The nightmare that is 2020 is almost over, with only 2 months until we welcome 2021. Apart from this time where we are living through a pandemic and economical recession. It feels like 2008 again for this millennial, and for many others who have been through the last economic crisis.
At the beginning of the year, I was fortunate to become one of the 2020 HPAIR delegates. This was to attend a conference at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. I was excited that the Harvard students loved my YouTube application video and I was selected to attend the conference.
When I opened my email and saw the acceptance letter, I was full of joy! I was excited that I was selected to attend the conference and shared to my LinkedIn network. The reason why I like to showcase these opportunities in the network, is the same way as sharing my experience through Medium. This is a way to showcase opportunities that others may have not heard of and hopefully this empowers others to apply for these opportunities in the future.
When I shared this opportunity with my LinkedIn network, my Manager at Google saw it and was very supportive and supported me to take time off to attend the conference.
I never regret that decision in going as the overall experience is fantastic if you are passionate about education and networking.
What is HPAIR?
The Harvard College Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR) was founded in 1991 to create a forum of exchange for students and young professionals to discuss and learn about the most important economic, political, and social issues facing the Asia-Pacific region.
Since 1991, HPAIR has organized 43 conferences in 12 different host countries, touching the lives of more than 10,000 students and young professionals. HPAIR hosts two student-led conferences a year — one on Harvard’s campus and one in the Asia-Pacific.
— hpair.org
How to apply to HPAIR?
The process is broken down as follows:
1. Essay which conference track
2. CV and Personal Information
3. Scholarship
4. Personal Interview via Conference Call or YouTube Entrance Video
5. Committee Round
6. Acceptance
HPAIR 2020 Conference Tracks — Striking the Balance
There were 5 conference tracks to select from when you are going through the application process. They were as follows:
●Arts, Media and Culture
●Energy and Environmental Sustainability
●Global Markets and Economy
●Science and Technology
●Social Policy and Justice
I had selected for my first option Science and Technology and the second option Arts, Media and Culture. I got selected for the Science and Technology track.
Science and Technology Theme
Since the end of the Cold War, the sharing of scientific knowledge and technological innovations has enabled the peaceful development of nations in Asia and around the world. These technologies, ranging from nuclear energy to color television, helped to expedite the economic growth of developing countries and better the lives of millions worldwide. This collaboration became a quintessential symbol of global harmony, with Asia and the West working together to achieve prosperity through science.
However, the world’s attitude towards scientific and technological exchange seems to be changing. The astronomical rise of nations like China and India as economic powerhouses has caused the previously dominant West to view Asia as a competitor rather than a partner. With the United States becoming increasingly concerned about its intellectual property and restricting the trade of computer chips, the world’s attitude towards technology sharing has shifted towards skepticism and protectionism. The stage is set for conflict over scientific and technological advancement — the only question that remains is who, if anybody, will come out on top.
Furthermore, as technologies such as 5G and artificial intelligence emerge from their infancy and start to influence broader society, this conflict will become increasingly relevant for the Asian region. Will Asia stay united in the face of global tension over technology? Will Asian countries be the ones fighting each other for dominance in technological realms, such as the development of space technology? Can Asia pave its own path for technological innovation, independent of the West? This track will seek to examine the impending conflict over technology and discuss the ways that Asia can respond in order to strike a balance between coexistence and collaboration in science. Delegates in this track can expect to explore new, exciting scientific ideas and gain a greater understanding of the stakes and implications of potential conflicts over technology in Asia.
— Hpair.org
Presentation Highlights
Additional Keynote Presentations:
Fun stuff at HPAIR
There was a lot of learning but there was also a lot of time for networking and having fun! Here are my key highlights of the conference:
- Welcoming and Registration which included a Harvard Campus Tour
- Opening Night
- iNight Performance — International Night, or iNight, is one of HPAIR’s grandest traditions. iNight is a celebration of international cultures through performances showcasing the unique musical, theatrical, or dance talents of our multicultural delegates.
- iNight Carnival which functions as an international fun fair where delegate groups representing various home countries set up tables and show off their country and culture to all of HPAIR.
- HPAIRx which is a mini TedX
- Impact challenge — There were four Impact Challenge cases, sponsored by Luminopia, Deloitte, UNHCR, and Stride Funding.
- Closing Dinner
Key Takeaways of HPAIR
- Striking a balance between countries when it comes to Science and Technology.
- Building networks with young leaders from APAC.
- Disrupting Industries to move with modern times.
- Emerging Technologies in traditional industries.
- Sustainability.
- Building a collaborative world.
HPAIR 2021
The HPAIR 2021 Harvard Conference has gone virtual for 2021. They are having a four day online conference.
Go to: https://hpair.org/harvard-conference-2021
APPLY BY JANUARY 10, 2021 AT 11:59 ET
