Asia Pacific Week 2020

Associate Professor Katerina Teaiwa- Course Convenor

She is an Associate Professor at the School of Culture, History & Language at the ANU and Vice-President of the Australian Association for Pacific Studies.

For more information on her research and work visit- https://researchers.anu.edu.au/researchers/teaiwa-km

Lucy Xu is the Director for Asia Pacific Week 2020. She is in her fourth year of studying a double degree program- Bachelor of Law (Hons) and a Bachelor of International Security Studies.

What is your cultural/ethic heritage and what do you love about it?

My heritage is Chinese, and I love the rich history that comes with the culture, music, and language. I am fascinated by the vibrant diversity across China, the different dialects, traditional dress, and cuisine in the many provinces.

What does the 2020 APW theme 'When Oceans Rise: Surging Voices and Hidden Perspectives' mean to you?

To me, the theme symbolises the rise of our generation, and the chance for us to give voice to the fears, dreams, and ambitions of our future. The rising ocean refers to the global threat of climate change, which will be one of our greatest challenges, but also an opportunity to come together and work towards a common goal. This year has really shown the depth of tenacity, and the incredible ability to keep pushing forwards despite all odds. This conference is a chance to harness the experiences and lessons we have gained from the unexpected hurdles of this year, to ride this wave grow stronger together in the face of adversity.

What language/s can you speak? Or what language/s would you love to learn?

I can speak English and Mandarin, as well as little Japanese. I briefly learned Hindi and Mongolian, which were both fascinating and unique languages that I would love the opportunity to study further.

Patrick Doyle is the Deputy Director- Finance and Outreach Coordinator for Asia Pacific Week Conference 2020. He is in his 4th year studying a Bachelor of International Relations and a Bachelor of Economics.

What issue in the Asia-Pacific region are you most passionate about/intrigued by?

Development in mainland Southeast Asia and the livelihoods of minority ethnic groups.

What does the 2020 APW theme 'When Oceans Rise: Surging Voices and Hidden Perspectives' mean to you?

To me, the theme represents the emerging narratives which are being told by previously silenced or unheard groups both in Asia and the Pacific. The development of new information channels and an increasingly connected world has brought new issues to the forefront which this theme tries to explore.

Where do you want to travel in the Asia and the Pacific region?

I would love to travel more in Laos, particularly in the South and through much of Myanmar.

Aveline Yang is the Deputy Director- Finance and Outreach Coordinator for Asia Pacific Week 2020 and is in her final year studying a Bachelor of Asian Studies and Bachelor of Science (Psychology).

What has been your favourite course so far at the ANU and why?

Hands down my favourite course at the ANU was PASI3005 - The Pacific Islands Field School. I absolutely adore field schools. Not only do they count as a credit and you get to travel for coursework, it provides an opportunity for you to practice classroom learning in a hands-on, practical way. You often come into contact with eminent scholars and people of interests in a variety of fields and I always learn immensely when I speak and learn from others firsthand.

What language/s can you speak? Or what language/s would you love to learn?

I can speak English, Mandarin Chinese and Japanese. I would love to learn Russian, Spanish and Korean at some point in my life as well.

Who is your favourite musician/author/poet etc. of the Asia Pacific region?

At the moment, I'm really enjoying Yorushika (ヨルシカ), which is a producer-singer duo from Japan. Their music varies from jazzy to ballads to pop and their bass lines are always so on point. The storytelling expertly weaved into each song and album means there's so many Easter eggs I can find, and it also is a chance for me to practice my Japanese!

Bella is one of our Content Coordinators for Asia Pacific Week 2020 and is currently in her fourth year of studying a Bachelor of Law and a Bachelor of International Security Studies.

What is your favourite food dish/cuisine from the Asia Pacific region and why?

I would happily eat roti canai for breakfast every day! It is my go-to meal whenever I travel to Asia and the Pacific and brings back happy memories of walks to the markets in the glaring sun, early morning conversations with friends and family, and bottomless teh-tarik.

What has been your favourite course so far at the ANU and why?

My absolute favourite course that I have taken at the ANU was a Pacific studies field school which looked at the subject of regional policy making and development in the Pacific region. We travelled to Fiji, the hub of Pacific policymaking, for two weeks and had the opportunity to speak to a range of important decision-makers in the policymaking field for example, the Pacific Islands Forum and the Pacific Community. As part of the course we were also involved in facilitating the Pacific Update, an annual forum held at the University of the South Pacific which discusses topical issues impacting the region. Prior to participating in the field school, I had no knowledge of the Pacific region and the challenges that it faces both internally and externally. However, since returning from Fiji I have a newfound passion for the Pacific region and wish to work in Pacific policymaking in the future.

What does the 2020 APW theme 'When Oceans Rise: Surging Voices and Hidden Perspectives' mean to you?

The theme of this year's APW perfectly encapsulates what I perceive to be the purpose of the conference, that is bringing together students and young professionals from across Asia and the Pacific to discuss, debate and confront the rise of new challenges impacting their region and their future. I associate the thought of rising oceans not only with the emergence of these new challenges, but also with the image of unified voices of future generations rising to face these new threats and have their perspectives heard. I think that this year's theme is empowering for younger generations as it allows us to associate the threat of rising oceans not with fear and uncertainty, but with the immense force of our voice.

Madeline is one of our Content Coordinators for Asia Pacific Week 2020. Maddy is currently in her 2nd year studying a Bachelor of Asian Studies and a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE).

What issue in the Asia-Pacific region are you most passionate about/intrigued by?

I’m particularly interested in Chinese history and the role it has in China’s current social, political and economic climate. My intrigue started when I read ‘Wild Swans’ by XX and truly turned into a passion when I moved to China for eighteen months prior to commencing university. I had a fantastic time there and it allowed me to realise that I wanted to study Mandarin at university.

Why did you choose to come to Canberra/ Where is your favourite place?

Having grown up in Darwin, I was eager to move to a place with more opportunities and believed that Canberra would offer just that. I also really wanted to study PPE and ANU was the place to do it. I love how bike friendly Canberra is (despite the hills), I’m always appreciative of the fact that I can get around easily on two wheels. My favourite place would have to be Black Mountain Peninsula, it has stellar views of the lake and is perfect for picnicking.

Do you have any favourite books/movies from the Asia Pacific region? Why would you recommend it?

As I mentioned earlier, Wild Swans is one of the best books I have ever read. It details the lives of three generations of Chinese women all growing up in different political contexts. The author’s grandmother was a concubine for a warlord and lived under Japanese occupation, her mother joined the Communist forces and aided in the fight to overthrow the Kuomintang, and her daughter, the author, grew up under the rule of Mao Zedong. It’s beautifully written and does a great job at capturing the sentiment of the time.

Kazimier Lim is one of our Delegates Coordinators for Asia Pacific Week 2020. Kazi is in his first year of studying for a Master of International Relations (Advanced).

What is your cultural/ethic heritage and what do you love about it?

I am a Peranakan Singaporean by descent, and I consider myself a Singaporean-Taiwanese-American by culture. The Peranakan are Southern Chinese people who settled in Southeast Asia (particularly areas around the Strait of Malacca) between the 15th and 17th centuries. Due to centuries of interracial marriages and the merging of languages and cultures, the Peranakan culture is a symbol of ‘pre-colonial globalization’ where cultures met, languages conversed, and trade flourished. What I love most about Peranakan culture is its architectural design and unique cuisine – if you’ve never tried ayam buah keluak (black nut with chicken) or sayur lodeh (vegetables in coconut curry) in a tok panjang (a elaborate Peranakan banquet), you’re really missing out!

Where do you want to travel in the Asia and the Pacific region?

Everywhere! I have a list of places I'd like to visit around the world and there have been a few places in Asia and in the Pacific that I haven’t yet travelled to. I really want to try authentic Tongan food, watch the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, eat everything at the night markets in Taiwan, walk the streets in Dhaka, and do a photography tour up in Hokkaido (and maybe take a cheeky ferry to Vladivostok!). I’m basically a sucker for walking, eating, and sightseeing.

If you were a city in the Asia Pacific, which city would you be and why?

I think I would be Honolulu. The city has diversity beyond comprehension and there is a real push in seeking to balance the hegemonic Continental culture and history with Hawaiian culture and values. I'd like to think that I am trying to be rich in cultural experiences and perspective brokering. Plus, you can never go wrong with the Hawaiian Steak!

Grace Underhill is one of our Delegates Coordinators for Asia Pacific Week 2020. She is in her 2nd Year studying a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Law.

Do you have any favourite books/movies from the Asia Pacific region? Why would you recommend it?

If anyone hasn't yet seen it, I think the recent Oscar-winning Parasite is an incredible movie. Seeing it win the Academy Award for Best Picture as the first foreign-language film to do so was to me a long-awaited recognition of the value that society and culture in the Asia and the Pacific can add to established 'Westernised' models.

Where do you want to travel in the Asia and the Pacific region?

The Philippines has always been up there on my bucket list! I had actually booked flights to travel there in June of this year, however Coronavirus obviously put a dent in those plans. I have developed a love for scuba-diving in the last few years and would love to see the incredible reefs and marine life that the Philippines holds. A close friend of mine also has Filipino heritage and tells me that the food is incredible!

Were you exposed to cultures of the Asia and the Pacific growing up? What was your experience?

Whilst I was growing up, my family relocated to Singapore for two years. I think living in Asia in such a culturally diverse and vibrant city gave me such an incredible opportunity to gain what understanding I could as a young child of the differences that should be celebrated between people, communities and nations.

Jacqueline Gu is one of our Logistics Coordinators for Asia Pacific Week 2020. She is currently in her 3rd year studying a Bachelor of International Security Studies and a Bachelor of Arts.

What issue in the Asia-Pacific region are you most passionate about/intrigued by?

I’m really interested in how Asia and the Pacific states are responding to urgent non-traditional issues such as climate change. Climate change has affected all states in the world, but I’m especially intrigued in its effects on this particular region, as it is evident that each individual state is responding so differently to such a critical issue. Moreover, in light of recent events, it is also interesting to see how each state has responded to the coronavirus pandemic, and the wider issue of health security. The Asia-Pacific region is such an integral region to Australia, and so our fates in the region are intertwined.

What is your cultural/ethic heritage and what do you love about it?

Although I was born and raised in Australia, I come from a Chinese background as my parents immigrated in the late 1980s. I love the close-knit family dynamics I have with my parents here in Australia, but also the larger, more vivacious gatherings with extended family when we go back. Chinese food is also one of my favourite cuisines, especially as I am able to enjoy homemade dishes cooked by my dad. The flavours and styles of cooking are so different from Western cuisines and I think food is a great way for me to connect to my culture and my family. Overall, my culture has shaped my identity and who I am as a person.

What does the 2020 APW theme 'When Oceans Rise: Surging Voices and Hidden Perspectives' mean to you?

To me, the 2020 theme has so much potential and really aims to focus on the marginalised groups in Asia and the Pacific. The symbol of the ocean not only represents the rising sea levels due to climate change, but also when a multitude of voices are heard, they are able to influence the rise of change. It’s an opportunity to address the most pressing issues in the region, and the world, by giving attention to the obvious, vocal voices, but also the more hidden ones. The theme embraces all perspectives to encourage cooperation and communication as we face these issues together.

Ella Parker is one of our Logistics Coordinators for Asia Pacific Week 2020. She is currently in her 2nd year studying a Bachelor of Asian Studies and a Bachelor of International Relations.

What issue in the Asia-Pacific region are you most passionate about/intrigued by?

It's difficult to narrow down my answer, but one I am very passionate about is environmental protection. The Asia Pacific region incorporates so many unique landscapes and climates, but unfortunately due to a number of reasons, including poverty and colonialism, the response to environmental degradation needs to be dramatically increased.

What has been your favourite course so far at the ANU and why?

My favourite course has been Regionalism, Rights and Order in Southeast Asia. This course was about ASEAN and it really opened my eyes to the cultural, social and political practices that coexist within the region and made me appreciate how vast the landscape is.

If you were a city in the Asia Pacific, which city would you be and why?

If i was a city in the Asia Pacific it would be Hangzhou in China because I appreciate beautiful natural scenery, of which Hangzhou is known for, and I love learning, and Hangzhou is known as China's university town. Not to mention it is also close to the coast, which makes travelling to other countries more accessible, and I love travelling!

Jocelyn Chan is one of our Media & Marketing Coordinators for Asia Pacific Week 2020. She is currently in her second year studying a Bachelor of Asian Studies.

Were you exposed to cultures of the Asia and the Pacific growing up? What was your experience?

I grew up living with my Hong Kong immigrant parents and attended the Sydney Japanese International School for primary education. Back then, I never understood the value of being immersed in different cultures. If anything, during high school I felt confused and frustrated about why my family seemed so different to everyone. However, after experiencing a high school exchange in Japan, I realised how fascinating it is that the cultures and livelihoods of this world can be so diverse. I developed a deep interest in understanding how people’s backgrounds influence their behaviour, and now advocate for opportunities that help youth grow an awareness of the world beyond their own communities. I also gained a new appreciation and pride for my dual identity as an Australian Chinese. Being a second-generation immigrant has its challenges, but I love that I get the best of both worlds. It has been really interesting to see how my friends and I have incorporated both cultures into our identities and see the Australian Chinese community grow as we navigate our hybrid identities together. I now volunteer for AFS Intercultural Programs, to spread the message that cultural differences can make the world a stronger and more interesting place!

What language/s can you speak? Or what language/s would you love to learn?

I speak Cantonese at home, though I know some Mandarin from when I did a study tour in Taiwan. I grew up at the Sydney Japanese School so I’ve been really lucky to have learnt Japanese from a young age. This year, I’ve decided to give Hindi a go, after participating in the Indian Immersion Program in January. I met some awesome friends there and really loved learning about its history and culture. Hopefully it’ll be my language minor, I’m taking Hindi 2 this semester. I’d really like to work on improving all my language skills in the future, as I love how they allow me to connect with more people!

Do you have any favourite books/movies from the Asia Pacific region? Why would you recommend it?

I really enjoyed Tigertail (available on Netflix!). It is about a Taiwanese boy who leaves his loved ones behind to immigrate to New York and chase the American Dream. The film really captures the hardships and sacrifices of being a new immigrant and later a first generation parent. With Asian immigrant communities everywhere around the world today, I think this film is quite relevant. It portrays an experience I am still trying to understand in a thoughtful, emotional manner. I also love the IP Man movies (also available on Netflix). The martial arts action, combined with exciting storylines set back in time, reminds me of the rich history and cultures of my heritage.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I used to represent Australia as a figure skater, I also love Chinese calligraphy :)

Romain Kinivuwai is one of our Media & Marketing Coordinators for Asia Pacific Week 2020. She is currently in her final year studying a Bachelor of Economics and a Bachelor of Pacific Studies.

What issue in the Asia-Pacific region are you most passionate about/intrigued by?

I am currently doing research on cross cultural diplomacy examining how different cultures can understand each other particularly regarding the Australia and Pacific relationship. This has involved a broader study of cross-cultural exchanges extending to the Asian region. I have unexpectedly gained a lot of wisdom from using a wider regional view having observed the many parallels (and differences) in history. I look forward to how this is approached for APW 2020.

What is your cultural/ethic heritage and what do you love about it?

I am Fijian Australian- I was born and raised in Fiji before migrating to Australia 10 years ago. There are many things to love about my culture, however, I have come to really value the spirit of perseverance that is taught growing up. I think a lot of it has to do with our Christian faith. Often the social justice movement can leave people feeling as if everything is unfair for Pacific Islanders, but I am always energized by the prevailing endurance and lack of victim mentality when I visit Fiji.

Fun fact the Fijian word ‘dredre’ has a dual meaning: 1. (Verb) To laugh 2. (Adjective) used to describe a situation as difficult. The paradox in meaning, to me, is a good description for what I paint the Fijian spirit to be.

Who is your favourite musician/author/poet etc. of the Asia Pacific region?

I love a musical group from Solomon Islands called ‘Dezine’. They make a blend of reggae/r&b music in several Melanesian languages and are quite popular in the Pacific. Conversely, I also love the K-r&b scene in Korea- Crush is my favorite artist!

Ava Stael is one of our Special Projects Coordinators for Asia Pacific Week 2020. She is in her Second Year studying a Bachelor of Development Studies and a Bachelor of Pacific Studies.

What has been your favourite course so far at the ANU and why?

My favourite course has been the Vietnam Field School this year. I loved it because I experienced an entirely new culture and met so many amazing people!

Do you have any hidden talents?

My hidden talent is that I can play the saxophone! I stopped playing when I came to university but I'm trying to pick it back up again.

What does the 2020 APW theme 'When Oceans Rise: Surging Voices and Hidden Perspectives' mean to you?

The theme this year is important to me because it means that there is a rise in voices coming from Asia and the Pacific region. This is particularly important for people from the Pacific, as problems are increasing, and worldwide awareness is 100% necessary.

Isabelle is one of our Special Projects Coordinators for Asia Pacific Week 2020. She is currently in her third year studying a Bachelor of Asian Studies (major in Asia Pacific Security) and Business (minor in International Business).

What issue in the Asia-Pacific region are you most passionate about/intrigued by?

When I first started my Asia Pacific degree, I think I was most intrigued by the diversity of ‘Asia’ as a region. When we learn about Asia and the Pacific at High School, it’s often fixated on Australia’s perspective and involvement in key events such as WW2 or Vietnam. 3 years later, my passion has shifted towards the intricacies of human security and what that means for my generation of security leaders.

Why did you choose to come to Canberra/ Where is your favourite place?

I chose Canberra because I loved ANU! There are so many amazing opportunities and experiences within and outside of our degrees! My favourite place is the botanical gardens and the cafe there!

What has been your favourite course so far at the ANU and why?

My favorite course so far has to be STST2003 'Australia and Security in the Pacific Islands'. It was so interesting to learn about the Pacific through a traditional and human security lens but also to participate in a crisis simulation at the end of the semester!

What language/s can you speak? Or what language/s would you love to learn?

I am currently learning Indonesian and I have done French nearly my whole life. I would love to learn Hindi.