• February 4: Congressional Study Group: “Post-Doha Trade with Southeast Asia”
• February 13: Seminar: Ellen Frost, author of “Asia’s New Regionalism”

Feb. 5 – 13: Training Workshops for Judges of the Extraordinary    Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (Khmer Rouge Tribunal)

Feb. 14 - 16: 7th Annual East-West Center International Graduate Student Conference on the Asia Pacific Region 

Feb. 17 – March 1: International Forum for Education (IFE) Leadership Institute            

Asian Studies Development Program (ASDP) Workshops/Conferences:

• Feb. 28 – March 1: ASDP Faculty Outreach Workshop on Asian Cultures
• March 6 – 8: 14th ASDP National Conference
• April 3 – 5: China in a Global Context: Transformations and Traditions   
• April 10 – 12: Himalayan Cultures and Societies

Feb. 29: An International Affair -- The East-West Center’s Annual Dinner

March 1 – 2: Royal Thai Dancers and Musicians
Saturday, March 1, 2008, 8:00 - 9:15 p.m.
Sunday, March 2, 2008, 4:00 - 5:15 p.m.

March 3 – 7: Workshop on the Demise of Swidden in Southeast Asia

United States Asia Pacific Council:                           

• April 10 – 11: 5th Annual USAPC Washington Conference

In the Arts . . .

Feb. 10 - March 30: Exhibition: Material Choices: Bast and Leaf Fiber Textiles In Asia and the Pacific                                

April 13-June 11: Exhibition: “Contemporary Paintings from Pakistan”

April 28 - 29: Performance: Qawwali Vocal Music from Pakistan by Mehr and Sher Ali

________________________________________________________________

East-West Center in Washington (EWCW):

• Congressional Study Group: “Post-Doha Trade with Southeast Asia” February 4, 2008, TBA-Congressional Office BuildingContact: Aaron Siirila, email: siirilaa@eastwestcenter.org

• Seminar: Ellen Frost, author of “Asia’s New Regionalism”
  Tentative date: February 13, 2008, EWC in Washington Conference Room
  Contact: Justin Liang, email: liangj@eastwestcenter.org

Training Workshops for Judges of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (Khmer Rouge Tribunal)
February 5-13, 2008
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
EWC and the UC Berkeley War Crimes Studies Center will coordinate training workshops for the ECCC entire judicial body February 5-8, as well as specialized workshops for the Pre-Trial Chamber and Office of the Co-Investigating Judges February 11-13. The workshops will focus on the large and complex body of law and practice that has evolved over the past 14 years since the creation of the International Criminal Ttribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). Distinguished international faculty for the workshops will be drawn from the ICTY, ICTR and other international tribunals.
EWC contact: Phil Estermann (808) 944-7464
email: estermap@eastwestcenter.org

The 7th Annual East-West Center International Graduate Student Conference on the Asia Pacific Region
February 14 – 16, 2008
The East-West Center International Graduate Student Conference (IGSC) is an annual interdisciplinary conference that welcomes presentations in a number of thematic and disciplinary areas focusing on the Asia Pacific region, and/or the relationship/interaction of the U.S. with the Asia Pacific region.  For the purpose of the conference, Asia Pacific is defined to include:  South Asia, East Asia, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, all the Pacific Rim nations and Pacific Islands, and Russia.

For more information:
The 7th Annual International Graduate Student Conference
c/o EWC Education Program
1601 East-West Road, Burns Hall 2083
Honolulu,  Hawaii  96848

Ph. (808) 944-7758
Fax. (808) 944-7070
Email: studentconference@eastwestcenter.org

International Forum for Education (IFE) Leadership Institute
February 17-March 1, EWC
International mid-career individuals from nine countries, China, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Korea, the Philippines, India, and Thailand, will focus on the quality theme of higher education.
EWC contact: Cherylene Hidano (808) 944-7765
email: hidanoc@eastwestcenter.org

ASDP Workshops/Conferences
EWC contact: Peter Hershock (808) 944-7757
email: hershocp@eastwestcenter.org

Culture Matters: Asian Traditions in Contemporary Context
Feb. 28 - March 1, 2008    
Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI
This workshop will examine the continued relevance of Asian cultural traditions in contemporary regional and global contexts.  The objective of this program is to assist college and university faculty with infusing Asian studies into their respective school curricula.

This workshop will be hosted by Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan and funded by The Freeman Foundation.

14th Asian Studies Development Program (ASDP) National Conference
March 6 – 8, 2008
Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown-Lakefront, Chicago, Illinois
This is the fourteenth annual conference for ASDP alumni and interested college faculty.  Participants will present original research on Asian and comparative subjects, and will share their strategies for infusing Asian studies into the undergraduate college curriculum.  

This year’s conference is being hosted by the College of DuPage in Chicago, Illinois and funded by The Freeman Foundation.

China in a Global Context: Transformations and Traditions
April 3 - 5, 2008
Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio
This workshop addresses issues related to the history, culture, and political economy of China.  The workshop will include lectures, panel discussions, and exhibits.  The objective of this program is to assist college and university faculty with infusing Chinese studies into their respective school curricula.

This workshop will be hosted by Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio and funded by The Freeman Foundation.

Himalayan Cultures and Societies
April 10 - 12, 2008
University of Texas, El Paso, TX
This workshop examines the rich historical and cultural traditions of the Himalayas in their contemporary regional and global contexts. The objective of this program is to assist college and university faculty with infusing Asian studies into their respective school curricula.

This workshop will be hosted by University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) in El Paso, Texas.  

An International Affair
The East-West Center’s Annual Dinner
Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom
February 29, 2008

An International Affair, the East West Center's annual dinner, will be held on Friday, February 29, 2008 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom. The event will honor His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand.  Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will represent His Majesty and receive the Asia Pacific Community Building Award in recognition of his dedicated work on behalf of the welfare of the people of Thailand.   

DINNER CHAIRS:  Jean Ariyoshi and Don K. Kim

TIME:    5:00 p.m. Cocktails and Silent Auction; 6:30 p.m. Dinner and Program
COST:   Sponsored tables of ten are from $2,500 to $25,000; Individual seats are $200
WHY:  Proceeds from the dinner and silent auction provide support for the EWC's international students and distinctive leadership programs.

EWC contact: Gary Yoshida, EWC Development Officer
email: yoshidag@EastWestCenter.org

Official Dedication of the EWC’s Royal Sala Thai
Saturday, March 1, 2008, 10:30 a.m.
Adjacent to Imin Center-Jefferson Hall, 1777 East-West Road
Admission Free

In 1967, HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej presented a traditional Thai sala (pavilion) as a gift to the East-West Center.  Due to age and climate conditions, the original sala has been replaced by a beautiful new structure, made of hard woods and elaborately carved. Its proper name, Pratinang Patiharn Tasanai, means Throne of the Miracle Vision.

The sala is a rich cultural symbol of Thailand, commonly used as shelter from rain and heat, for quiet conversation, for study and contemplation.

This structure was designed by National Artist Dr. Pinyo Suwankiri, crafted in Thailand, and reassembled on this site by Thai artisans. On behalf of His Majesty, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will officially dedicate this new sala on March 1, 2008.  The ceremony will include a classic Thai dance, as well as traditional Hawaiian hula.  All are welcome.  Parking is $3, payable at the parking kiosk as you enter the campus.
EWC contact: Karen Knudsen, email: knudsenk@EastWestCenter.org

Royal Thai Dancers and Musicians
Saturday, March 1, 2008, 8:00 - 9:15 p.m.
Sunday, March 2, 2008, 4:00 - 5:15 p.m.
Imin Center-Jefferson Hall, EWC
Opposite UHM Kennedy Theatre

General Admission: $15; Students, seniors, military: $12
Tickets may be purchased (After Feb. 1) from the UHM Campus Center Box Office; or at www.HonoluluBoxOffice.com , telephone 550-8457. Further info:  944-7584.

These eleven musicians and dancers are select performers from the Fine Arts Department, the official performing arts ensemble of the Royal Thai Government in Bangkok.  Their concerts at the East-West Center coincide with the visit of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and the dedication of the Royal Sala Thai at East-West Center.  The repertoire will include classical and folk styles from the diverse regions of Thailand, including the impressive Khon mask dance.

Workshop on the Demise of Swidden in Southeast Asia
March 3 – 7, 2008
Hanoi, Vietnam
The aim of this conference, based on expertise from throughout greater Southeast Asia, will be to provide an assessment of existing knowledge on swidden change and to identify the research gaps that need to be filled to address adequately the development of swidden communities. The main inputs to the conference will come from a workshop with invited experts on swidden in the region - held in the days prior to the conference.
The workshop and conference are funded by Ford Foundation.
EWC contact: June Kuramoto (808) 944-7267
email: kuramotj@eastwestcenter.org

Japan Journalists Program
March 3 – 15, 2008
Washington, D.C.; New York City; Omaha, Nebraska; Phoenix, Arizona
This 12-day program offers opportunities for six-eight Japanese journalists to visit the United States. The focus of this program will be the U.S. elections as well as immigration and media issues in the United States. The program is conducted in cooperation with Nihon Shimbun Kyokai (Japan Newspaper Publishers & Editors Association) and gives participating journalists the opportunity to enhance their understanding of the United States through travel and dialogue with government, business, civic and cultural leaders.
EWC contact:  Susan Kreifels, (808) 944-7176
email: kreifels@eastwestcenter.org

Internal Conflicts and State Building Challenges in Asia
March 25 - 28, 2008
Washington Plaza Hotel
Washington, D.C.
Coordinator: Muthiah Alagappa
EWC contact: Eugene Alexander (808) 944-7332
email: alexande@eastwestcenter.org

Korea/U.S. Journalists Exchange Program
April 1 – 17, 2008    
Korea Destinations: Seoul, Kyungju, Ulsan, Kwangju in South Korea and Gaesung in North Korea
U.S. Destinations: Washington, D.C.; New York City, New York; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Youngstown, Ohio.
Korea (U.S. Journalists) and U.S. mainland (Korean Journalists) - April 2-12, 2008;
East-West Center (entire group) - April 13-16, 2008

The program sends seven Korean journalists to the United States and seven U.S. journalists to South Korea to meet with government and business leaders, academics, non-governmental organizations and other members of the community. The program seeks to introduce journalists to the political, security, economic, cultural and social issues of each country.
 
Theme: "Bridging the Gaps in Understanding between Korea and the United States," with a particular focus on new leadership in South Korea and presidential election in the United States.

EWC contacts: Marilyn Li, (808) 944-7258, email: lim@eastwestcenter.org
Carolyn Eguchi, (808) 944-7510, email: eguchic@eastwestcenter.org

Workshop on Communicating about the El Nino Southern California Oscillation (ENSCO):  Toward Developing a Common Understanding
April 8 - 10, 2008
Imin Center-Jefferson Hall, East-West Center
Workshop will facilitate a common understanding of terminology used in describing the state of ENSO and its impacts and develop best practices for communicating information on ENSO and its impacts to a wide range of users.
EWC contact: Cherylene Hidano, (808) 944-7765
email: hidanoc@eastwestcemter.org

East West Fest 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Time to be determined
Hawaii Imin International Conference Center, EWC, 1777 East-West Road
Free Admission, parking on UH campus is $3.00
More details to be announced.
East-West Fest, a colorful celebration of culture and diversity, will be held on Saturday, April 19. Organized by East-West Center students who come from 42 countries worldwide.

United States Asia Pacific Council (USAPC):

5th Annual USAPC Washington Conference
TITLE:  TBD
April 10 – 11, 2008
Grand Hyatt Hotel Washington
Washington, DC
The Annual USAPC Washington Conference begins with the USAPC Business Meeting, which provides an opportunity for USAPC members to review the U.S. Asia Pacific Council’s work and to plan future events.  If required, it also allows the Chairman (currently Ambassador J. Stapleton Roy) to enact changes in the Council governance and for Council members to nominate or elect new members.  The USAPC’s 5th Annual Business Meeting is likely to focus on fundraising for the 2009 PECC General Meeting to be hosted by USAPC.

Following the USAPC Business Meeting is the Annual Welcome Reception and Dinner, which enables USAPC Council Members to meet with other regional specialists for informal discussion prior to the beginning of the Annual Conference.  A speaker or panel of speakers generally opens the dinner with comments relevant to the Annual Conference’s featured topic followed by a short Q & A period.  The next day, the USAPC convenes its annual international conference in Washington, D.C. to addresses current issues in U.S.-Asia relations.  The 2008 Annual Washington Conference is expected to feature four panel discussions led by prominent opinion leaders from America and Asia followed by Q & A sessions. 

For more information: Mark Borthwick
email: borthwim@eastwestcenter.org

In the Arts . . .

Exhibition: Material Choices: Bast and Leaf Fiber Textiles
in Asia and the Pacific
February 10 - March 30, 2008
East-West Center Gallery

Opening reception: Sunday, February 10, 2008, 2:00-3:30 p.m., including exhibition walk-through with Roy Hamilton

In a world now awash in a global trade of industrially produced cottons and synthetic fabrics, it is easy to forget that all of the cloth needed in any community once had to be woven by hand and that much of it was made from bast or leaf fibers. Today even the word bast, which refers to a layer of fibers found in the stems of plants, is unfamiliar to most people.  The current EWC exhibition, developed by the Fowler Museum at UCLA, features a diverse selection of bast and leaf fiber fabrics from the region, and illustrates how weavers have overcome the notorious challenges of processing and dying these materials to create textiles of subtle, natural beauty and sophisticated design.

“Material Choices” introduces gallery visitors to bast and leaf fibers such as hemp, ramie, abaca and other banana fibers, pi