===================================== MONASH ASIA INSTITUTE BULLETIN [1/2008] 1 February 2008 ===================================== In this bulletin 1. 17th ASAA biennial Conference 2. Asian New Year celebration at Monash 3. Seminar: Bangla Bhai 4. Vacancy: CSEAS PostDoctoral Fellow 5. Seminar: Thai Buddhism 6. New releases: MAI Press 7. Seminar: Economics and Politics of China-Japan and Australia 8. Seminar: SoFiA Network 9. Lecture: Science, Technology & Sustainable Development in India 10. 15th Global Finance Conference, China 11. HPAIR Global Conference 12. Conference: Moving Tides 13. Conference: Community development and ecology 14. Conference: After Reformasi & New Social Movements in Indonesia 15. Website of the month: ROAMSproject.org ===================================== Monash Asia Institute and Monash University News and Events ===================================== Item 1. 17th ASAA biennial Conference Asian Studies Association of Australia (ASAA) 17th biennial conference: Is this the Asian century? 1-3 July 2008, The Sebel Albert Park Hotel, Melbourne Due date for submission of abstracts: 30 March 2008 The theme of this conference invites you to assess how the Asian regions and related issues are faring. Specialists will assess trends in Asian law, medicine and health, science, ethics/human rights, politics, regional security, economics, culture, religion, environment, media, the performing arts and many other fields. Join us either as a presenter of a conference paper or as a participant to debate what is happening in the Asian region and its impact on the rest of the world. In some fields, trends in Asia are driving world affairs but in other areas Asia lags behind. What is the case in your field? Will this be the Asian century? Submit your abstract by 30 March 2008 and read the latest news about keynote speakers and abstract submissions at: http://www.conferenceworks.net.au/asaa/index.php --------- Item 2. Asian New Year celebration Thursday 14 February 2008, 4:00-5:30 pm Japanese Studies Centre (Building 54), Monash University Clayton campus An Asian New Year celebration to mark the beginning of the Year of the Rat will be held on Thursday February 14th, from 4:00-5:30 pm at the Japanese Studies Centre (building 54). This special celebration is being sponsored by the Asian language programs of the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics. It is timed to follow closely on the Chinese New Year, which is February 7th. Asian snacks and Australian drinks and some Asian cultural entertainment will be available for your enjoyment. We are extending the invitation to anyone at Monash who is interested in Asian societies and cultures. We hope that it will contribute towards collaboration between colleagues working in areas relating to Asia, whether in the Faculty of Arts or elsewhere. RSVP by Monday February 11th to Hideko.Nakamura@arts.monash.edu.au --------- Item 3. MAI Postgraduate Seminar Tuesday 12 February 2008, 12.00 noon Room S822, Level 8 South, Menzies Building (11), Monash University Clayton campus "The rise of Bangla Bhai & his merry men: State patronage, political complicity & religious militancy in Bangladesh" Speaker: Iftikar Rashid, Monash Asia Institute In 2004, Bangla Bhai came into the national spotlight for running a so-called vigilante movement against outlawed leftist groups in the northern districts of Rajshahi division. Bangla Bhai took the law into his own hands, consolidated the Jamatul Mujahidden Bangladesh (JMB)'s position and established an illegal Islamic regime across enclaves in the region. Bangla Bhai quickly emerged as a household name synonymous with rising religious militancy in Bangladesh - home to 140 million people and the world’s third largest Muslim community after Indonesia and India. He eventually led Bangladesh's first overt insurgency campaign targeting state institutions and agencies. This presentation discusses the emergence of Bangla Bhai as Bangladesh’s top terrorist to understand the country’s first overt religious militancy campaign from 2002 to 2005. It will discuss the organizational background of JMB followed by profiles of Bangla Bhai and other leaders. It will also focus on the JMB's terror campaign from 2002 to 2005, including a detailed case study on the infamous Rajshahi operation in 2004. The findings from the discussions will encourage an in-depth understanding of the religious militancy campaign that developed into a sustained overt insurgency movement led by Bangla Bhai. The analysis of the relationship between trends, motives and factors underlying JMB’s terror campaign will help provide recommendations to counter imminent terrorist trends in the future. Ifti Rashid is a Masters of Arts (Research) student under the Monash Asia Institute. He is an AusAID Autralian Leadership Awards (ALA) and Golden Key scholar. Ifti has previously served as Lecturer, Independent University Bangladesh; Research Analyst, Social Development Team, World Bank; and, Assistant Program Coordinator for the Institute of Governance Studies in Bangladesh. His current involvements include serving as Member, Board of Trustees, for the Bangladesh Youth Employment and Advice Help Centre under the HRH Princes of Wales Youth Business International Program. He holds a Bachelors in Business & Commerce (Economics & Management) and Master of International Development & Environmental Analysis (Governance & Civil Society). A light luncheon will be served before the seminar. RSVP by 8 Feb; RSVP ESSENTIAL for catering purposes. Send email to maienq@adm.monash.edu.au with "Bangla Bhai" in subject heading. --------- Item 4. Postdoctoral Fellow sought for Monash Centre of Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS) Closing date for applications 29/2/2008 A twelve-month Postdoctoral Fellowship (2008-09) in the Centre of Southeast Asian Studies, Monash University, has recently been advertised electronically and on the Monash University website, see: http://sssd.adm.monash.edu.au/employ/job.asp?refnumber=A088576&work=&staff=Academic&faculty=&keyword=&whichpage=2&pagesize=5 A088576. Postdoctoral Research Fellow Closing date for applications 29/2/2008 $60,019 - $64,427 pa Level A PhD plus superannuation Centre of Southeast Asian Studies Monash Asia Institute, Clayton campus. The Centre of Southeast Asian Studies seeks a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to conduct research on Southeast Asia from a humanities or social science perspective, prepare their research for publication and apply for an ARC APD to continue their career at Monash University. This is a fixed-term, 12-month contract. Relevant PhD and languages are essential, while Southeast Asian field experience, a record of publication and grant success are desirable. Applications must address the selection criteria; include a curriculum vitae; outline research conducted on Southeast Asia and proposed for this Postdoctoral Fellowship; indicate publication plans; specify approach and eligibility in respect of ARC APD; and provide the names and contact details (prefer email addresses, telephone and fax numbers, as well as postal addresses) of three referees, who have agreed to write on your behalf if contacted by the Selection Committee. Applicants should specify email, fax and/or phone contact numbers where they can be reached during March 2008. For full selection criteria, follow the links beneath the heading 'More Information' at the base of the advertisement to "Download Position Information" and "How to Apply for Monash jobs". When you click on "Download Position Information" you get an MS Word Position Description that contains essential information on how to prepare your application. Please post news of this early-career opportunity to your networks. --------- Item 5. Seminar on Buddhism Wednesday 19 March 2008, 6:00 for 6:30 pm Monash Conference Centre Level 7, 30 Collins St, Melbourne CBD "Thai Buddhism in the 21st Century: Contested Views" Prof Donald K. Swearer, Center for the Study of World Religions Critics of contemporary Thai Buddhism point to a stultifying, hierarchical national Sangha; flagrant cases of monastic malfeasance; Buddhist practices out of touch with modern idioms; and the increasing marginalization of the role of the monk in Thai society. Other more optimistic voices cite increasing monastic involvement in forest conservation; innovative doctrinal interpretations; the strengthening of monastic higher education; the emergence of Buddhism women's movements; and socially engaged Buddhist lay NGOs. This lecture argues that such generalizations are inherently problematic and proposes that the diverse forms of contemporary Thai Buddhism might be better understood through the lens of a descriptive typology. Donald K. Swearer is the Director of the Center for the Study of World Religions and Distinguished Visiting Professor of Buddhist Studies at Harvard Divinity School, Cambridge, MA., U.S.A. His research has focused on Buddhism in Southeast Asia, especially Thailand. His recent monographs and edited volumes include: The Buddhist World of Southeast Asia (1995/2008); The Legend of Queen Cama: Bodhiramsi’s Camadevivamsa (1998); The State of Buddhist Studies in the World, 1971-1997 (2000); Becoming the Buddha: The Ritual of Image Consecration in Thailand (2004); Sacred Mountains in Northern Thailand and Their Legends (2004) RSVP by email to maienq@adm.monash.edu.au with "Thai Buddhism" as subject heading. --------- Item 6. Recent releases from the MAI Press "Business in Asia" edited by Russell Smyth and Marika Vicziany ISBN 978 1 876924 53 9, rrp $32.95, Paperback, 240pp page size A5 210 x 148mm The extraordinary economic performance of Asia is arguably the most important economic phenomenon of the last fifty years. Recovering from the shocks of colonial control, today, the world of Asian business is a rapidly changing scenario in which home-grown companies compete against multinationals for market share and market access. This collection focuses on the role of entrepreneurship—both private and state—in propelling Asian economic growth in the five decades since the end of the Second World War. The volume places the familiar names of Asian business in a long term historical and policy context. The 21st century is now being heralded as the ‘Asian Century’. This book helps us to understand what has made this possible. "The First Indonesian Women's Congress of 1928" edited by Susan Blackburn ISBN 978 1 876924 48 5, rrp $34.95, Paperback, 256pp page size A5 210 x 148mm Every year on 22 December, Indonesia celebrates Women’s Day. The date marks the recognised beginning of the organised women’s movement by commemorating the start of the first Indonesian women’s congress in 1928, leading to the first federation of women’s organisations. Although this fact is quite well-known in Indonesia, the details of what happened at the congress are not. This book restores to light the contemporary account of the congress as reported in the women’s federation publication of 1929. Reading the speeches gives lively insights into the minds of young women at the start of the women’s movement and highlights the concerns that have continued to motivate women’s organisations in Indonesia. Susan Blackburn has translated the congress report into English and prefaced it with an Introduction that sets the background to the congress and analyses its proceedings. "Indonesian Islam in a new era: how women negotiate their Muslim identities" edited by Susan Blackburn, Bianca Smith and Siti Syamsiyatun ISBN 978 1 876924 54 6, rrp $39.95, Paperback, 212pp page size A5 210 x 148mm Indonesian Islam in a new era examines the religious practices and identities of Indonesian Muslim women in the post-Suharto era. After 1998 Indonesian Islam changed socially and nationally as society underwent sweeping alterations. Based on new empirical research by sociologists, political scientists, and anthropologists from Indonesia and Australia, the book underscores the negotiations Muslim women have made in arenas such as schools, organisations, popular culture and village life. Whereas theology has until recently dominated studies of women and Islam in Indonesia, this book breaks new ground by examining from social science perspectives how Indonesian women negotiate their Muslim identities. "Colonising Poso: the Diary of Controleur Emile Gobée, June 1909–May 1910" Translated and with an introduction by Joost Coté ISBN 9781876924577, rrp $11.00, 84pp, page size A4 297 x 210mm While the colonisation of Central Sulawesi was a process that was unique to the particular demographic, social, political and economic characteristics of the region, in broad terms it replicated Dutch colonial policy and practice in the rest of the archipelago at the beginning of the 20th century. The diary of Aspirant Controleur Emile Gobée, records the process which imposed the relocation and resettlement of the Pamona people of the Poso region of Central Sulawesi into villages and therefore began a dramatic process of change. The document provides a rare example of the process of colonialism and goes to the heart of understanding the nature of the colonial project in the Dutch East Indies. "Exploring the role of the Sailendras in early eastern Javanese history" by Roy E Jordaan ISBN 9781876924584, rrp $11.00, 84pp, page size A4 297 x 210mm The rulers who called themselves ‘ornaments of the Sailendra family’—Sailendra meaning Lord of the Mountain—were the patron-builders of many, if not all, of the Buddhist temples in central Java dating from about the last quarter of the eighth to the mid-ninth century CE. Extolled for their might and glory, and represented as the supreme rulers in the Malay Archipelago, the dynasty maintained a vast network of diplomatic and commercial contacts extending as far as India and China. What was their role in eastern Javanese history? This paper offers new data to elucidate this matter. ===================================== Other News and Events ===================================== Item 7. Public lecture by Professor Peter Drysdale Monday, 4 February 2008, 6pm to 7pm Theatre 3, ICT Building, 111 Barry Street, Carlton, The University of Melbourne. (See map http://www.eng.unimelb.edu.au/courses/pgrad/handbook2007/map.pdf) “China-Japan Economics and Politics and their Importance to Australia, The Region and Beyond” Professor Peter Drysdale, Crawford School of Economics and Government, ANU Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda’s recent 4 day visit to China in December 2007 has been described as “important” and “of great significance in improving China-Japan relations.” In the period from 2001–2006, China refused high-level contact with Japan during the premiership of Junichiro Koizumi. With Japan and China currently ranked No. 1 and No. 2 for Australian exports - what does this warming of political relations mean for Australia, the Region and beyond? Professor Peter Drysdale is Emeritus Professor of Economics and Visiting Fellow in Policy and Governance in The Crawford School of Economics and Government at the ANU. Until 2002 he was Executive Director of the Australia-Japan Research Centre. His main areas of expertise are international trade and economic policy; Australia's economic relations with East Asia and the Pacific; the East Asian and Japanese economy and economic policy. Professor Drysdale will discuss how political events, specifically cooperation and conflicts, affect the economic relationship and vice versa. This event is presented by Asialink. COST: Free RSVP by email to events@asialink.unimelb.edu.au with "China-Japan" in the subject line. --------- Item 8. Seminar hosted by SoFiA Network Thursday 21 February 2008, 7.30 pm Carlton Library Meeting Room, corner Rathdowne and Newry Streets, North Carlton (Melways Map: 2B, J2) "Religious encounters along the Silk Road" Speaker: Dr Angelo Andrea Di Castro, Monash Asia Institute, Monash University This public lecture will be presented at the Melbourne Sea of Faith Network by Dr. Angelo Andrea Di Castro from Monash University's Asia Institute. Andrea previously taught at the Melbourne University's Centre for Archaeology & Ancient History on, "The Age of Empires: Assyria, Babylon and Persia, 900-331 BCE". Sea of Faith in Australia (SoFiA) The SoFiA Network openly explores issues of religion, faith and meaning. SoFiA is not a church. National SoFiA Website and Blog - www.sof-in-australia.org Don Cupitt Website - www.doncupitt.com SoFiA Victoria email - sofmelb@yahoo.com.au Victorian Convenor - Chantal Babin. Tel: 03 9435 3807 --------- Item 9. 2008 Asialink Lecture Monday, 11 February 2008, 1.00 pm prompt start to 2.00 pm Carrillo Gantner Theatre, Basement, Sidney Myer Asia Centre, University of Melbourne (For security purposes, please ensure sufficient time for entry and seating.) "Science & Technology for Sustainable Development in India" By His Excellency Shri Kapil Sibal, Minister of Science & Technology and Minister of Earth Sciences in the Government of India Hear one of India's most eloquent Cabinet Ministers discuss Science and Technology as a powerful instrument for growth and sustainable development. Minister Sibal has a Masters Degree in Law from Harvard Law School and a Masters in History from Delhi University. He was appointed as Cabinet Minister and Union Minister for Science and Technology and Earth Science in June 2006. He is widely acknowledged as a highly effective Minister, a powerful and entertaining speaker with a commitment to openness and transparency. Minister Sibal's achievements in his portfolio already include a National Biotechnology Development Strategy, a National Early Warning System for Tsunami and Storm Surges in the Indian Ocean and leading the Indian delegation at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bali, successfully negotiating the conclusion on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation in Developing Countries (REDD). This event is presented by Asialink and is the latest in the Asialink Lecture Series providing a forum for eminent Asian and Australian leaders to present their vision for the Asia Pacific community in the 21st Century. REGISTRATION: Essential. Please email events@asialink.unimelb.edu.au with "Science Minister" in the subject line. Cost: Free --------- Item 10. 15th Global Finance Conference CALL FOR PAPERS & PROPOSALS THE 15th GLOBAL FINANCE CONFERENCE 18-20 May 2008 HOSTED BY: Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China (http://www.glofin.org) SUBMISSION DEADLINE: February 29, 2008 The 15th Annual Meeting of the Global Finance Conference will be hosted and held at the College of Business Administration, Zhejiang University of Technology, in Hangzhou, China on May 18-20, 2008. The theme of the Conference is "Global Capital Markets & Risk Management". For further information, contact: Professor Hui Fang Cheng, The 2008 Program Chair, Dean, College of Business Zhejiang University of Technology Email: chf@zjut.edu.cn, chfbcn@163.com, chfbcn@yahoo.com Tel: +86-571-883-20521 & 23 --------- Item 11. HPAIR Global conference at Harvard University The Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR) will be holding its first-ever global conference at Harvard University in April 2008. Applications for this program can now be made online at http://www.hpair.org. More information regarding the conference and application procedure is also on the website. -------- Item 12. The 19th Annual University of Hawai‘i at Manoa School of Pacific & Asian Studies Graduate Student Conference Final paper submission deadline: 15 February 2008 "Moving Tides: Rearticulating Space in Asia and the Pacific" 12-14 March 2008 Korean Studies Center, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa The 2008 SHAPS Graduate Student Conference is an event open to students from ALL disciplines. Our aim is to provide a forum for graduate students from a broad range of specialties to discuss their latest innovative research relating to Asian and/or Pacific Islands Studies. UH-Manoa students and students from other colleges and universities -- local, mainland, and international -- are all encouraged to participate. Website, http://hawaii.edu/shaps/gradconf/2008/index.html Inquiries to gradconf@hawaii.edu --------- Item 13. Conference: Community development and ecology: Engaging ecological sustainability through community development This three day conference is for academics, researchers, community development practitioners, environmentalists and activists. 26-28 March 2008 Angliss Conference Centre Building A, Level 5, 555 La Trobe Street Melbourne (Corner King & La Trobe Streets) For registration brochure, http://www.deakin.edu.au/arts/cchr/eco-cd-conf08/index.php Inquiries to anne.okeefe@deakin.edu.au Website: http://www.deakin.edu.au/cchr --------- Item 14. Call for papers: UC Berkeley & UCLA JOINT CONFERENCE on SOUTHEAST ASIAN STUDIES “Ten Years After: Reformasi & New Social Movements in Indonesia, 1998-2008” 25-26 April 2008 University of California, Berkeley In May 1998, following months of protests, and triggered by the outbreak of rioting in Indonesia’s major cities, the authoritarian New Order regime of President Suharto collapsed after more than thirty years in power. Since these tumultuous events took place, Indonesia has experienced profound change at many levels in society, often at a rapid pace. As the tenth anniversary of the fall of the New Order approaches, the Center for Southeast Asia Studies at UC Berkeley and the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at UCLA announce a CALL FOR PAPERS for a JOINT CONFERENCE that will examine the new forces for change that have emerged in Indonesia over this past decade and the transformations that have occurred, while also reflecting upon the New Order and its legacies. Abstracts (up to 500 words) should be sent to CSEAS at UC Berkeley by Friday, February 1, 2008. Abstracts should include your name, affiliation and contact information (including e-mail address). Notification to those whose papers have been selected will be made by Monday, March 3, 2008. The conference will be held on the UC Berkeley campus. More details, http://cseas.berkeley.edu/Events/CSEAS%20Conf%20Ten%20Years%20Later%20Indonesia%20CFP.pdf Enquires to cseas@berkeley.edu --------- Item 15. Website of the month http://www.roamproject.org/doco.htm This weblink contains a preview of the film "Dr Sarmast's Music School" - a 50 minute documentary currently being produced and expected to be available early next year. Dr Sarmast is the Story Consultant to the film. After visiting Afghanistan and seeing first-hand the devastation of the music culture, Dr Sarmast returns to his country with a dream to build a music school for orphans as the first step to rebuilding Afghanistan's rich musical heritage. =========================================================== The Monash Asia Institute Newsletter incorporates news items from the six research centres of the Monash Asia Institute, partner organisations and other groups working to promote Asian Studies in Australia. For further information about the Monash Asia Institute and this newsletter: http://www.monash.edu.au/mai/ To unsubscribe, please send an email to: marika.vicziany@adm.monash.edu.au ===========================================================