPI students. Participate in national coalition committees in higher education policy and grassroots campaigns. Educate legislative, administrative, and community decision makers on higher education policy issues affecting AAPI communities. Training and Grassroots Support Manage partnerships with student and local community-based organizations across the nation.  Develop and manage a network of local advocates interested in higher education policy.  Conduct and coordinate research that focuses on educational barriers in AAPI communities, including best practices for supporting SEAA students to attain a college degree.  Organize and conduct national and regional trainings about educational challenges in AAPI communities and ways to address them. Develop education advocacy training materials and training modules.  Develop education policy document(s). Communications and Administration Disseminate education policy information to community members on a consistent basis. Support media strategies including but not limited to drafting media statements, developing a speaker's bureau, and implementing social media campaigns. Assist with reporting for programs. Work with other SEARAC staff in support of SEARAC's overall mission. Experience/Skills Required Legislative advocacy and policy analysis, including familiarity with the federal legislative process, experience communicating with policy makers, and ability to communicate complex policy issues to local communities and community-based organizations. Knowledge of higher education policy issues as they pertain to AAPIs, specifically SEAAs. Group facilitation and training. Program planning, implementation, and evaluation. Superior verbal and written communication abilities, including writing press releases and op-eds Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Cultural knowledge of SEAA communities. Experience/Skills Preferred Community engagement through community-based organizations.  Demonstrated effective grassroots public policy strategies. Experience with research design.  Budgeting and project reporting. Ability to travel and work occasional weekends as required. Education Advanced degree or equivalent in public policy, education, community organizing, or other relevant fields. Minimum 3 years of experience with nonprofit organizations, education policy, issue campaigns, or other relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.   Compensation Competitive, plus a strong benefits package.     Application Deadline Apply by December 31.  Start date: negotiable, preferably by February 2015   Application Process Those interested in this position may apply by submitting a letter of interest, a current resume, and a brief writing sample (preferably policy-related, no more than 5 pages). Electronic application packages are encouraged and should be sent in PDF or MS Word format. Please include "Higher Education Policy Advocate Position" in the subject line of e-mails and faxes. Please address all application materials to: Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC) ATTN: Rita Pin Ahrens, Director of Education Policy 1628 16th Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20009 Fax: 202/667-6449 E-mail: education@searac.org