Young leader finds direction at the East-West Center
When Chris Foulkes finished uni, he wasn’t quite sure what he’d do next. “I didn't really have a clear plan other than the fact that I really loved international law and international relations, and wanted to play with the idea of that as a career some more.”
He’d gained a BA in Asian studies, politics and international relations at Victoria University, earning Honours in the latter, and had also completed an LLB. Besides that, he’d held part-time positions as a tutor in politics and international relations, and as an information officer for the Ministry of Social Development.
When trying to sort out his future plans, he got a steer from contacts he’d made through the Asia New Zealand Foundation. Chris says he was inspired by young leader Junita Douglass, who had taken part in the Asia-Pacific Leadership Programme(APLP) offered by the East-West Centre in Hawaii.
The programme focuses on emerging issues in the Asia-Pacific region, and on developing participants’ leadership skills.
Chris was given additional impetus to apply after Asia:NZ invited him to lunch with Satu Limaye, the director of the East-West Center’s DC office. Dr Limaye also encouraged Chris to apply – which he did.
“One thing that young leaders who are unsure about what they want to do could learn from me is to apply for all great opportunities you can. If you get in, then immerse yourself as far as possible in the experience.”
And that’s just what Chris has been doing since he arrived in Honolulu in August.
“I’m part of a cohort of 43 from all throughout the Asia-Pacific region, 65% of whom have a Masters degree or higher. It is one of the most interdisciplinary groups I have ever come across.
“We are taking advantage of every free moment we get here, so we have already done some awesome hikes around the place and started to learn to surf.”
The first semester of the APLP course is divided into two main areas of focus – regional core issues and leadership development. “Being here has allowed me to understand and articulate more fully New Zealand’s position in relation to Asia. The East-West Center is well-placed geographically between the Americas and Asia. Hawaii is also culturally similar to New Zealand – while it is clear that the indigenous culture holds a special position, it is truly a multicultural society.”
Chris has only praise for the programme so far. “Everyone who has done it tells you how amazing it is but they don't tell you why. However, it is far out-stripping my expectations.”
During the second semester, Chris will complete an internship, either doing research work on the Cambodian Senate Elections, or working at the Washington DC office of the East-West Center.
In November, he’ll be involved in the APEC Voices of the Future Conference, which is being held in Hawaii. He is currently looking into how he can collaborate with the East-West Centre to provide the visiting delegate from Asia:NZ’s Young Leader Network with extra networking opportunities during this time.
That will be his way of giving back to the network that he says has helped him in a number of ways. “First it meant that I knew Junita and met Satu who were both key to me applying! Second, it has allowed me to understand more fully New Zealand's position in relation to Asia and that has meant I can articulate that more fully to the cohort. And being on the Steering Committee in particular has put me in good stead to engage with the leadership development part of what we are learning.”
Images:
1. Kosh (from Nepal) and Chris at a welcome session at the East-West Center
2. Chris out hiking on the island with Dan, another member of his cohort.
