AIRI Urban-Rural Sustainability Fellowship 2022-23 is a one-year incubation programme jointly organised by The University of Hong Kong, Tsinghua University, National Chengchi University, and Asian Institute of Technology. The Fellowship aims to empower and connect thought leaders and exceptional practitioners from across the Asia-Pacific region who aspire to be Change Fellows spearheading urban-rural integration and rural sustainability. Change Fellows who have successfully completed the programme will earn a Certificate of Recognition jointly issued by the four universities. They will also be eligible to enter into a competition with innovative proposals that address rural sustainability challenges. There will be a total of four awards (one laureate from Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Thailand respectively), each with a seed grant at the value of up to US$25,000. 

The Programme:	The Change Fellows will participate in a series of online lectures, web-based practical training sessions, and field trips and experiential Hackathon delivered by renowned international scholars and experts in the fields of rural governance and economy, conservation and resource management, social innovation and community revitalisation. After the Learning Phase, the Change Fellows may join the Competition Phase.
Who Should Apply:	Individuals who aspire to bring sustainability changes to rural communities: graduate students, government officials, community practitioners, social workers, social investors, managers at farming co-ops, etc. Applicants should: - Hold a recognised bachelor’s degree (graduated) - Be proficient in English (for applicants whose degree is not awarded by a university that teaches and assesses in English, IELTS or TOEFL results must be provided)* - Live in Thailand, Taipei, Hong Kong or Beijing, and have work/voluntary/research experience related to community, sustainability, rural revitalisation or other relevant issues in these places - Be committed to attend the Fellowship activities, including the compulsory trips to Hong Kong and Bangkok
Language:	All learning activities will be conducted in English.
Fee:	Free. The scheme is fully supported by The Hongkong Bank Foundation.
Application Method:	- Interested individuals should submit the application form together with all supporting documents to the Centre for Civil Society and Governance at The University of Hong Kong by August 31, 2022 via email to ruralsd@hku.hk. - Interviews may be arranged for selected candidates. - Successful candidates will be informed via email by end-September, 2022.
Enquiry:	3917-4910 / ruralsd@hku.hk

* An overall band of 6 with no subtest lower than 5.5 in IELTS Academic Module; or a score of 550 or above in the paper-based TOEFL; or a score of 213 or above in the computer-based TOEFL; or a score of 80 or above in the internet-based TOEFL. If the applicant is unable to attach proof of English proficiency, nomination from the respective local university partner in the AIRI programme is required (i.e. PART C of the application form has to be completed).