Asia matters. In its mission to foster Asia Competence, Asia Society Switzerland is committed to empowering younger voices in the dialogue with Asia, recognizing youth as a key driver of Switzerland’s future success in the region. 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.

Gen A is a learning and leadership development platform for advanced students and young professionals. Application to the program is open to anyone living in Switzerland under the age of 35 with no more than three years of work experience. Gen A is designed to inform, inspire, and connect. Gen A fellows gain access to leading business, policy, trade, diversity, and cultural thinkers on Asia; join a network of peers who are passionate about Asia; and get the chance to lead projects and represent the network.

Program Elements and Requirements

• 6 roundtables catered exclusively to the Gen A fellows
• 1 half-day workshop
• Active participation in Asia Society Switzerland programs (attendance of a minimum of four public or members-only events/webcasts is required, participation at executive roundtables upon opportunity)
• Graduation project: In groups of 4-6 fellows, organize and execute a breakout session that is embedded (logistically and thematically) in a larger conference

Why You Should Become a Fellow

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 analyze 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
• get access to a growing network of successful Gen A alumni
• develop leadership skills and gain hands-on experience in relevant fields

Application

The program is designed for advanced students and young professionals who aspire to engage with Asia. Whether you want to do business in Asia, study a year abroad 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 25. 

The application period for Gen A 2021 has ended. The selected candidates will be announced on January 31.

Experts

Kaiser Kuo, host of the Sinica Podcast, a weekly discussion of current affairs in China. Former Director of International Communications for Baidu, and musician.

Elina Noor, Director, Political-Security Affairs and Deputy Director, Washington, D.C. Office at the Asia Society Policy Institute. Her work focuses on security developments in Southeast Asia, global governance and technology, and preventing/countering violent extremism.

Thomas Gutersohn is the SRF South Asia correspondent since 2016 and has been working for Radio SRF since 2008. He has traveled to the region of South Asia several times. Before, he had worked there as a journalist and spent six months as a media officer for an Indian NGO.

Kazu Huggler, Fashion Designer, artist, and founder of her own fashion label KAZU. She has repeatedly showcased her artistic and her couture creations in art museums in Japan and Switzerland, and studied in Tokyo, Zurich, and London. 

Michiel Haasbroek, former visiting academic research fellow at MERICS, expert in the Chinese financial sector, and Executive Board member for a Swiss private bank.

Kristin Höltge, Head of the Central Asia Desk at the OSCE Secretariat since 2017. Before, she served in Brussels as the Political Advisor to the EU Special Representative on Central Asia after completing an assignment as the Senior Field Representative of the OSCE mission in Kyrgyzstan.

Schedule for Gen A 2022

Application

The application period for Gen A 2021 has ended. The selected candidates will be announced on January 31.

Contact

Serena Jung ([email protected])

Director, Programs and Communication