The Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations
Introduction The '''Harvard College Project for Asian and International Relations''' ('''HPAIR''') is a student-led not-for-profit organization associated with the Harvard University Faculty of Arts and Sciences. HPAIR currently holds two annual conferences that bring together international students and eminent individuals in the fields of academia, politics and business - the Harvard Conference and the Asia Conference.Established in 1991, HPAIR aims to enable distinguished students to participate in an open forum on Asian and international issues with global leaders in fields ranging from international relations to technology and the fine arts.HPAIR is an organization run entirely by Harvard University. HPAIR's Asia Conference is Harvard University's largest annual student event in Asia. Since its founding in 1991, HPAIR has held over 40 conferences in locations ranging from Mumbai to Kuala Lumpur.
Harvard Conference The Harvard Conference was first held in 2008 on the Harvard University campus. Each year, up to 600 international students and young professionals come together at the Harvard Conference to explore pertinent issues concerning the Asia region, including equitable access to global health, foreign policy, environmental issues, media, and entrepreneurship. Attendees have the opportunity to discuss these issues in-depth through plenary sessions, panels, seminars, and case studies.===Harvard Conferences by Theme=== Year  Theme2022  Finding Our Future2021  Embracing Change 2020  Striking a balance: Vision of a Conflicted World 2019  Ignite: Inspiring a New Global Narrative 2018  Innovate 2017  Navigating the Future in the Age of Innovation 2016  Transcending Borders: Global Cooperation on Emerging Challenges in Asia 2015  Asia’s Blueprint for Growth: Building an Inclusive Future 2014  The Many Faces of Asia: Shaping Identities in a Dynamic World 2013  East Meets West: Sustainable Development in the 21st Century 2012  Cross-Cultural Connections: Weaving New Silk Roads 2011  Looking Back, Forging Ahead: Asia in Pursuit of a Vibrant Future 2010  Asia Ascendant: Seizing New Heights 2009  Linking Minds: Asia in the 21st Century  2008  Cosmopolitan Asia: Diversity and Disparity
Asia Conference The HPAIR Asia Conference is a 5-day academic program in mid-August in an Asian city. The conference integrates the contents of the academic and business world to create a hybrid structure. Delegates benefit from gaining a broader exposure to issues spanning multiple arenas, including political, social, economic, cultural, and business.Delegates arrive at an HPAIR Asia Conference in the Philippines, 2015The 2019 Asia Conference was held in Kazakhstan from August 16–20, co-organized by Nazarbayev University in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.There are six conference tracks, namely:* Art, Media & Culture* Energy and Environmental Stability* Global Markets & the Economy* Governance & Geopolitics* Science & Technology* Social Policy & JusticeThe Asia Conference started off in 1992 in Taipei, back then known as the Academic Conference. Bringing together a diverse group of speakers and about 300 graduate and undergraduate students from across the world, the Academic Conference takes the form of six workshops that explore, through research and discussion, issues ranging from environmentalism to cultural trends.In 2004, HPAIR started the Business Conference, which invited many prominent figures from the world of business, government and law to discuss their understanding of Asia and its place in the global economy with more than 300 business students and young professionals. As of 2012, HPAIR has merged the Academic Conference and the Business Conference into a single conference, the Asia Conference, which brings together 600 pre-eminent young professionals from around the world.===Asia Conference in Previous Years=== 2023  Honkong  Theme  Joint Host University2022 New Delhi, India2021 Taipei, TaiwanReinventing with Resilience2019 Nur-Sultan, KazakhstanPassion for ChangeNazarbayev University 2018   Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia  Sustainable Disruption  Sunway University  2017 Sydney, Australia  Aspire  The University of Sydney 2016 Hong Kong SAR, China  Empower  The Chinese University of Hong Kong 2015   Manila, Philippines  Confronting Asia's Development Challenges Through Innovation  De La Salle University 2014   Tokyo, Japan  Reflection and Progression: Fostering Mutual Growth  Keio University 2013   Dubai, United Arab Emirates  Extending Horizons: Charting Asia's Flourishing Future  American University in Dubai  2012   Taipei, Taiwan  Challenges and Prospects: Envisioning Global Transformations  National Chengchi University  2011   Seoul, Korea  At the Crossroads: Decisions in a Dynamic Asia  Yonsei University  2010   Singapore  Sustaining Momentum: Ten Years into the Asian Century  Singapore Management University  2009   Seoul, Korea  Evolving Asia: Path-ways in the Global Era (''Academic Conference'')  Sungkyunkwan University 2009   Tokyo, Japan  Braving New Frontiers: Tomorrow’s Ventures Today (''Business Conference'')  Waseda University  2008   Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia  Beyond Borders: Asia on the World Stage (''Academic Conference'')  Universiti Malaya  2008   Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia  Emerging into Focus: Asia Incorporated (''Business Conference'')   2007   Beijing, China  Engaging Asia: Discourse and Dialogue (''Academic Conference'')  Students in Beijing  2007   Hong Kong, China  Engaging Asia: Competition and Collaboration (''Business Conference'')  University of Hong Kong  2006   Singapore  Redefining Asia: Visions and Realities  National University of Singapore 2006   Mumbai, India  Harvard College Asian Business Forum   2005   Tokyo, Japan  Futuring Asia: Contemporary Challenges and Emerging Realities  University of Tokyo  2004   Shanghai, China  The Once and Future Asia: Expanding Horizons, Historic Transitions   2003   Seoul, Korea  Integration and Innovation: Finding Common Ground for a Dynamic Asia  Sookmyung Women's University  2002   Sydney, Australia  Traditions and Transformations: New Perspectives of Progress   2001   Singapore  Asia and the Knowledge Economy: Opportunities for Progress   2000   Beijing, China  Diversity and Convergence: Resolving Asia's Role in the Global Community   1999   Hong Kong, China  Asia at the Crossroads: Rising to the Challenges of Reform  The Chinese University of Hong Kong 1998   Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia  Asia in Transition: Beyond the Miracle   1997   Bangkok, Thailand  Building Nations, Building Communities   1996   Seoul, Korea  The Challenges of Globalization: Creating Common Ground in the 21st Century  Seoul National University  1995   Jakarta, Indonesia  Sustaining the Miracle: Challenges Facing Asian Development   1994   Manila, Philippines  Economic Cooperation for the Pacific Century  1993   British Hong Kong  A Free Trade Area for the Pacific Century  1992   Taipei, Taiwan  International Trade and Investment
Notable Speakers HPAIR conferences are often led by a diverse group of speakers prominent in various areas of society.Conferences have drawn many top-tier political leaders such as former President of the Republic of Korea Kim Dae-jung, Crown Prince of Perak Raja Nazrin Shah, Finance Secretary of the Republic of the Philippines Dr. Jesus P. Estanislao, and President of Singapore S. R. Nathan. The former Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea and the current Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon has spoken at an HPAIR conference.Many speakers also hail from influential international organizations, like the United Nations or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Speakers from ASEAN include the current Secretary-General of ASEAN Surin Pitsuwan and the former Secretary-General of ASEAN Ong Keng Yong.HPAIR often invites speakers who are successful in the world of business, like the Chairman and CEO of Ayala Corporation Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala (Harvard '81 / HBS '87), CEO of Haier Zhang Ruimin, Chairman of Prudential Asia Victor Fung and President of Goldman Sachs Asia Philip D. Murphy.
References
External links *  The Harvard College Project for Asian and International Relations Website