7 TH ASIA-EUROPE CLASSROOM NETWORK CONFERENCE KOTA KINABALU, SABAH, MALAYSIA 12 – 16 DECEMBER 2008 ACHIEVEMENTS, VISIBILITY & SUSTAINABILITY OF ASIA-EUROPE CLASSROOM NETWORK (AEC-NET)‏ Jessica Yom Assistant Director People-to-People Exchange Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)

Long-Term Mission of ASEF: FORGING ASIA-EUROPE PARTNERSHIPS FOR DIALOGUE & CO-OPERATION BRIDGING CONTINENTS, CONNECTING PEOPLE

Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM)‏ Inaugurated in 1996, Bangkok Informal, uninstitutionalised multilateral grouping Biennial summit, ministerial meetings, senior official meetings and other specialised meetings Gave birth to Asia-Europe Foundation (1997) ‏ Original partners: EU 15, ASEAN+3 (10), and the European Commission Following two enlargements: EU 27, ASEAN+3 (13), India, Pakistan, Mongolia, the European Commission, and the ASEAN Secretariat

* Courtesy of Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Partners of ASEM ASIA (ASEAN+6) ‏ Brunei Cambodia Indonesia Philippines Laos Malaysia Myanmar Singapore Thailand Vietnam China Japan Korea New Partners India Mongolia Pakistan ASEAN Secretariat New Partners Bulgaria Romania EUROPE Austria Belgium Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Ireland Italy Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherlands Poland Portugal Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden United Kingdom European Commission

ASEF Connects Institutions ASEF ASIA EUROPE Youth organisations Secondary/ High Schools Media Universities Governmental agencies Museums NGOs Research institutions Art festivals Youth organisations Secondary/ High Schools Media Universities Governmental agencies Museums NGOs Research institutions Art festivals Cultural Institutions

ASEF Connects People ASEF EUROPE ASIA ASEM ASEF CIVIL SOCIETY GOVERNMENT ASIA EUROPE

Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)‏ Cultural Exchange People-to-People Exchange Public Affairs Intellectual Exchange

People-to-People Exchange Fostering dialogue and forging networks among the next generation of leaders of ASEM countries and promoting greater co-operation in the fields of: Education Youth

People-to-People Exchange Education Youth ASEM Education Hub ASEM Youth Dialogues Asia-Europe Classroom Network ASEF University Asia-Europe Young Leaders’ Symposia - Themes vary (e.g. Interfaith, Sustainable Development, Security, Globalisation)‏ - Political Leaders - Young Parliamentarians - Urban Leaders - Advisory Committee - University Colloquy / Rectors’ Conference - ASEM Research & Education Hub on Life Long Learning - Asia-Europe Thematic Networks - Database on Education Exchange Programmes (DEEP)‏ - Annual Award & Conference - Quarterly Newsletter - ASEFUAN - Model ASEM ASEF Youth Platforms - Young Volunteers Exchange - Youth Trainings

Approach of ASEF and its Projects Create common spaces and networks between the people sectors in Asia and Europe, utilising modern technology whenever possible and meaningful Interpret events in Asia to Europe/Europe to Asia, promoting greater awareness and respect for diversity, as well as cross-cultural knowledge and sensitivity Increase points of convergence and reduce points of divergence between Asia and Europe

Operating Philosophy Proactive in finding and conceptualising new ways to expand bi-regional co-operation in targeted fields Inclusive in its approach to project-identification, planning and execution. ASEF works with an extensive network of partners often on a cost-sharing basis. Avoid duplication and leverage on complementarities. ASEF projects either fulfil a lacuna in the network of bi- regional linkages or add further value to existing links/initiatives. Employ ICT to maximise the reach of its programmes. Focus on multipliers and invest in the younger generation

How to organise a project in partnership with ASEF? Institutions from ASEM partner countries Co-financing arrangement share of project development & implementation responsibilities Topics should be of mutual interest to the regions of Asia and Europe; and not of bilateral nature Participants should be equally represented by Asia and Europe Subject to approval by ASEF Board of Governors Each project cycle is about 10 months or more

Asia-Europe Classroom (AEC-NET)‏ Originated in 1998 Annual Conference launched in 2001 The only Asia-Europe platform catered to directly linking secondary or high schools

Asia-Europe Classroom (AEC-NET)‏ Involves teachers, students, and schools Builds a growing network based on curiosity, awareness, understanding, appreciation, and mutual respect for other cultures

Asia-Europe Classroom (AEC-NET)‏ Promotes usage of ICT in various forms Encourages improving access to ICT for youth

Asia-Europe Classroom (AEC-NET)‏ Combines collaboration at virtual space with physical gatherings Aim to create Asia-Europe synergy that are unique

AEC-NET Communications Quarterly e-newsletter AEC-dedicated website s

AEC Project/ Award Criteria Asia-Europe participation Active and effective usage of ICT Promotes intercultural understanding Active involvement of teachers and students Presentation: design and structure of project

AEC Project: Practical Challenges Language barrier Digital divide Mobility of project co-ordinator teachers Continued motivation and commitment Availability of time and resources

AEC-NET: Going Forward Political endorsement of AEC-NET Visibility Financial sustenance vis-à-vis ASEF Operational independence of AEC-NET Relevance to school curricula Project vs. Network Enlarging AEC-NET with the involvement of new individual members, schools, new ASEM countries Furthering the engagement of existing alumni of AEC-NET Standardisation of toolkit/ format/ methodology/ evaluation

WEBSITES (ASEM Education Hub) ‏ (Database on Education Exchange Programmes) ‏ (ASEF University) ‏ (Asia-Europe Classroom Network)