Gen A 2020

Preparing the Next Generation for the Asian Century

Asia becomes ever more important, and with it the study of the region and related subjects. Asia Society Switzerland is aware of its responsibility to empower the Next Generation of Asia-engaged professionals. We offer the Gen A program to young professionals and advanced students in Switzerland. The program aims to deepen their knowledge of Asia-related issues, to provide the participants with the tools to interpret Asia’s development and to identify opportunities for a successful collaboration with Asia. With this goal in mind Asia Society Switzerland sets up this one-year program, which will enable the next generation to engage with Asia on eye-level and build a community of young Asia-curious people in Switzerland.

Success Factors

Asia matters to everyone, not just because of China, but because the economies and people become ever more intertwined with Western markets and societies. The region is a growth motor to the world economy, increasingly shapes politics and global governance, and creative minds from Asia shape our culture. Understanding the economic, political and cultural shifts in Asia is key to stay ahead, as well as to identify opportunities and potential threats. This program gives young professionals and advanced students the analytical tools to gain a deeper understanding of Asia.

Program Elements

4 Fireside Chats
4 pre-event Gen A Round Tables
5 Asia Society Switzerland events
1 final essay

Your Benefit

In this one-year program, you will

get access to high-level experts;
get in-depth insights on Asia that help you understand what is happening today;
build a network of like-minded peers;
get the ability to analyse and assess future developments on your own;
get free access to Asia Society Switzerland events;
receive a certificate confirming your engagement to understand Asian issues.

Requirements

The program is tailor-made for advanced students and young professionals who aspire to engage with Asia. Whether you want to do business in Asia, travel the region or just gain a better understanding of a region which will shape our future; this program will give you the tools and network to achieve your goals. If you have no more than three years of professional experience, are below 35 years of age and have a strong interest towards Asia, join us! The maximum number of participants is 20.

Experts

Martina Fuchs
TV Anchor, business journalist, event moderator and expert on Asia, China and the Middle East based in London and Zurich

Andries Diener
Partner at real estate firm Asia Green Real Estate and President of the Swiss-Chinese Association

Megha Rajagopalan
International correspondent (formerly China bureau chief) with BuzzFeed News and Asia Society Asia 21 Young Leader

Yoichi Kato
Senior research fellow at Asia Pacific Initiative in Tokyo and adjunct fellow with the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington D.C.

Ambassador Norbert Riedel
German Ambassador to Switzerland, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific of the Federal Foreign Office of Germany

Mulan Sun Buschor
Founder of SML Architektur ETH SIA and President of the Swiss-Chinese Chamber of Architects and Artists

René Meile
Partner at Galerie Urs Meile and responsible for all Asia-related business

More experts to be announced soon.

Schedule for Gen A 2020

Monday, March 2
Launch Event

Monday, March 9
Fireside Chat I

Tuesday, April 21
Round Table I

Monday, May 18
Round Table II

Monday, June 8
Fireside Chat II

Monday, September 7
Fireside Chat III

Sunday, November 15
Final Essay Due

Monday, December 7
Fireside Chat IV and Graduation

Dates for the Gen A Round Tables will be announced soon.

Application

Application process for Gen A 2020 ended.

The final candidates will be announced on January 31, 2020.

Stay tuned for Gen A 2021.

Contact

Désirée Meili
Project Manager of Asia Society Switzerland