Creating Synergies, Strengthening Interactions and Supporting Networks

EU Through the Eyes of Asia

The "EU through the Eyes of Asia" is the inaugural project of the ESiA network. It pioneers a rigorous attempt to scientifically measure the media, public and elite perceptions of the EU specifically in the Asian region. Focusing on selected Asian countries that are part of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) process [1], the pilot study was undertaken in China , Hong Kong , Japan , Korea , Singapore and Thailand from 2006 to 2007 (Phase I and II). In all locations, the methodology involved monitoring images of the EU in the media; administering a public opinion survey; and conducting a series of elite interviews. The project has been expanded to Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam in the beginning of 2008 (Phase III), with the view of eventually including the remaining Asian ASEM countries by 2010.

In the meanwhile, however, the three phases have already produced a wealth of data regarding the perceptions of the EU in Asia that can enrich European studies scholarship in both Asia and Europe.

Click on the links below for more information: http://www.euperceptions.canterbury.ac.nz/eyes/index.shtml

[1] The Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) is an informal process of dialogue and co-operation. It brings together Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Laos, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mongolia, Myanmar, The Netherlands, Pakistan, The Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, United Kingdom, Vietnam, the ASEAN Secretariat and the European Commission.

The "EU Through the Eyes of Asia" Meetings

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ESiA "EU through the Eyes of Asia" Methodology Workshop
Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Dehli, India

5-7 January 2010

The Asia Europe Foundation, the National Centre for Research on Europe and Jawaharlal Nehru University organised the second of a series of three methodology workshops for the upcoming phase of “The EU through the Eyes of Asia” research project. The workshop took place in the lead up to the European Union Studies Association Asia-Pacific (EUSA-AP) annual conference entitled, "Connections and Dialogue: The European Union and the Asia Pacific, Perspectives, Perceptions and Policies". The conference took place on the 8th and 9th of January.

The Asia wide research project is a major academic collaboration to measure media, public and elite perceptions of the European Union (EU) in the Asian countries of the ASEM process. The analysis provides scientifically compelling feedback that can better assist in policy-making, suggesting recommendations to the EU, third countries and the media. It will hopefully help to develop a wider knowledge about the international perceptions of the EU. The latest phase of the research project will see the new locations of India, Macau SAR and Malaysia join the previous nine research locations, which include China, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The methodology workshop brought together the research teams from India (Centre for European Studies – Jawaharlal Nehru University), Macau (University of Macau) and Malaysia (Asia Europe Institute - University of Malaya) for an intensive three day training workshop. The workshop marked the end of the 6 month media analysis phase of the study that looked at that provides a robust dataset of media perceptions of the EU based on numerous news sources in each location.

The media analysis data was evaluated and compiled into powerpoint presentations, which each team presented during the final session of the EUSA-AP conference.

For copies of the countries presentation please see below.

India Media Analysis

Macau SAR Media Analysis

Malaysia Media Analysis

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ESiA "EU through the Eyes of Asia" Interim Methodology Workshop

Asia Europe Foundation, Singapore

4-5 September 2009

The Asia-Europe Foundation, in partnership with the National Centre for Research on Europe (NCRE), held an interim methodology workshop for the researchers of the latest phase of 'The EU through the Eyes of Asia', project in Singapore on the 4th and 5th of September. The latest phase sees India, Macau and Malaysia join the Asia wide research project, which continues to provide scientifically valid feedback on the perceptions of the EU in Asia. This feedback is drawn from three main sources; public opinion survey, media analysis and key stakeholder interviews. The EU through the Eyes of Asia project illustrates the unique perceptions of Asians towards the EU, highlighting a wealth of information designed to build better mutual understanding between Academics, Media, Policy Makers and private sector actors in Asia and Europe. To date the study has been carried out in nine research locations including China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, with, as mentioned above, India, Macau and Malaysia joining the latest phase of the research.

The meeting provided a great platform to follow up on the training provided in the initial methodology workshop held in Kuala Lumpur from the 16th to the 19th of June 2009. The meeting also provided a great chance for the research co-ordinators to evaluate the progress made and ensure that the data collected is of the highest standard.

The workshop involved the participation of each of the major research partners, Jawaharlal Nehru University, University of Macau and the Asia Europe Institute - University of Malaya.

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ESiA "EU through the Eyes of Asia" Methodology Workshop & Public Panel

Asia-Europe Institute - University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
16-19 March 2009

ESiA "EU through the Eyes of Asia" Methodology Workshop

Media, Public and Elite Perceptions in India, Macau , Malaysia

The Asia Europe Foundation, the National Centre for Research on Europe and the Asia Europe Institute – University of Malaya organised the first of a series of three methodology workshops for the upcoming phase of “The EU through the Eyes of Asia” research project.

The Asia wide research project is a major academic collaboration to measure media, public and elite perceptions of the European Union (EU) in the Asian countries of the ASEM process. The analysis provides scientifically compelling feedback that can better assist in policy-making, suggesting recommendations to the EU, third countries and the media. It will hopefully help to develop a wider knowledge about the international perceptions of the EU. The latest phase of the research project will see the new locations of India, Macao and Malaysia join the previous nine research locations, which include China, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The methodology workshop brought together the research teams from India (Centre for European Studies – Jawaharlal Nehru University), Macao (University of Macao) and Malaysia (Asia Europe Institute) for an intensive four day training workshop. The workshop will help the research teams develop the skills necessary to collect and compile datasets taken from media analysis, public opinion surveys and key stakeholder interviews.

Participants and co-organisers of the ESiA "EU through the Eyes of Asia" Methodology Workshop

ESiA Public Panel "EU-Asian relations: Policies and Perceptions of the EU in Malaysia"

The Asia-Europe Foundation in partnership with the Asia Europe Institute (AEI), the National Centre for Research on Europe (NCRE), with the support of the Delegation of the European Commission to Malaysia, held the European Studies in Asia (ESiA) Network Public Panel on ‘EU-Asian relations: Policies and Perceptions of the EU in Malaysia’ , hosted by the AEI on 19 June 2009. The public panel took place to launch the implementation of the ESiA network’s flagship project ‘The EU through the Eyes of Asia’ in Malaysia.

Public panel Moderator, Datuk Prof. Roziah Omar introducing fellow panelists during the opening remarks

The Asia wide research project provides scientifically valid feedback drawn from three sources; public opinion survey, media analysis and key stakeholder interviews. The EU through the Eyes of Asia project illustrates the unique perceptions of Asians towards the EU, highlighting a wealth of information designed to build better mutual understanding between Academics, Media, Policy Makers and private sector actors in Asia and Europe. To date the study has been carried out in nine research locations including China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, with India and Macao joining Malaysia in the latest phase of the research.

It is on this basis that the public panel discussed the current state of play in relation to EU – Asian relations, while attempting to map the shifts and trends of EU policies and perceptions in Asia as a whole and Malaysia specifically. The two regions of Asia and Europe have become increasingly more interrelated and interdependent and over the past decade have strengthened their ties politically, economically and culturally. At present the strategic partnership between the two regions is of immense importance to one another.

The Panel aimed to spur dialogue between Asian and European experts to evaluate the current policies of the EU towards building stronger links and partnerships across Asia while discussing the popular perceptions of the EU in Asia. The panelists discussed economic, educational, environmental, political factors that are of paramount importance to forging a healthy relationship between the EU and Asia, paying particular attention to how these factors of mutual interest impact our perceptions of one another.

he Panel was attended by over 100 local and international stakeholders from various sectors including academe, government, local business and media. This provided for a lively and informed discussion during the Q&A session.

For copies of the panels presentations please see below

Prof. Martin Holland

H.E Vinacent Piket

Prof. Rajendra Jain

Press Release

Workshop on the Future of European Studies in Asia

Manila, the Philippines
5-7 December 2007

The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), the National Centre of Research on Europe (NCRE), Ateneo de Manila University (the Philippines) and the University of Warsaw (Poland) co-organised a "Workshop on the Future of European Studies in Asia" in Manila, the Philippines, on 5-7 December 2007.

Hosted by Ateneo de Manila University, this two-and-a-half day meeting kicked off with a public session on 5 December to launch the new ESiA publication "EU through the Eyes of Asia: Media, Public and Elite Perceptions in China, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Thailand". Two keynote speakers, H.E. Prof. Dr. Edilberto de Jesus (Former Secretary of Education of the Philippines) and H.E. Ambassador Alistair MacDonald (Head of the EC Delegation to the Philippines), addressed the approximately 70 guests invited to the event.

The following session was devoted to the findings of the last leg of ESiA's "EU through the Eyes of Asia" project which involves a series of interviews regarding the perceptions of the EU among the political, business and media elites of five different Asian countries, namely, China (including Hong Kong), Japan, Korea, Thailand and Singapore.

The last session focused on the special topic of curriculum development for European studies in Asia and Europe.

40 prominent European studies academics throughout Asia and Europe were invited as well local observers from the government, international organisations, the media and the business community.

Click on links below to retrieve workshop documents:

Concept Paper

Agenda

Abstract of Presentations:

1. Introduction to the "EU through the Eyes of Asia " Project: elite interview highlights

2. Summary of Elite Interviews in China

3. The EU in the Eyes of Hong Kong Elites

4. The EU in the Eyes of Japanese Elites

5. The EU through the Eyes of Korea

6. The EU through the Eyes of Singaporean Elites

7. The EU through the Eyes of Thai Elites

8. Comparison Analysis and Synthesis: Asian elite perceptions of the EU: Asian elite perceptions of the EU

9. The Landscape of European Studies Curriculum Development in the Asia-Pacific: case study of Japan

10. The Landscape of European Studies Curriculum Development in Europe

11. European Studies: some considerations on curriculum development in and outside the EU

12. A Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence in China

13. A Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence in the Czech Republic

14. An Independent European Institute: promoting European studies in India

15. An Independent European Studies Centre in Poland

16. Developing an e-learning Curriculum in European Studies: the Philippine experience

17. Developing an e-learning Curriculum in European Studies: the Belgian experience

18. Enhancing Academic Co-operation in Curriculum Development for European Studies in Asia and Europe

19. A Case for Higher Education Co-operation between Asia and Europe

Summary of Discussions (not available)

"The EU through the Eyes of the Asian Media" Workshop

Hong Kong, China
11-13 December 2006

After last year's inaugural advisory group meeting and the creation of the ESiA platforms (website and newsletter), the purpose of this workshop was to disseminate and discuss the findings of the first phase of ESiA's flagship project "EU through the Eyes of Asia: A Comparative Study of Public, Elite and Media Perceptions of the EU in Korea, Singapore, Japan, Thailand and China". More importantly, it was also an opportunity to launch the second phase of the project as well as consolidate plans for future activities.

Thirty-two prominent European studies academics from Asia and Europe were invited. Click here for more.

Click on links below to retrieve workshop documents:

EU through the Eyes of Asia*

The EU Through the Eyes of Asia Publications

NEW PUBLICATION!

The EU through the Eyes of Asia: Media, Public and Elite Interviews in China , Japan , Korea , Singapore and Thailand

Editors: Martin Holland , Peter Ryan, Alojzy Z. Nowak and Natalia Chaban

Publication Date: November 2007

ISBN Number: 978-83-89069-74-0

Pages: 305

Fifty years since the Treaty of Rome, the European Union (EU) continues to realise Jean Monnet's vision for a unified Europe . Spanning twenty-seven countries with a combined population of close to 500 million and a nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of €11.6 trillion, is the EU primarily a successful example of economic and political integration? Or is it also, and perhaps most of all, a community of values? According to European Commissioner Margot Wallström in her 2005 "Plan D" initiative, an obstacle between the EU and Europe 's citizens is a lack of any "common narrative" about the nature of European integration. She noted "the real problem in Europe is that there is no agreement or understanding about what Europe is for and where it is going". This absence of an EU consensus on the final goal of European integration - be it among policy-makers or ordinary citizens - has also created a confused and perplexing image for those outside the borders of the EU27. As a result, the EU's international role often appears ambiguous both within and outside the EU.

Misperception or ill-informed views of the EU's global role puts the EU at risk of being overlooked or undervalued by third countries with whom the EU is a significant partner. Similarly, low awareness of the EU exposes third countries to the risk of slipping under the EU's 'radar'. This publication presents the findings of the first two phases of "EU through the Eyes of Asia", the inaugural project of the ESiA network, undertaken in China (including Hong Kong), Japan, Korea, Singapore and Thailand.

The findings reported here will help to develop a wider knowledge about the international perceptions of the EU: the external image of the EU constitutes a fundamental component of an ongoing process of EU identity linking the perception of "Others" and self-perception. The analysis provides scientifically valid feedback that can better assisted informed policy and suggests recommendations to the EU, third countries and the media, contributing to more effective public diplomacy.

The publication is a partnership between ASEF, the National Centre for Research on Europe (NCRE), Ateneo de Manila University and University of Warsaw , with the support of the European Commission and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

To order a copy, please contact info@asef.org

Click on the links below to retrieve other relevant documents:

Publication in PDF Format

Executive Summary (March 2008)

2nd Interim Report (January 2007)

1st Interim Report (July 2006)

"The EU Through the Eyes of Asia" Book Launches

The publication "The EU through the Eyes of Asia: Media, Public and Elite Perceptions in China, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Thailand" marks the completion of the first two phases of the "EU through the Eyes of Asia" project, the inaugural project of the ESiA network.

Already, this endeavour has resulted in a substantial body of work on Asian perceptions and attitudes toward the European Union (EU). It has given the opportunity for both better-established as well as emerging Asian institutions to contribute meaningfully to European studies scholarship. For it is not only a demonstration of European studies academic excellence in Asia, but also contains concrete recommendations for policy-makers in Asia and Europe. Thus, a timely and wide dissemination and distribution of copies of the book to targeted audiences in Asia and Europe is crucial.

 A soft launch for the book was organised on 22 November 2007, on the occasion of the visit of H.E. José Manuel Barosso, President of the European Commission (EC), to the ASEF premises.

Following that, ASEF successfully held a formal book launch in Manila , the Philippines , on 5 December 2007, in partnership with the NCRE, the University of Warsaw and Ateneo de Manila University, as the local host.

The book was further publicised during the 2nd ESiA Lecture Tour "The EU through the Eyes of Asia: The Case of China and Hong Kong" which brought Dr. Kenneth Chan of Hong Kong Baptist University to Warsaw, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Ljubljana and Cork from 4-15 February 2008.

 In addition to the above mentioned book launch in Manila, in 2008, ASEF will organise book launches in seven cities across Asia, the full schedule is as follows:

An Audience member asks a question while the expert panel looks on, Beijing Book Launch, October 22 2008