===================================== Monash Asia Institute Bulletin 10/2006 2 October 2006 ===================================== In This Bulletin 1. Seminar: E-Government and Development in India 2. Seminar: Social Justice in China 3. Public Lecture: Human Rights in the South Pacific 4. Seminar: The Coup in Thailand 5. Seminar: Pentecostal Movements in Indonesia and the Philippines 6. Seminar: Terrorism in Southeast Asia 7. Seminar: Shadow Puppetry in Cambodia 8. Seminar: Herb Feith: Knowing Indonesia Inside and Out 9. Edward Gray Memorial Prize, 2006 10. Seminar: Domestic Violence in Fiji 11. Seminar: Recent Malay Religious Magazines As Approaches to Islamic High Culture 12. Seminar: Khmer Architecture 13. Annual Indonesia Lecture Series 2006 14. 4th Herb Feith Memorial Lecture 15. Australia-Japan Conference 16. Greg Barton Appointed to Herb Feith Chair 17. Euro-Asia Conference - Environment and Corporate Social Responsibilities (Csr) 18. Forum: Lowy Institute Poll 2006 19. Forum: Human Rights in the Age of Border Protection 20. Goddess Divine Energy Symposium 21. Tsunami Evaluation Coalition (Tec) Workshops 22. Soul of Islam Lecture 23. Workshop: Voices of Islam in Southeast Asia 24. Thai Focus Seminar 25. Asaa Women's Forum Email List 26. Website of the Month: The Herb Feith Foundation ===================================== Monash Asia Institute and Monash University News and Events ===================================== Item 1. Monash Asia Institute (Mai) Reports From Asia Seminar: "Tensions and Synergies in India" Co-Sponsored by Monash Asia Institute and the Department of Management, Monash University Wednesday 4 October 2006, 11.30 Am S822, Level 8 South, Building 11 (Menzies), Monash University Clayton Campus "Tensions and Synergies in Karnataka, India: A Study in E-Government and Development" Speaker: Ms Shefali Virkar, D.Phil Candidate, Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford This Talk Will Seek to Engage with Issues Related to the Use of Information and Communication Technologies (Icts) in the Process of Government, Exploring the Impact of, and Barriers to, the Increased Use of E-Government Applications by Local Government Bodies in India. Shefali Virkar Is D.Phil. Student at the University of Oxford, Jointly Supervised at the Oxford Internet Institute (Oii) and the Department of Politics and International Relations. Her Doctoral Research Seeks to Explore Political and Social Influences Associated with the Application of Information and Communications Technologies in the Developing World, with a Specific Interest in the Role and Impact of E-Government Projects in India. More Details, Http://Www.Arts.Monash.Edu.Au/Mai/Seminars.Html#Egovernment Rsvp (Essential) with "E-Government Seminar" in the Subject Line of the Email to Dr Tony Donaldson, Tony.Donaldson@Adm.Monash.Edu.Au ________ Item 2. China Seminar Seminar Co-Sponsored by the Chinese Studies Program, Monash University and Monash Asia Institute Wednesday 4 October 2006, 1.00 Pm S822, Level 8 South, Building 11 (Menzies), Monash University Clayton Campus "Social Justice: Emerging Focus of Ideology and Policy in China" Speaker: Dr David Kelly, East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore David Kelly Holds a Senior Research Position in the East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore and Is On the Editorial Boards of China: An InterðDisciplinary Journal and Contemporary Chinese Thought. Dr Kelly Lived in Beijing From 2000 to 2004, Where He Undertook Consultancies in the Private and Not-for-Profit Sectors. His Principal Field of Interest Is Chinese Politics, with Expertise in the Subfields of Political and Economic Reform; Governmentality, Legal Development and Civil Society; Citizen Movements, Public Intellectuals and Identity Politics; and Development Studies. More Details, Http://Www.Arts.Monash.Edu.Au/Mai/Seminars.Html#China Rsvp with "China Seminar" in the Subject Heading of the Email to Dr Tony Donaldson, Tony.Donaldson@Adm.Monash.Edu.Au _________ Item 3. Public Lecture: Human Rights in the South Pacific Friday 6 October 2006, 1.00 Pm Supper Room, Level 3, Melbourne Town Hall "Human Rights Challenges in the South Pacific" Dr Shaista Shameem, Director, Fiji Human Rights Commission The Castan Centre for Human Rights Law, Along with Mallesons Stephen Jaques, Invites You to Attend a Public Lecture by Dr Shameem. Dr Shameem Is Director of the Fiji Human Rights Commission, the First Such Commission in the Pacific Islands. She Was Appointed Un Special Rapporteur On the Use of Mercenaries and to the Un Commission of Experts Which Reviewed the Judicial Processes for Cases Related to the Violations of Human Rights in Timor-Leste in 1999. Dr Shameem Holds a Doctorate in Philosophy From the University of Waikato and an Llm From the University of Auckland. She has Worked Extensively As a Journalist in Her Country, As a Sociology Lecturer at the University of Waikato, As a Solicitor and Barrister, and has Been a Fervent Activist in the South Pacific Region On Human Rights. Rsvp To: (03) 9905 3327 or Email Castan.Centre@Law.Monash.Edu.Au _________ Item 4. Mai Reports From Asia Seminar: "The Coup in Thailand" Wednesday 11 October 2006, 1.00 Pm S822, Level 8 South, Building 11 (Menzies), Monash University Clayton Campus "The Coup in Thailand" Speaker: Ms. Virginie Andre, Phd Candidate, School of Political and Social Inquiry, Monash University Ms. Andre Will Discuss the Recent Coup in Thailand and Its Implications. Rsvp with "Thailand Seminar" in the Subject Heading of the Email to Dr Tony Donaldson, Tony.Donaldson@Adm.Monash.Edu.Au _________ Item 5. Centre of Southeast Asian Studies Seminar Thursday 12 October 2006, 11.00am Manton Room Sg02, Ground Floor, Menzies Building (11) South, Monash University Clayton Campus "Pentecostal Movements in Indonesia and the Philippines: The Vitality of Christian Shamanism in a Globalizing World" Speaker: Dr John Prior, Svd, Candraditya Research Centre for the Study of Religion & Culture, Ledalero, Maumere. Southeast Asia has Witnessed an Unprecedented Resurgence of Religious Vitality Over the Past Fifty Years As Countries Regained Their Political Independence, Embarked On Economic Development and Became Enveloped by Globalisation. The Most Dramatic Upsurge Taking Place in Asian Christianity Is in the Pentecostal/Charismatic Sector. While Mainline Church Networks Have Opted for the Poor, the Poor Have Been Opting for Pentecostal-Like Movements. This Presentation Looks at the Indigenous Roots of Pentecostal Movements in the Philippines and Indonesia and the Practical Role of Shamanism (Healing and Spirit Possession) for the Culturally Displaced in a Rapidly Globalising World. Enquiries: Dr Penelope Graham, Penny.Graham@Arts.Monash.Edu.Au ________ Item 6. Seminar The Global Terrorism Research Unit, Monash University, Monash Asia Institute and the Australia/Israel Jewish Affairs Council Thursday 12 October 2006, 2.30-4.30 Pm Burchill Rooms, Building 68, Performing Arts Centre, Monash University Clayton Campus "Terrorism in Southeast Asia" Speaker: Dr Zachary Abuza, Simmons College, Boston Dr Zachary Abuza Is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Simmons College, Boston, Where He Specialises in Southeast Asian Politics, Particularly in Relation to Security Issues and the Ongoing Regional Threat of Militant Islam. Professor Abuza has Acted As a Consultant to the Us Department of State and Is a Frequent Media-Commentator On Issues Associated with Terrorism and Political Extremism in Southeast Asia. Enquiries: Ms Jenny Williams, Jenny.Williams@Arts.Monash.Edu.Au ________ Item 7. Reports From Asia Seminar: Shadow Puppetry in Cambodia Wednesday 18 October 2006, 1.00pm S822, Level 8 South, Building 11 (Menzies), Monash University Clayton Campus "Shadow Puppetry in Cambodia" Speaker, Ms Jane (Jai) Hartnell, Honorary Research Fellow, Monash Asia Institute Ms Hartnell Will Speak On Her Recent Field Trip to Cambodia and Her Work with Shadow Puppetry Troupes to Further Their Professional Development and Financial Viability. Rsvp with "Cambodian Puppetry Seminar" in the Subject Line of the Email to Dr Tony Donaldson, Tony.Donaldson@Adm.Monash.Edu.Au For Story On "Monash Youth Ambassador for Cambodia", Http://Www.Monash.Edu.Au/News/Newsline/Story/576 ________ Item 8. Centre of Southeast Asian Studies Seminar Thursday 19 October 2006, 11.00am Manton Room Sg02, Ground Floor, Menzies Building (11) South, Monash University Clayton Campus "Herb Feith: Knowing Indonesia Inside and Out" Speaker: Dr Jemma Purdey, Writer-in-Residence Postdoctoral Fellow, Centre of Southeast Asian Studies, Monash Asia Institute All Welcome Enquiries: Dr Penelope Graham, Penny.Graham@Arts.Monash.Edu.Au ________ Item 9. Edward Gray Memorial Prize, 2006: Contribution to Australia Sri Lanka Relations Closing Date: 21 October 2006 For the Second Year in a Row, the Australia Sri Lanka Council (Aslc) Wishes to Honour the Memory of the Late Edward Gray, and Acknowledge His Contribution to Australia and Sri Lanka. The Prize of $500 Will Be Awarded to the Undergraduate or Postgraduate Student Currently Attending a University in Australia, Whose Recent Work Is Judged by a Panel Appointed by the Aslc to Have Contributed Most Significantly to the Australia/Sri Lanka Relationship and Understanding. The Person Should Be Nominated by an Academic Who Is Familiar with His/Her Work. The Award Is Being Advertised Through Australian Universities and Is Expected to Be Presented in November 2006. Submissions Should Be Made by October 21 2006 to One of the Addresses Below and Should Include: - the Cv of the Applicant - Name(S) of Referee(S) - a Copy of the Eligible Work, or Testimony to the Eligible Activity, Not Exceeding 4000 Words. Kindly Send Submissions To: Professor Marika Vicziany, Professor of Asian Political Economy Monash Asia Institute, Building 11 (Menzies), Monash University, Vic 3800 Marika.Vicziany@Adm.Monash.Edu.Au Or Ms Pushpa Hettiarachi, Secretary Australia Sri Lanka Council Inc, Level 6, 167 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000 Pha@Aapt.Net.Au For More Details, Http://Www.Arts.Monash.Edu.Au/Mai/Egray.Html ________ Item 10. Mai Seminar Tuesday 24 October 2006, 11.00 Am Room S822, Level 8 South, Menzies Building (11) Monash University Clayton Campus "Domestic Violence and Its Impact On Human Rights in Fiji" Speaker: Ms Shamima Ali Shamima Ali Is Coordinator of the Fiji Women’S Crisis Centre and Is Also Chair for the Pacific Women’S Network Against Violence Against Women. In These Two Roles, She Is Involved with Training On Gender Issues with a Particular Focus On Violence Against Women and Children in Fiji and Other Pacific Countries. She Is Also Currently a Fiji Human Rights Commissioner. Ms Ali Studied at the University of the South Pacific, the Institute of Women’S Studies at St. Scholastica's College in the Philippines and at the Women’S Human Rights Institute at Rutgers University in New Jersey. Her Earlier Work Experience Was in Education and the Media. She Is a Committed Feminist. Rsvp with "Fiji Seminar" in the Subject Heading of the Email to Dr Tony Donaldson, Tony.Donaldson@Adm.Monash.Edu.Au ________ Item 11. Joint Seminar Centre of Southeast Asian Studies, Centre for Malaysian Studies, and Monash Asia Institute Thursday 26 October 2006, 11.00am Manton Room Sg02, Ground Floor, Menzies Building (11) South, Monash University Clayton Campus "Recent Malay Religious Magazines As Approaches to Islamic High Culture" Speaker: Dr Dennis Walker, Honorary Research Associate, Centre for Malaysian Studies, Monash Asia Institute All Welcome Enquiries: Dr Penelope Graham, Penny.Graham@Arts.Monash.Edu.Au ________ Item 12. Cseas Seminar Thursday 2 November 2006, 11.00am Manton Room Sg02, Ground Floor, Menzies Building (11) South, Monash University Clayton Campus "Khmer Architecture: Local Transformations of Indianisation at the Turn of the 1st Millennium" Speaker: Mr Martin Polkinghorne, Phd Candidate in Archaeology and Art History & Theory, University of Sydney All Welcome Enquiries: Dr Penelope Graham, Penny.Graham@Arts.Monash.Edu.Au ________ Item 13. Ails 2006 Centre of Southeast Asian Studies The Annual Indonesia Lecture Series 2006, with a Theme On Decentralisation, Will Be Held at 6pm On 2 or 9 November 2006 at the Iwaki Auditorium, Abc Southbank Centre (Corner Sturt Street and Southbank Boulevard, Melbourne). Please Flag This Item in Your Diary. Details Will Be Announced Shortly. Enquiries with "Ails 2006" in the Subject Heading of the Email to Dr Tony Donaldson, Tony.Donaldson@Adm.Monash.Edu.Au ________ Item 14. Herb Feith Memorial Lecture, 2006 The Centre of Southeast Asian Studies and the Faculty of Arts, Monash University, in Association with Radio Australia and the Melbourne Institute of Asian Languages and Societies, University of Melbourne, Announce The Fourth Herb Feith Memorial Lecture Thursday 30 November 2006, 6.00pm Refreshments for 7.00pm Start Iwaki Auditorium, Abc Southbank Centre Corner Sturt Street and Southbank Boulevard, Melbourne "Contemplating Violence in Indonesia" Speaker: Professor Ruth Mcvey, Emeritus Reader in Southeast Asian Politics at the School of Oriental and African Studies (Soas), University of London Dr Mcvey Received Her Phd in Government at Cornell University and Subsequently Held Positions at Yale University, the Center for International Studies at Mit, Cornell University and the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London Her Early Work Concentrated On the History of the Indonesian Communist Movement and the General Relationship Between Ideology and Social Change in Indonesia. Later She Studied Social and Ideological Transformation in Rural Southern Thailand and the Rise of the Southeast Asian Business-Political Elite. Among Her Principal Publications Are "the Rise of Indonesian Communism" (1965), "Southeast Asian Transitions" (1978), "Southeast Asian Capitalists" (1992) and "Money and Power in Provincial Thailand" (2000). In October 2005 Professor Mcvey Was Awarded the Asian Pacific Forum, Awaji Conference Japan, 4th Iue Asia Pacific Culture Prize. For More Details, Http://Www.Herb-Feith-Foundation.Org/Materials/Herbfeith4thlectureflyerdraft-Rev.Pdf Herb Feith Foundation Website, Http://Www.Herb-Feith-Foundation.Org/ Rsvp (Essential) with "Herb Feith Lecture 2006" in the Subject Line of the Email to Dr Tony Donaldson, Tony.Donaldson@Adm.Monash.Edu.Au ________ Item 15. Australia-Japan Year of Exchange Conference Monash University - Japanese Studies Centre Celebrates the Australia-Japan Year of Exchange with a Conference in Broome, Western Australia 9-13 December 2006 Cable Beach Club Resort, Broome Japan Relates: Australia, Asia, the World Australia-Japan Relations and the Future of Japanese Studies The Conference Will Engage in a High Level of Discussion About the Future of Japanese Studies in the Context of Australia-Japan Relations and the Expanding Role of Those Two Nations in Asia. The Conference Will Address the Following Themes: Australia-Japan Relations in the Context of a Globalizing Asia Japanese Studies in the Post-Area Studies Era Changing Goals of Japanese Language Education Japanese Critical Cultural Studies Japanese Communities in Australia Japanese Cultural Flows in Australia and Asia Translating Japan and Japanese for Asia and Australia Australia-Japan: From Maritime Connectivity to Digital Connectivity Confirmed Keynote Speakers Include Tessa Morris-Suzuki, Sadami Suzuki, Tasaku Tsunoda, Keiji Sawada, Mark Lincicombe, Robin Gerster, Leith Morton, Vera Mackie, Toshiko Ellis, Takeshi Terada For Further Information, Contact Joanne.Witheridge@Arts.Monash.Edu.Au Website: Http://Www.Arts.Monash.Edu.Au/Lcl/Conferences/Japan-Relates/Index.Html The Conference Is Sponsored by the Japan Foundation ________ Item 16. Dr Greg Barton Appointed to Herb Feith Chair Dr Greg Barton has Accepted Appointment As the First Occupant of the Herb Feith Chair for the Study of Indonesia at Monash University and Will Take Up This Professorial Position in January 2007. An Australian Who Studied Indonesia at Monash at Undergraduate and Postgraduate Level, Greg’S Research Interests in Indonesia Are Bound Up with the Study of Religion, Modernity, Politics and Civil Society in General, and with Progressive Islamic Thought in Particular. In the Decade Since His Monash Phd, He has Continued to Research and Publish Extensively On Islamic Social Movements and the Influence of Islamic and Islamist Thought in Indonesia, Its Contribution to the Development of Civil Society and Politics, and the Emergence of Jihadi Terrorism. He Also has an Active Interest in Interreligious Dialogue. His Publications Include Abdurrahman Wahid, Muslim Democrat, Indonesian President: A View From the Inside, (University of Hawaii Press and Unsw Press, 2002) and Indonesia’S Struggle: Jemaah Islamiyah and the Soul of Islam (Unsw Press, 2004). He Is Well-Known As a Commentator in Print and Electronic Media in Australia and Indonesia, Especially On Islam and Muslim Society and Politics. He Is Currently an Associate Professor at the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies (Apcss) in Honolulu, Hawaii. Before He Joined Apcss He Was an Associate Professor at Deakin University Where He Had Worked and Taught On Indonesian Matters Since 1993. ===================================== Other News and Events ===================================== Item 17. Call for Papers: Euro-Asia Conference On Environment and Corporate Social Responsibilities (Csr) Euro-Asia Conference On Environment and Corporate Social Responsibilities (Csr) - Perspective From Business in Asia, the University of Hong Kong Call for Papers Deadline for Abstract Submission: 5 October 2006 Full Paper Submission: 30 October 2006 Early Bird Registration: 15 October 2006 Conference: 17 November 2006 Many Asian Countries, Particularly China and India, Are Undergoing Rapid Development and Transformation. Industrialization of These Countries has Caused Concerns Over Environmental and Social Issues. Businesses, Especially Multinational Enterprises, Are Called Upon to Act Responsibly for the Environment and the Society. While European Companies Bring Along Their Concept of Csr and Environmental Management with Their Investment in Asia, New Perspectives Are Continuously Generated by Asian Companies with Reference to Local Culture and Environment. This One-Day Conference Aims to Provide a Platform for Bringing Together Researchers and Practitioners in the Area of Environment and Csr From Both Europe and Asia Regions to Communicate and Share Their Experience. The Conference Also Aims to Build Communications Networks with Relevant Organizations, Initiate Cooperation and Establish a Strong Network On Resource and Environmental Management in the Asia Region. Paper Relating to the Following Themes Can Be Submitted to the Conference: - Corporate Social Responsibilities (Csr) - Consumer Behaviour, Branding and Csr; - Marketing Strategies and Csr; - Social and Environmental Reporting; - Social Responsible Investment; - Social Impact Assessment; - Non-Financial Performance Measurement and Risk; - Accountability Business and the Environment; - Environmental Management System; - Life Cycle Assessment and Eco-Design; - Cleaner Production/Technologies; - Emission Trading and Clean Development Mechanism; - Energy and Climate Change; Conference Website, Http://Www.Hku.Hk/Csrconf Online Registration Is Available On http://hkuems1.hku.hk/hkuems/ec_hdetail.aspx?UEID=5094&guest=Y Enquires to H9604431@Hkusua.Hku.Hk Or To Center of Urban Planning and Environmental Management, C/O Room 830, 8/F., Knowles Building, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong Sar, China Tel: (+852) 2857 8641, Fax: (+852) 2559 0468 _______ Item 18. Lowy Institute Poll 2006 Friday 6 October 2006, 1:00pm Yasuko Hiroaka Myer Room, Level 1, Sidney Myer Asia Centre, University of Melbourne The Results of the First Lowy Institute Poll in 2005 Caused a Media Shockwave As Australians Expressed Doubts About the Role of the United States in Australian and Global Affairs. Asialink and the Lowy Institute Extend an Invitation to All to the Melbourne Launch of the 2006 Lowy Institute Poll. Join Executive Director Mr. Allan Gyngell As He Presents the Results of the Poll and Takes Questions On Its Meaning and Implications. Surveys Were Conducted in Both Australia and Indonesia This Year, and Along with Familiar Questions On the United States, the Middle East, and a Range of Current Global Issues, the Spotlight Also Turned On Relations Between Australia and Indonesia. In a Panel Discussion Facilitated by Mr. Ray Cassin, Opinion Editor of the Age, Professor Tim Lindsey of the Asian Law Centre and Mr. Earl Irving, Us Consul General, Will Discuss Australian and Indonesian Perceptions of the United States, the World and Each Other. Admission Is Free. Rsvp: To Reserve a Seat, Please Send an Email To: Asialink Events Events@Asialink.Unimelb.Edu.Au with "Lowy" in the Subject Line. ________ Item 19. Forum On Human Rights in the Age of Border Protection Thursday 12 October, 8.00 Pm West Theatre - Latrobe University, Bundoora The Justice Project Inc in Association with the National Centre for Hellenic Studies and Research, Latrobe University Presents a Forum On Human Rights in the Age of Border Protection. Forum Members Include: Rt Hon Malcolm Fraser Ac Ch - Former Prime Minister Mr Julian Burnside Qc - Barrister Dr James Jupp Am Fassa - Director, Centre for Immigration & Multicultural Studies Anu All Welcome This Event Is Free. Rsvp (Essential) by 5 October to Steve Petrou, S.Petrou@Latrobe.Edu.Au ________ Item 20. Goddess Divine Energy Symposium 13 - 14 October 2006 Domain Theatre, Lower Level 3, Art Gallery of New South Wales This Special Two-Day Symposium, Held in Conjunction with the Gallery's Major Summer Exhibition, Goddess: Divine Energy, Offers a Rare Opportunity to Delve Into the Absorbing World of Hindu and Buddhist Goddesses. Day 1 Focuses On the Hindu Tradition While Day 2 Considers Buddhist and Tantric Aspects of the Goddess. Led by Experts Who Have Spent Years Studying Different Goddesses, and Who Have Contributed to the Impressive Catalogue of the Show, Participants Will Gain Insights Into the Mystical and Uplifting Worlds of Hindu and Buddhist Goddesses, While Realising That Much of Their Wisdom Is Applicable to Our Everyday Lives. Symposium Website, Http://Www.Artgallery.Nsw.Gov.Au/Events/Cal/Goddess_symposium To Download Brochure: Http://Www.Artgallery.Nsw.Gov.Au/__data/Page/8898/Goddess_symp.Pdf ________ Item 21. Tsunami Evaluation Coalition (Tec) Workshops in Sydney, Melbourne & Canberra Tuesday 17 October 2006 School of Public Health & Community Medicine, University of New South Wales (Unsw) John B Reid Theatre, Australian Graduate School of Management (Kensington Campus), Unsw Thursday 19 October 2006 Australian International Health Institute, University of Melbourne Level 5, 207 Bouverie St, Carlton, Victoria 3010 Wednesday 25 October 2006 Anu Enterprise, Canberra Coombs Extension Lecture Theatre (Room 1.04, Building 8), Australian National University The Purpose of the Tec Workshops Is: * to Involve As Many Humanitarian Practitioners As Possible Within Australia to Share the Main Lessons Arising Out of the Tec * to Use These Workshops As a Catalyst for Further Initiatives Between Key Stakeholders, Both in Australia and Globally The Workshops Are Facilitated by Torqaid, in Conjunction with the School of International and Political Studies, Deakin University; the School of Public Health and Community Medicine at the University of New South Wales; the Australian International Health Institute of the University of Melbourne; and Anu Enterprise Pty Ltd, Canberra Registration: A$66 (Gst Inclusive). Enquiries: Natalie Perry, Tel: 8344 9299 or Download Registration Form at Http://Www.Aihi.Unimelb.Edu.Au ________ Item 22. Soul of Islam Lecture # 6 Monday 23 October 2006, 5.45pm - 7.00pm Carrillo Gantner Lecture Theatre ,Sidney Myer Asia Centre, the University of Melbourne (Corner of Swanston Street and Monash Road) "The Crescent and the Pen: The Strange Journey of Taslima Nasreen - Author, Icon, Outcast" Speaker: Ms Hanifa Dean Taslima Nasreen, Known in Some Circles As 'the Female Salman Rushdie', Was Accused of Blasphemy in 1993 by Bangladeshi Religious Fanatics. Taslima Fled to Sweden Where She Was Celebrated As a Freedom of Expression Icon, Who'd Defeated 'the Bearded Fundamentalists'. A Fairytale Story Unfolded Although Real Life Events Were Far More Complex. What Did Feminists and Other Progressive Elements in Bangladesh Think About Taslima? Was She a Beneficiary of the West's Failure to 'Save' Rushdie in the Mid 90s? Internationally Acclaimed As a Feminist Icon, in Her Homeland It's a Very Different Story. Hanifa Deen, an Award-Winning Melbourne-Based Author and Social Commentator, Will Explore Issues of Muslim Extremists, Myth Making and International Literary Politics As She Tells the Story of Taslima Nasreem and the 'Dragon Slayers' Who 'Rescued' Her. Deen Is a Writer of Narrative Non-Fiction. Her Books Include Caravanserai; Broken Bangles and Her Most Recent Work, the Crescent and the Pen: The Strange Journey of Taslima Nasreen, Recently Published in the Usa This Month. All Welcome Admission Is Free. Rsvp: To Reserve a Seat, Please Send an Email To: Asialink Events Events@Asialink.Unimelb.Edu.Au with "Soul of Islam 6" in the Subject Line. ________ Item 23. Workshop: Voices of Islam in Southeast Asia Call for Papers Deadline for Submission of Abstracts: 30 October 2006 Due Date for Submission of Papers: 5 February 2007 A Workshop On Islamic Studies and the Study of Muslim Societies in Southeast Asia for Young Southeast Asian Scholars. 24-25 February 2007 Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, The Regional Studies Program, Walailak University, in Conjunction with the Southeast Asian Studies Regional Exchange Program, Are Pleased to Announce a Workshop to Bring Together Scholars in Europe and Southeast Asia to Discuss Changes in the Study of Islam and Muslim Societies and How These Changes Are Impacting Upon Our Understanding of Islam and Muslims in Europe and Southeast Asia. The Aim of the Workshop Will Be to Highlight the Diversity of Discourses About Islam and Muslim Societies in Contemporary Southeast Asia, to Support and Highlight the Latest Research Currently Being Carried Out by Young Southeast Asian Scholars in the Field of Islamic Studies and On the Study of Muslim Societies in Southeast Asia, and to Produce a Published Volume of Essays On These Themes. The Workshop Committee Will Accept Proposals On All Aspects of Contemporary Research in Islamic Studies and the Study of Muslims in Southeast Asia. However Particular Consideration Will Be Given to Proposals That Address the Following Issues: - Trends in Islamic Studies in Southeast Asia - Trends in the Study of Southeast Asian Muslims - Islam and the Social Sciences - Islam and Liberalism - Islam, Southeast Asia, and America - Southeast Asian Islam and the Middle East - Wahabism in Southeast Asia - Discourses of ?Moderate?, ?Conservative?, and ?Radical? Islam - Islam and Gender Issues - Islam in Contemporary Southeast Asian Politics More information about the workshop as well as regular updates are available at the Workshop website: http://viesea.wu.ac.th/en/index.php?lang=en Enquiries to Jpatrick@Wu.Ac.Th Or Write to the Regional Studies Program, School of Liberal Arts, Walailak University, 222 Thaiburi, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand 80160, Tel. +66 75 672 073, Fax. +66 75 673 001 ________ Item 24. Thailand Focus Seminar The Global Studies at Rmit University and the Victoria Thailand Business Network/Industry Capability Network Are Delighted to Invite You to the Thailand Focus Seminar. Wednesday 15 November 2006, 9.30 Am. ? 12.30 Pm. Rmit University, City Campus, 411 Swanston Street, Melbourne Rmit Building 37, Level 3, Lecture Theatre 04 Program Details: 9.30am "the Business of Political Reform in Thailand" by Dr. Paul Battersby, Discipline Leader, Global Studies, School of Global Studies, Social Science and Planning. 10.45 -11. 00 Break 11.00 "Understanding Thai Value and Culture Including Business Culture" by Sunee Sathaporn, Ceo, Victoria Thailand Business Network. Rsvp by 27 October 2006 to Sunee Sathaporn, Ssathaporn@Icn.Org.Au or Ssathaporn@Optusnet.Com.Au ________ Item 25. Asaa Women's Forum Email List The Women’S Forum (Formerly Known As the Women’S Caucus) of the Asaa has Established a New Email List to Replace the Wia List. The Women’S Forum Email Discussion List Is a Moderated Listserv Open to Anyone Interested in Promoting Scholarship On Women in Asia or Supporting Women Working Within Asian Studies. Anyone Can Subscribe to the List and Contribute News Items, Comments, Requests for Information, Book Reviews, Thesis Summaries, Advertisements, Forthcoming Conferences, or Jobs or Activities and Seminar Notices. Your Contributions Will Then Be Forwarded to the Entire Network. The List Is Moderated by Lenore Lyons, Director of the Centre for Asia Pacific Social Transformation Studies, at the University of Wollongong. Please Note That the "Women in Asia List" Is No Longer Active. Those Interested Will Need to Subscribe to the New List in Order to Continue to Receive Email Correspondence From the Asaa Women’S Forum. To Subscribe to the "Asaa Women’S Forum Email List", Please Click On the Following Link and Follow the Prompts: Http://Mailinglists.Uow.Edu.Au/Mailman/Listinfo/Asaa_womens_forum Enquires, Lenore Lyons, Lenore_lyons@Uow.Edu.Au ________ Item 26. Website of the Month The Herb Feith Foundation Was Established in 2003 to Commemorate the Life and Work of Herb Feith (1930-2001), Volunteer, Scholar, Teacher and Peace Activist. The Website Provides Information About the Foundation and Its Activities. Http://Www.Herb-Feith-Foundation.Org/ =========================================================== 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.arts.monash.edu.au/mai/ To Unsubscribe, Please Send an Email To: Monash.Asia.Institute@Adm.Monash.Edu.Au =========================================================== 1