AIRI Urban-Rural Sustainability Fellowship
Making Changes for Urban-Rural Sustainability!
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. [Application is now closed] |
| 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).
Hong Kong Taster Events on Socio-ecological Landscape Planning and Management
Event 1: Online Workshop on Integrated Nature-Culture Approaches to Rural Sustainability
| Date: | July 23, 2022 (Saturday) |
| Time: | 14:30-16:15 (Hong Kong Time) |
| Format: | Zoom |
| Language: | English |
| Contents: | - Introduction to AIRI Fellowship Programme 2022-23 - Lecture: Sustainable Management of Socio-ecological Production Landscapes - Exercise: Re-establishing Socio-ecological Integrity of a Rural Community - Fellowship Scheme Application Instructions |
| Trainers: | - Mr Bruno Leles, Partnerships Associate, Secretariat of the International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative - Ms Katie Chick, Assistant Director, Centre for Civil Society and Governance, The University of Hong Kong |
| Fee: | Free of charge |
| Enquiry: | 3917-4910 / ruralsd@hku.hk |
| Registration: | Click here [Registration is now closed] |
| Photo Album: | Coming soon |
Event 2: Visit to Lai Chi Wo, Mui Tsz Lam & Kop Tong on Rural Planning and Management
| Date: | August 13, 2022 (Saturday) |
| Time: | 09:00-17:30 (Hong Kong Time) |
| Format: | Site visit |
| Language: | Cantonese supplemented with English |
| Contents: | - Introduction to AIRI Fellowship Programme 2022-23 - Guided Tour in Lai Chi Wo: The intact South China feng-shui village landscape of Lai Chi Wo and socio-economic strategies to revitalise the Lai Chi Wo cultural landscape - Site Visit to Mui Tsz Lam and Kop Tong: Planning and design challenges and opportunities for local forest villages - Fellowship Scheme Application Instructions (Round boat trip between Ma Liu Shui and Lai Chi Wo will be arranged.) |
| Trainers: | - Ms Katie Chick, Assistant Director, Centre for Civil Society and Governance, The University of Hong Kong - Mr Ryan Leung, Senior Project Officer, Centre for Civil Society and Governance, The University of Hong Kong |
| Fee: | Free of charge |
| Quota: | 20 |
| Enquiry: | 3917-4910 / ruralsd@hku.hk |
| Registration: | Click here [Registration is now closed] |
| Photo Album: | Coming soon |
Mainland China Taster Events on Rural Planning and Management
Event 1: Visit to Dayu County, Jiangxi Province on Rural Planning and Management
| Date: | July 12-15, 2022 (Tuesday-Friday) |
| Format: | Site Visit |
| Language: | Chinese |
| Trainers: | Professor Yahua Wang, Associate Dean, School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University; Executive President, China Institute for Rural Studies, Tsinghua University |
| Photo Album: | Coming soon |
Event 2: Visit to Nanjian County, Yunnan Province on Rural Planning and Management
| Date: | July 15-17, 2022 (Friday-Sunday) |
| Format: | Site Visit |
| Language: | Chinese |
| Trainers: | Professor Yahua Wang, Associate Dean, School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University; Executive President, China Institute for Rural Studies, Tsinghua University |
| Photo Album: | Coming soon |
Taiwan Taster Events on Sustainable Placemaking
Event 1: Sustainable Placemaking with Natural and Cultural Capitals
| Date: | August 18, 2022 (Thursday) |
| Trainers: | - Professor Ching-Ping Tang, Director, University Outreach Office, National Chengchi University - Ono Hiroaki, Creator of Plus Kaga |
| Photo Album: | Coming soon |
Event 2: Visit to Placemaking Training Station at Daxi
| Date: | August 19, 2022 (Friday) |
| Format: | Site Visit |
| Trainers: | - Yang-Hsian Chang, Owner, Zebra Crossing Library Co. - Zhao-Ming Chiu, Green Meet Farm Owner, Agritourism Association |
| Photo Album: | Coming soon |
Thailand Taster Events on Rural and Peri-urban Planning and Management
Event 1: Fieldtrip to Visit Saraburi Province - Challenges and Opportunities of Divergent Socio-economic Rural Development
| Date: | Jul 25, 2022 (Monday) |
| Time: | 7:00-16:00 (ICT/Bangkok Time) |
| Venue: | Saraburi Province, Thailand |
| Language: | Thai/English |
| Contents: | - Introduction to AIRI Fellowship Programme 2022-23 - Field visit and interaction with local communities including irrigation water self-management group, OTOP centre, self-sufficiency economy learning centre, women's union |
| Trainers: | - Dr. Thi Phuoc Lai Nguyen / Prof. Mokbul Ahmad, Development Planning Management and Innovation Program, Asian Institute of Technology - Director of Economy Sufficiency Learning Centre of Suan Lom - Head of OTOP Phu Kae Centre - Head of Women Union, Khao Din Phattana - Khao Din Phattana Village Head |
| Registration: | Click here [Registration is now closed] |
| Photo Album: | Coming soon |
Event 2: Fieldtrip to Hua Takhe Community in Bangkok - Experience of Urban-Rural Development Transition
| Date: | July 27, 2022 (Wednesday) |
| Time: | 9:00-16:00 (ICT/Bangkok Time) |
| Venue: | Hua Takhe Old Market, Lat Krabang District, Bangkok |
| Language: | Thai/English |
| Contents: | - Introduction to AIRI Fellowship Programme 2022-23 - Field visit and interaction with local communities and exchange experiences about rural-urban transformation through community conservation and spatial planning in peri-urban area |
| Trainers: | - Dr. Thi Phuoc Lai Nguyen, Development Planning Management and Innovation Program, Asian Institute of Technology - Mrs. Umbha Bunyaket, Head of Hua Takhe Loving Community Enterprise - Dr. Rattikarn Khambud, Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning Bureau, Ministry of Interior, Thailand - Mrs. Theerada Rongrat Urban Design, Faculty of Architecture and Design, Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin - Dr. Amorn Kritsanaphan, School of Architecture, Art, and Design, King Mongkut's Institute of Techology Ladkrabang |
| Registration: | Click here [Registration is now closed] |
| Photo Album: | Coming soon |
Module 1: Rural Assets and Governance
| Online Master Lectures: |
Date & Time: Oct 22, 2022 (Sat) 09:15-12:30 HKT (Zoom) |
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Practical Training: |
Date & Time: Oct 23, 2022 (Sun) 09:30-12:00 HKT (Zoom) |
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Local Fieldtrip: |
- Hong Kong (Nov 5, 2022): Rural planning and management study tour to the Northern Metropolis |
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Key Speakers: |
- Dr. Jessica WILLIAMS, Post-doctoral Fellow, Centre for Civil Society and Governance, The University of Hong Kong |
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Photo Album: |
Coming soon |
Module 2: Environment and Resource Management
| Online Master Lectures: |
Date & Time: Dec 3, 2022 (Sat) 09:30-12:30 HKT (Zoom) |
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Practical Training: |
Date & Time: Dec 10, 2022 (Sat) 09:30-12:00 HKT (Zoom) |
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Tutorial: |
Date & Time: Jan 14, 2023 (Sat) 09:30-11:30 HKT (Zoom) |
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Key Speakers: |
- Dr. Amorn KRITSANAPHAN, Urban and Regional Planning Program in King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), Bangkok, Thailand |
Module 3: Social and Cultural Sustainability
| Online Master Lectures: | Date & Time: Feb 18, 2023 (Sat) 09:30-12:30 HKT (Zoom) Contents: - Rural Social Governance in East Asia - Rural-urban Disparities; New Rural Vulnerable and Marginalised Groups - A Transform Action of Development - Cultural Landscape, Tangible and Intangible Heritage |
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Practical Training: |
Date & Time: Feb 19, 2023 (Sun) 09:30-12:00 HKT (Zoom) Contents: - Identifying actions and resources for realising rural revitalisation ideas |
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Local Fieldtrip: |
- Hong Kong (Mar 4, 2023): Tai O cultural landscape and its management through community partnerships and corporate involvement - Thailand (Mar 4, 2023): Fieldtrip to Bang Khan community, Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani province - Taiwan (Apr 9, 2023): Fieldtrip to Fuxing: Atayal Tribe’s bamboo forest and millet field management and development - Mainland China: To be arranged |
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Tutorial: |
Date & Time: Mar 18, 2023 (Sat) 09:30-11:30 HKT (Zoom) - Case study analysis II |
| Key Speakers: | - Prof. Zhenqing ZHENG, Associate Professor, School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University - Prof. Thi Phuoc Lai NGUYEN, Program Chair of Development Planning Management and Innovation, Department of Development and Sustainability, Asian Institute of Technology - Prof. Ping-Hsien LIN, Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Sociology and Social Work, Chung Shan Medical University - Prof. Ching-Ping TANG, Vice President for International Cooperation, Director of University Outreach Office, National Chengchi University - Ms. Katie CHICK, Assistant Director, Centre for Civil Society and Governance, The University of Hong Kong - Dr. Theresa Marie LORENZO, Post-doctoral Fellow, Centre for Civil Society and Governance, The University of Hong Kong |
| Photo Album: | Coming soon |
Module 4: Rural Economy, Innovation and Revitalisation
| Online Master Lectures: | Date & Time: Apr 15, 2023 (Sat) 09:30-12:30 HKT (Zoom) Contents: - Rural Poverty Alleviation and the Case of China - Sustainable Food System - Innovative Business Models with Local Knowledge and Technology |
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Practical Training: |
Date & Time: Apr 16, 2023 (Sun) 09:30-12:00 HKT (Zoom) Contents: - Futurecasting - Systems Thinking |
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Local Fieldtrip: |
- Hong Kong (Apr 29): Pearl farm visit – to understand a recent endeavour to revive the local pearl industry - Thailand (Apr 22, 2023): Fieldtrip to Ban Nong Khoa Manual Weaving, Nong Khao Sub-district, Tha Muang District, Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand - Taiwan (May 5, 2023): Field trip in Daxi and Longtan – Taoyuan local enterprises and sustainable business ideas - Mainland China: To be arranged |
| Key Speakers: | - Dr. Weiping Tan, Deputy Director General, International Poverty Reduction Center in China (IPRCC) - Ms. Heidi SPURRELL, CEO, Founder, Future Green - Prof. Shenglin Elijah CHANG, Professor at Graduate Institute of Building and Planning, National Taiwan University |
| Photo Album: | Coming soon |
Resident Hackathon in Hong Kong
| Date: | Jun 12, 2023 (Mon) – Jun 17, 2023 (Sat) |
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Venue: |
The University of Hong Kong - Kadoorie Centre, Lam Kam Road, Shek Kong, Yuen Long, New Territories, Hong Kong |
| Contents: | To help the Fellows navigate the complex rural socio-ecological system and develop impactful action projects, the Hackathon offers rural experiential workshops and site visits and introduce a set of concepts and tools, including design thinking, urban-rural commons, social innovation, entrepreneurship, cultural landscape mapping, and community partnership building. Day 1: Empathise with Nature - Zentangle Workshop & Mai Po Site Visit Day 2: Define Rural Problems - Lai Chi Wo Site Visit & Rural Economy Workshop Day 3: Ideate Solutions - Ideation Workshop & Rural Tourism Experience Day 4: Prototype Ideas - Bioconversion Plant Visit & Case Investigation Workshop Day 5: Test the Prototypes - Group Pitching of Action Proposal Ideas Day 6: AIRI Regional Forum I - Bridging Knowledge and Action: the Roles of the University in Rural Revitalisation |
| Photo Album: | Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day4 Day 5 Day 6 |