Seventh Annual Introduction to Asia Conference
WHEN: Thursday, March 5, 12:00pm-5:00pm
WHERE: University Center
FOR WHO? Students, Professors, Teachers, Administrators, and the General Public
FORMAT: Brief introductory session followed by concurrent breakout sessions
Click here for an application for Walk in US, Talk on Japan
The UTC Asia Program is hosting the seventh annual Introduction to Asia Conference. Support is provided by the Freeman Foundation, the College of Health, Education, and Professional Studies, the Japanese government, the Consulate-General in Nashville and the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta (TECO). The program will take place in the University Center beginning in the Raccoon Mountain Room with several subsequent sessions taking place at the Heritage, Chickamauga, Hiwassee, Sequoyah, and Ocoee rooms.
This year’s Introduction to Asia Conference features special small group concurrent program sessions on Japan and Taiwan, beginning with a special Japanese government-sponsored program: "Walk in US, Talk on Japan” from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The Japan portion of the program features five outstanding speakers who have consistently made efforts to convey the strengths and appeal of Japan to the US. Speakers include a former ambassador, a diplomat, a trading company employee, a public relations and marketing specialist, and a current university student. The Japan portion of the program will be followed from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm by two sessions on Taiwan: Asia’s most vibrant, best-kept secret. The Director General of the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta, Steven Tai, will present “Taiwan & the US: Closer Than You Think,” and UTC’s Lucien Ellington will present “Taiwan’s Cultural and Tourist Treasures."
Admission is free for all members of the university community, educators, and members of the general public who wish to attend. A free lunch will be provided for the first 100 applicants who register for the conference. Conference attendees are encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible. However, to qualify for the complimentary lunch, participants must complete a short form and agree to attend the opening conference session and at least one other Japan session.
For further information about the speakers or to register for a complimentary lunch, please visit URL to obtain an application. If you have any questions, or would like to be sent an application directly, please email or call Jeffrey Melnik at [email protected] or 423-425-2118.
Walk in US, Talk on Japan. 12:00pm-3:00pm
Opening Session 12:00pm-12:30pm (Raccoon Mountain Room )
Session 1 1:00pm-2:00pm (Heritage, Chickamauga, Hiwassee, Sequoyah, and Ocoee Rooms)
Session 2 2:00pm-3:00pm (Heritage, Chickamauga, Hiwassee, Sequoyah, and Ocoee Rooms)
This year’s Introduction to Asia Conference features a special Japanese government-sponsored program: “Walk in US, Talk on Japan.” The program features five Japanese speakers who have consistently made efforts to convey the strengths and appeal of Japan to the US. The speakers are drawn from a variety of backgrounds, including a former ambassador, a diplomat, a trading company employee, a female entrepreneur, and a student.
Yasuo Saito (Group Leader)
Mr. Saito formerly served as the Ambassador of Japan to Saudi Arabia, Russia, and France. He has also served as Consul General in Atlanta and as Japanese government representative to UNESCO, giving him a deep knowledge of diplomacy, economics, and culture. He is currently an adviser to numerous private companies, and serves as an executive board member of the Japanese Olympic Committee
Discussion themes
- Revival of the Japanese economy
- Japan’s message on the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII
- Prospects for the Tokyo Olympics
Hiroshi Tsukamoto
Mr. Tsukamoto is the former Deputy Director General for the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and has played a pivotal role in Japan’s trade and energy policy.
Discussion themes
- Japan’s energy strategy since the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011
Tetsuo Mamada
Mr. Mamada is the former president of Mitsui Bussan Steel Trade Co., Ltd., with extensive business experience in North, Central, and South America.
Discussion themes
- Japanese trading companies and investment in North, Central, and South America
Chitose Nagao
Ms. Nagao is Consulting Supervisor, Copywriter for Dentsu, one of the largest PR and advertising agencies in Japan.
Discussion themes
- Rediscovering the value of Japan: women, technology, culture
Mio Iwai
Ms. Iwai is a university student, with experience in student group activities, international conferences, and studying abroad in the Netherlands.
Discussion themes
- Being a university student in Japan, student life and studying abroad, and study programs to Japan
Click here for an application for Walk in US, Talk on Japan
Taiwan: Asia's Most Vibrant, Best Kept Secret. 3:00pm-5:00pm
3:00 pm-4:00 pm "Taiwan & The US: Closer Than You Think" by Director General of TECO Atlanta Steven Tai
4:00 pm-5:00 pm "Taiwan's Cultural & Tourist Treasures" by UTC Asia Program Director Lucien Ellington
These concurrent sessions focus on Taiwan’s government and economy and the US-Taiwan economic relationship, as well as provide information about tourism, food, culture, outdoor sports opportunities, and other Taiwan-related topics.
Director General Steven Tai
Steven Tai is the Director General of the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) of Atlanta. TECO offers consular, commercial, informational and cultural services to six states in the southeastern United States of America: Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama and Kentucky and commercial services to Florida. For more information about TECO in Atlanta and Taiwan and US relations visit: http://www.taiwanembassy.org/US/ATL/mp.asp?mp=17
Lucien Ellington
Lucien Ellington is the Director of the Asia Program, and UC Foundation Professor of Education at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He is also founding editor of Education About Asia, an international teaching journal published by the Association for Asian Studies.