Bulletin Autumn 1976

the past 14 years, conscientious efforts have been made to develop Chinese and Asian studies in view of their increasing relationship. Japanese studies was introduced at Chung Chi College in 1967. A Centre for East Asian Studies was founded in 1971. Furthermore, Asian studies, especially Chinese studies, constitutes a substantial proportion of teaching and research in the University. Over the years, universities and scholars abroad have tended to look upon the Chinese University as an important centre of higher learning in the field of Chinese and Asian studies. Several foreign universities and colleges have maintained exchange arrangements with the University. Individual scholars have spent varying periods of time with us for study, research or other academic activities. These experimental arrangements, developed during the past decade or so, have reached a stage where Asian studies need to be more effectively organized and to be fully integrated into the University's academic structure and development, in order to make a greater contribution in the world of higher learning. Therefore, an International Asian Studies Programme has been established, in co-operation with the Yale-China Association, to provide opportunities for selected numbers of scholars from Asia and other parts of the world to pursue studies or research in a Chinese cultural environment and at the same time to stimulate intellectual contacts of our local students with foreign students. Q. The lASP is intended to function as an umbrella organization for other exchange programmes at the University. Would you please tell us exactly how it functions and co-ordinates all existing programmes? A. The Senate Committee on International Programmes, which has been recently re-organized, co-ordinates the planning of international programmes in the University. The International Asian Studies Programme represents an integration of Chinese and Asian studies, open to both local and foreign students. The University and its constituent Colleges have exchange arrangements with a number of foreign universities and colleges, and these arrangements will be co-ordinated by the Senate Committee on International Programmes. Applications for admission to the Programme will be selected on a highly competitive basis. A small number of undergraduate students, postgraduate students and special scholars for research and advanced studies will be admitted everyyear for varying lengths of time depending on their academic needs. lASP students will live with local students in the hostels of the Colleges or the Graduate School. As the Programme is fully integrated into the University's academic and administrative structure, its participants will become members of the University community. The planning and offering of courses are done in full collaboration with the relevant Boards of Studies and the Chinese Language Centre, in accordance with policies laid down by the Senate Committee on International Programmes. Q. In the course of planning, has the IASP encountered any practical difficulties? A. The principal component of the Programme is Chinese studies, which has been a major strength of the University. Since the establishment of the Department of Japanese Studies, increasing interest and expertise in this field have been developed. As a result, Japanese studies will constitute another important part of Asian studies. In addition, Southeast Asia has become an increasingly important region in Asia, and therefore the Programme will also include some meaningful aspects of Southeast Asian studies. It is apparent that the introduction of any major academic programme will encounter certain problems in its planning and implementation. However, the Programme has been fortunate in being able to overcome them, thanks to the full support of all the relevant academic and administrative units of the University. The planning of Asian studies is a joint effort of the Programme and the Boards of Studies concerned. I am glad to say that the Boards of Studies and the Programme have reached full understanding and collaboration. With the blessing of the Vice-Chancellor and the approval of the Senate, the International Asian Studies Programme has completed its