Gen A 2024
Preparing the Next Generation for the Asian Century
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) – Young Leadership 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.
Become a Gen A Fellow
APPLY NOW
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 relevant 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
- 5 roundtables catered exclusively to the Gen A fellows
- 2 workshops
- Active participation in Asia Society Switzerland events (attendance of a minimum of four public or members-only events/webcasts is required, participation at executive roundtables upon opportunity)
- Graduation project: deep dive on a topic that you care for, professionally or personally – alone or in groups of up to two fellows. Opportunity to present the project at our flagship conference, STATE OF ASIA. See selected projects from the 2023 cohort here.
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 your skillset (e.g. leadership, public speaking, and presentation of research) 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 relevant professional experience; are below 35 years of age, and have a strong interest in Asia, join us! The maximum number of participants is 25.
Applications for Gen A 2024 are open until January 14, 2024. Apply now!
The selected candidates of Gen A 2024 will be notified on January 31, 2024.
Experts
Katrin Büchenbacher is a journalist at the foreign department of the Neue Zürcher Zeitung. She is in charge of the dossiers relating to China, society, women, social policy and the intersection between technology and politics. She studied media and communication in Freiburg, Paris, and Shanghai and has been an editor for Chinese media in Beijing.
Anna Mattei is Deputy Head of the Asia Pacific Division and Head of Regional Coordination for Southeast Asia and Pacific at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. After gaining work experience in the tourism business, she became a diplomat in 2006. Over the course of her career she has been based in China, Saudi Arabia and Switzerland.
John Delury is a historian of modern China and a professor at Yonsei University in Seoul. He is an expert on US-China relations and Korean Peninsula affairs. John is also a senior fellow at Asia Society and the Pacific Century Institute and a member of the Council of Foreign Relations and the National Committee on North Korea.
Schedule for Gen A 2024
January 14 |
Application Deadline |
January 31 |
Announcement of successful applicants |
February 5, 18:30-20:00 |
Launch Event |
February 12, 18:30-19:30 |
Roundtable #1 with Katrin Büchenbacher |
March 11 |
Roundtable #2 |
April 8, 12:00-13:00 |
Roundtable #3 with John Delury |
April 27, 13:30-17:00 |
Workshop #1 |
June 3, 18:30-19:30 |
Roundtable #4 with Anna Mattei |
September 9, 18:30-20:30 |
Workshop #2 |
October 7 |
Roundtable #5 |
November 7, whole day |
STATE OF ASIA Conference |
November 30, 15:30-21:00 |
Closing Event (presentation of the graduation projects, followed by a dinner) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Gen A – Young Leadership Program cost?
We offer Gen A free of charge to all fellows. We are convinced that fostering Asia Competence early on in the careers of future leaders is crucial for a flourishing society – in Switzerland and on a global scale.
How much time should I set aside for the program?
The program elements and dates that you are expected to attend are listed above. Whenever possible you should attend in person in order to graduate. We advise you to also allocate some time in the second half of the year to invest in your graduation project, especially if you would like to present it at the conference.
Do I have to attend the Gen A events in person?
Part of what makes Gen A so valuable is its community. Therefore, we expect our fellows to do their best to attend in person whenever possible. It is also in your own interest as you will be able to forge stronger bonds. We try to make programs available online if you cannot make it to Zurich for certain reasons, but cannot guarantee online participation for all program elements.
I live outside of Switzerland but come to Zurich on a regular basis. Can I still apply?
Under certain conditions, yes. As stated above, we expect our fellows to make an effort to join us in person whenever possible. If you can attend our program in person most of the time, then we highly encourage you to apply.
I plan to study abroad/already know that I will spend some months outside of Switzerland. Can I still apply?
Under certain conditions, yes. The Gen A network consists of an international group of people highly engaged with Asia and we encourage you to gather experience in Asia/an international context first-hand. However, please be aware that not all program elements will be available online.
What happens after the fellowship has ended?
After you successfully complete your fellowship and graduate from the Gen A – Young Leadership Program, you will become part of the Gen A Alumni Network and gain access to exclusive events, an extensive network of peers around the world, and much more. And of course, we highly encourage you to stay part of Asia Society Switzerland’s community and become a member.
Contact
Serena Jung (sjung@asiasociety.org)
Programs and Communications Director