Gen A 2021

Preparing the Next Generation for the Asian Century

Gen A 2021

© Airam Dato-on on Unsplash.

The application deadline for the Gen A 2021 program has already passed. Be on the lookout for next year's program!

Asia matters. Period. In its mission to foster Asia competence, Asia Society Switzerland is aware of its responsibility to empower the next generation of Asia-engaged professionals. We offer the Gen A (short for: Generation Asia) 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. This one-year program will enable the next generation to engage with Asia on eye-level and build a community of young Asia-curious people in Switzerland.

Overview

Success Factors

In recent years, Asia's economies and people have become ever more intertwined with each other's markets and societies and those of the rest of the world. Some of those regions will probably never return to being growth motors for the global economy, some, one the other hand, are still determined to increasingly shape politics and global governance, some shine with their bright and creative minds that shape our culture for good. 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

  • 8 round tables, catered exclusively to Gen A fellows (on- and offline)
  • 3-part workshop throughout the year (offline, if possible)
  • Active participation in Asia Society Switzerland programs (attendance of a minimum of four public or members-only events/webcasts is required, participation at executive round tables upon opportunity)

Your Benefits

In this one-year program, you will

  • get direct 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 that is already shaping 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 in Asia, join us! The maximum number of participants is 20. 

To apply for Gen A 2021 send us a one page motivational letter and CV via online form here. 

Experts

Martin Frech

Martin Frech
Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Global eCommerce for DKSH

 

 

Fabienne Wassermann

Fabienne Wassermann
Head of Department, Bilateral economic relations Asia/Oceania, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO, Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research

 

Karin Wenger

Karin Wenger
SRF Correspondent in Southeast Asia

 

 

More experts to be announced soon.

Schedule for Gen A 2021

1 February 2021
Launch Event and Round Table #1,
with Adrian T. Keller and Eunice Zehnder-Lai

15 February
Workshop Part 1

8 March*
Round Table #2

12 April*
Round Table #3

10 May*
Round Table #4

7 June*
Round Table #5

5 July*
Workshop Part 2

6 September*
Round Table #6 with Fabienne Wassermann

4 October*
Round Table #7

8 November*
Round Table #8

29 November
Workshop Part 3

6 December
Graduation

*Tentative dates, may be subject to change. 
 

The first two dates are confirmed: the launch on Feb 1 (18:00-21:00), and the round table on Feb 15 (18:00-19:30).
Hopefully, these will take place live in Zurich.

The other dates (and weekdays) will depend on the availability of the experts. Most of the round tables are planned to take place online – as these experts will be residing in Asia at the time we – and often over lunch (12:00-13:00) due to the time difference.

Application

To apply for Gen A 2021 send us a one page motivational letter and CV via online form here by January 17th 2021.

The final candidates will be announced on January 25th 2021.

Contact

Serena Jung (sjung@asiasociety.org)
Program Manager

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Previous Programs

Gen A 2020

Gen A 2020

Gen A 2020 is the first iteration of Asia Society Switzerland's yearly guided program intended enable the next generation to engage with Asia on eye-level and build a community of young Asia-curious people.