Renowned Sri Lankan architect visits AUW
Chittagong, Bangladesh—December 5th 2011 - Anjalendran, one of Sri Lanka’s leading and influential architects visited the Asian University for Women (AUW) on December 5, 2011. The University is in the early stages of exploring a possible collaboration with Mr. Anjalendran in the making of its permanent campus, particularly for the design and construction of the student housing. The permanent campus which is currently under construction is situated in Pahartoli, six kilometers away from Chittagong city.
The celebrated architect spoke to students and staff of AUW about architecture, his life and works, at a special event organized by the University. Talking about his work Mr Anjalendran said, “For me, what matters more than the building itself, is what you see from the building. The building is always subservient to the view. This is the opposite of a western tradition where the building is the most important element in architecture”.
A student of the prolific and influential Geoffrey Bawa, Anjalendran's buildings are known for their simple elegance and beauty, modern spirit, and fusion of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural and historic traditions. His most significant work to date has been the series of projects he undertook for SOS Children’s Villages International in Sri Lanka over a period of fifteen years. This included orphanages, schools, retirement homes, and training centers. His works, especially the projects for SOS Children’s Villages, are known for the use of cheap, locally procured and sustainable material and minimal energy consumption.
Addressing the students at AUW, Mr. Anjalendran emphasized the importance of introspection, self-discovery and finding “one’s own truth”. He advised them to pursue what they truly believed in without compromising. “You have to discover your own truth. That is what will keep you steady wherever you go… If you are going to be leaders, you need to understand that whatever you are taught (in formal education) will only be a background and will definitely help you, but whatever you teach yourself will be the truth that will see u through.”
Talking about environment and preservation of trees, Mr. Anjalendran said he believes in avoiding cutting of trees and tries to find ways of constructing buildings close to or around trees thus incorporating existing trees into the design. This idea is best displayed in The House beneath the Banyan Tree, a house which he designed to fit around a mature banyan in such a way that the branches and tendrils of the tree almost touch the structure but the roots are isolated and protected from the foundations of the house.
He added that he was very pleased to be in a country where polythene bags were banned. “When I went to the grocery store earlier today, I was happy to see that my groceries were given to me in a muslin bag, rather than a plastic bag.”
The master plan of AUW’s permanent campus, which is spread over 140 acres, was completed by renowned Canadian architect Moshe Safdie. Moshe Safdie and Associates will also be designing the academic building of the new campus.
Also speaking at the event, AUW founder and Acting Vice-Chancellor Mr. Kamal Ahmad said: “When it comes to student housing, we want a home for our students which would be aesthetically pleasing and delightful but also one that would have its own cheerfulness. In that search, we found Geoffrey Bawa first, and then of course in the context of Bawa’s work, the legacy that Anjalendran has built became very appealing.”
Mr. Ahmad added that “what appeals to us in Anjalendran’s work is that it represents our heritage and speaks to the conditions of this region. That’s the dream that brings Anjalendran here and we are very hopeful that this visit and these interactions will lead to something transformative in the life of AUW. We hope to have a campus which will carry the best traditions of the West as exemplified by Moshe Safdie’s work, but also not shortchanging our own tradition in ways of living and doing things”.
Anjalendran is highly regarded as a teacher and has lectured widely in India and Pakistan as well as in Sri Lanka. He has decades of teaching and designing experience which have bestowed him with gold medals, awards, and international honor and respect. He has won four SLIA Design Awards and has been a recipient of the Herman Gmeiner Silver Medal for work executed for SOS Kinderdorf International. He was also the winner of the South Asian Architecture Commendation Award for the SOS Children's Village, Anuradhapura. More recently, in October 2011, he won the ‘Golden award for global contribution to architecture,’ an award conferred jointly by leading architecture journal Architecture+Design, and Spectrum Foundation.
Chittagong, Bangladesh—February 21, 2011—The Asian University for Women (AUW) is pleased to announce that the Kuwait Awqaf Public Foundation (KAPF) has pledged to support the construction of an amphitheater and library in AUW’s new Campus Center with a donation of USD $550,000. The Campus Center serves as the first, multipurpose academic building of AUW’s new campus, and will be located on a site consisting of 130 acres outside the port city of Chittagong. Construction on the campus site began in November, 2010.
Mr. Mohammad A. Al Jalahma, the Deputy Secretary General of KAPF, traveled to Bangladesh during the Asian University for Women’s recent international symposium, "Imagining Another Future for Asia: Ideas and Pathways for Change," to sign a letter of agreement with AUW Founder and Acting Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Kamal Ahmad. The symposium brought experts from around the world to Dhaka to discuss the challenges confronting Asia.
Mr. Al Jalahma noted that KAPF is eager to support the Asian University for Women to meet KAPF’s goals of "easing the burden of needy students through granting scholarships. This is expected to raise the profile of women and enable them to play a positive role."
Mr. Al Jalahma is already well-acquainted with the Asian University for Women. He attended an AUW gala event in Kuwait in January, 2010 that was hosted by Mrs. Lulwa Al-Mulla, noted Kuwaiti women’s rights activist and recipient of AUW’s 2011 Award for Outstanding Contribution to Women’s Rights, with chief guest Mrs. Cherie Blair, AUW Chancellor and leading human rights lawyer, and Tony Blair, the former British Prime Minister, also in attendance. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Al Jalahma traveled to Chittagong to see the University firsthand.
An AUW delegation consisting of Mrs. Cherie Blair, Mr. Kamal Ahmad, and Mrs. Lulwa Al Mulla also recently met with the Prime Minister of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, to present a request for Kuwaiti support in the establishment of a math, science and engineering centre at AUW. In recalling the long-standing association between Bangladesh and Kuwait, the Kuwaiti Prime Minister spoke of his close relationship with the Bangladesh Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, and mentioned that Bongabandu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had been like a father to His Highness the Emir. He assured the AUW delegation that the Asian University for Women had Kuwait’s full support.
Washington, D.C. — February 27, 2011 — The Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam His Excellency H.E. Mr. Dato Paduka Haji Yusoff Haji Abdul Hamid handed over today a cheque for 500,000 Brunei dollars (USD $379,477.84) to Mrs. Janet Montag, the Chair of the Fundraising Committee of the Board of the Asian University for Women Support Foundation. The Bangladesh Embassy staff was also present at the simple but highly dignified hand-over ceremony.
Mrs. Montag gratefully acknowledged the support for AUW from the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. She recalled with great appreciation that when former Malaysian Prime Minister, Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad, first brought the Asian University for Women to the attention of His Majesty, asserting that “I believe by focusing on the highest quality of education for a group whose talents have not been easily recognized and creating avenues for wide regional networking, the Asian University for Women could make a difference,” His Majesty instantly recognized the power of the AUW model, and responded, "I much appreciate the initiative and assure you that Brunei Darussalam will support it in whatever way we can.”
Mrs. Montag also noted that two students and one faculty member from Brunei's Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali participated in the recent AUW symposium on Imagining Another Future for Asia: Ideas and Pathways for Change, as an indicator of how the Asian University for Women has already opened a channel for dialogue between young people in South Asia and those in South East Asia. Also present at the AUW conference was Her Excellency Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah, the First Lady of Malaysia, whose keynote address on the importance of women’s education—not only in Malaysia and Bangladesh but across the region—highlighted the significant role of AUW in fostering regional connections.
Blair recognized for international advocacy of women’s education
Dhaka, Bangladesh – January 25, 2011 – The Asian University for Women (AUW) is pleased to announce the appointment of Cherie Blair, a leading international lawyer and human rights advocate and the wife of the former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, as the first Chancellor of the three-year old University. Kamal Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer of AUW, made the announcement during the opening proceedings of the three-day international symposium entitled “Imagining Another Future for Asia: Ideas and Pathways for Change” in Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 20-22, 2011.
"Cherie Blair’s staunch support for women’s rights throughout the world presents her as an ideal candidate for this position," said Kamal Ahmad. "Her leadership at the Asian University for Women will ensure that this institution will continue to thrive, and she will serve as a role model for all the girls that pass through our halls."
As Chancellor of the University, Mrs. Blair will serve as the titular head of the institution and is expected to play a significant role as an international advocate for the university and women’s education, in addition to officiating in commencement proceedings. Unanimously elected by the University’s International Support Committee, co-chaired by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Lone Dybkjaer, a Member of Parliament and the former Minister of Environment in Denmark, Mrs. Blair has been officially recognized as the face of the University for years to come. Other members of the Support Committee include Koichiro Matsuura, former Director-General, UNESCO; Mamphela Ramphele, former Managing Director of the World Bank; George Soros, noted hedge fund manager and philanthropist; Donald Johnston, former Secretary-General of Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and former Attorney-General, Government of Canada; Madame Kang Kum-Sil, former Minister of Justice in the Republic of Korea; Rasha Al-Sabah, Under Secretary for Higher Education, Kuwait; Jack Meyer, prominent hedge fund manager and former President of the Harvard School Management Company; Sang Chung, former Prime Minister of South Korea-designate and former President of Ewha Woman’s University in South Korea.
AUW’s unique charter ratified under an Act of the Parliament makes it wholly institutionally autonomous and academically independent. The charter provides that the Chancellor is elected independently (as opposed to being designated as an ex-officio function).
Since the University’s founding in 2008, Mrs. Blair has been actively involved in the development of AUW and has campaigned globally on behalf of the University in places such as Qatar, Hong Kong, and Kuwait. As the appointed Chancellor, she will continue to utilize her time and energy to raise awareness about AUW. Prior to her involvement with AUW, Mrs. Blair was already heavily involved with Bangladesh in her capacity as a legal advocate for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her house arrest.
Prime Minister Hasina warmly welcomed the appointment. "We hope that she will decide to come back to Bangladesh often in her role as Chancellor," she said.
In January 2010, Mrs. Blair conferred fellowships to ten outstanding students at AUW that had demonstrated superior academic ability and outstanding leadership skills. The fellowships, created through a partnership with the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, were awarded to students who exhibit outstanding leadership abilities.
"I fight, personally and professionally, for women’s equality because I passionately believe it is a fundamental matter of principle and justice," said Mrs. Blair. "It is clear that AUW’s trail-blazing graduates will provide young women across the region with much-needed examples of leadership, raising ambitions to help unlock more potential."
Award Conferred for Al-Mulla’s Unremitting Efforts for the Advancement of Women’s Rights
Dhaka, Bangladesh – January 25, 2011 – The Asian University for Women (AUW) has awarded Mrs. Lulwa Al-Mulla the 2011 AUW Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Advancement of Women’s Rights. Conferred by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina, the award recognizes Mrs. Al-Mulla as a human rights activist that has forged a pioneering path to end the denial of suffrage and bring an equal system of constitutional and social rights to women in Kuwait.
At the opening ceremony for AUW’s three-day international symposium entitled "Imagining Another Future for Asia: Ideas and Pathways for Change" in Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 20-22, 2011, founder and acting Vice-Chancellor of AUW Kamal Ahmad thanked Mrs. Al-Mulla for her "life’s work to speak and work on behalf of the voiceless and the disempowered in many parts of the world. While others may have been inhibited to take action, you have always managed to muster the courage to fight for what you considered to be just."
"Faced with an archaic system that denied women’s right to vote, you and your fellow campaigners camped outside the tents where male politicians had gathered, staged protests in the streets, and even brought your battle to the courts, where you served as the named plaintiff in the first lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Kuwaiti Election law,” read the official citation of her award.
Mrs. Al-Mulla’s campaign culminated in the right for women to vote in Kuwait in 2005 and she has since dedicated her efforts to educating women about the Kuwaiti political system and training them to become elected members of parliament.
In her position as Secretary General of the Kuwait-based non-governmental organization "Women Cultural and Social Society," which she has held since 1992, Mrs. Al-Mulla has founded numerous health and social programs aimed at improving the quality of life for Kuwaiti women. In addition, Mrs. Al-Mulla has been actively involved in the Palestinian Cause and is the co-founder and President of the Kuwaitis for Jerusalem Committee.
Past recipients of the Asian University for Women Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Advancement of Women’s Rights have included Kathy Matsui, head of Economics, Commodities, and Strategy Research in Asia, chief Japan equity strategist and the co-head of Asia Investment Research for Goldman Sachs, who authored the term "womeneconomics" to signify the loss of economic welfare due to discrimination against women.
The Asian University for Women in Chittagong will celebrate its second graduation of students from its Access Academy at the Chittagong Club Auditorium on Saturday, July 17. 137 students drawn from twelve countries -- Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Palestine, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Bhutan, China, and Myanmar -- will be awarded their graduation degree in recognition of successfully completing this year-long preparatory program for entrance into the university. The students, who are all residents at the University, have pursued an intense program of study in English, math, computers and critical thinking skills in the course of the program.
The Honorable Foreign Minister Dr. Dipu Moni, who also serves as the Chairman of the AUW Bangladesh Board of Advisors, will attend as Chief Guest, while the Honorable State Minister for Enviorment Dr. Hasan Mahmud will speak as a special guest.
Reflecting on her year at AUW, Parwana Fayyaz, a student from Afghanistan, commented: “AUW is my house of hope, garden of my wisdom, and a shelter for my future. AUW means my inner world and it is a wonderful, colorful, and a blissful world.” Another student, Sangji Zhuoma from the People’s Republic of China said, “AUW--a new rising star in Asia, a starting line to future leaders, a symbol of freedom.”
Media Inquiries:
Zareen Nisam Sheikh Tel: +88 01730035628 zareen.sheikh@auw.edu.bd zareenctg@yahoo.com
Chittagong, Bangladesh—June 16, 2010—The Asian University for Women announces the appointment of Dr. Ashok Keshari, currently a Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi as its new Dean of Math, Science, and Engineering. A recognized expert in the field of environmental engineering, Dr. Keshari brings to AUW a strong academic background as a teacher and a scholar and a talent for building new academic programs.
Bonnie Shnayerson (U.S./International)
Tel: +1 617 914 0517
Fax: +1 617 354 0287
bonnie.shnayerson@asian-university.org
Zareen Nizam (Bangladesh)
Tel: +88 0171 184 1036
Fax: +88 031 285 4999
zareen.sheikh@auw.edu.bd
March 15,2010--The Asian University for Women will host a special screening of the award winning film, Time for School, to address the growing need for better employment and education of women in Asia.
The Yamano School in Yoyogi welcomes award winning film maker Tamara Rosenberg to help raise funds to educate more women in the region.
A similar event held last year raised over 24 million yen, which covered tuition, room, board, books and travel for a full year at the University for 25 students. Kathy Matsui, Co-Chair of the Friends of AUW Japan Support Committee, said, “We are delighted to have Tamara in Japan to present her award-winning documentary and support the efforts of AUW to increase opportunities in higher education for women in South and South East Asia.”
Time for School follows the lives of school children in different regions around the world over a 12-year period. Tamara Rosenberg, the producer of the award-winning PBS documentary, said, “It’s time we recognize the importance of education to women and the impact this has on the economy. AUW does just that with its innovation and rigorous curriculum.”
Ms. Rosenberg will also speak on the global role of education, and the mission of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals to have primary and secondary education available to all children by 2015. Two students currently enrolled at Asian University for Women will also speak about their own educational paths which brought them to AUW.
The screening is open to the public. A minimum donation of 5,000 yen is suggested to support AUW’s fund raising efforts. Advance payment can be made online ahead of the event, or directly at the event.
For further information please visit www.asian-university.org
Date: Thursday, April 15, 2010
Venue: Yamano School in Yoyogi
1-53-1 Yoyogi
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3379-0111
Access map: http://www.yamano-bc.jp/access.html
Schedule:
17:00 Press conference begins (reception opens 16:30)
18:00 Press conference ends; doors open
18:30 Guests seated; welcome remarks and introduction/remarks by Tamara Rosenberg
18:45 Film starts
20:15 Film ends; introduction of AUW students; students speak; Q&A
20:45 AUW Support Committee
21:00 End formal program; Dessert Reception
22:00 Event ends
Media Contact: Richard Liistro COSMO PR +81-3-5561-2915 |
AUW Contact: Katsuki Sakai / Kathy Matsui Friends of AUW Japan Support Committee Katsuki.Sakai@asian-university.org +81-3-6437-9950 |
Chittagong, Bangladesh—January 6, 2010-Cherie Blair, a leading international lawyer and human rights advocate and wife of the former British Prime Minister Tony Blair will arrive in Dhaka on a four-day visit on Friday, January 8 to launch the Cherie Blair Fellowships at the Asian University for Women in Chittagong where she is a Patron.
While in Bangladesh Mrs. Blair will call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to discuss matters relating to the Asian University for Women. Foreign Minister Dr. Dipu Moni will host a dinner in her honour at the State Guest House where many eminent citizens of the city are expected. She will also meet with the Education Minister and the State Minister for the Environment on issues relating to the University. The British High Commissioner to Bangladesh will also host a dinner in her honour.
Mrs. Blair will visit Chittagong on Saturday, January 9 to speak to the 300 students of the Asian University for Women and confer Cherie Blair Fellowships to 10 outstanding students who have demonstrated superior academic ability and outstanding leadership skills. Following the announcement of the awards she will meet the Cherie Blair Fellows for a lunch.
The Mayor of Chittagong will be hosting a public reception in her honour and a dinner where the Mayor will present a key to the City of Chittagong to the distinguished visitor.
Mrs. Blair will give a public lecture at the Supreme Court Auditorium in Dhaka on "The Human Rights Imperative of Law" under the joint sponsorship of the Asian University for Women and the Bar Council of the Supreme Court.
It may be noted that Mrs. Blair has been an ardent campaigner for the Asian University for Women globally. Last year she was in Hong Kong, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Brunei to rally support for the University. She is the featured speaker at a special event in support of AUW that will be held in Kuwait on January 31 under the sponsorship of AUW Kuwait Support Committee.
Bangla: Zareen Nizam |
English: Katsuki Sakai |
Inaugural Class of Students From Six Countries Prepare for Historic Milestone
Chittagong, Bangladesh—July 6, 2009— The Asian University for Women (AUW), a new, independent institution of higher learning, is holding the Access Academy's first Convocation Ceremony this July 8, 2009, at Chittagong’s Hotel Peninsula. The Access Academy convocation will put in place a set of new rites that evoke the host country's cultural heritage while giving the students and faculty a sense of achievement.
In a mere fifteen months, the pioneering class of AUW's Access Academy has experienced a world of change. These one hundred and twenty-nine women from the developing countries of Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, have had the rare opportunity to leap over the obstacles (among them war, poverty, early marriage and gender discrimination) that often limit a woman’s opportunities for getting a college education, a professional career, or the means to contribute to the social and economic development of the region.
At the Access Academy, the university's pre-collegiate bridge program, the students polished their English, math and computer skills while coping with homesickness and adjusting to the religious and cultural differences of their peers. These students, who were recruited for their outstanding academic ability and willingness to bring about social change, have flourished. The graduating class includes several budding public speakers, microfinance practitioners, martial artists, journalists, documentarians, professors and social workers.
"[The] journey of [AUW’s] Access Academy is an amazing experience as it provides a lot of opportunities to acquire knowledge. Apart from experiencing a decent life with the students of different cultures, I've learned more about our practical lives from a group of dedicated teachers and staff,” said Shumana Chowdhury, Access Academy student from Bangladesh. “AUW with its mission of changing young women's fate in Asia, helps me to broaden my perspective about the world by applying different sorts of educational strategies. I have learned many valuable lessons about myself and the world here," Ms. Chowdhury added.
“AUW can bring me education to reach the real world which is bright, brilliant and beautiful. AUW is the highway that I have to go straight forward to seek who I am. Being here, I am frustrated and eager to get [an] education, excited by the different cultures, proud of having great deans and brilliant professors and wonderful instructors who work hard and sacrifice for AUW and the students,” said Sorya Seang, AA student from Cambodia. “Now, I am a different person, I can see two different worlds—from where I used to live and where I am in the present—I am a knowledgeable person,” Ms. Seang added.
This inaugural class of remarkable young women will begin their undergraduate studies alongside 35 new students at the Asian University for Women this following August.
“These students are well-prepared for AUW’s rigorous liberal arts curriculum, which trains young leaders by emphasizing experiential learning and problem-solving real world issues,” said Dr. Hoon Eng Khoo, Provost and Acting Vice Chancellor. “It would be an understatement to say that we are proud of them. We feel incredibly privileged to have accompanied them on their journey and invite you to share this milestone with them. AUW is also very grateful to their dedicated teachers who have helped make our students’ remarkable progress possible,” Dr. Khoo added.
Bangla:
Zareen Nizam
Tel: +88 01711841036
Fax:+88 031 2854999
zareenctg@yahoo.com
Strong support from Japanese business for new women's university in Bangladesh
Cambridge, Massachusetts—June 15, 2009— The Asian University for Women (AUW) presented a film screening of Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s award-winning documentary “Lifting the Veil” in Tokyo, Japan, last May 28th. The event was attended by over three hundred guests.
The itinerary for the evening included an introduction to the university by the co-chairs of AUW's Japan Support Committee, Kathy Matsui and Kathy Pike. Filmmaker Sharmeen Obaird-Chinoy then addressed the impact that higher education for women makes in this region. This was followed by a passionate testimonial from Azmina Karim, a student at the university's preparatory program, the Access Academy (AA).
Demonstrating her new English vocabulary, Karim said, "In South Asian countries women find their identity by attaching someone's name with them and they also think women's identity lies on being someone's wife or mother. Unfortunately, I was not different from these women. Before coming here, my world was small … After seeing my teachers, I wanted to work like them and thus I have joined the community service club of AA where I go to teach slum children in Usho school."
AUW is pleased to report that the proceeds from that evening, together with generous contributions from individuals, will support ten one-year scholarships. It is the goal of the university to raise funds to provide twenty-five one-year scholarships by the end of the year.
"We would like to thank our supporters and invite them to visit the AUW website or contact us directly. We are thrilled to welcome new support and participation,” said Kathy M. Pike, PhD, Professor of Psychology & Assistant Dean for Research, Temple University Japan Campus.
"The generosity of our support base in Japan has provided talented young women from across South and Southeast Asia with an unparalleled opportunity to pursue a world-class education and, in turn, gain the skills and resources necessary to become capable, dynamic, and innovative leaders in their communities,” added Kathy Matsui, Managing Director and Chief Japan Strategist; Co-Director of Pan Asian Investment Research, Goldman Sachs (Japan) Ltd.
International/United States:
Katsuki Sakai
Tel: +1 (617) 949-2003
Fax:+1 (617) 354-0247
katsuki.sakai@asian-university.org
Tokyo:
auw.japan@gmail.com
Vice President of Italian Senate and human rights activist joins the Asian University for Women's Council of Patrons
Chittagong, Bangladesh—May 29, 2009— Emma Bonino, Vice President of the Italian Senate and former member of the European Parliament, reaffirmed her commitment to women’s education by accepting former Chief Advisor of Bangladesh Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed’s invitation to join the Asian University for Women’s Council of Patrons. “Your Excellency,” read her response to Dr. Ahmed’s October 2008 letter, “I am honored to accept and I will try to do my best."
For decades, Bonino has responded swiftly to threats against democracy and human rights violations by traveling to conflict areas and leading humanitarian aid on the ground. She is also known for her commitment to women’s issues and has worked with several female activists to eradicate female genital mutilation in Kenya, the oppression of women in Afghanistan and child prostitution in Cambodia.
Concerning her post at AUW, a new, independent, regional institution of higher learning, Bonino says that she is “proud to be part of this important and innovative project at such an exciting time.” Bonino, who won the “Open Society Prize 2004” and the “Prix Femmes d’Europe 2004” for Italy, is “eager to follow AUW’s first class of students as they graduate from the preparatory program and enter the University proper this August.”
“Tertiary education for women in this region goes a long way in regards to poverty reduction, economic growth and reproductive health,” she explained. “And these are not just any girls – these are high achievers who have identified problems in their communities and will work towards social change,” Ms. Bonino added.
For Bangla:
Omar Shareef
+88 (0)1715155255
os.shareef@gmail.com
Innovative International Liberal Arts University for Women Announces Event in Hong Kong Featuring AUW Patrons Anson Chan and Cherie Blair
Hong Kong—April 16, 2009—The Asian University for Women (AUW), South Asia’s first regional, liberal arts institution for women, will host an event in Hong Kong on April 17 to generate awareness for the need of increased tertiary education for women in South and South East Asia. The event will feature AUW patrons the Honorable Anson Chan Former Chief Secretary, Government of the Hong Kong SAR; Mrs. Cherie Blair, Human Rights Activist, Founder, the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women; and, Mr. Jack Meyer, Asian University for Women Support Foundation Chairman, Former President and CEO of Harvard Management Company.
Today, women remain poorly represented in the work force throughout Asia. The result is a cycle of generational poverty, as well as a loss of potential economic growth for these nations. More women are needed in leadership positions in politics and business for this cycle to be broken. Women’s voices are missing in critical decision making roles, omitting them from decisions affecting family, education, environment and community. Higher education is imperative to empowering girls and women to become active members in their societies and engender change in their communities.
"Equality of the sexes depends on equal opportunities of which the most important is access to education. Education liberates the body, soul and mind,” said Mrs. Anson Chan, Former Chief Secretary, Government of the Hong Kong SAR. “It is the key to alleviating poverty, ignorance and exploitation. Higher education enables every woman to realize her full potential and to play a meaningful role in society. No community can afford to ignore this precious resource," she added.
Increasing women’s participation in business and politics renders societies more productive—increasing GDP along with its overall welfare. According to a 2008 Global Economics Paper by The Goldman Sachs Group, a one percentage point increase in female education raises the average level of GDP by 0.37 percentage points, and raises annual GDP growth rates by 0.2 percentage points on average (Lawson, March 4, 2008, Women Hold Up Half the Sky, Global Economics Paper Number 164, The Goldman Sachs Group). Such research makes a clear case for the value of higher education, not only for improving the lives of women but for the growth of entire societies. Excluding women from the workforce is the equivalent of dividing it in half—by educating women and reducing the gender gap in employment, nations could vastly improve their productivity.
"Education is now more important than ever –for the strength of our economies and the health of our societies. In the new global economy, the most important raw material is not oil or gold or any other precious commodity. It is human capital – the potential, talents, skills and experience of a country’s citizens,” said Mrs. Cherie Blair, Founder, The Cherie Blair Foundation, and AUW Patron. “The nations which can look to the future with confidence are those which best harness the knowledge and experience of all their people. That is why the education of girls is so vital,” she added.
The Asian University for Women seeks to address these challenges by providing an innovative and rigorous curriculum that encompasses the liberal arts, sciences, and professional training to women of high ability and potential, based solely on merit. AUW seeks to inspire thoughtful and ethical leaders.
"The focus of AUW is on critical reasoning, problem solving, communication and leadership. We want graduates who can make a difference – who will return to their communities, in both the private and public sectors and initiate change,” said Mr. Jack Meyer, Chairman, Asian University for Women Support Foundation. “When AUW students graduate they will understand tolerance and have the ability to envision and engender change on a broad scale—and they will have the confidence and skills to bring about that change. We are not trying to give an average education to the masses—at AUW we are giving an outstanding education to a few women who will serve as role models for like-minded individuals in their communities.”
Hong Kong |
|---|
Ada Yip |
Tel: 9353 2215 |
Katharina Koenig |
Tel: 9026 2079 |
Cherie Booth Blair Joins International Liberal Arts University, Asian University for Women, as Patron
Chittagong, Bangladesh—March 18, 2009— Cherie Booth Blair, QC, prominent international human rights advocate, lawyer and wife of the former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has written to congratulate Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her support for the Asian University for Women.
"I understand the initiative to establish the Asian University for Women”, Mrs. Blair wrote, “began under your earlier tenure as Prime Minister, and I am delighted by the enormous support that successive governments in Bangladesh have extended to this most worthwhile project.”
Mrs. Blair, who recently founded the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, has joined the Council of Patrons for the Asian University for Women. The Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina serves as the University’s Chief Patron. In her message to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Mrs. Blair went on: I passionately believe that women's empowerment through education and expanded economic and civic opportunities are the key to the transformation of our societies. The Asian University for Women is clearly a much needed effort in this direction. It will be my pleasure to join you as a Patron of this University and help in every way I can."
Mrs. Blair indicated to the Prime Minister that she plans to visit the University later this year. In the meantime, Mrs. Blair has become actively involved in rallying international support for the Asian University for Women. On April 17 she will join the Asian University for Women Chairman Mr. Jack Meyer and AUW Patron Madame Ansan Chan, former Administrator of Hong Kong, in Hong Kong to urge philanthropists to support the creation of AUW in an expression of Pan-Asian solidarity. Hong Kong’s philanthropists have been among AUW's most generous benefactors, including generous support of AUW’s permanent campus in Chittagong, now under development.
Omar Shareef
Tel:
+88 0171 5155255
Fax: +88 031 2854988
os.shareef@gmail.com
Innovative International Liberal Arts University Embodies Spirit of International Women’s Day
Cambridge, Ma. and Chittagong, Bangladesh—March 9, 2009—The Asian University for Women (AUW), South Asia’s first regional, liberal arts institution, today announced the appointment of its inaugural faculty. With diverse backgrounds, graduate and postgraduate degrees from the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada, their collective fields comprise the innovative liberal arts curriculum that is to be taught at AUW. With a predominantly female faculty—still rare in higher education in South Asia, especially in the sciences and quantitative reasoning—the faculty embodies the spirit of International Women’s Day celebrated on March 8, 2009.
"We are delighted to welcome these scholars to AUW," said Dr. Michelle Zjhra, the University's Dean of Undergraduate Studies. "We chose them especially for their unique experiences and achievements in the region, with women, or in a relevant and specific field of study such as environmental science, and conflict and coexistence. A few have worked in the field of finance and applied research. They are all ready to ensure that our students become effective learners and knowledgeable and effective leaders who are engaged with their communities and the world."
AUW's inaugural faculty will begin their new lives in Bangladesh this July, alongside the first class of undergraduate students. Many of these undergraduates will have graduated from AUW's pre-collegiate bridge program, the Access Academy, which recruits women of high ability largely from underserved, poor, refugee and minority communities. Starting in 2009, Access Academy students will also be the first in their families to attend university.
Local:
Ms. Rehana A Khan
Co-Director, Office of Admissions and Student Recruitment
Tel: +88 031 2854980 (Ext. 111)
Fax: +88 031 2854988
Email: rehana.khan@auw.edu.bd
University in Chittagong is now accepting applications for students wishing to initiate social change and leadership
Chittagong, Bangladesh—The Asian University for Women (AUW), an independent institution of higher learning, is seeking applicants for entry into the second batch of its University preparatory program, as well as the inaugural batch of the Asian University for Women. Affiliated with renowned educational institutions worldwide, like Aalborg University, Denmark; and Stanford University, USA; the University aspires to provide similar world class education to talented young Asian women--in the heart of the region--Bangladesh.
AUW’s mission is to be a catalyst for positive change in the developing world, creating a new generation of inspiring female role models by giving them the education, preparation and opportunities they need to become leaders in their communities and around the world.
The University started its journey in March 2008 with the first Access Academy batch of 129 talented young females from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Cambodia and Sri Lanka, who joined the 12-month pre-university residential preparatory program. The goal of the Academy is to provide students with a foundation in English, mathematics, quantitative reasoning and computer skills; as well as extra-curricular activities, counseling, study tours and internships. The students are housed in a secure, all-female environment, which includes their own IT lab, library and internet access -- and are preparing themselves for the internationally recognized undergraduate program at the University.
“Many young women across Asia possess exceptional talent, potential and intellect, but may not wish to travel far from home to receive the education they need to fulfill their potential,” said Dr. Khoo, Acting Vice Chancellor, Asian University for Women. “We have such an outstanding group here already, from diverse cultural, religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. Our goal is to help them to become skilled professionals, inspiring leaders and advocates for tolerance, understanding and social justice.”
Beginning with this new batch, the Academy will admit only students whose parents have not received a University level education for admission into its preparatory program. Students who do not fit this criteria are encouraged to apply directly to the Undergraduate Program at AUW. The University will provide a rigorous academic curriculum anchored in the liberal arts and sciences, providing the students with a solid intellectual foundation in the humanities/arts, social sciences, and natural sciences. Upon completing their Undergraduate Program, successful students will be able to receive a degree in the following majors: Literature & Women’s Studies, Politics, Philosophy and Economics, Biological Science and Computer Sciences.
The University welcomes application forms from interesting and talented candidates via the website at www.asian-university.org before February 15th. For more information on AUW, please contact its Chittagong-based office at: 20/A, M. M. Ali Road.
Local:
Ms. Rehana A Khan
Co-Director, Office of Admissions and Student Recruitment
Tel: +88 031 2854980 (Ext. 111)
Fax: +88 031 2854988
Email: rehana.khan@auw.edu.bd
Renowned International Institutions to Support New Women’s University Initiative in South Asia
Chittagong, Bangladesh—October 18, 2008—The Asian University for Women (AUW), based in Chittagong, Bangladesh, today announced two new relationships with Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; and, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark. As the Asian University for Women prepares to open its doors to its inaugural undergraduate class in July 2009, both relationships will be valuable in the University’s initial development.
As we continue to develop AUW’s curriculum and faculty, we are honored to be working with forward-looking, international universities such as Stanford and Aalborg,” said Dr. Hoon Eng Khoo, Provost and Acting Vice Chancellor at the Asian University for Women. “The exchange of knowledge and cultural experiences that our collective student body will experience exemplifies the heart and soul of AUW’s mission—to provide a world-class education and global professional development opportunities to talented young women of South and South East Asia, regardless of their backgrounds.”
Recognized world-wide as a leading educational institution, Stanford University has offered to send two of their brightest post doctoral fellows to serve as part of the founding faculty for the year 2009-2010.
“The mission of the Asian University for Women is extraordinary. By providing access to quality higher education for women whose promise might otherwise go unrealized, the University is transforming the lives of these women and their families,” said John Etchemendy, Provost at Stanford University. “By empowering women to become leaders in society, AUW is creating an important force for positive change in the world. Stanford University is dedicated to building a strong new program in South Asian Studies, and is looking forward to contributing to the living and learning community that the Asian University for Women is developing in Chittagong.”
The relationship between Stanford University and the Asian University for Women highlights Stanford’s dedication to building a strong program in South Asia through research on contemporary economics and politics, as well as research on the region’s diverse cultures and history. Stanford students will be prepared for careers working side-by-side with their peers from around the world—including those from the Asian University for Women.
Internationally renowned for “the Aalborg Model of Problem Based Learning (PBL),” Aalborg University in Denmark is a leading institution with an inter-disciplinary, problem-oriented approach to innovative research and education. The University has entered into an agreement with the Asian University for Women to collaborate on establishing a graduate program in Information & Communication Technology.
As part of the initiative, Aalborg University will provide AUW with its own faculty members until a full Computer Science faculty has been recruited. Aalborg University is developing a further initiative to recruit South and South East Asian students to complete their doctoral degrees at Aalborg, before returning to Bangladesh to teach at the Asian University for Women.
“Information technology is the key to enabling global communications and the sharing of information and knowledge—important tools in the development of an international university,” said Lone Dirckinch-Holmfeld, Professor, PhD. at Aalborg University. “Women from underserved communities are often uneducated in the advances of global information technology, and are unaware of how they can use these tools to better serve both personal and community development. Aalborg’s relationship with the Asian University for Women will provide these promising young women with the knowledge and resources they need to educate themselves, their families, and their communities.”
Tomoko Saunders
Bangladesh: +88 01730035615
tomoko.saunders@asian-university.org
For Bangla:
Omar Shareef
+88 (0)1715155255
os.shareef@gmail.com
Asian University for Women and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Host Symposium on Women’s Global Challenges
Dhaka, Bangladesh—October 17, 2008—The Asian University for Women (AUW) today opened its international symposium and ceremony, “Overcoming History: Rethinking Rights and Opportunities for Women in Asia” in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Co-Sponsored by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the symposium is part of the University's inaugural event that will culminate with a program on October 18, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Center presided over by the Honorable Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed, Chief Advisor of the Caretaker Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, and featuring Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Founder of the Grameen Bank and 2006 Nobel Peace Laureate.
The Asian University for Women dedicated the symposium to the memory of Dr. Allan Rosenfield, Dean Emeritus of the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University. Dr. Rosenfield, who died last week, was also the Chairman of the Board of BRAC USA, a relentless supporter of BRAC’s efforts in Bangladesh, and a devoted friend of the Asian University for Women.
Asian women have faced many hardships: female infanticide due to a traditional preference for boys, unequal access to quality care and nutritious food, less access to education, proprietorship and lives outside the home. Young Asian women today must overcome these disadvantages, discrimination and disempowerment and rise above class and gender.
“The Asian University for Women’s mission was borne from this need and has identified the necessity for its students to be the agents of change their societies need,” said Dr. Hoon Eng Khoo, Provost and Acting Vice Chancellor, Asian University for Women. “With that goal in mind, the University’s emphasis will be on empowering its graduates with leadership and entrepreneurship skills to achieve sustainable development, economic progress and social and political equity.”
Well educated women become informed, flexible thinkers and life-long learners who are able to rise above the multitude of problems facing Asian women today. They become active leaders and participants in cultural and political movements that will transform society and engender the changes they themselves will demand are made. For real progress to be made in women’s rights, however, women must take charge of their own political destinies. Women desire to be-and must demand to be-seen not just as part of a community, but as intellectual equals with equal rights.
The Economic and Social Survey for Asia and the Pacific 2007, launched on April 18, 2007 by the United Nations Regional Arms, has found that barriers to employment for women cost the region $42 billion to $47 billion annually. A further $16 billion to $30 billion a year is lost through gender gaps in education. Restricting women's access to work, education and health services also comes at a significant economic cost.
Women with university educations become consumers, entrepreneurs, managers and investors; and contribute to their economies through an increase in their personal income. Increased education means increased economic mobility for women; and a heightened awareness of and understanding of financial markets.
Experts in the fields of women’s rights, politics and economics will address attendees of today’s symposium, including: Zoya Hasan, eminent Indian political scientist and professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University; Madame Lone Dybkjaer, former First Lady of Denmark and former Danish Minister of the Environment; Mehrangir Kar, the Iranian human rights advocate and Human Rights Program Fellow at Harvard University; Hameeda Hossain, Bangladesh based Human Rights Activist; Kathy Matsui, Member of the Board of Directors, Asian University for Women Support Foundation, and Managing Director, Chief Japan Strategist, and Co-Director of Pan Asian Investment Research, Goldman Sachs (Japan) Ltd.; Lauren Moriarty, Former U.S. Ambassador to Asia-Pacific Economic Cooporation (APEC); Jyoti Macwan, General Secretary, Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) in India; Shahida Jaffrey, Vice Chancellor, SBK Women’s University in Pakistan; Vivian Lowery Derryck, Member of the Board of Directors, Asian University for Women Support Foundation; Senior Vice President and Director of Public-Private Partnerships at the Academy for Education Development; Hoon Eng Khoo, Acting Vice Chancellor and Provost, Asian University for Women; and, Dr. Regina Papa, Executive Director, Asian University for Women Access Academy.
Tomoko Saunders
Bangladesh: +88 017 3003 5615
tomoko.saunders@asian-university.org
Renowned Experts to Address Socioeconomic Challenges of Women in Inaugural Ceremony
Chittagong, Bangladesh—October 7, 2008—The Asian University for Women (AUW) will host an international symposium and ceremony, “Overcoming History: Rethinking Rights and Opportunities for Women in Asia” October 15-18, 2008, in Chittagong and Dhaka, Bangladesh. Co-Sponsored by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the symposium is part of the University's inaugural event that will culminate with a program on October 18, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Center. Presided over by the Honorable Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed, Chief Advisor of the Caretaker Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, and featuring Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Founder of the Grameen Bank and 2006 Nobel Peace Laureate, the event is expected to draw many well regarded experts in the fields of education, women’s development and regional integration.
“Higher Education can be an escalator not only for personal success, but also for the capacity one needs to transform his or her wider society,” said Dr. Muhammad Yunus. “The Asian University for Women will provide a much needed avenue for women to empower themselves to become enlightened leaders. By keeping its doors open to women of all socioeconomic, religious, and ethnic backgrounds, AUW can indeed veritably demonstrate that no class or group in society has a monopoly on talent.”
The Asian University for Women’s first Provost and Acting Vice Chancellor, Dr. Hoon Eng Khoo, will speak on "Preparing Young Women in Asia to Overcome History."
“The future of our societies will be shaped by the education and skills of today’s youth. Healthy, productive societies come from increased political and social awareness and involvement,” said Dr. Hoon Eng Khoo, Provost and Acting Vice Chancellor at the Asian University for Women. “The education of our talented young women, regardless of socioeconomic backgrounds, is a critical piece of this global enterprise. With this in mind, the University will be a regional institution dedicated solely to women’s education and leadership development; combining a competitive liberal arts education with graduate and professional training through global internship opportunities. Empowering our graduates to become leaders by seizing their rights and opportunities in their professions, government, business and academia, will be key to ensuring that the young women in Asia today will overcome their history of oppression and marginalization.”
The symposium will highlight many key issues facing women today, including:
The noted Pakistani documentary filmmaker and journalist Sharmeen Obaid will showcase her work to explore the plight of women and the emergence of women’s groups working to expand their rights in Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Students of the inaugural class of the AUW Access Academy, a year-long pre-collegiate bridge program, representing India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Bangladesh will also present a cultural performance following the conclusion of the ceremonies.
The inaugural class of the Access Academy began classes in Chittagong in April 2008, with 130 talented young women from Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The Access Academy is designed to ensure that women from remote or marginalized communities can complete challenging, university-level work. Students participate in intensive courses in English, mathematics, and computer skills that will help them overcome any deficiencies in previous education. Successful completion of coursework at the Academy will lead to admission to the Asian University for Women; other students can be admitted directly into the undergraduate program which begins in September 2009.
The University is the first of its kind in the region: a private, regional institution of the highest quality, dedicated solely to women’s education and leadership development, international in outlook, but rooted in the contexts of Asia. AUW seeks to enable its students to become skilled and innovative professionals, service-oriented leaders, and promoters of tolerance and understanding. With an innovative curriculum focusing on critical thinking skills and tools for entrepreneurship, communication, and problem solving, AUW aspires to produce graduates prepared to become leaders both in their fields of study and in shaping their future societies.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. July, 2008: The Asian University for Women Support Foundation (AUWSF) just received a $1.4 million grant from The Goldman Sachs Foundation to fund the continued operation of the Asian University for Women’s Access Academy in Chittagong, Bangladesh. The Access Academy is the University’s flagship program designed to prepare talented young women from all across Asia, and especially from socially and economically marginalized settings, for entrance into the University. The students enrolled in the Academy receive intensive training in English, mathematics and computer skills prior to the beginning of their university education. All students attending the Access Academy do so on full academic scholarship, providing for all their needs, including tuition, room and board, and health care.
The latest grant from the Goldman Sachs Foundation brings the support from the Foundation to a total of $2.8 million, following a $1.4 million grant made in 2006. AUW has also received support from a range of other contributors including the Open Society Institute, USAID, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Citigroup Foundation, Chevron Foundation, Nike Foundation, Morgan Stanley Group, and a host of individual contributors from the U.S., Japan, Hong Kong and Bangladesh.
Scheduled to open its doors to students in September 2009, AUW's undergraduate program will be a vibrant residential learning community where highly talented women from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds will develop their intellectual and personal potential. The University will offer a five-year integrated program leading to a combined Bachelor's and Master's degree. One of the fundamental goals of the Asian University for Women is to cultivate successive generations of women leaders who possess the skills and resources to address the challenges of social and economic advancement of the region.
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If you would like more information, please call Gena Nolin at 617-914-0516, or e-mail gena.nolin@asian-university.org
