In October 2010, the Asia-Europe Foundation conducted the 4th Connecting Civil Societies of Asia and Europe (CCS4) Conference. The conference was an official side event of the 8th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM8) Summit, held in Brussels from 4-5 October 2010. A number of international newspapers have reported on ASEF’s activities during the ASEM8 Summit.
Ng Jing Yng of Today (Singapore) reported on two workshops from the CCS4 Conference: “Who should pay for higher education?” and “Access to Information”. Ms Ng stated that as costs for higher education increase, it is still the government’s role to ensure that funds are used efficiently. In her second article, Ms Ng highlighted that having access to public information was key to an efficient administration, instilling trust in decision makers and promoting economic growth.
Mr Xavier Batalla of Spanish daily La Vanguardia, who participated in the 5th Asia-Europe Editors’ Roundtable, wrote about how Europeans are fascinated by Asian growth, and how the Chinese are convinced by the gradual decline of the West. He also wrote how China forsees a world without a global power center.
Ms Yuli Ismartono of Tempo (Indonesia) stressed how exchanges such as the Editors’ Roundtable have become more relevant as more complex issues surface because of globalisation. She also expressed her appreciation for the exhibition “A Passage to Asia”, which she lauded as “a result of ASEF’s hard work at forming the Asia-Europe Museum Network (ASEMUS).” The exhibition was supported in part by ASEF.
Read more media clippings from the 4th Connecting Civil Societies of Asia and Europe here.