The application for Jefferson Journalism Fellowships of the landmark Spring 2013 Program with travel to Tokyo, Beijing and first-ever visit to Yangon is now accepted. The Spring 2013 Jefferson Fellowships program will focus on "New Leadership in the Asia Pacific: Resolving Old Problems, Managing New Realities," with travel to Honolulu, Tokyo, Beijing and the first-ever visit to Myanmar in the 46-year history of the program.Description
2012 brought new leadership to China and Japan and important bi-elections in Myanmar that signaled a new democratic openness in the country’s on-going transition from military to civilian rule. President Xi Jinping assumed leadership of the Chinese Communist Party after 10 years under Hu Jintao; former LDP Prime Minister Abe Shinzo returned to power in Japan; and President Thein Sein in Myanmar called for dramatic economic, social and political reform that has brought market opportunities and changed the country’s role in the region. Leadership in these three countries face complex, long-standing economic and social challenges as well as the reality of new power dynamics within the region, particularly China’s rise.
The 2013 Jefferson Fellowships program will focus on how much change and continuity may be expected from these new national leaders and others in business, government, and civil society who are in positions to influence economic, social and political developments. Participants will spend one week in Honolulu for sessions with regional experts to examine US perspectives on new leadership and power shifts and the second Obama administration’s plans for reinvigorated engagement with the Asia-Pacific region. A visit to Tokyo will explore new approaches to Japan’s entrenched economic and social difficulties—high budget deficits, deflation, an aging population and rigid labor structure—and reduced international standing. In Beijing, meetings will provide insight into President Xi Jinping’s vision for economic restructuring and China’s role as a regional and global power, and will examine other forces that are affecting change in China. The program will conclude with an on-the-ground look at the historic political, economic and media reforms taking place in Myanmar. Myanmar’s leadership faces an influx of foreign investment, which holds the promise of jumpstarting the economy amid immense challenges of managing political and social change.
In addition to domestic challenges, all three countries must grapple with the new realities of China’s rise. This power shift will require innovative thinking that is difficult in the face of domestic nationalism and established beliefs about the regional order. Territorial disputes between China and Japan have strained their bilateral relationship. Growing multinational interest in Myanmar, including improved relations with the United States, further shifts the status quo within the region. These regional challenges come as the Obama administration emphasizes its intention of “rebalancing” in the Asia Pacific region.
Spring 2013 Jefferson Fellows will have the unique opportunity to engage with Yangon's emerging media sector and provide professional training and regional perspectives to local journalists in this historic first ever visit to Myanmar in the 46 years of the Jefferson Fellowships program.
Eligibility
The applicants of this program should the criteria as follow: Working print, broadcast, and on-line journalists in the United States, Asia* and the Pacific Islands. Five years of experience preferred. English fluency required. 12-14 Fellowships will be awarded, 4-5 for American journalists, and 7-9 for journalists from Asia and the Pacific. American and Asia Pacific journalists study and travel together throughout the program for a unique and rich learning opportunity.
Application Procedure
Please download and complete the application form at: https://www.eastwestcenter.org/sites/all
In addition to the application form, you must also provide the following supporting documents:
- A letter outlining your issues of interest, a brief description of your news organization, and what you expect to accomplish if an award is granted. Please suggest topics you propose to address in your paper and presentation at the East-West Center (maximum three pages, double-spaced, please).
- Names, addresses, phone/fax numbers and e-mail of three people who may be contacted by the Center as references. Two of these references should be people outside your news organization.
- A letter of recommendation on official letterhead from your supervisor describing your suitability for the Fellowship and the benefit the organization hopes to derive from your participation in the program. Freelance journalists are welcome to apply; please send a letter on official letterhead from a media organization that regularly accepts and publishes or airs your work.
- The “Employer’s Statement of Support” form completed by your employer (third page of application form).
The completed application form and the documents must be addressed to:
E-mail: jefferson@eastwestcenter.org
Fax: 808-944-7600
Post:
Jefferson Fellowships
East-West Seminars
East-West Center
1601 East-West Road
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96848-1601, U.S.A.
Submission Deadline
February 28
Website Link
http://www.eastwestcenter.org/seminars-and-journalism-fellowships/journalism-fellowships/jefferson-fellowships
