The May 9 killing of a Taiwanese fisherman by the Philippines Coast Guard in waters near the Philippines sparked a row between Taiwan and Philippines that is only now beginning to ebb as negotiations have begun.

The fishing boat had hardly arrived back in port in Taiwan before the authorities there began heaping blame on Manila. Within a week Taipei had rejected Manila’s attempts to apologize as “insincere” and President Ma Ying-jeou was claiming that the killing was a cold-blooded murder. Taiwan representative offices abroad even sent around a press release making that argument. Within days the Taiwan government issued a 72-hour ultimatum and then imposed sanctions on Manila, ordering naval exercises as a display of force, which it now denies.

Protesters and lawmakers burn Philippines flag outside the Philippines representative office in Taipei, Taiwan. Pic: AP.

It is not hard to see why the government in Taipei reacted so strongly. President Ma’s approval ratings are below 20% and have been for months. Foreign disputes represent a welcome distraction from the government’s failure to make much progress on the domestic front with Taiwan’s sluggish economy, along with the deeper problems of income stagnation and rising income inequality.

Surprisingly, the killing appeared to strike a deep chord among Taiwanese at home, who are almost totally ignorant of the way Taiwanese fisherman are viewed outside Taiwan. Social network sites were filled with posts and videos that gave simplistic views of the event, and thousands of Taiwanese who had never cared about fisherman, EEZs, or the Law of the Sea suddenly found themselves filled with a strong certainty about them.

(READ MORE: Opinion: Time for Philippines to stand up to the bullies)

On a deeper level the public’s response represented the constant search, especially among the young, for social issues that transcend the fundamental Blue-Green divide in Taiwan. J Michael Cole, a Taiwan-based writer, identified
this surge in domestic feeling as an important driver of the government’s bungled response to the killing. By accepting the
Philippines’ apology “to the people of Taiwan”, he says, the government could have resolved the issue quietly. After all, the Ma government knew perfectly well that Manila’s adherence to Beijing’s One China policy would not permit it to make a “state to state” apology. Cole observes:

What happened? How did Ma’s diplomats lose control of the situation? The principal reason is that Taipei allowed itself to be carried away by the domestic indignation over the slaying of an unarmed Taiwanese (we should furthermore note that a similar incident in 2006 remains unresolved). Given Ma’s low popularity ratings, he would understandably seek to ride the wave of nationalism that, almost spontaneously, had taken over the whole of Taiwan.

Cole is half right, there was a wave of something akin to nationalism, but it was not spontaneous. Rather, the government had adopted an intransigent position from the beginning, helping to push the public and guide its response. Taiwan’s legislators from both sides of the partisan divide, sensitive to the demands of their fishermen constituents, also adopted tough positions and threw around tough rhetoric.

The absurdity of the government’s “You accept blame and then we’ll investigate after that” position was illuminated in a series of widely circulated comments from a Taiwanese law professor in the United Kingdom: “Sadly, denied statehood way too long, Taiwan doesn’t understand how sovereign states interact with each other in the postwar international legal system.” Indeed, an insightful Bloomberg piece contended that part of the public’s anger was a reaction to the fact of Taiwan’s exile from the international system.

Philip Bowring, the astute Hong Kong-based commentator, argued that there is another, darker driver of the reaction in Taiwan: Han Chauvinism – the feeling that the Han people are superior to all others, but especially to brown-skinned peoples. He noted:

For the Han chauvinists, an apology from the president of the Philippines is not enough. The Filipinos must grovel, and be reminded that they, like Malays generally, are the serfs of the region.

In a way, Taiwan’s treatment of brown-skinned Filipinos and the resources in their waters mirrors its treatment of its aborigines and their resources at home. Han Chauvinism and its step-cousin, Chinese nationalism, are also present in another way: Chinese nationalists in the KMT have long attempted to get the Taiwan citizenry to identify with China’s expansionist claims to the South China, the Senkakus and other neighboring territories. To date, the public, which largely sees itself as Taiwanese, not Chinese, remains cold to this campaign.

With the two sides in talks over participation in each other’s investigations, things have begun to cool here in Taipei. As Cole observed, the Ma government threw away its moral high ground when it decided to reject Manila’s apologies. What kind of footing it will be able to find at home and abroad remains to be seen.

About the author
Michael Turton is a writer, blogger, and teacher based in Taichung, Taiwan. He comments on Taiwan affairs from his well-known blog, The View from Taiwan.

Actually, it may not be that bold of a suggestion. Last year, the periodical GradEdge published data collected by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, projecting increased employer demand for employees with master’s degrees and doctorates by margins of 20 and 22 percent, respectively, by the year 2020. This data is representative of the US market, but trends like this are cropping up all over the world.

University of Glasgow Adam Smith Business School, Scotland

With movements like this in motion, Asian students enrolling in postgraduate programs today are positioning themselves to ride the leading edge of employability in the next few years. This is a single, albeit very compelling reason for Asian students to pursue postgraduate credentials, but there are plenty more. Consider the following three factors motivating students around the world to continue beyond the undergraduate benchmark:

Ongoing studies
This is a purist’s motivation, but it’s also one of the most compelling reasons to pursue postgraduate credentials. When you really love what you’re doing, it’s natural to want to take it to the next level. If passion for the subject matter is what’s motivating you, then you can more or less guarantee that you’ll be glad you went in for a master’s degree or PhD. And if it just so happens that you secure a better-paying job or more highly respected position in the process – well, that’s icing on the cake.

Enhanced employability
Opposite the purist’s pursuit is the pragmatist’s way of thinking. Today’s international job market is more competitive than ever before, and every additional certification and credential that you add to your resume gives you that much more of an edge over the average candidate.

Pic: University of Wolverhampton.

This can play out in a number of ways. In some cases, a candidate may be more or less qualified for a given position, save for a particular credential. In this case, a postgraduate diploma or certification course may be all that’s required to put that candidate in the running. A full degree course will take this a great deal further.

Career shift
It’s not a particularly encouraging thought to entertain, but there are times when a person’s undergraduate area of specialty just isn’t what they expected. The good news is, a postgraduate specialization allows you to change gears and take your career in a new (and often dynamic) direction. Take, for example, the possibilities that open up when you add an MBA to an undergraduate engineering degree, or when you layer a master’s in law on top of a biomedical degree. A candidate can easily come the most attractive and sought-after professional in two very different sectors.

For those contemplating further study, the following are among the leading postgraduate programs for Asian students:

UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW ADAM SMITH BUSINESS SCHOOL
The University of Glasgow Adam Smith Business School offers relevant, research-led education in a friendly, supportive and internationally focused environment. Anchored in the intellectual tradition of Adam Smith, the business school offers an educational experience that is enhanced by history and innovation, by traditions of scholarship and creativity and by the combination of leading edge research and practical achievement. Read the full profile here…

Pic: University of Glasgow Business School

UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON
The University of Wolverhampton is one of those rare universities that can foster a thriving academic environment without foregoing the fundamentals of employability. It turns over stellar research findings, attracts strong interest in industry partnerships and generates millions of pounds’ worth of public funding – all without losing sight of its students’ bottom-line reasons for seeking further education. In short, this is a university that creates and transforms careers. Read the full profile here…

Pic: University of Wolverhampton postgraduate programmes.

UNIVERSITY OF WEST LONDON
Recently singled out by The Guardian University Guide as London’s leading university, the University of West London plays host to more than 3,000 international students in a given year. A 150-year history, world-class facilities and a reputation for groundbreaking research make this a leading choice for postgraduate study.

UNIVERSITY OF BOLTON
Bolton University dates to the 1820s, but it’s the university’s most recent developments that are capturing students’ attention today. The amount of investment that has gone into the campus over the past few years is staggering, and strong links with schools in Singapore, Malaysia, China and Sri Lanka ensure that Bolton remains a promising postgraduate candidate for Asian students.

Pic: University of Wolverhampton campus.

The University of Wolverhampton is one of those rare universities that can foster a thriving academic environment without foregoing the fundamentals of employability. It turns over stellar research findings, attracts strong interest in industry partnerships and generates millions of pounds’ worth of public funding – all without losing sight of its students’ bottom-line reasons for seeking further education. In short, this is a university that creates and transforms careers.

This sort of record attracts global attention. There are currently more than 2,500 international students enrolled, representing 100 different countries. They come for the chance to participate in world-leading research and enhance their own job prospects. Of course, they’re also drawn to the university’s position in the heart of England, which offers affordable cost of living and easy commutes to Birmingham (20 minutes), Manchester and London (both 90 minutes).

Pic: University of Wolverhampton.

Enhanced employability
The University of Wolverhampton’s reputation for equipping its students for dynamic career prospects doesn’t just attract undergraduates. With more people around the world pursuing undergraduate degrees than ever before, postgraduate credentials are an increasingly important means of setting yourself apart. Every year, more than 4,000 postgraduate students convene across the university’s four campuses to hone their skills and knowledge.

The University of Wolverhampton is on the leading edge of the trend toward postgraduate specialisation, and it has increased its part-time course offerings to cater to professionals looking to boost their career prospects.

In all, more than 120 postgraduate taught courses are on offer across eight overarching subject areas:

• Applied Sciences
• Art and Design
• Education
• Health and Wellbeing
• Law, Social Sciences and Communications
• Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure
• Technology
• Business

Pic: University of Wolverhampton postgraduate programmes.

World-leading research
The research conducted at Wolverhampton has caught the eye of the public and private sectors, alike. To begin with, seven out of eleven of the major research areas on campus were recognised as world-class in the UK’s most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). Every school has its own strengths when it comes to research, thanks to the oversight of the university’s research institutes and centres.

This growing reputation for research and job creation is drawing serious funding. The government recently awarded £25 million to work on knowledge transfer partnerships that are intended to support growth of business and commerce in the UK. And the private sector is also taking notice. Since the university opened the Science Park in 1993, more than 100 companies have set up shop inside. Research and development carried out on site covers a range of fields including engineering, healthcare, business support services, environmental management and software development.

Connect with the University of Wolverhampton and learn more about its postgraduate programmes via Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Pic: Adam Smith Business School

Research conducted through the business school has broad, international applications, and some of the most compelling projects have been made possible through partnerships with organisations in Asia. This includes research conducted by Dr Arjunan Subramanian, an economist who is investigating the benefits of providing Internet access to farmers in rural India. The University of Glasgow has also developed partnerships with Sichuan University and Tsinghua University for research, executive education and joint programmes.

Postgraduate programs
The University of Glasgow is part of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive UK universities. More than 110 academic staff and 120research students operate under the Adam Smith Business School, and nearly 90 percent of the research they carry out was classed as of international quality – and 15 percent world-leading – during the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE).

Furthermore, the Adam Smith Business School is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) and the Glasgow MBA is accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA). The School is also home to research of international and national excellence that contributes to theoretical advancement and is relevant to practice.

Pic: Adam Smith Business School.

These are the main areas of study, under which Adam Smith Business School offers taught and research postgraduate programmes:

Accounting and Finance
The Accounting and Finance unit was founded in 1925, which makes it one of the longest-established divisions of its kind in the UK. Strong connections with the business community enhance the teaching. Accounting and Finance-related research at Glasgow earned a top-five ranking in the UK’s latest Research Assessment Exercise.

Management
Management coursework at the business school launched in the 1950s and focuses on personal development and the advancement of career prospects. Students benefit from close links with other disciplines, an emphasis on developing learning communities and a learning experience with an international dimension.

Economics
Glasgow has a one-of-a-kind stake on global economics. The ‘Father of Economics’ – Adam Smith – is also the business school’s namesake. He taught at the University of Glasgow 300 years after its foundation and pioneered theories that remain pillars of economic thought to this day. Programmes in economics are offered through two university teaching centres: the Centre for Development Studies and the Centre for Economic and Financial Studies.

Pic: University of Glasgow Adam Smith Business School, Scotland.

World-spanning alumni network
Today’s postgraduate students are poised to join the ranks of more than 8,000 alumni registered with the Adam Smith Business School. This network represents more than 114 different countries and dozens of well-known multinational companies, as well as central banks, governments, charities and universities.

A survey of the business school’s successful graduates reveals a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Take Vishal Jhamb and Rishika Sitlani as an example. They each earned Master of Science degrees through the International Business and Entrepreneurship programme, and then went on to found a start-up in the garment business. They had this to say about their experience:

“We established a partnership firm [with the goal of offering] many lines of clothing, including sportswear, formal / occasion-wear and a line of exclusively designed clothing. We decided that, instead of having one brand and adding new product lines to that, we would establish a different brand for each product line. We thought that this would help consumers identify with each brand and make segmentation easier. Now we are looking to obtain more orders. We have already applied for an export / import license and have received our IEC number and we can approach companies outside of India for orders.”

Connect with the University of Glasgow Adam Smith Business School and learn more about its postgraduate offerings via Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Dumbass (Explicit Lyrics)

When you’re ready to strike, he mumbles about non-violence.
When you pinch his ear, he says it’s no cure for diarrhea.
You say you’re a mother-fucker, he claims he’s invincible.
You say you’re a mother-fucker, he claims he’s invincible.
Fuck forgiveness, tolerance be damned, to hell with manners, the low-life’s invincible.
Fuck forgiveness, tolerance be damned, to hell with manners, the low-life’s invincible.
Oh dumbass, oh such dumbass! Oh dumbass, oh such dumbass!
Oh dumbass, oh such dumbass! Oh dumbass, oh such dumbass!
Lalalalala, lalalalala Lalalalala, lalalalala
Lalalalala, lalalalala Lalalalala, lalalalala

Stand on the frontline like a dumbass, in a country that puts out like a hooker.
The field’s full of fuckers, dumbasses are everywhere.
The field’s full of fuckers, dumbasses are everywhere.
Fuck forgiveness, tolerance be damned, to hell with manners, the low-life’s invincible.
You say you’re a mother-fucker, he claims he’s invincible.
You say you’re a mother-fucker, he claims he’s invincible.
The field is full of fuckers, dumbasses are everywhere.
The field’s full of fuckers, dumbasses are everywhere.

傻伯夷

当你要出击，他嘟囔非暴力，
你拧他的耳朵，他说这样不治拉稀。
你说你马勒隔壁，他说他天下无敌。
你说你马勒隔壁，他说他天下无敌。

宽恕你大爷，容忍你妈逼，
素质你妹耶，至贱则无敌。
宽恕你大爷，容忍你妈逼，
素质你妹耶，至贱则无敌。
傻伯夷啊傻伯夷，傻伯夷啊傻伯夷，
傻伯夷啊傻伯夷，傻伯夷啊傻伯夷，
啦啦啦啦啦，啦啦啦啦啦。啦啦啦啦啦，啦啦啦啦啦。
啦啦啦啦啦，啦啦啦啦啦。啦啦啦啦啦，啦啦啦啦啦。

像一个傻逼一样站出来，国家就是一只鸡啊
菊花开遍原野，哪哪儿都是傻逼。
菊花开遍原野，哪哪儿啊都是傻逼。
宽恕你大爷，容忍你妈逼，
素质你妹耶，至贱则无敌。
你说你马勒隔壁，他说他天下无敌。
你说你马勒隔壁，他说他天下无敌。
菊花开遍原野，哪哪儿都是傻逼。
菊花开遍原野，哪哪儿啊都是傻逼。

Nearly 1,000 international students attend Liberty University, representing more than 90 countries.  The university’s English Language Institute offers a range of programs that help international students prepare for, and ultimately thrive in, an American university setting.

Pic: Liberty University ELI students.

There is no minimum TOEFL score requirement for admission to the ELI. In fact, students spend time preparing for future TOEFL testing while enrolled at the institute. The institute delivers a broad range of coursework to ensure students acquire more than basic academic skills. Of course, foundational skills such as listening and speaking, reading and writing and pronunciation are covered. But the ELI goes beyond this to encourage the mastery of idioms, presentation skills, vocabulary and grammar. The program even includes a film seminar with a focus on language acquisition.

Academics
The ELI classrooms make the most of smart technology, and small class size ensures plenty of one-on-one attention from instructors. The ELI reinforces this by pairing students with an English-speaking conversation partner who supplements in-class studies with two to three hours of practice each week. Furthermore, labs are equipped with language-learning software that offers immediate feedback, so that students can accelerate their progress on their own time, as well.

The program is rigorous and results-oriented. Classes meet five days per week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The weekly schedule is comprised of more than 20 hours of structured class time, complemented by five to ten hours of independent work. This leaves plenty of room for hard-working, ambitious students to excel and set themselves apart from the crowd. The ELI even operates a bridge program that allows students to begin undergraduate coursework and complete between three and nine undergraduate credit hours before they’ve even enrolled at university.

And international students do more than eat, sleep and study English while enrolled at the ELI. Cultural programs and overnight trips to other east-coast cities are also part of the lineup. Students visit historical sites around Virginia and travel to New York City, Virginia Beach and Orlando, Florida as part of the program.

Connect with the ELI and learn more about its programs via Facebook and Twitter.

CESL is hosted by Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU), which has been providing students with a traditional American university experience for nearly 150 years. This is a research university with a small college atmosphere, and students have access to the best of everything – top experts in their fields, research opportunities, more than 200 majors and minors, and an alumni network that spans the globe.

Pic: CESL students on campus.

Academics
All of CESL’s full-time classroom instructors are members of the university’s faculty and hold master’s degrees or doctorates in Teaching English as a Second Language or a related field. Most have had extensive teaching experience, and many speak a second language and have had overseas experience. CESL is fully accredited through the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) and is a member of the University and College Intensive English Programs (UCIEP) and American Association of Intensive English Programs (AAIEP), organizations that represent the top ESL programs in the United States.

The center operates seven graded intensive courses, covering General English, Advanced English, English for Academic Purposes and Graduate Student English. Classes meet for 20 to 26 hours per week, with a total of four eight-week terms held during the academic year and two six-week terms during the summer. CESL also has a foundational zero-level program available on an as-needed basis. Initial course placement into the seven-level program is determined by performance on the Institutional TOEFL test given to incoming students.

Within a given program, students cover a comprehensive range of course material, beginning with core reading, writing, speaking and listening classes and going on to include specialized materials such as TOEFL Preparation, Grammar and Poetry, Projects, Newsletters, Creative Speaking, Advanced Communication, Advanced Pronunciation, Culture Through Media, Communication Strategies and American Culture. Discussion plays heavily into class work.

Pic: CESL student group.

CESL also has three media centers where students create and post to their weblogs. Two international student advisors assist students with immigration, culture shock and with admission into undergraduate or graduate programs at SIU or another university. These advisors are qualified to assist students with other situations as they arise.

Students enjoy access to the broader scope of campus facilities, including the following:

• Multi-million-volume Morris Library, with computer labs and study areas
• Student Recreation Center
• Student Wellness Center
• Student Center, a social hub with study areas, restaurants, a craft shop and plenty of opportunities to socialize
• A well-established dormitory system that recently celebrated 100 years of operation

Transition to the American university system
SIU offers conditional admission to all international undergraduate applicants and to some graduate applicants. Undergraduate applicants who meet all admission requirements except for those related to English language are granted conditional admission. These students will be given a TOEFL test upon arrival. If needed, they can enroll in the intensive English program on campus at CESL for a minimum of eight weeks. The applicant will be given FULL admission as soon as the English language requirements are met. Graduate applicants who meet graduate requirements and are accepted by their departments may receive conditional admission, as well.

Pic: Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.

Students can gain admission into undergraduate programs at SIU with less than a 520 TOEFL score if they successfully complete Level 6 and score at least 500 or above on the TOEFL. In some special cases, the university occasionally releases students who have done well in the CESL program but score less than 500 on their TOEFL exam.  Students in Levels 5 and 6 can also sign up to observe SIU classes.

Students who have not taken the TOEFL before will be given the opportunity to take it during their first week at the center. The institutional TOEFL exam is given the week before SIU classes begin. Those who score over 520 will be able to proceed to university coursework. Those who score less than 520 will be placed into CESL classes, according to their TOEFL score.

Connect with CESL and learn more about its programs on Facebook and Twitter. 

The Pace ELI has been in operation for more than 20 years. Its programs have been carefully honed over the years and are highly relevant to 21^st-century classrooms and workplaces in the US. ELI students enjoy the complete Pace University student experience, including access to the university’s computer labs, libraries, sports centers, medical services and cafeterias.

Pic: Pace ELI.

Pace University is a US leader in higher learning. It was recently named by Forbes as one of the top-20 universities ‘that will make you rich’. It’s also a leader in internship placement (U.S. News & World Report), safety (The Daily Beast) drama programs (The Hollywood Reporter).

The following specialized English-language programs are offered by Pace ELI:

Pre-Undergraduate Program
This program is specifically designed for international students who are set to apply for an undergraduate program at a university in the US. It offers content-based curriculum that emphasizes the language and study skills required to thrive at an American university.

Throughout this course, students increase fluency by studying academic reading materials and watching videotaped lectures. They learn more than strict reading, listening and speaking skills, with coursework covering proper methods for taking notes, conducting research, taking tests and conducting oral presentations.

Pic: Students at Pace ELI.

Pre-Graduate Program
Master’s-level students are faced with complex and decidedly different challenges than their undergraduate counterparts. This program responds with curriculum that centers on conducting research, making use of American library systems and completing and presenting graduate-level projects. Critical thinking and problem solving are also strong components of the Pre-Graduate Program.

Pre-Law Program
In some cases, students require more than English-language proficiency to complete their coursework. This ‘English for Lawyers’ program provides strategies for reading and understanding legal texts, delivering oral briefs and discussing legal cases. The sheer vocabulary required to complete a degree in law is reason enough to enroll in this course before launching into a degree program.

Pic: Pace ELI.

English for Professionals Program
Opposite the other student-centered programs at Pace ELI, this one trains professionals with a non-native English speaking background. This is accomplished through highly interactive curriculum that focuses on improving job-related skills that can lead to success in the American business culture. Students develop clarify and accuracy of speech as well as the ability to communicate ideas, compose clear and effective business correspondence and craft effective presentations.

Connect with the Pace ELI and learn more about its programs via Facebook and Twitter or the Pace University YouTube channel.

Rhinos, orangutans and tigers are on the brink of extinction. Last year 668 rhinos were poached in South Africa alone, rising from only 13 in 2007. Elephants are also increasingly being hunted and killed for their ivory with levels at their highest since records began. If poaching continues at this rate, then these truly magnificent animals will certainly become extinct in some countries in our lifetime.

Pic: Chester Zoo.

The threat to these animals is varied. Internationally, the demand for traditional Asian medicines, which use parts of tigers, rhinos and elephants is skyrocketing. Rhino horn powder is a popular ingredient in these so called medicines and some people believe they can cure diseases like cancer. There is absolutely no scientific evidence that this is the case. Rhino horn is made of exactly the same substance as our finger nails. In order to stop these animals being killed we are calling on people to turn their back on traditional Asian medicines containing the body parts of these endangered animals.

In the UK, the illegal trade in endangered species is a wildlife crime priority. Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) manages a rhino horn DNA database which will help combat the increasing thefts of antique rhino horn held at museums. Live rhinos in UK zoos have also become a target. I am convinced that the DNA database, which will hold DNA samples of all rhino horn held in the UK, will help the police to secure more convictions and prevent smugglers making bogus claims to rhino horns.

Pic: Dr Will Fowlds.

Back in March the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) met in Bangkok to discuss wildlife conservation, sustainable trade and key issues around illegal wildlife crime. I am particularly pleased that a range of proposals to improve elephant and rhino conservation were accepted.

But I am keen that we all do more to save these animals for future generations and that we act fast to give them a fighting chance. This is why we have joined up with key wildlife organisations, zoos and safari parks on the ‘If They’re Gone…’ endangered species campaign. Together I want us to raise awareness of the increasing threat to these animals and inspire people to take action.

There are many ways in which people can help. Elephants are being killed for their ivory; rhinos and tigers for the use of their body parts in a variety of ways. By saying no to products made from ivory, rhino horn or tiger we can lower the demand. This will ultimately result in fewer of these animals being killed.

Habitat destruction for illegal palm oil plantations is also a major threat to orangutans. Many everyday items such as cleaning products and cosmetics contain palm oil so by looking for products which only use palm oil from sustainable sources we can make a difference and give a chance to the remaining 6,600 wild Sumatran orangutans.

For more tips on what you can do to help these endangered animals, visit www.facebook.com/IfTheyreGone.

About the author
Richard Benyon was appointed as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the UK Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 14 May 2010. He is the Conservative MP for Newbury.

This fits right in with longer-term statistics. By many official reckonings, the hospitality industry is the world’s fasting-growing. Combine hospitality and tourism into a single industry, and you can account for roughly one tenth of the world’s GDP.

Pic: Students at Vatel Switzerland .

Amid rampant growth and development – which is particularly strong in Asia – the industry is in need of ambitious and highly qualified professionals to lead hospitality enterprises, maintain growth over the long term and face down the challenges that accompany grand-scale expansion. Asian students who acquire credentials now will be poised fill leadership positions in what could well become a ‘Golden Age’ of hospitality and tourism.

Asia leads growth in hospitality
In 2012, emerging economies around the world saw the most aggressive growth – and this is nothing new. Some of the world’s most impressive statistics are posting in the Asia-Pacific region. Roughly a quarter of all international arrivals landed here last year, with the strongest growth seen in South-East Asia.

All of this growth is producing a host of new jobs that need to be filled today. However, the employees filling these vacancies today may not have the required skills and experience. When today’s hospitality and tourism students graduate, employers will scramble to pick them up. These students will virtually have their pick of job offerings.

Pic: Students at ICMS.

Experience and specialization in demand
As the hospitality industry continues to grow, employers across Asia will need to rapidly mobilize an increasingly larger workforce. With this in mind, an increasing number of students are expected to enroll in hospitality related programs – earning everything from certifications to advanced postgraduate degrees.

Students who manage to distinguish themselves from this growing pool of industry professionals will be rewarded with some of the most attractive positions. Experience is a strong commodity among new graduates. Stand-out programs combine strong academic curriculum with the chance to develop hands-on experience as well. This is accomplished through industry placements as well as through hands-on training in university facilities.

Furthermore, Asian students currently scouting potential hospitality programs are well-advised to place a priority on schools with strong industry links. These links allow students to gain experience while studying, and they also increase graduates’ prospects when scouting for employment.

Pic: EHL hospitality programs.

Another way students can set themselves apart is by enrolling in overseas programs. Hospitality is, by its very nature, an international affair, and earning credentials in a foreign country allows students to gain valuable second-language skills and a stronger grasp of cultural dynamics. This is hard for domestic institutions to replicate, despite the fact that these skills are essential to a successful career in hospitality.

The following are among the leading hospitality programs for Asian students:

VATEL SWITZERLAND
Vatel Switzerland is the newest addition to Vatel’s international network of renowned hospitality management schools. Located in Martingny, Switzerland – the international cradle of hospitality – Vatel embraces the Swiss tradition of hospitality as an art form while keeping its sights set on up-and-coming trends in global tourism. For students looking to take on leadership roles in Asia’s fast-growing hospitality industry, Vatel Switzerland delivers a first-class education in a dynamic international environment. Read the full profile here…

Pic: Students at Vatel Switzerland.

INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT, SYDNEY
The International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS) is a leading hospitality management school, teaching a balance of management and practical learning within a culture of training and entrepreneurialism. The college has over 16 years’ experience preparing the future leaders of the hospitality industry, with graduates working in some of the worlds’ top hotels and resorts. Read the full profile here…

Pic: ICMS campus

ECOLE HOTELIERE DE LAUSANNE
One of the most prestigious hospitality management schools in the world, EHL has been training leaders in Switzerland for more than a century. The student body is small – with 1,800 students representing 80 nationalities enrolled in a given year. Programs are selective and graduates highly sought-after by international employers.

INTERNATIONAL HOTEL SCHOOL SOUTH AFRICA
The International Hotel School South Africa has been in operation for more than 20 years and has played an instrumental role in equipping South Africa to handle robust growth across the hospitality industry. South Africa’s strong trade relationships with China and India make this school an even more attractive candidate for Asian students.

THE CULINARY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA
Based out of Hyde Park, New York, the Culinary Arts Institute is one of the most prestigious culinary arts institutes in the US. Programs emphasize hands-on training, and students log more than 1,300 hours in training kitchens and bakeries in the course of their studies. An 18-week externship provides additional industry experience.  

NHTV BREDA, NETHERLANDS
When it opened in the 1960s, NHTV Breda offered bachelor’s degrees in tourism- and leisure-related fields. Since then, more than four decades of subsequent refinement have yielded one of the strongest hospitality programs in the Netherlands, and prospective students in Asia have started to take notice. Today, more than 7,000 students are enrolled across all of NHTV’s programs. They’re an international set of aspiring professionals, hailing from more than 60 different countries. This fosters an eclectic, international environment perfect for training students to join the ranks of 21^st-century hospitality providers. Read the full profile…

ICMS offers smaller class sizes than most universities, so students receive a more personal learning experience.  Students also have the opportunity to study alongside peers from more than 40 different countries, making cross-cultural experience a part of everyday learning.

Pic: Students at ICMS.

All hospitality management degrees offered at ICMS combine practical ‘real world’ classes with a strong academic foundation, which is why each degree includes a nine-month industry placement. This placement is a structured supervised part of the curriculum and ensures ICMS hospitality students emerge with a competitive edge over other graduates.

It would be difficult to find a campus anywhere in the world with a more spectacular setting than ICMS.  The campus is just a five-minute walk to Manly Beach, offering students a good study and life balance during their time at the College.

Academics
In addition to its hospitality- and tourism-related programs, ICMS also offers coursework in Property Services Management, Business Management, Sports Management and Retail Marketing. Dual degrees are readily accommodated.

These are the main hospitality programmes offered at ICMS:

International Tourism
ICMS is a regular recipient of the NSW Tourism Award for “Excellence in Tourism Education”. Graduates are equipped for careers in tour operation, airline marketing, convention organisation, travel consulting and more.

Pic: ICMS library.

Hospitality Management
This programme includes a crucial nine-month industry placement. In class, the coursework covers service management, facilities management, hospitality operations and business communication. Career opportunities span the hospitality industry.

Event Management
Event managers work behind the scenes of conferences, seminars, trade expos and a host of other events. This is burgeoning international field, and ICMS equips students the staging, production, software and copywriting skills needed to organise world-class events.

Learn more about ICMS Hospitality Management programs at www.icms.edu.au or through the university’s blog, and get connected via Facebook and Twitter.

Pic: Students at Vatel Switzerland.

The Vatel Group is the world’s first and largest group of hotel schools, operating 30 campuses across 21 countries. In less than three years of operation, Vatel Switzerland has already garnered a strong showing of interest from Asian students. More than 20 percent of students come from the Asia-Pacific region. Asian students particularly appreciate the campus, because of its large majority of European passport holders that count for more than 60% of the students’ body.

This autumn, Vatel Switzerland launches its specialization Master in Human Resources Management & Training for Master students only, increasing their knowledge in targeted recruitment and talent retainment in the fastest growing industry in the world.

A forward thinking institution
Several factors set Vatel Switzerland apart from the competition. This is the first and only school in Switzerland to own and operate its own four-star training hotel, complete with well over 100 rooms open to bona-fide clientele. Students gain invaluable experience through their regular course of studies and are positioned well ahead of their peers upon graduation.

Pic: Students at Vatel Switzerland.

Vatel was also the first school in Switzerland to introduce tablets-only curriculum campus-wide. This was made possible through a partnership with Samsung and has effectively slashed the school’s carbon footprint. To complement this initiative, the Vatel e-library places more than 13,000 e-books at students’ disposal. Further innovations are on the horizon, with a new sustainable campus scheduled for debut in 2014.

Small classes and personalized service give students the opportunity to study in ideal conditions, in a safe environment. Student Life is also highly supported thanks to the Student Life Coordination and the Student Fund that helps to financially support projects or events that students wish to create

Academics
Vatel Switzerland favors a personalized approach to hospitality education. In a given academic year, no more than 400 students are involved in campus programs. Students progressively acquire management skills as they proceed through the coursework. During the first three years of the program, they develop the foundational skills needed oversee and manage hospitality operations. The first and second years end with an internship – the first in Switzerland and the second abroad. Students also implement managerial skills within the student body (third-year students manage second-year students, etc.) A Bachelor’s Degree in International Hotel Management is awarded after the first three years.

During the fourth and fifth years, students develop the analytical and decision-making skills needed to be a successful manager. Opportunities for specialization enhance the final award, a Master’s Degree in International Hotel Management.

Connect with Vatel Switzerland and learn more about its programs via Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

BN               PR                OTHERS

133                89                    0

222 seats total, 112 to win, 148 for two-thirds

_______________________________________

“@mehmetfcelebi: Despite huge disadvantage,massive fraud& phantom voters #Malaysian oppo makes historic gains w 89 seats to BN 133 #NOTOVER”

— Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) May 5, 2013

This election was true, fair and transparent. I hope the opposition accepts the result with an open heart.

— Mohd Najib Tun Razak (@NajibRazak) May 5, 2013

1.23pm: We’re signing off for the night. We will be back in the morning with the final results, more reports and reaction to Sunday’s events in Malaysia. Thanks to everyone who tuned in.

BN victory speech twitter.com/aumVijitra/sta… — aumVijitra (@aumVijitra) May 5, 2013

1.18am: AP REPORT: Malaysia’s long-ruling coalition hangs on to power 1.05am: AP NEWSFLASH: Malaysia’s governing coalition fends off tough election challenge, extending its 56-year rule

Mood is glum, angry murmurs in crowd, some boo. @anwaribrahim and PKR leaders make exit. #ge13 #ge13result — Tashny Sukumaran (@tashny) May 5, 2013

Ladies & Gentlemen, BN = 112 seats PR = 58 seats as at 12:49am. Thank you for allowing us to form the Government — Barisan Nasional (@barisanasional) May 5, 2013

The official result will come from EC, say Pakatan leaders. They will wait for the announcement. #ge13result — Tashny Sukumaran (@tashny) May 5, 2013

“We’re spreading this evidence because the EC has been v dismissive so far.” – @anwaribrahim #ge13 #ge13result — Tashny Sukumaran (@tashny) May 5, 2013

Phantom voters witnessed in my own constituency as well as around the country. Not limited to few areas. — Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) May 5, 2013

Press conference is now live at anwaribrahim.com (-dtf) — Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) May 5, 2013

Ds @anwaribrahim points out indelible ink failed. #ge13result #ge13 — Tashny Sukumaran (@tashny) May 5, 2013

Ds @anwaribrahim raises issue of phantom/foreign voters, claims they were escorted to polling station by @pdrmsia #ge13 #ge13result — Tashny Sukumaran (@tashny) May 5, 2013

“Postal, early voter results not consistent with voting pattern and trends.” – @anwaribrahim #ge13result — Tashny Sukumaran (@tashny) May 5, 2013

Ds @anwaribrahim has entered the PC. Shouts of ‘reformasi!’, ‘ini kali lah!’, and ‘ubah’ ring out. #ge13result twitter.com/tashny/status/… — Tashny Sukumaran (@tashny) May 5, 2013

Uh huh “@markmackinnon: Alternate realities in Malaysia – @barisanasional says ruling coalition up 90/40. @mediarakyatnet says opp up 67/63” — Zoe Daniel (@seacorro) May 5, 2013

00.13am: AP reports: Malaysia ruling coalition leads early poll results

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, center, arrives at his ruling National Front coalition's headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Sunday evening. Pic: AP.

11.43pm: Lots of conflicting reports on the seat tallies for Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat at the moment.

Astro 301 seem to be reporting BN 49 v PR 22 official results with 57 v 45 unofficial. Is my understanding of the Chinese correct? — Simon Featherstone (@HCSFeatherstone) May 5, 2013

ANU experts predicting that Barisan Nasional will win #GE13, but with a reduced majority. — ANU Asia-Pacific (@ANUasiapacific) May 5, 2013

Current split 27/18 according to @malaysiakini in favour of incumbent #Malaysia #GE13 note govt won seats usually revealed first — Zoe Daniel (@seacorro) May 5, 2013

***NEWSBREAKING***Situation in JB is TENSE !!People are getting arrested now !pbs.twimg.com/media/BJgfC_tC… — Michael Chick (@DrMichaelChick) May 5, 2013

Amazing-all the phone lines at PKR HQ are down tonight. “PR has won. We urge UMNO and the EC to not attempt to hijack the results. #ubah” — Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) May 5, 2013

NEWSFLASH: Pakatan Rakyat retains their hold on Penang, maintaining a two-thirds majority in Penang’s state legislative assembly. #GE13 — malaysiakini.com (@malaysiakini) May 5, 2013

Of the 31 seats in Sarawak, BN takes 18. Sarawak State belongs to BN now…. — Michael Chick (@DrMichaelChick) May 5, 2013

Cars starting, @anwaribrahim leaving soon to one world hotel #ge13result twitter.com/tashny/status/… — Tashny Sukumaran (@tashny) May 5, 2013

This is an especially good info graphic: ge13m.mmail.com.my Sarawak results coming in… BN in front. — New Mandala (@newmandala) May 5, 2013

Sarawak has given 16 Parliament seats to BN so far !! — Michael Chick (@DrMichaelChick) May 5, 2013

Seriously, I think I am gonna have a heart attack tonight. Can’t take the suspense. #GE13 — Gaythri Raman (@gaythri) May 5, 2013

8.54: Results coing in thick and fast now. Barisan Nasional making the early running but a long way to go.

@malaysiakini reports Lim Kit Siang (DAP) takes lead in Gelang Patah. AG Othman (BN) is now trailing DAP – 3,567 BN – 3,422 — Asian Correspondent (@AsCorrespondent) May 5, 2013

7.26pm: Interesting from the Wall Street Journal: Malaysia’s Opposition May Have Won One Battle: In Cyberspace

With 80% turnout & half the vote counted Malaysians primed to bring curtain down on #BN, presuming their institutions allow them to. #ge13 — Rob O’Brien (@robobr7) May 5, 2013

PR has won. We urge UMNO and the EC to not attempt to hijack the results. #ubah — Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) May 5, 2013

In the next few hours, do not spread rumours. Always verify and do not blindly forward smses & Whatsapp messages. — Hannah Yeoh (@hannahyeoh) May 5, 2013

6.49: As we wait for the first results to drop, here are some numbers. A total of 1,900 candidates (579 for parliament and 1,321 for state seats) contested for 222 parliamentary and 505 state seats. Baris Nasional  held 135 seats in the recently dissolved Federal Parliament, while Pakatan Rakyat held 75.

via @malaysiakini: PKR expected to win Saratok in Sarawak. It is leading with more than half of the vote counted. #ubah #pru13 — Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) May 5, 2013

Malaysiakini is barred from entering the Umno headquarters in PWTC, although no specific reasons are given for the decision. #GE13 — malaysiakini.com (@malaysiakini) May 5, 2013

6.22pm: Earliest results are expected to come through sometime between 7 and 8pm.

Counting underway in #Malaysia #ge13 after 80% voter turnout. — Zoe Daniel (@seacorro) May 5, 2013

GE13: Hishamuddin unhurt after helicopter landing mishap – Nation | The Star Online thestar.com.my/news/story.asp… — shahanaaz habib (@shahanaazhabib) May 5, 2013

5pm: Polls closed, let the counting begin. We’ll keep you updated through the evening.

AIR PUTIH: 3 people are reported to be injured in a scuffle between a group wearing 1Msia Tshirts & bystanders at a polling centre. #GE13 — malaysiakini.com (@malaysiakini) May 5, 2013

If you don’t look like a Malaysian, you are a phantom voter. Eeerrm, how does a Malaysian look like? #GE13 — Philip Golingai (@PhilipGolingai) May 5, 2013

My indelible ink. A little soap and most of it is gone. However u look at it, it’s a sad sad indictment of this country. — Pete Teo (@PeteTeo) May 5, 2013

4.23pm: VIDEO – EC’s deputy chairman isn’t worried about indelible ink washing off because “there won’t be an election tomorrow”:

#BN voters I spoke to acknowledged corruption problem, shrugged it off & said Anwar wld be worse. Difficult to reason wi that. #ge13 #pru13 — Rob O’Brien (@robobr7) May 5, 2013

Just 1 hour to go..Queues are probably down. Go out and vote vote vote — Nimalan Devaraja (@Nimalan21) May 5, 2013

The voting process for GE13 is running smoothly across the country as at noon today without any major incident – Deputy IGP Khalid Abu Bakar — BERNAMA (@bernamadotcom) May 5, 2013

3.43pm: AP reports… Nearly 8 million people cast ballots in the first four hours of voting, comprising almost 60 percent of the 13.3 million registered voters, the Election Commission said. Some lined up for more than an hour at schools and other voting centers, showing off fingers marked with ink to prevent multiple voting after they had finished. Polls were scheduled to close after nine hours of voting, and results were expected late Sunday.

MASSIVE storm breaking over KL. Won’t encourage voters. #Malaysia #GE13

— Zoe Daniel (@seacorro) May 5, 2013

3.18pm: An excellent article from our own Rob O’Brien on how voters are using Instagram to share their voting experience and especially their ‘inked’ fingers: GE13: Malaysian voters turn to Instagram to share election buzz

Instagram user chelseayiap shared this election day image earlier. Pic: Instagram.

Democracy in action: go to #instagram and check out the pics of Malaysians’ ‘inked’ fingers that are surfacing. It’s awesome. #ge13 #pru13

— Rob O’Brien (@robobr7) May 5, 2013

2.35pm: Also check out ANU’s New Mandala for live coverage and analysis.

Malaysian wait in line outside a school to cast their vote for the general elections in Kuala Lumpur. Pic: AP.

2.24pm: AirAsia’s @TonyFernandes responds to allegations of chartered flights for phantom voters on his Twitter account:

Every person who came on the flight was a malaysian mostly sabahans living in JB. MY STAFF said mostly families

— Tony Fernandes (@tonyfernandes) May 5, 2013

From visible check as well all were malaysians. I repeat 478 all malaysians. NO Foreigners. No naturalised foreigners.

— Tony Fernandes (@tonyfernandes) May 5, 2013

Why did u take so long to reply.Because I wanted to come home and seemyself. And be in Malaysia to answer anyone in my own country

— Tony Fernandes (@tonyfernandes) May 5, 2013

An alleged phantom voter arrested by villagers in my kampung – where everybody knows everybody – in Penampang twitter.com/PhilipGolingai…

— Philip Golingai (@PhilipGolingai) May 5, 2013

12.20pm: Tweeters are complaining that indelible ink is not so indelible:

@aumvijitra DAP Chairman Karpal Singh says he willlodge a report with the Election Commission after he found the indelible ink washed off.

— Michael Chick (@DrMichaelChick) May 5, 2013

A Malaysian voter shows her finger marked with indelible ink after casting her ballot in the general elections at a polling station in Pekan, Pahang state. Pic: AP.

To the EC and your fake indelible ink: shame shame shame shame shame shame shame shame shame shame shame shame shame shame shame.

— Pete Teo (@PeteTeo) May 5, 2013

Indelible Ink? Ink Boleh! RT @johnnywg92: The ink can be wash off. #ge13 #melaka mrbrwn.co/ZIgMF2

— Kinmun Lee (@mrbrown) May 5, 2013

Huge queues for voting in KL this morning #Malaysia #GE13

— Zoe Daniel (@seacorro) May 5, 2013

AP reports: Tens of thousands of Malaysia’s 13.3 million registered voters lined up at schools and other voting centers Sunday to cast their ballots at the beginning of a 10-hour voting period.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, right, casts his ballot in the general elections at a polling station in Pekan, Pahang state, Malaysia. Pic: AP.

Former PM Dr Mahatir Mohamad casts his vote:

Mum n Dad voting in Titi Gajah. twitter.com/netraKL/status…

— Marina Mahathir (@netraKL) May 5, 2013

Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has his finger painted with ink during voting at a polling station at Penanti in Penang state in northern Malaysia. Pic: AP.

#Najib on TV3 now being interviewed by journalists wearing 1Malaysia shirts. That is farcical. #najib #ge13 #pru13

— Rob O’Brien (@robobr7) May 5, 2013

A clear day in JB. Taxi driver I spoke to started work at midnight, finishes at noon, then votes. yfrog.com/nyh74eqoj #ge13 #pru13

— Rob O’Brien (@robobr7) May 5, 2013

(READ MORE: Voting begins in tight Malaysian national election)

  This is the most important election in the history of our country. Vote accordingly. #GE13 — Pete Teo (@PeteTeo) May 4, 2013

So election campaigning was meant to stop at midnight? In JB there were car horns & police sirens all thru the night. #ge13 #pru13

— Rob O’Brien (@robobr7) May 5, 2013

In the early hours of April 12, 2013, armed men entered the office and printing press of Uthayan, a daily Tamil language newspaper published from Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka. Men torched the printing press and newspapers that were about to be despatched for sale.

But in Jaffna, and indeed in Sri Lanka, this was just the latest of such incidents. The Uthayan knows this probably better than any other publication. Just a few days earlier, on April 3, the same newspaper’s Killinochi office was attacked and several employees were injured. On March 20, an Uthayan reporter was threatened by the military. In mid-January the editor of Uthayan was interrogated by the Criminal Investigation Department about an article implicating senior army officers. The list goes on.

Burnt newspapers lie on the ground after an attack on the printing press office of the Tamil-language Uthayan newspaper in Jaffna, Sri Lanka in mid-April. Pic: AP.

It is widely believed that the recent wave of attacks on Uthayan is due to the newspaper continuing to publish stories critical of the military and the government ahead of the upcoming elections in the north of the country, particularly about occupation of land by the military. Uthayan is owned by a member of parliament from the opposition Tamil National Alliance, at whose hands the government had suffered heavy defeats in all elections held in the north after the end of the war in 2009.

Uthayan offices and press, as well as editors, reporters and distributors have been subjected to repeated attacks and threats, particularly since the advent of the Mahinda Rajapakse government. At least five staffers have been killed or disappeared and many have been injured. Predictably, nothing has been done about any of these incidents.

Attacks on freedom of expression

Attacks on freedom of expression in northern Sri Lanka are not limited to Uthayan. On March 8 a journalist attached to Valampuri, another Jaffna-based Tamil newspaper was attacked and had to be hospitalized.

While the Tamils in north have borne the brunt of attacks on freedom of expression in recent weeks, months and years, such attacks and restrictions continue in all parts of the country.  In March this year the government-owned Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation censored the retransmission of the BBC Tamil-language broadcasts, leading the BBC to suspend retransmission citing interference as a serious breach of trust.

(READ MORE: Sri Lanka blocks BBC reports as UN condemns violence)

Several journalists and employees of pro-opposition news websites were arrested in 2012. In 2012 the government also resorted to blocking websites that publish news critical of the government. A well-known investigative journalist was almost abducted. Another senior investigative journalist was subjected to repeated questioning and intimidation. Yet another journalist working for a Sinhalese news website critical of the government was questioned and intimidated. The list is endless.

A culture of impunity

Impunity for such attacks and restrictions continues. No prosecutions or convictions are known to have happened in relation to any of the attacks on Uthayan, the killing of Sunday Leader editor Lasantha Wickramatunga, the disappearance of cartoonist and journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda, or the brutal assault on journalist and press freedom activist Poddala Jayantha, among others. The police, courts and the National Human Rights Commission have steadfastly refused to take decisive action on attacks and restrictions on freedom of expression and opinion.

Sandya, wife of missing journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda, front, holds a poster depicting her husband along with media rights activists during a protest in Colombo, Sri Lanka in 2011. Pic: AP.

The head of the government’s official delegation to the UN Committee Against Torture Mohan Peiris told the committee that disappeared journalist and cartoonist Ekneligoda was living overseas, and when challenged to disclose what he knew refused to do so. When he was finally compelled to appear before a Sri Lankan court he said he didn’t know anything. No one knows which was the truth or which was the lie, but he got away scot free. Indeed, he was appointed Chief Justice by the President earlier this year after the previous Chief Justice was removed from office illegally.

Several journalists who were threatened have told me that they had been approached by government supporters with offers of money, jobs and guarantees of safety if they were ready to spin a pro-government line. Many Sri Lankan journalists have subjected themselves to self-censorship out of fear. More than 50 journalists, including prominent and well-known press freedom activists, have gone into exile in the last four years.

Most media institutions are controlled by the government and ownership can be traced back to allies and family members of President Mahinda Rajapakse. State-owned and controlled media have regularly been used as a political tool to discredit anyone critical of the government, including the 43rd Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake, who was illegally removed from the office.

In 2006, Sri Lanka made a voluntary commitment to invite the Special Rapportuer on Freedom of Expression and Opinion, but to date the government has not honored this commitment despite repeated requests. Presently, there are eight UN rapportuers who await invitations.

(READ MORE: Amnesty: Sri Lanka government cracks down on critics)

In March 2013, the UN Human Rights Council expressed concern about violations of the right to freedom of expression and intimidation of journalists in Sri Lanka. Earlier, the government’s own Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission said it was “deeply disturbed by persistent reports concerning attacks on journalists and media institutions and killing of journalists and the fact that these incidents remain to be conclusively investigated and perpetrators brought to justice” and went on to condemn “the deplorable attack on the editor of the Uthayan newspaper in Jaffna, which occurred while the Commission’s sittings were still in progress”.

Sri Lanka is on Reporters Without Borders‘ list of “countries under surveillance” and is ranked 162nd out of 179 countries in the 2013 Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index. The Committee to Protect Journalists lists Sri Lanka as the fourth worst country in the world in its 2012 impunity index.

Signs of hope

Amidst this bleak and fearful situation, there are still signs of hope for freedom of expression in Sri Lanka.

Uthayan stands out as a small local paper that is a symbol of resilience, courage and fierce commitment to go on reporting. It is this spirit that has made it continue to publish throughout the war and after, despite repeated attacks and threats. Many other publications, in both Sinhalese and Tamil, have continued to stand up to government and military intimidation.

Websites and blogs run from within Sri Lanka and by exiled journalists have become a major platform to publish reports and columns mainstream media do not want to carry. Significantly, many of these are Sinhalese bloggers.

Despite continuous threats, media organizations in Sri Lanka have continued to campaign for freedom of expression and opinion. Support from human rights activists, civic organizations, some opposition politicians, religious clergy, lawyers and international press freedom and human rights organizations continue to play an important role in strengthening those in Sri Lanka who dare to exercise their freedom of opinion and expression. Ultimately, it will be up to Sri Lankan citizens to show whether they value the right to know different kinds of information and opinions, and what they are ready to do for that.

About the author
Ruki Fernando is a Sri Lankan human rights activist and press freedom advocate. He is particularly active in the protection of journalists who are threatened and intimidated because of their work. Ruki is also known for his reporting of human rights issues in northern Sri Lanka both during and after the war.

A longer version of this article can be found at Groundviews: World Press Freedom day, Uthayan and Freedom of Expression in Sri Lanka

Mongolia appeared on the global radar in 2009, when news of its massive copper deposits and untapped mineral wealth attracted international investors in droves.  The country suddenly went from being a remote adventure destination to one described as “the next Qatar,” worthy of multi-million dollar deals.

Real estate boomed and inflation became epic at 20 percent.  In 2011, two years after President Elbegdorj, signed the ink on the Oyu Tolgoi mining contract, which has been described one of the largest copper deposits globally, Mongolia earned the moniker of the fastest growing economy in the world.  This was followed by the less glamorous rating of Ulaanbaatar being rated the second most polluted city in the world by the World Health Organization. Let’s not forget Mongolia’s status of having one of the highest rates of alcoholism internationally, while being known as the “coldest capital in the world”.  In short, Mongolia is not an easy country to live in and perhaps it is for these reasons and more that the country was given the honor of hosting the Community of Democracies (CoD) from 2011 to 2013.

While the main conference wrapped up on Monday, April 29, there was a small closing event Tuesday with the parliament and civil society members getting some coveted face time with democracy heroine and Nobel Prize winner, Aung San Suu Kyi.  “We want to know how she manages to look so good at 68,” confided Member of Parliament and leader of the Women’s Caucus L. Erdenechimeg.

Nobel laureate and Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, center, attends the opening of the VII Ministerial Conference of the Community of Democracies held in Ulan Bator, Mongolia on Monday. Pic: AP.

Putting aside its recent democracy honor, how is Mongolia really doing?

The Brookings Institute published a doubtful analysis by Nyamosor Tuya, former foreign minister of Mongolia, on the country’s democratic evolution.  She cited entrenched poverty consistently hovering at 30 percent, in spite of the strong growth in the economy, as an indicator of inequality.  Tuya wrote, “It should be noted that the latest poverty figure shows a decrease ― 29 percent in 2011 versus 39 percent in 2010 ― but it is yet to be determined if this is attributable to government’s untargeted cash handouts of the past three years, or whether it points to a trend”.  The Mongolian government implemented a broad-based cash handout scheme of 21,000 MNT (about US$15) to each citizen every month, which ended in 2012.   Though seemingly small, this sum is significant in light of the 20 percent of its 3 million citizens who survive on US$1.25 a day.

In contrast to Tuya’s dark assessment, Julian Dierkes of the Institute of Asian Research praised Mongolia’s democracy as a non-violent phenomenon that began shortly after the collapse of the Soviet Union, one that outshone its other Central Asian neighbors. Dierkes sees Mongolia’s late access to foreign investment as a benefit that allowed the political framework of democracy to establish itself more firmly before mining wealth altered its course.

Democracy expert Larry Diamond said in his keynote speech for the April 28 CoD afternoon session that democracy must come from within, or it is likely to fail.  He explained the duty of democratic countries was not to impose the ideology on transitioning countries but rather to support them in their unique efforts towards it.  Though he did not specifically mention Mongolia, in this context the former Soviet satellite country seems to make the grade as its elections came about by popular consensus in 1992, just two years of the Soviet Union’s collapse.

From right, Nobel Laureate and Burma opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, Mongolian Foreign Minister Bold Luvsanvandan and Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin at the Community of Democracies conference on Monday. Pic: AP.

Diamond then went on call out Cambodia as an example of a non-viable democracy.  Cambodia happens to parallel Mongolia as 20-year-old democracy, as its elections began in 1993, though installed by UNTAC rather than being brought about by Cambodians.  For 2012, the Economic Intelligence Unit listed Cambodia as a “hybrid regime,” occupying the space above “authoritarian,” while Mongolia ranked as a “flawed democracy.”

When questioned in private about Cambodia’s democracy failures, Diamond said this stemmed from “the international community letting [Prime Minister] Hun Sen get away with murder—they didn’t stand up to him.” Diamond explained that donors tend to go for stability and cited “donor fatigue.”

According to German research group GTZ, Cambodia previously received the bulk of its GDP from international aid but in recent years foreign direct investment (FDI) surpassed aid, a situation that gives donors even less bargaining power.

Mongolia was also known as a high foreign aid recipient, according to a local researcher, but has been transitioning as well.  U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia Piper Anne Wind Campbell said though the U.S. had contributed half a billion USD in development aid to the country in its first 25 years of diplomatic relations, the relationship was now based on “trade ties” rather than assistance, according to local media.

While the analysis of what makes a democracy viable or not appears to be open to debate, debate itself was clearly accepted in Ulaanbaatar during the CoD event.  A protest broke out in front of the Government House in support of former president and leader of the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party, Enkhbayar, imprisoned on corruption charges, which merely drew unarmed police to monitor the crowd.  Yet when Phnom Penh hosted the ASEAN Summit in November of 2012, housing rights protestors were swiftly arrested and civil society meetings were blocked.

About the author
Michelle Tolson has contributed to Inter Press Service (IPS), the Global Post, Women’s Media Center, Women’s International Perspective,  Women’s News Network, the UB Post of Mongol News Group and the Phnom Penh Post.  She has also worked on research projects in New York City and Cambodia.   

The Singapore sling
This famed cocktail is ubiquitous with the city of the same name and the Raffles Hotel where it originated in the early throes of the 20th Century. The drink created by the Hainese bartender of the time contained gin, cherry brandy, orange, pineapple and lime juice and was known as the gin sling, with associated potent effects. The current version differs a little from the original but is still part of the experience of visiting the Long Bar at Raffles.

Raffles shop window. Pic: lajollamom.com

Coconut juice
This is one drink you’ll find almost anywhere in tropical regions of Asia. Not only is it a fantastic way to rehydrate but it’s also a bit of a meal unto itself – you can eat your way through the soft flesh afterwards.

Vietnamese coffee
If you’re after a coffee fix in Asia then Vietnam should satisfy even the most hardened connoisseur. This is not only because the coffee is strong and thick but because it all happens right in front of you. In Vietnam coffee is served while it is still brewing in single-cup filters. You watch the nectar drip into the condensed milk or ice below while savouring the aroma it brings. The whole experience is magic, particularly in a road side cafe watching life go by.

The single cup coffee filter in HCMC. Pic: Joanne Lane; www.visitedplanet.com

Lao Lao whiskey
Laotian rice whiskey should be handled with care and respect, that’s because the home brewed whiskey packs a powerful punch. It is made from fermented sticky rice and often has an alcoholic percentage of 40 or 45 so go easy on the good stuff. The taste isn’t that strong and while you may see locals downing it at an impressive rate, it has been linked to some horrific medical incidents of late involving backpackers particularly in Vang Vieng, Laos, given its unregulated nature and the additives it may contain. Proceed with caution!

Lao-Khamu men drinking Lao-jao from earthenware pots with long bamboo straws. Pic: Ximo Tur from Galway, Ireland

Sake
Japan’s famous alcoholic beverage is also made from fermented rice but unlike the process involved in making wine, sake is actually produced by means of brewing more like beer. Sake is far stronger than either however with an alcoholic percentage of 18-20%. It can be served chilled or heated depending on the season and may be clear or cloudy. It also comes in a variety of flavours that can include anything from bananas to caramel sauce. It is drunk socially but also at ceremonies and celebrations like new year and the cherry blossom viewing.

Teh tarik
Teh tarik actually means “pulled tea” and it’s well worth watching the preparation of the Malaysian beverage to best understand it. It is made from black tea, condensed milk and evaporated milk and the pouring process between two jugs, often with a lot of show, helps to give it froth, mix it and give a better flavour. This is called “pulling” the drink. It is often served with roti canai, a flat Malaysian bread, and has been recognised as a national drink in Malaysia.

Pic: mymalaysiablog.wordpress.com

Indian chai
If the idea of pulled tea doesn’t wet your whistle, Indian chai might. Chai, or tea, is made in India by boiling water, milk, lots of sugar and spices such as cardamom together. Sold from dawn to dusk throughout the sub continent this is indeed the national drink with stalls on every street corner, bus station and even on board trains. It’s as addictive as it is ubiquitous.

Tibetan butter tea
The Tibetan version of tea is definitely an acquired taste. Most people are not used to salty tea, but if you plan to spend any amount of time with Tibetans, Bhutanese or Chinese minorities, it’s best to overcome you’re initial aversion to the taste as you will be served this everywhere you go. The addition of butter also makes sense in the cold climate where it is served given the high energy it provides. Preparation varies but often water is boiled with handfuls of tea before salt is added. The tea is then strained into a wooden butter churn where the butter is added.  Just remember etiquette is never to drain your bowl until you leave.

Butter tea prepared in far western Yunnan, China. Pic: Joanne Lane, www.visitedplanet.com

Bubble tea
While known also as pearl milk tea or boba milk tea, the reference to bubbles is probably best fitting for on first glance it does look like you have black bubbles in your tea. Don’t let this put you off however for the bubbles are actually chewy tapioca balls or pearls. Most of the bubble teas have a tea base that is mixed with fruit, milk, ice or syrup making it all very slushy and sweet. However it is possible to get non-fruit flavours like coffee, taro or sesame. While this drink originated in Taiwan it has spread throughout Asia and also into the west.

Pic: http://blog.girlybubble.com

Bia Hoi
Back to Vietnam, and the light lager of the Vietnamese (three percent) also makes this unique beverages list. This is because not only is Bia Hoi brewed daily and sold on bustling street corners at rock bottom prices, but it’s also the chance to take part in a cultural tradition. To find yourself a Bia Hoi junction, where Bia Hoi is sold, keep an eye out for people on plastic chairs sitting on the street with glasses of beer.

Asia Travel Guides, Reviews, Diary, News | Travel Wire Asia

Seoul

As someone who has lived in Seoul, I may be a bit biased in favor of the South Korean capital but I have good reason. The nightlife there is always rocking and there are options for high-end boozing, winos, those who like to drink their soju while puffing on a hookah pipe and live music venues as well. Itaewon, a neighborhood known for its variety of restaurants, foreign food stores, and lively – if somewhat sleazy – nightlife, often draws large crowds of ex-pats and locals. If you’re looking to be spoiled for choice, head to Hongdae, the university area, where there are hundreds of bars and clubs from which to choose.

The bright lights of Seoul at night. Pic: Shutterstock.com

Ho Chi Minh City

This Vietnamese city has developed a reputation for its crowds and craziness, and it is indeed a frenetic place. The nightlife scene here is certainly not exempted from that description, and there are plenty of watering holes where you can grab a cheap beer and swap travel stories with fellow ex-pats and backpackers. Nightlife establishments in Ho Chi Minh City run the gamut from holes-in-the-wall to proper clubs, so there is something for every taste and budget.

Bangkok

If you haven’t been to Bangkok, you’ve surely heard stories of the legendary nightlife scene in the Thai city. Most of them are probably true, too, from the buckets filled with low-grade alcohol and Red Bull to the ping-pong shows where you’ll see sexual feats you’ve never even imagined – and may wish you hadn’t witnessed by the time the night is done. The bars at Nana Plaza are where you’ll find the sex shows and some seriously seedy bars. If you’re on the backpacker trail, head to Khao San Road, where the party never seems to end. Many of the trendier places are to be found beyond Nana on the sois off Sukhumvit Road.

(READ MORE: Bangkok’s 5 coolest small bars)

Hong Kong

If you’re tired of the backpacking scene and ready for a bit of an upgrade when it comes to entertainment, Hong Kong is your city. This exceptionally cosmopolitan metropolis has many a luxurious bar and club in which to sip a well-made cocktail in the company of native and foreign high-rollers.

Singapore

The Singapore nightlife scene is thriving, especially when it comes to the bumping club scene. Singapore’s scene has attracted world-class DJs and musical acts such as David Guetta. However, Singapore is not a place to party on a budget. A beer alone will cost you the equivalent of a night at a middle-range guest house in Thailand, so plan accordingly because you won’t want to be pinching pennies when you’re out in Singapore.

Singapore has become a lively nightlife city. Pic: Shutterstock.com

Asia Travel Guides, Reviews, Diary, News | Travel Wire Asia

Sri Lanka, whose leaders are accused of committing war crimes against Tamils in the civil war that ended May 2009, and subverting democracy, is to host the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in November.

In the past the Commonwealth, the 54-member intergovernmental grouping of mostly Britain’s former colonies, has emphasised human rights and democracy as core principles and chastised member countries that violated them. Sri Lanka however has not been censured but rewarded: named as CHOGM’s next venue, it will automatically lead the organisation for the coming two years.

(UPDATE: Commonwealth dodges Sri Lanka problem)

The international community is clearly concerned that if it takes too strong a line with Sri Lanka, it will simply slip into China’s sphere of influence, and so lose all ability to promote Commonwealth values. However, this view fundamentally misinterprets Sri Lanka’s relationship with both China and the Commonwealth.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II , right, shakes hands with Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa, left, at a Commonwealth meeting in London last year. Pic: AP.

First, such has been the fear of Chinese influence that the Commonwealth has made virtually no attempts to promote its values, and so the fear of what might be lost is overstated. Second, whilst China’s investment in Sri Lanka is significant, it is an extractive, commercial relationship. The Sri Lankan government may think it has a partner in China, but it is by no means a partnership between equals – and this should make Sri Lanka wary. Nor will China ever fully replace the Commonwealth as a trading partner. China accounts for 10.9% of Sri Lanka’s imports and 1.1% of it exports. The Commonwealth is 45.7% and 27.3%.

The Sri Lankan government may posture, but the truth is that they need the Commonwealth more than the Commonwealth needs them. Even more so given the tremendous damage Sri Lanka is doing to the valuable Commonwealth “brand” of stability and good governance. Sri Lanka is not treating Commonwealth values with disdain because it is in a position of strength; it is doing so because the track record of the Commonwealth suggests that there will be no consequences.

Yet there remains a slim chance that the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), following its meeting later today, could call for a change of venue. If not, the only alternative for Commonwealth leaders to protest Sri Lanka’s behaviour is to boycott the summit in Colombo.

(READ MORE: Commonwealth struggles for unity amid Sri Lanka HR concerns)

In a March 2011 report, a UN Panel of Experts appointed by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon concluded that Sri Lanka’s military and political leadership as well as Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) had committed grave human rights violations in the final stages of the war. The UN Panel’s call for an independent international investigation has been rejected by Colombo.

Worse, systematic human rights violations continue to occur as the government uses militarisation to pacify the Tamil areas and destroys democratic institutions as President Mahinda Rajapakse and his family consolidate power in Colombo.

By principle and practice the Commonwealth should take Sri Lanka to task. The 60-year history of this organisation reveals almost a preoccupation with its core values. The Singapore Declaration (1971), the Harare Principles (1991) and the Charter of the Commonwealth signed in March this year point to democratically elected government, equality, human rights and rule of law as the body’s core tenets.

Violation of these principles has exacted punishment, the most extreme being suspension from the Commonwealth. Pakistan and Fiji have been thrown out twice and Nigeria once. Zimbabwe, once suspended, withdrew from the organisation.

Both occasions of Pakistan’s suspension – 1999 and 2007 – were under military strongman President Pervez Musharraf. While the 1999 suspension dwelt on his overthrow of an elected government by a coup, the second was for violations of broader core principles. Announcing the suspension, CMAG asked Musharraf who was an elected president to relinquish the post of army chief of staff he also held, repeal the emergency, restore the independence of the judiciary, fundamental rights and rule of law, and lift curbs on the media.

(READ MORE: Commonwealth lawyers, judges want Sri Lanka suspended)

Fiji remains suspended because Commodore Frank Bainimarama has postponed holding elections. Nigeria, although ruled by a military leader, was thrown out because it condemned to death and executed nine dissidents including Ken Saro Wiwa. Zimbabwe was suspended because President Robert Mugabe, a civilian, was in office through an election marred by widespread malpractice.

In comparison, it is true that Rajapakse is not a president in uniform. However his authoritarian and militaristic ways have been well documented. Coups are derided because military leaders fail to keep the military out of politics. Rajapakse does not keep the military out of politics either. The International Crisis Group in a March 2012 report says, “The Sri Lankan military has thus become an army of occupation physically and psychologically, if not legally.”

As with Pakistan, Rajapakse’s government has illegally impeached their chief justice. According to the International Bar Association Human Rights Initiative report, the impeachment is, “incompatible with the core values and principles of the Commonwealth of Nations, including the respect for separation of powers, rule of law, good governance and human rights.”

Sri Lanka’s restrictions on the media reinforce similarities to pre-suspension Pakistan. The most recent are government regulating the internet by asking all news sites to be registered with the government and blocking content of foreign news. Earlier this month BBC suspended broadcasting to Sri Lanka citing interference with broadcasts.

(READ MORE: Sri Lanka blocks BBC reports as UN condemns anti-Tamil violence)

As in Nigeria, Sri Lanka has its share of murdered human rights defenders. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists 11 journalists have been killed from the time Rajapakse assumed office.

Hardly different from Zimbabwe, the 2010 presidential election in Sri Lanka was fraught with malpractice about which Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma himself said, “[o]verall the 2010 presidential elections in Sri Lanka did not fully meet key benchmarks for democratic elections.”

Despite similar offences, the Rajapakse regime is not administered a reproof. Instead the Commonwealth now faces the ignominy of having at its helm a country that has violated at least nine of its own core principles that the Queen signed into its new Charter last month. Such double standards clearly call into question the Commonwealth’s credibility.

Canada has taken a firm stand on the matter, Prime Minister Stephen Harper stating that the summit should be moved, and that he personally will not attend if it is not. The UK does not have a seat on CMAG but it is thought many people looking to the UK for some indication as to whether it shares Canada’s concerns. Yet Prime Minister David Cameron has not shown anywhere like the same leadership as his friend.

If the Commonwealth wishes to demonstrate it is worthy of calling itself an international organisation, it must act to restore its credibility. The CMAG has a chance to do this by moving the venue or postponing the meeting. If the CMAG refuses to uphold its own core principles however, all that remains for those who believe in the integrity of the Commonwealth is to refuse attending the Colombo Summit.

J. S. Tissainayagam, a former Sri Lankan political prisoner, was a Nieman Fellow in Journalism at Harvard and Reagan-Fascell Fellow at the National Endowment for Democracy in the United States.

Pic: Norwich University illustration studio.

In this atmosphere of innovation, exploration and cultural expression, an increasing number of Asian students are looking to careers in the creative industries. This is a broad field, indeed, covering everything from fine arts and performance to graphic design and 3D animation. Possible careers are practically innumerable.

Asian art in particular is a global sensation. Christie’s in New York City says that Asian art is a top-three revenue generator for the art auction house. In March of 2013, Christie’s staged its annual ‘Spring Asian Art Week’ and brought in a grand total of more than US$80 million in four days. Needless to say, this is a good time to be an Asian artist.

Pic: University of KwaZulu-Natal PMB.

However, the surge in creativity seen across Asia is doing more than attracting collectors and filling the coffers of auction houses. The creative industries are also playing a powerful role in bolstering national economies and developing international trade networks.

The importance of the creative industries
In the course of international dialogue, the creative industries are often treated by the diehard empirical sciences camp as being superfluous or as exerting a negligible influence on economic development. However, dig a bit deeper, and you’ll find that expert analysts, government agencies and international NGOs hold a very different viewpoint.

Art on display at the University of Bolton's annual Creative Degree Show. Pic: University of Bolton.

According to UNESCO, the creative industries have become increasingly important to post-industrial, knowledge-based economies. And a UNESCO report entitled “Understanding Creative Industries: Cultural statistics for public-policy making” states:

Not only are [the creative industries] thought to account for higher than average growth and job creation, they are also vehicles of cultural identity that play an important role in fostering cultural diversity.

Going back a few years, former Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs in Japan, Itsunori Onodera, delivered a speech in which he highlighted the important role that the creative industries and cultural expression play in international exchange and the development of solidarity:

[C]ulture as a matter of course nurtures a soundness and wealth of spirit, but given that it also encourages creative industry and supports economic vitality, it is an area that is the key for the future prosperity of Asia and also in terms of making a contribution to the world. Secondly, in addition to cultural exchange among Asian countries cultivating a mutual awareness of the diversity that exists in the region and engendering respect at the national level, it also, by encouraging feelings of oneness among different peoples, leads to an important basis for the promotion of regional cooperation in the future of Asia in a variety of areas.

Pic: Students at UCA.

Cast in this light, the creative industries are set to play a pivotal role in Asia’s economic future. For example, with the pending emergence of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015, cultural bridges are going to play an enhanced role in developing solidarity between member nations. In this sense, the creative industries not only create jobs and strengthen economies; they also provide the glue that holds together trade alliances and transnational policy. In so many words, the creative industries are indispensible to 21st-century development – both in Asia and abroad.

Leading creative industries programs
For Asian students seeking a degree in the creative industries, many of the leading university candidates are based in the West. The strongest contenders boast cutting-edge facilities backed with stellar after-graduation employment statistics.

The following are among the leading creative industries programs for Asian students:

UNIVERSITY OF THE CREATIVE ARTS
The University of the Creative Arts (UCA) has been in operation through its founding colleges for more than a century a half. In its current state, the university has existed from 2005, since which time it has graduated some the world’s most highly acclaimed creative minds. The alumni list includes celebrity fashion designers, Oscar-winning filmmakers and Turner Prize Nominees. Read the full profile here…

DUNCAN OF JORDANSTONE COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN
Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD) is one of the leading art and design schools in the UK, and it has been operation in one form or another for 125 years. World-class facilities and teaching staff combine to create one of the most worthwhile art-student experiences in the Scotland. In fact, in a recent survey, DJCAD students ranked their art school as first in the UK. Read the full profile here…

Pic: Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design.

THE UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL, SCHOOL OF APPLIED HUMAN SCIENCES
The School of Applied Human Sciences was recently formed at the University of Kwazulu-Natal (UKZN) through a merger of existing programmes in Media and Society; Social Work; Criminology; and Communication, Media and Society. As imagined, a merger of this magnitude has created a dynamic and intensely interdisciplinary school that sees experts from disparate fields cooperating on everything from research to curriculum development. Read the full profile here…

NORWICH UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS
Norwich University of the Arts (NUA) is coming off a great year in 2012, when it was ranked by the Guardian University Guide as the top specialist institute in the field of art, design and media. Backed with this calibre of recognition, there is no question that this is a leading contender for international students of the creative arts from anywhere on the planet. Read the full profile here…

THE UNIVERSITY OF BOLTON, SCHOOL OF ARTS, MEDIA AND EDUCATION
Rapid development and the introduction of new flagship courses make Bolton an exciting place to be enrolled. Over the past few years, millions of pounds worth of investment have produced new, cutting-edge facilities, with plans for more on the way. The university is also well-networked with schools abroad, including academic institutes in China, Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka. Read the full profile here…

UNIVERSITY OF WEST VIRGINIA – COLLEGE OF CREATIVE ARTS
The College of Creative Arts emphases art, music and theatre and dance. State-of-the-art facilities in the Creative Arts Center and world-renown faculty make this one of the leading places to explore the creative industries in the US. In fact, the U.S. News & World Report has ranked the CCA as the best place to earn an MFA in the US.

EDITH COWAN – FACULTY OF EDUCATION AND ARTS
Located in Perth, Edith Cowan University is a relatively young university that has soared up through international rankings in recent years. According to Times Higher Education, this is one of the world’s top 100 universities under 50 years old.

With five campuses spread across the Southeast England (Canterbury, Farnham, Rochester, Epsom and Maidstone), UCA has over 7,000 students enrolled. All five campuses are hubs of creativity and artistic talent attracting some of the most brilliant minds. For instance, UCA Epsom is most popular among students for its courses in art and design, fashion, graphics and journalism. The Maidstone campus attracts students for its courses in graphic design and illustration.

Pic: Students at UCA.

The university has shaped illustrious creative heads and has produced renowned celebrities and winners of prestigious awards. Star UCA alumni include fashion-designer Zandra Rhodes (who is also the Chancellor of UCA since May 2010), designer Karen Millen, animator Michaël Dudok de Wit and artist Tracey Emin.

The university is noted for its culture of creativity, high standards of teaching, interdisciplinary approach, state-of-the-art facilities and a wide range of courses. It offers numerous courses distributed evenly across its five campuses, which regularly score well in student satisfaction in the National Student Surveys. Fine arts, crafts, architecture, interiors, journalism, advertising, animation, photography, filmmaking—you name it, UCA offers it.

Pathway courses
UCA pathway courses are a primary draw card for students from Asia. These cater to students who need to develop their English language skills before enrolling in a degree programme. At the same time, students can also gain academic credentials needed to study in the UK at their chosen level, while developing a portfolio and improving their practical skills.

These are two of the most popular pathway courses at UCA:

International Foundation in Art & Design
This course is ideally suited for international students who want to the lay the foundation for an academic career in undergraduate art and design study. While enrolled, students develop their academic skills, contextual awareness and practical skills, paving the way to a successful undergraduate experience.

This course is delivered in five units spanning two or three terms, depending on the student’s course load: Reality and Representation; Experimentation, Process and Material; Experimental Research, Ideas and Methods; Portfolio and Progression; and a Major Project.

Graduate Diploma: Art & Design
This course targets students with prior knowledge of a creative arts field, providing them with opportunity to explore and develop their own skills while challenging the status quo within specialist field of study. International students who would like to pursue graduate credentials in the UK can successfully make that transition through this programme.

This is an intensive course, but there is plenty of flexibility built into it. Students develop and strengthen their subject focus, or they can begin a specialisation shift by developing new portfolio materials. This is accomplished, in part, through a high level of student-tutor interaction.

The course spans three phases: Research and Visualisation (10 weeks), Specialist Focus and Evaluation (10 weeks) and a Final Major Project (10 weeks). Two English language units are also integrated into the course, through which students improve their English language level by 1.0 on the IELTS scale and develop vocabulary specific to the art and design fields.

Further academic offerings
UCA also offers pre-degree, undergraduate and postgraduate courses in 14 subject areas of the creative industries. Here are a few details of the courses on offer:

Pre-Degree Courses
The Pre-Degree Courses at UCA provide students with the chance to explore the subjects before making any long-term decisions. UCA’s pre-degree courses cover Art, Design and Media, introducing students to the beautiful and colourful worlds of fine arts, 3D, animation, filmmaking, fashion and more. These diplomas courses help students build a foundation and decide where their talents and their ambitions lie.

BA (Hons) Courses
A minimum of three years in duration, these undergraduate courses cover a vast range of creative subjects with a keen focus on producing professional and highly employable graduates. A few courses, such a Graphic Media, Broadcast Media and Hand Embroidery, require one additional year of study. The employability rate of its students is very high and many of the courses are right up there in the National Student Satisfaction Survey.

Masters Courses
Postgraduate degrees are offered at four of the five campuses: Canterbury, Epsom, Rochester and Farnham. The masters taught courses in fine arts, design, media etc. require students to learn through project-based learning. Students are encouraged to choose a topic and then develop it the way they would if they were a professional. Degrees offered are MA, PG certificates, Grad Dip and MFA. An MBA degree in Creative Industries Management is also available at UCA Rochester.

Research
MPhil courses (2 years in duration) and PhDs (3 years) are available for all those who wish to further explore the areas of creative industries in depth. Both specialist and interdisciplinary approaches to research are welcomed by the university. As a research student studying in UCA you will be required to develop an idea in your chosen field and do independent research on it. Students are encouraged to attend research seminars on fine arts and avail of opportunities to interact with the leaders in the field. They are exposed to various contemporary and classic points of view at various lectures.

An international community
UCA is home to a diverse and vibrant international student community. Creative industries in the UK are booming and students from across Asia are keen to tap into these opportunities, while taking advantage of the innovative approach to teaching and learning to be found at UCA.

As you would expect from a top UK university, UCA helps its international students every step of the way, from basic orientation and finding accommodation to looking for and securing employment after graduation. International Student Advisors are on hand throughout the UCA experience to help with all manners of queries and problems.

Pic: UCA.

UCA has representatives and holds exhibitions right across Asia were students can find out all they need know about studying in the UK. Click here to find out what UCA does in your country.

World-class facilities
The university offers extensive resources to encourage learning in every possible way. It offers industry-standard equipment such as the Gerber Suite for fashion pattern cutting, darkrooms and studios for photography, workshops for ceramics and glass, hi-tech computers with the latest software for animation and design, and TV studios for broadcast journalism, to name just a few.

The university library gives access to over 250,000 books in print and electronic forms. It also nests a collection of over 12,000 journals and 30,000 video and DVDs to assist the learning process. Computer suites are available for students to do coursework and research on projects and assignments.

The campus galleries regularly display the creative outputs of the students as well as hosting exhibitions of various artists to inspire students.

Overseas students have the facility of living on campus. The university offers the choice of 11 residence halls sprinkled across the five campuses. University managed flats and houses are also available for students.

You can connect with UCA on Facebook and Twitter

Given the prestige of a DJCAD art degree and the quality of instruction at the University of Dundee, graduates routinely go on to greatness. Some have become Turner Prize nominees (including one winner); others have been hired as illustrators for magazines and newspapers such as New York Times or art directors for major television programmes such as HBO’s Game of Thrones. Apple, MTV, Jessie J, Ferrari and dozens of other high-profile employers also recruit DJCAD graduates.

Pic: Fashion design at DJCAD.

The attraction to a DJCAD degree holder is easy to understand. DJCAD students have won more London New Designers exhibition awards than those of any other university in the UK. Furthermore, the art school enjoys high national and international rankings – first in Scotland for art and design research (latest Research Assessment Exercise); best art and design institute in Scotland for course satisfaction (Guardian University Guide); and best art and design institute in Scotland for postgraduate student/staff ratio (Guardian postgraduate subject tables). The list goes on.

Academics
DJCAD offers a comprehensive list of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The following are among the major areas of study on offer:

Animation
Covers 2D and 3D approaches with access to rostrum cameras, a green screen visual effects studio and Maya labs.

Art , Philosophy and Contemporary Practices
Fine art focus with a heavy backing of art philosophy

Digital Interaction Design
Cultivates technical expertise and high aesthetic tastes in graduates

Fine Art
A traditional programme that combines lectures, workshops, critiques and seminars

Pic: Art studio at DJCAD.

General Foundation
A one-year pathway course to future specialization

Graphic Design
Teaches students to communicate ideas through visual media

Illustration
Focuses on authorship, creativity and interpretation through commercial avenues

Interior Environmental Design
Explores spatial contexts in an open studio environment

Pic: Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design.

Jewelry and Metal Design
Covers everything from cutting-edge laser processes to traditional metalwork practices

Product Design
Award-winning programme exploring smart, ergonomic design theory and practice

Textile Design
Applies textile design in a consumer context

Time Based Art and Digital Film
Unique, interdisciplinary programme that brings together photography, sound design, film, web art, interactive media, performance art and sonic art

Connect with DJCAD via Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

NUA opened nearly 170 years ago in Eastern England. It hosts a small creative community of 2,000 students, each of whom receives a high degree of personalised instruction and enjoys access to world-class facilities. The university campus is a haven for creative expression, while the city of Norwich is itself an attractive hub of inspiration in which students can develop their artistic voice.

Pic: Norwich University illustration studio.

A world-class campus
NUA campus comprises seven buildings that stand around St George’s Street, a pedestrian avenue with a variety of bars, cafés and leafy courtyards. The campus, with its eclectic fusion of old and new architecture is an inspiration in itself.

However, the facilities are one of the most predominant factors that set NUA apart from the competition. The library alone is spectacular, rated best in the sector through a recent National Student Survey. It collects more than 400 journal and periodical subscriptions in addition to 33,000 books and hundreds of DVDs.

But that’s only the beginning of NUA’s campus offerings. The university’s state-of-the-art workshops and studios are open to all students that have gone through the induction process. This creates ample opportunity for cross-over studies and multimedia projects.

Pic: Norwich University media lab.

Academics
The following are the major postgraduate degrees offered at NUA:

MA Communication Design
An industry-focused course that trains up leaders for the international design community

MA Curation
Leading practitioners instruct students through workshops, industry lectures and collaborative projects

MA Fine Art
Offers a traditional Fine Art education that can be tailored to a wide range of specialisations and involves challenging projects

MA Fashion
Fosters creativity while laying the necessary skills foundation to cultivate technical excellence and achieve critical acclaim

Pic: Norwich University illustration studio.

MA Moving Image and Sound
Includes possible specialisation tracks in motion graphics, narrative development, CGI 3D animation and character development for games

MA Textile Design
Covers digital, printed or constructed textiles and focuses on traditional crafts

MA Photography
Explores several channels, including photography for editorial, advertising and fashion purposes

Find out more about Norwich University of the Arts through Facebook and Twitter. 

Rapid development and the introduction of new flagship courses make this an exciting place to be enrolled. Over the past few years, millions of pounds worth of investment have produced new, cutting-edge facilities, with plans for more on the way. The university is also well-networked with schools abroad, including academic institutes in China, Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka.

Pic: Art show at the University of Bolton.

School of Arts, Media and Education
Students enrolled through the School of Arts, Media and Education spend a great deal of time in the £10 million purpose-built Art, Design & Media facility. Cutting-edge studios, work placement opportunities and academic staff with strong professional backgrounds converge on one of England’s more competitive value-for-money educations.

The university’s teaching quality consistently wins top-level ratings from the government’s quality control agency. And with so many international connections, Bolton has the power to send students to all corners of the world through exchange and work study programmes.   Creative industries students have recently enjoyed overseas visits to Tokyo, Toronto, Florence and New York.

A strong sense of momentum propels Bolton. Unistats attributes a student satisfaction rating above 90 percent to the School of Arts, Media and Education. Given the amount of funding driving the University of Bolton as well as the fact that graduates enjoy above-average salaries, it comes as no surprise that students are pleased. In short, ‘Bolton’ is a powerful headline for a 21^st-century degree.

Pic: Students at the University of Bolton.

Fine Arts
A traditional fine arts degree with a practice-led approach, this course focuses on studio experience and includes ample opportunity for public exhibition.

Graphic Design
Students work with the latest software and gain industry experience by working for off-campus clients on real projects.

Interior Design
As part of this course, students are invited to participate in paid live projects through which they gain build industry experience and a portfolio.

Media, Writing and Production
Students learn to produce top-quality scripts and programmes in a professional context.

Photography
Students craft an individual plan for their course of study and work in recently updated studios.

Textile / Surface Design
This is a diverse programme encompassing digital design, ceramics, fabrics and a variety of other media.

Connect with the University of Bolton and learn more through Facebook and Twitter                                 . 

The School of Applied Human Sciences actually covers four major subject areas: Social Work; Psychology, Criminology and Forensic Studies; and Communication Media and Society. Coursework relevant to Asian students pursuing a degree in the creative industries is hosted under the latter.

Pic: University of KwaZulu-Natal PMB.

For Asian students who are interested exploring a creative field, the coursework available at UKZN may be of special interest. To begin with, South Africa is one of the Western nations included in BRICS, a multinational trade alliance that includes China and India. But perhaps most importantly, the university’s Centre for Communication, Media and Society brings a variety of compelling issues and social causes together under one roof. The school is as concerned with social justice and human rights as it is with harnessing the expressive power of media across multiple channels.

The Centre for Communication, Media and Society (CCMS)
The Centre for Communication, Media and Society is a South African leader in graduate research media studies, though it offers modules at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels (honours, masters and PhD).

CCMS has been in operation for several decades. It opened in 1976 after the Soweto Uprising, a series of student protests staged at secondary schools across South Africa. The centre’s original objective was to establish and improve upon strategies for cultural resistance that could be used to face down Apartheid and other systems of social oppression.

Today, CCMS serves a much broader purpose. The coursework offered through the centre is necessarily interdisciplinary, drawing upon work and research carried out in the faculties of Social Science, Architecture and Education, General Science and the Humanities.

Pic: University of KwaZulu-Natal.

The centre receives international acclaim. For example, Dr. Richard Collins, the head of education of the British Film Institute, praised CCMS for being:

…unique for scholars and policy makers. The programme combines extensive expertise of acknowledged international standard on all aspects of cultural and media policy with up-to-date awareness of regional issues.

To learn more about Kwazulu-Natal’s creative industries programs, get connected via the CCMS Facebook page and the university Twitter page.

It is New Year’s Day in Burma. For the annual thingyan festival the streets have been wild with water spraying and drenched revellers. Just weeks ago an anti-Muslim killing spree was ravaging the streets of Meikhtila, and had begun to spread around the country. Many are breathing a sigh of relief that the increasingly boozy annual street festivities did not result in a resurgence of violent behaviour. But U Win Tin, 84-year-old co-founder of Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) party back in 1988 reflects on the recent violence and on the country’s future prospects with foreboding.

Win Tin. Pic: AP.

U Win Tin was a political prisoner under the Burmese military junta for almost 20 years. He was kept in solitary confinement, tortured repeatedly, had all his lower teeth kicked out and was denied dentures, was sent to live in the ‘dog house’ with no family visits for seven months, and was refused pen, paper and reading material. In the face of all that, he managed to make his own writing materials to compose poetry, smuggled in a radio and produced a secret prison news bulletin. He even coordinated corruptible prison officers to compile a report on human rights violations in prisons, which he smuggled out to the UN.

Before his imprisonment he was an eminent journalist, founder of a daily newspaper and an independent press council, and he spearheaded the political activism amidst which the NLD was founded. On the day of his release from prison he went straight back into active politics, and last year he set up the U Win Tin Foundation to support continuing political prisoners. He knows perhaps better than anyone the importance of democracy, human rights and the rule of law for Burma and the perils of military rule. He also knows the signs of the underhand tactics of military men who still have a grip on power in the country.

The recent religious violence has been ugly. It has been ugly not only because of the large number of people killed and houses burned, and the thousands of internally displaced people that have resulted, but also because of the vehement anti-Muslim hate speech that has been spreading all over the country through a ‘969’ campaign.  This campaign has been propagated through the preaching of a handful of radical Buddhist monks, the distribution of ‘969’ posters accompanied by directives not to shop in Muslim shops or to go out with Muslim girls, and a persistent campaign on Facebook, involving the posting of inflammatory pictures, alongside text painting Muslims as evil and violent.

Smoke billows from a burning mosque following ethnic unrest between Buddhists and Muslims in Meikhtila in March. Pic: AP.

U Win Tin told me that the origin of the violence and the 969 campaign is complex, but one thing is clear: “provocateur elements are at work”. The violence, he said, has “three elements” to it. The first element is a few extremist Muslims. The second element is a number of extremist Buddhists, notably led by two influential monks – Wirathu and Shwe Nya Wa. The third element is a group of “political extremists”. He says that the identity of these people is not yet known, but all hands are pointing to military men. They may be “government officials”, or “military intelligence officers”, or the “former clique of Than Shwe” – the country’s former military dictator, who is still widely believed to wield influence over his appointee, the current president, Thein Sein. He reminded me that “even Thein Sein is a former military leader”, and that “all his cronies and friends are ex-army men”.

What evidence points to government involvement? U Win Tin told me that at the time of the violence, around “one hundred motorcycles rode to the scene for over 70 miles, when the lighting was cut off in the area around the route, and telephone lines had been disconnected. There was no police to stop them. And they knew where all the Muslims lived – when they got there they had a list of their addresses. So there must have been some contact with the government.”

I asked him why the government would have wanted to engineer violence of this kind at this time. He said that it is “connected with the conflict in Rakhine state”, and it “may be about proving the dominance and need for the military” at a time when democratic reforms appear to be progressing. He told me that in one Burmese journal, they quoted an old woman on the street, who was found crying. When asked her views, she said: “Than Shwe, if you want to take power again please just take it, and stop these killings!” This, he said, “is how the people are reacting”.

(READ MORE: Rohingya flee as Burma tightens restrictions on Muslims)

I asked him his views about the Letpadaung copper mine protest and Aung San Suu Kyi’s role in it. This is another key incident which has overshadowed Burma over the past year, and it is representative of the country’s approach to development, human rights, and the rule of law, as well as Suu Kyi’s political leadership. Until now, U Win Tin has been an unflinching supporter of Aung San Suu Kyi, his party’s leader, but this incident has prompted him to criticize her publicly.

The Letpadaung mine is a major, 60-year project being developed by a Chinese company in partnership with the military government. It was opposed from the start by local rural farmers, hundreds of whom stand to lose their land and their livelihoods as a result of it – land which is fertile for agriculture and would be ruined for the foreseeable future by such a mine. At a peaceful protest at the site, supported by over a hundred monks, the police threw bombs at the protestors. The bombs caused fires and horrendous burns to hundreds of people, and proved to contain white phosphorous: an illegal chemical weapon by international standards. An independent report by two NGOs revealed that the Chinese company compelled rural workers to sign agreements, without having sight of the text, giving up their right to their land completely for minimal compensation to the value of their current crops, not even including the price of their land and future source of income. A large group of rural workers refused to sign anything. They requested permission to protest peacefully multiple times – a requirement of Burma’s restrictive law on public assembly – and were refused every time. When work on the mine started, they decided to protest peacefully. The response was a violent attack by the police, a public authority. Aung San Suu Kyi was made head of an investigative commission to look into the mine. The commission recently produced a report recommending that the mine go ahead as planned, with some additional compensation for rural landowners. It concluded that nobody could be held responsible for the police attack on peaceful protestors, and it failed to condemn the use of white phosphorous bombs as an abuse of human rights.

Aung San Suu Kyi speaks to monks who suffered burn injuries in the Letpadaung copper mine protest crackdown. Pic: AP.

U Win Tin said of this report: “I think Aung San Suu Kyi made a mistake by taking on this duty… in the first place. She has concluded that the project should continue. Her assumption is that if we disallow this company its project then international investors will not trust Burma in future. But this conclusion is only concerned with the prestige of Burmese state. The people cannot accept this. And they are asking for an apology for the use of the bomb. They say there must be someone who gave the order. But Aung San Suu Kyi said that nobody can be said to be responsible, and the situation was dealt with according to law. China has 36 other major projects lined up in Burma, along the Salween river and the Irrawaddy, as well as a major gas and oil pipeline for new access to the Indian Ocean. So in the coming years, if they continue to act like this, we have a problem. I have advised Aung San Suu Kyi that this matter is not settled. I do not think the project should go ahead yet. But she has agreed to it proceeding now. Because of this incident she has lost moral authority. Before, she was regarded like Ghandi or Mandela. She was so strong and she always worked for the people. But anyway, her political influence is still strong. Recently she visited Pihu division, went to the villages, and it was clear that the people there still love her.”

(READ MORE: Whitewashing the crackdown on Burmese protestors)

At the turn of the Burmese new year, as Aung San Suu Kyi continues to lead the NLD in the transition to democracy, she might do well to consider making two resolutions based on U Win Tin’s observations about Meikhtila and Letpadaung. One: do not trust a military government, even one disguised as a civilian government and making the right noises about democracy, and do not let them tar you with the brush that tars them. Two: remember that the rule of law, which you advocate for so vociferously, is based on respect for fundamental human rights, transparent actions of government, and the ability to hold government to account for human rights abuses.

More from this author…

In defence of the rule of law - Democratic Voice of Burma

Is Burma sliding back into censorship? - Free Speech Debate

About the author
Ellen Wiles is a British writer and barrister currently based in Burma where she has been advising on media law reform and rule of law, and researching literature and culture during censorship and transition. She tweets as @ellenwiles.