Highlights:
- Among the topics to be discussed is the notion of a shared Asia and Europe heritage
- To be held in Georgetown, Penang; a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Themed “Cultural Heritage: Challenges and Opportunities”, the 17th ASEF University (AU17) generally aims to stimulate dialogue among students, young scholars, artists and young professionals from ASEM countries on cultural heritage. The programme will gather up to 46 promising young people from Asia and Europe to explore their ideas on various topics related to the theme. AU17 will bring a wealth of perspectives on Cultural Heritage.
AU17 will happen in the historic Malaysian State of Penang. Its capital – Georgetown – was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. During this two-week programme, the participants will discuss topics such as, but not limited to, the notion of a shared Asia and Europe heritage, various initiatives in heritage management and engaging the youth in its preservation. They will also have the opportunity to visit some of Georgetown’s notable sites.
Since 1998, the ASEF University programme has facilitated intercultural exchanges among undergraduate and graduate students and young professionals from Asia and Europe. One of the programme’s key successes is that it facilitates meaningful exchanges and lasting friendships among its participants. “Through the constructive and facilitating environment of [the ASEF University programme], we can understand that all bridges are already built, we just need to cross them”, said Mr Tim Goudriaan from The Netherlands, a participant from the 16th ASEF University (AU16) in Lodz, Poland (2010).
This year’s edition will be held from 19-30 June 2011, and is co-organised with the University Sains Malaysia (USM). More information about the programme will be released on the ASEF website soon.