===================================== MONASH ASIA INSTITUTE BULLETIN 3/2005 18 March 2005 ===================================== In this bulletin 1. Apology for unauthorised email messages 2. Japanese Studies Centre Seminar 3. China Forum 4. CSEAS Seminars 5. Special MAI seminar - developing research strategies 6. Special MAI seminar on contemporary Hong Kong 7. Workshop on Southeast Asian Women 8. Conference: Religious Sites in Ancient Southeast Asia 9. CSEAS Writer-in-Residence 10. India-China Conference 11. Australian-Asian Cultures Symposium 12. International conference 13. Tibet - Then and Now 14. WOCMES-2 Congress 15. Visiting Scholar invitation 16. Contemporary History On Line - Call for papers 17. Website of the month: Morning Sun website ------------------------------------------- Item 1. Apology for unauthorised email messages Last week, the MAI email facility was attacked by spammers resulting in unauthorised email messages being sent to members of the MAI mailing list. We apologise for the unauthorised emails and the inconvenience they caused. This is the first time our email facility has been abused. With the help of Monash IT Services, the problem was quickly resolved and additional security steps have been taken to prevent this happening again. ------------------------------------------- Item 2. JSC seminar Friday 18 March 2004, 3:00 - 4:00 pm "The present state and future prospects of Japanese Studies in Asia" Professor Takamichi Mito, Chinese University of Hong Kong. Followed by Annual General Meeting of the Japanese Studies Centre. Enquiries for JSC Seminars: Assoc Prof Alison Tokita, ------------------------------------------- Item 3. China Forum ** The MAI Executive takes the opportunity to congratulate Helene Chung Martin on the publication of her book. Wednesday 23 March 2005, 5.30 pm - 7.30 pm Dyason House, 124 Jolimont Road, East Melbourne "Lazy man in China" Helene Chung Martin Honorary Research Fellow, Monash Asia Institute The first female correspondent posted abroad by the ABC, Helene is author of "Shouting from China" and "Gentle John My Love My Loss". She is a fourth-generation Australian Chinese, an honours graduate and MA in history of the University of Tasmania, and an honorary research fellow at the Monash Asia Institute. Australia's first ambassador to the People's Republic, Stephen FitzGerald OA, calls Lazy Man in China 'a China book you read through in one go'. Former ABC Beijing correspondent Helene Chung Martin will captivate us with a pictorial presentation of the extraordinary changes that took place in China in the nineteen eighties, as portrayed in her new book, "Lazy Man in China". We see Deng Xiaoping's 1984 military parade that signals the smashing of China's 'iron rice bowl' of socialist egalitarianism and the emergence of westernisation and market forces. We banquet in the Great Hall of the People and meet Bob Hawke, Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher. From Mao-suited old communism, we move to the Gucci-rich new capitalism of Beijing and Shanghai, 2002. And the unparalled transformation continues today! RSVP by 20 March 2005 to AIIA Phone: (03) 9654 7271; Fax: (03) 9654 6605; Email: aiiavic@bigpond.net.au Contribution at the door: AIIA members $15; non-members $20; student member $8; student non member $10. Snacks and drinks will be served. ------------------------------------------- Item 4. CSEAS Seminars Centre of Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS), Monash Asia Institute Seminar series The CSEAS weekly SEMINAR continues on Thursdays, 11.00 am - 12.15 pm Manton Room SG02 South Wing (Ground Floor), Menzies Building (11), Monash University Clayton campus 24 March 2005 Dr Jemma Purdey, Writer-in-Residence, Centre of Southeast Asian Studies, Monash Asia Institute. Topic: 'Anti-Chinese violence in Indonesia in the late 1990s'. Jemma Purdey received her PhD from the University of Melbourne for a thesis on 'Anti-Chinese Violence in Indonesia, 1996-1999'. Her research interests include human rights, violence and conflict resolution in Indonesia and the study of minorities. She has recently worked as a volunteer with education and women's rights NGOs in Mumbai. Her thesis will be published as part of the ASAA Southeast Asia series in 2005. ---- Thursday, 7 April 2005 Speaker: Professor Margaret Kartomi, AM, FAHA, Dr Phil, School of Music - Conservatorium, Monash University Topic: "Changes of style and meaning in body percussion music and dance in colonial, post-colonial and post-tsunami Aceh." ALL WELCOME Enquiries Dr Penny Graham, Director, Centre of Southeast Asian Studies Email: Penny.Graham@arts.monash.edu.au, Phone: +61 3 990 52994 ------------------------------------------------------------------ Item 5. MAI Postgraduate Seminar Thursday 24 March 12noon to 2pm ** Note the changed time in order to avoid clashes with the Centre of Southeast Asian Studies seminar at 11.00 am Professor Homer Le Grand, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, will begin the seminar by welcoming the MAI doctoral and masters students. We will begin at 12.00 noon sharp. This will be followed by a round table discussion about the kind of research work that is being done within the MAI. Each student will be invited to speak about his/her own work. The objective is to identify our strengths as a group with a view to (a) seeking a large ARC grant in the right area and (b) seeking sponsorship to set up postdoctoral research fellowships in areas of strength. In between our discussions, a light luncheon will be served. RSVP to Juliet Yee ------------------------------------------- Item 6. Special MAI seminar on contemporary Hong Kong Friday 29 April 2005 10.00 am to 12.00 noon Monash University Clayton campus Professor Richard Larkins, Vice Chancellor of Monash University, will say a few words about Monash's research strategies and welcome Ms Loh to the Clayton campus. As usual, the seminar will be followed by a light luncheon at 11.45 am Christine Loh, Chief Executive Officer, Civic Exchange Hong Kong will speak on: "What does C.H. Tung's resignation say about Hong Kong-Chinese politics?" The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of China passed from British to Chinese control in 1997. Since then, Hong Kong has been governed by Beijing appointed Chief Executive, Mr C. H. Tung. The HKSAR Government has dealt - and often struggled with - a range of challenges since 1997. In early March this year Mr Tung announced that he had decided to step down early from his position as CE. Hong Kong is at another turning point. In this seminar, Christine Loh will review the HKSAR experience as China's wealthiest enclave. In particular, she will consider the current state of Hong Kong's political relationship with Beijing. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Christine Loh is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of the independent, non-profit public policy think tank, Civic Exchange. Prior to the establishment of Civic Exchange, Loh had a highly successful career in politics. She was appointed to the Hong Kong Legislative Council in 1992 and then ran two successful elections in 1995 and 1998. As a politician, she championed many issues, which included the successful reform of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance, access to information, rural land inheritance rights for the indigenous women of the New Territories, equal opportunity legislation and passed the groundbreaking Protection of the Harbour Ordinance. Loh chose to not stand for re-election in 2000 in order to set-up Civic Exchange. Prior to her career in politics, Loh had a successful 14-year career in the private commercial sector. She was engaged in commodities trading and strategic planning for Philipp Brothers, and Phibro Energy, divisions of the US multinational Salomon Inc [now Salomon Smith Barney]. Her last position with the company was as regional Managing Director. She was among the first group of business people to be posted to work in Beijing in 1980 and helped set-up the first US representative office there for Philipp Brothers. In 1992, she helped the Hong Kong-based CIM Company Ltd put together an international consortium to bid for the development of Hong Kong Container Terminal No. 9, and also brought the famous LoFt retail licence from Japan to Hong Kong. Loh writes extensively about politics, political economy, sustainable development, and corporate social responsibility, and has been widely published in Hong Kong and abroad in both mass circulation as well as academic publications. Loh's e-Newsletter provides up-to-date political analysis and has a large circulation. Her book, "Getting Heard: A Hong Kong Citizen's Handbook" (2002), provides a user friendly guide on civic participation. She has co-authored and edited "Building Democracy: Creating Good Government in Hong Kong"(2003), and "At the Epicentre: Hong Kong and the SARS Outbreak"(2004). She is a frequent speaker at business and public forums at home and abroad. She has also anchored radio and television public affairs programmes. Loh is well known also for her work in designing and facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogue processes to help deepen and broaden understanding on public policy issues. She is a Council Member of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Member of the Advisory Committee of the Securities and Futures Commission, Non-executive Director of the Association for Sustainable and Responsible Investment in Asia (ASRIA), Board Member of Community Business, Member of Asia Society's International Council (USA), and Human Rights in China (USA). She is one of the World Economic Forum's "Global Leaders for Tomorrow". Christine Loh has won various prizes, including being twice recognised by Business Week as one of 'The Stars of Asia' in 1998 and again in 2000. Most recently, she was named Entrepreneur of the Year in 2003 for the success of Civic Exchange, and won the Peter Bryce award for outstanding civic work in 2004. Loh holds an English law degree from the University of Hull, England, and a Masters of Law degree in Chinese and Comparative Law from the City University of Hong Kong. She has been awarded the degree of Doctor of Law, honoris causa, by the University of Hull. Her background in law, business, politics and media has helped her to be a leading voice on public policy. In her private life, she is an art collector, video filmmaker and writer. RSVP(essential) to Sanjeev Veloo ------------------------------------------- Item 7. Workshop on Southeast Asian Women Call for papers - due date: 30 May 2005 Centre of Southeast Asian Studies Twelfth annual Workshop on Southeast Asian Women will be held at Monash University, Clayton, Victoria on Friday June 17, 2005 The aim of the Workshop is to bring together researchers and others interested in the study of matters relating to Southeast Asian women, in any field, such as politics, geography, literature, the arts, history or health. CALL FOR PAPERS Please send brief offers of papers to Dr Susan Blackburn, School of Political and Social Inquiry, Building 11, Monash University, Victoria, 3800. Email address: sue.blackburn@arts.monash.edu.au, Telephone (03) 9905 2384 The deadline for offers is 30 May 2005. ------------------------------------------- Item 8. Conference "Old Myths and New Approaches - Advances in the Interpretation of Religious Sites in Ancient Southeast Asia" 13 - 15 July 2005 Centre of Southeast Asian Studies, Monash Asia Institute The focus of the two-day conference will be on the religious sites of ancient Southeast Asia, and their integration into and interaction with the surrounding cities and landscapes. These sites have received considerable attention from the colonial period onward, and a substantial body of documentation has been accumulated over time. During the past few years this body of knowledge has been extended even further due to the introduction of new technology. While this information has helped advance the understanding of issues ranging from water management to construction techniques, the question of how it affects our understanding of the links of the temples with their surroundings has received far less attention. The temples were socially lived sites, interconnected inseparably with the rhythms of everyday life of the surrounding community. The conference will endeavour to present new insights regarding the temples themselves as well as the surrounding land- and cityscape, and will focus on the incorporation of temple sites into the lived environment - physically, metaphysically and socially. The conference will take place in Melbourne, on July 13 - 15, 2005. Enquiries: Dr. Alexandra Haendel , Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Centre of Southeast Asian Studies, Monash Asia Institute. ------------------------------------------- Item 9. CSEAS Writer-in-Residence The Centre of Southeast Asian Studies, Monash Asia Institute, announces the appointment of Dr Jemma Purdey as Writer-in-Residence to research, write and prepare for publication a biographical study of Herb Feith. Dr Purdey was selected from a truly outstanding field of candidates. Jemma Purdey received her PhD from the University of Melbourne for a thesis on 'Anti-Chinese Violence in Indonesia, 1996-1999'. Her research interests include human rights, violence and conflict resolution in Indonesia and the study of minorities. She has recently worked as a volunteer with education and women's rights NGOs in Mumbai. Her thesis will be published as part of the ASAA Southeast Asia series in 2005. Jemma has now begun work in the Centre of Southeast Asian Studies, from where she is setting out to contact people who have stories, experiences, insights and ideas they would like to share about the life, times, work and influence of Herb Feith. Please feel free to contact her. Jemma can be reached by email on: On behalf of the Centre and the Faculty of Arts, I'd like to say how deeply grateful we are to all those who expressed interest in this very special Fellowship. The 2-year CSEAS Writer-in-Residence Fellowship is funded partly by the Monash University Faculty of Arts and partly by a generous private philanthropic supporter of the Centre of Southeast Asian Studies. Our thanks go to both. (Dr Penny Graham, Director, Centre of Southeast Asian Studies) ------------------------------------------- Item 10. India-China Conference Call for papers - due date - 1 August 2005 The Monash Asia Institute is collaborating with the ABERU (Asian Business and Economics Research Unit) in organising a conference on Globalisation, Migration and Labour Mobility in India and China, to be held in Melbourne, September 29-30, 2005. The conference focuses on the interaction of the two countries, India and China, both countries with large populations and high growth rates following market liberalisation. The conference will examine how their labour experiences compare, and what the 2 countries might draw from each other in relation to labour markets and management. ABERU invites submissions of papers for the conference. Comparative papers will be particularly welcome. Closing date for submissions is August 1, 2005. Visit the ABERU website for registration and further details including paper abstracts: http://www.buseco.monash.edu.au/units/aberu/conference/index.php =============================================================== Other Monash University events =============================================================== Item 11. Australian-Asian Cultures Symposium "Locating Asian-Australian Cultures" Monash University - Clayton, Melbourne, Vic 28 June 2005 http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/ncas/asianaustralian This event is sponsored by the National Centre for Australian Studies, Monash University This symposium focuses on current research in Asian-Australian cultures and cultural production. It is particularly interested in the ways in which 'Asian-Australian' has developed as a concept and/or field since the publication of _Alter/Asians_ and _Diaspora: Negotiating Asian-Australia_ (both published in 2000). What forms of Asian-Australian cultural production have emerged and how are they positioned? How have communities of Asian descent in Australia negotiated cultural, public and political spaces? Symposium themes: * Asian-Australian cultural production (including literature, film, performance, and the visual arts) * Negotiating Asian-Australian identities * The politics of Asian-Australian representation The symposium's priorities are to: * Create momentum for Asian-Australian cultural research. * Provide a collegial and informal networking opportunity. * Produce a publication that investigates key issues in 'Asian-Australian studies' SYMPOSIUM WEBSITE: http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/ncas/asianaustralian CONVENOR: Dr Tseen Khoo National Centre for Australian Studies Monash University, Clayton, Vic 3800 tseen.khoo@arts.monash.edu.au Phone: (03) 9905 2490 / Fax: (03) 9905 5238 ** PLEASE NOTE: This symposium immediately precedes the Chinese Studies Association of Australia (CSAA) conference, Bendigo, Vic; 30 Jun-3 Jul 2005. For more information, see http://www.anu.edu.au/asianstudies/chinakoreacen/csaa/#CONFERENCE =============================================================== Other items of interest =============================================================== Item 12. International conference "Peace, Justice and Reconciliation in the Asia Pacific region" 1-3 April 2005 The Bardon Centre, Brisbane The conference is hosted by: The Australian Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, The University of Queensland International Peace Academy, New York, The Asia Pacific Peace Research Association (APPRA) The Marine and Shipping Law Unit, The University of Queensland Conference Objective The objective of the conference is to create a congenial and safe environment within which academics; policy makers; foreign affairs, legal, defence and security professionals; NGO representatives from humanitarian and peace-building organisations, as well as graduate students with an interest in sustainable peace in the Asia Pacific region, can meet and discuss ways in which peace, justice and reconciliation can be advanced in the region at community, national and regional levels. The conference will encompass four major themes: 1. Development and Security in the South West Pacific Region. 2. The Quest for Justice and Peace: Listening to Indigenous Voices in Australasia and the Pacific. 3. Law Reform, Justice, ADR and Mediation in the Asia Pacific Region. 4. The Conflict Prevention/Conflict Management Capacities of Regional Institutions. For more details, see: http://www.uq.edu.au/acpacs/ Enquiries: Ms Kathryn Ottaway, Executive Assistant Australian Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (ACPACS), The University of Queensland Tel: +61 7 3365 1763 email: k.ottaway@uq.edu.au, acpacs@uq.edu.au ------------------------------------------- Item 13. Tibet - Then and Now A conference on Tibetan Culture Presented by Kagyu E-Vam Buddhist Institute 2-4 April, 2005 Maitripa Contemplative Centre 528 Myers Creek Road, (St. Leornards Road), Heallsville Victoria 3777 Opening by Cabinet Minister of Tibetan Government in Exile, Thubten Lungrig,and the representative of H.H. the Dalai Lama in Australia, Tenzin P. Atisha INTRODUCTION Tibetan civilisation is one of the most ancient in Central Asia. Through the centuries the Tibetans have exerted great cultural influence in Tibet's neighbouring states such as China, Mongolia, India and Nepal. Although people in the West are more familiar with Tibet's religious traditions, particularly as Tibetan Buddhism continues to spread, there is still a tendency to mythologise Tibet and its history, thus utterly misunderstanding the other aspects of Tibetan culture. This conference is instituted to illuminate all aspects of Tibetan culture - history, language and literature, both secular and religious, in order to dispel the popular misconceptions. We are most honoured to have Kalon Thubten Lungrig, Cabinet Minister in the Tibetan Government in Exile, and His Holiness the Dalai lama's representative to Australia, Mr. Tenzin P. Atisha, presiding at the Conference. Also assembled are scholars and experts familiar with all aspects of Tibetan culture and tradition. The Conference will be of tremendous interest both to people who are familiar with Tibetan culture or to those who are curious of Tibet and its people. Enquiries and further information: Peter Andelic, Conference Coordinator Ph: (03) 9387 0422 E-mail: e_vam@smartchat.net.au Website: http://www.evaminstitute.org.au ------------------------------------------- Item 14. WOCMES-2 Congress Second World Congress for Middle Eastern Studies 11-16 June 2006 Amman, Jordan Call for papers The Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies cordially invites you to participate in the Second World Congress for Middle Eastern Studies (WOCMES-2), which will take place in Amman, Jordan on 11-16 June 2006. Specifically, we would like to encourage academics and experts on the region to begin considering topics for panels, symposia and/or exhibitions to take place under the WOCMES-2 umbrella. A general call for individual papers and exhibitions will commence in March 2005. WOCMES-2 hopes to bring experts on the Middle East, from all over the world and all branches of the humanities and social sciences, together in the region to share and exchange their research, experience and ideas, and to discuss the challenges of methodology vs. theory and praxis vs. politics and their possible resolutions. It promises to be an unprecedented event that will finally bring Middle Eastern studies to the Middle East. The congress will be a showcase for Middle Eastern learning and culture, featuring two book fairs (Arabic/International), involving book-sellers, publishers and authors; exhibitions of modern Arab art by Jordan's national and local galleries; other exhibitions related to various aspects of Middle Eastern studies; a film festival with panel discussions; and an exciting musical program. Finally, it will also be a gateway to the Arab, Islamic and Mediterranean worlds, giving participants an unprecedented opportunity to visit historical and contemporary sites related to their fields of interest in Jordan and in neighbouring countries during and after the congress. Some of the themes identified for this congress include: Ancient Middle East; Historical Approaches; Islam in Past and Present; Christian and Biblical Studies; Urban Studies and Space; Water and the Environment; Economics of the Middle East; Politics of the Middle East; Women and Gender Studies; Normative Phenomena and Legal Research; Migration Studies; Media and Cultural Studies; Linguistics and Literature; and Nationality, Identities and Ethnicity. For more information, see: http://www.riifs.org/ Enquiries: WOCMES-2 Secretariat Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies (RIIFS), P.O. Box 830 562, Amman 11183, Jordan Tel.: 962 6 4618051; Fax: 962 6 4618053 e-mail: wocmes2@riifs.org ------------------------------------------- Item 15. Visiting Scholar invitation Center for Khmer Studies (CKS) Rockefeller Foundation Project Building Institutional Capacity in Cambodian Higher Education (2005-2007) CKS is seeking an individual for the position of: Visiting Scholar Specializing in Cultures and Identities of Mainland Southeast Asia as related to the Cambodia context (6 months, Phnom Penh) Closing date: 15 May 2005 The project seeks to enhance the knowledge base and academic skills of junior Cambodian academics and researchers in the field of humanities and social sciences. This will be achieved through workshops and seminars, followed by individual and team research projects. The Visiting Scholar will be responsible for designing the workshop and seminar curriculum and for leading the six month session from August 2005 to January 2006 (see details below). The position will involve working with the Project Director, a small Academic Committee, and participating groups of early-career Cambodian academics. Assisted by the Project Director and in consultation with members of the Academic Committee, the Visiting Scholar will be responsible for the academic aspects of the project for a period of six months, including: 1) Selecting candidates for the session program, and recipients of individual fellowships (in country and international) 2) Compiling relevant courses material 3) Designing and leading the activities of the session program, including seminars, methodology workshops, fieldwork and conferences, with the possibility of inviting other scholars as appropriate 4) Evaluating papers, research material, and final individual/team projects 5) Preparing relevant materials for dissemination on the CKS website and in printed publications Throughout the project, and in consultation with the Academic Committee and Project Director, the Visiting Scholar may propose other relevant academic activities that will serve the objectives of the Project. Person specification The person appointed will meet the following criteria: Essential - An earned doctorate from an internationally accredited university, in a relevant humanities or social science discipline - Recognized academic reputation in the field of Southeast Asian studies, particularly on Cambodia or Mainland Southeast Asia, supported by articles in refereed journals and/or authorship of, editorship of, or contributions to, books issued by well-known publishers - Fluency in spoken English, and strong English writing skills - Excellent skills in the area of learning and teaching - Experience in curriculum design and developing teaching Projects - Ability to teach research methods and general academic skills - At least five years experience of university level teaching - Ability to work as part of a team - Excellent inter-personal skills, including cross-cultural communication skills - Honesty, integrity and a willingness to take personal responsibility Desirable - Experience of training Cambodian or Southeast Asian academics at an early stage of their careers - Familiarity with higher education in the region - Experience of working in Cambodia, Southeast Asia, or in another developing country - Communicative ability in Khmer and/or another major Southeast Asian language Closing date: May 15th, 2005 Please send a CV and a cover letter, supplying the names of two referees, to: cheanmen@khmerstudies.org Scholars from ASEAN countries are encouraged to apply ------------------------------------------- Item 16. Contemporary History On Line - Call for papers Historia Actual On Line (ISSN 1696-2060) (Contemporary History On Line) is an international electronic review that analyses our contemporary problems with a scientific perspective emphasising the multidisciplinary focus. http://www.hapress.com/index.php?pg=f047&id=es We welcome contributions from our readers and, in overall, from any researcher interested in the Contemporary History knowledge to include in our next issue. The editors accept pieces - articles, research notes or books comments - related to the different contemporary issues. The following issues are suggested: dictatorships, democracy transitions and problems; economic globalization challenges and regional integration processes; migrations and exiles; national, ethnical and cultural identities; technological and information revolution; international relations and geo-strategical struggle; and, of course, the methodology and theory on Contemporary History and Prospective subject. Every submitted piece is evaluated by two referees of our Advising Council. Manuscripts should be sent to the Editor at: online@historia-actual.com See also: http://www.historia-actual.com ------------------------------------------- Item 17. Website of the month: Morning Sun website http://www.morningsun.org/about/index.html A range of techniques and perspectives are used in the Morning Sun website to reflect on the origins and history of the Cultural Revolution (c.1964-1976). The website approaches the period not from a simplistic linear perspective, but from a panoptic one, encompassing a broad overview while allowing the user to focus in on individual histories, narratives and events that reveal the complex contradictory forces that led to an era of unrivalled revolutionary fervor and political turmoil. ======================================================================== 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 ========================================================================