It was a cold Sunday morning when we landed at Kansai airport. Everyone was tired because of our journey. Slowly, we have been introduced to one another, and suddenly, a sense of warmth and belongingness enveloped in all of us. Well, we have to wait for another hour before we had to be transported to Kasuga Hotel, as it will be our first venue of this BABA retreat. For me, I was relieved when Phuc arrived . Phuc is a blind fellow from Vietnam and has been my classmate in the previous young blind leaders dialogue conducted in Thailand and in Malaysia from 2008 to 2010. I told myself that I will not be the only disabled in that group. As we headed to Kasuga Hotel, the fellowship intensed further, then, a sense of belongingness increased and I was finally convinced, that BABA family has accepted us.

As we were introduced to Japanese settings, I found it interesting, since it was really my first time to go to a hotel, and suddenly sleep on the floor?? Yes on the floor, but with nice mats and mattresses, completed with Japanese robes, and more so, warmth and true friends who were my roommates. My skills in mobility did not function immediately since the whole settings was foreign to me. In spite of my behaviour, my roommates tirelessly helped me, until my system was synchronized with my mobility in our small, but, very good room. We were 5 in that room, but, I tell you, no dull moments!! After barely 2-hours of sleep, we received a call informing us that we have to attend a meeting with the organizers of the forum. Talking about innovations, that meeting was a cool example of such. As for me, I would call that a genuine concern! In all my international conferences which I have given the opportunity to attend, that was the first time that all participants with disabilities were gathered into a professional but friendly highly transparent one. They have assured us that they are willing to extend further their hands to ensure that we, the Persons With Disability (PWD) participants will be able to maximize the objectives of the conference as well as extend to the fullest the networking possibilities with our BABA Fellows. They have informed us that some of the vital conference materials were transferred to braille format which will be available to us and included in our kit. For our deaf colleagues, they have assured us of a full time interpreters for them to also fully participate in the sessions of the retreat. Hence before the stage was set, the organizers made sure that BABA 9 is not only for non -disabled participants. That it is for everybody and they do not invite us, PWDs, just for token participation but they want from us an active and productive meaningful interaction with our BABA fellows. The welcome dinner was a perfect ending to what could be a promising and exciting days of BABA retreat. In the testimonials of the resource speaker, BABA project has been an undertaking of The Nippon Foundation in order to create a new spirit in Asia. A spirit of partnership, camaraderie and genuine sharing of resources.

Day 2 started the journey towards the historic and beautiful sites of Nara. The organizers made sure that we were not only being exposed to very real and unforgettable Japanese hospitality, but also they have allowed us to experience how the Nara people preserved their pride and culture through all these years. Our conference sessions were held in different venues where very important personalities gathered , during the special occasions of the area. The treat was sealed with distinguished and chosen resource speakers who definitely has provided new and timely relevant prospective to us BABA fellows who is expected to contribute in the growth and potentials of Asia:

1. Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary-General, ASEAN

Opened the conversation and he proved to us his prowess and clearly he laid down to us the future of Asia in general and the ASEAN nations in particular. He reminded us that the challenges of our area is facing right now, both enormous and life changing. From economics to political to infrastructure landscape. The next five to ten years would be very defining for the Asian region. The challenge to BABA fellows is to be relevant and be ready to perform our leadership part of the change. He reminded us that BABA fellows must be ready to crystalize issues and be able to break barriers of cultural differences. Finally, the good doctor reminded us to be humble and Christ -centred , as he recalls his beginnings and where he is right now. He appealed to us to maintain our virtues which we have learned from our younger days. He said that that will be our tool in performing our roles in building better and greater Asia.

2. Prof. (Emeritus) Dr. Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti-University of Indonesia, Department of Economics

The guy is really perfect for the position . His analytical skills in the field of economics and entrepreneurialship initiatives boosted my confidence . My focus in the Philippines is to provide housing units for the informal settlers in answer to the need as stated in the result of the recently concluded community based monitoring survey in the Province of Batangas. The talk of Dr. Jakti served as a guide in formulating realistic but appropriate housing interventions which I will be doing in the Province of Batangas. What attracted to me the most is his sense of history and his genuine ness in his approach in solving the problems of Indonesia and how he was able to launch his ideas which most of the time out of the usual box. With all due respect, I believe Dr. Jakti gave the much information I needed before coming to the retreat. Especially in the area of micro-finance, his methodology should be adopted in the Philippines . Realities projections and the use of technology are the correct paths being chosen by the doctor to deliver the much needed capital to the poorest of the poor in his country. I fervently hope that I can invite him soon in my province to help our Governor who is equally sincere as Dr. Jakti in providing relevant livelihood activities for her constituents in the Province of Batangas. Dr. Jakti’s prognosis in the economy of Asia , to me is one of the most accurate and full of wisdom for our leaders to consider. It was really one of the fruitful sessions I’ve had in the retreat.

3. Hon. Shogo Arai, Governor Nara Prefecture

Is definitely one of the so called belong to the politicians endangered species. His love for his culture and his belief for his people is truly remarkable. His sharings inspired me a lot because of the presence of sincerity and honest love for his mission which is to propagate the Japanese culture in younger generation. Mixing his passion with correct governance made him more worthy of emulation by us BABA fellows. His openness in answering questions from us further open my mind into what Japanese roots are! Indeed, it’s only when you know where you come from that you’ll be bale to shape your future in the right way, and that’s the reason why Japan is right now, the second largest economy in the world, and one of the most admired nation in the world because of its true patriotism and discipline amidst the three giant tragedies that struck the nation.

4. Hon. Sukhumbhand Paribatra , Governor of Bangkok

The Governor of Bangkok is another peculiar personality we’ve met in the retreat. As he shared with us his innovations in his governance, combining it with his philanthropic spirit gave me the answer why Bangkok is one of the most respected places in Asia. The Governor has been able to preserve the wonders of Bangkok and the memories you can only get in visiting Bangkok. His sharing is unique in a sense that he has decided to use his resources to reach out and help his poor countryman by initiating doable reforms in his administration.

5. Dr. Anwar Ibrahim, Former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia

The first time that he shook my hands was indeed one of the most unforgettable moments in that retreat. The Secretary General of ASEAN is more than enough for me to have dialogue and some have fruitful moments! Dr. Anwar’s message of encouragement gave me more reasons to continue joining my fellows in the PWD sector in the Philippines to continue advocating for change in the way our government is treating us. I became more inspired to continue to find radical but peaceful means of policy intervention and awareness raising to create more change in the condition of the sector in the Philippines. The sacrifices of Dr. Ibrahim has been telling me to go on and remember the people who is depending on me and the measures I am taking so that the disabled persons in the rural area will be given opportunities to get out of their shells and be productive partners of our society. In the Philippines I am privileged to meet former President Corazon Aquino, former President Fidel Ramos and by the grace of God, have the chance to work with one of the best senators of the country, Senator Ralph G. Recto and one of the most sincere politician in our country, Governor Vilma Santos- Recto. Meeting Dr. Anwar is definitely feather added to my humble cap. I just hope that God continue to give me resources and open doors that I may have link with inspiring , passionate and devoted leaders such as Dr. Ibrahim in order for me to sustain my preset involvements.

6. Father M Rajaretnam and Sister Mary Kanniga

Those two wonderful organizers who never run out of patience in dealing with me, definitely made the difference. Through their patience I am able to maximize my participation in the retreat. Through their constant lobbying with the sponsors of the retreat, I was allowed reasonable accommodation by ensuring the success of my presentation, they have provided resources so that I was able to bring my caregiver and support staff , Maricel Manalo. Their genuine demonstration of support made me absorb not only the academic part of the retreat, but also perceive and appreciate the sites of Nara and Osaka.

Teamwork is one of the goals of BABA 9, and it was fully realized and I may say it was a great success. The five presenting teams gave their all and exerted best efforts in ensuring that all of us will gain new prospectives in the assigned topic. As for my part, I am bringing back the glory to God , that my BABA fellows as well as the organizers understood my message that in framing policies and programs for the disabled “ Nothing About Us, Without Us”! I also appreciated the fact that all of my fellows are willing to be my eyes, the moment I needed them! I do hope that all of our papers will be gathered and be available at least on the website to serve as a constant reference for us BABA fellows as we play our roles , as we are now back in our own countries performing our mission of Building A Better Asia. The high sense of professionalism of everybody as well as our willingness to share with one another are the most important imprints that will be remembered by me, as I will always be proud that I am a BABA fellow!

Conclusions:

The BABA experience is a peculiar and unique episode because it is anchored on true human values and best practices. Because it is inspired by people who is willing to share and give even if it hurts! BABA spirit is all about commitment in spite of all odds. BABA spirit is creating a paradigm shift such us giving sight to the blind, allowing the deaf to speak and for everybody to be partners regardless of disability, creed and ethnic differences. BABA spirit is extending beyond themselves to create barrier-free and to ensure inclusiveness to all human race! BABA spirit is being aware at all times , that there are sectors in need of help, thereby being alert to respond no matter what the cost.

Recommendations:

In view of the above experience, we humbly recommend the following sustainable measures in instilling BABAism to Asia:

1. For BABA fellows to spread in their own countries and to adopt one or two marginalized sectors and capacitating them with the goal of transforming them into partners of society.

2. For the organizers to come up with an interactive website so that the undertakings of the fellows will be constantly posted and validated by the community.

3. For the fellows to meet every two years in order to reinforce the knowledge as well as recognized distinguished and remarkable achievements of the fellows in their own countries/communities.

Dear BABA Fellows,

At the recently concluded BABA 9 held in Nara, Japan, Fellows discussed the idea of making a video for the survivors of the March 11 earthquake & tsunami here in Japan. Raja shared that Dr. Surin Pitsuan has organized a goodwill caravan of young people from ASEAN, including survivors of the 2004 tsunami to visit and perform at the evacuation centers. I recently shared with the BABA 9 group this very upbeat video of the new Kyushu shinkansen which was aired briefly but taken down after the March 11 disaster because people were in no mood to celebrate, but then has gone viral on the internet as the Japanese drew strength from the sheer joy, gratitude, celebration and affirmation in the video in the face of the crisis: http://www.youtube.com/user/shuku9wave. Which led to discussion of making a similar video but of people all over Asia, showing our love, support, prayers and encouragement... something like a train moving through Asia for Japan.

The goodwill caravan will be on June 3-5. As such we are targeting for the BABA video to be finished by May 31. Kate Lacson has volunteered to put the video together. We are working under a tight schedule and with limited resources. So here are the guidelines:

1. Take photos (.jpg file of at least 1 MB in resolution so that they will be very clear and crisp) of local people in your own country holding up signs with messages of support, love, prayers, encouragement for the survivors of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami and for the Japanese people in general. The more local the touch, the better (i.e. national costumes, photos set in famous/recognizable places or landmarks in your country). A mix of young and old people, individuals and groups are welcome. Feel free to be as creative as possible.

2. If you wish to take videos, please make sure they are short clips (no more than 30 seconds each) that are largely visual (not monologues of long messages) since the final video will be set to one music. If possible, please use .mov or .avi files for better resolution. For our deaf BABA Fellows, it would be great if you could sign some messages in short video clips.

3. We have some suggestions for the music, but if you have more suggestions, please email them to me at sherilyn3@gmail.com or Kate at kglacson333@gmail.com.

The success of this project depends on everyone's contribution and cooperation. If we don't get enough photos/video clips, we can't put a video together. So we look forward to everyone's enthusiasm for the project. Deadline for all photos and videos is May 16. We need time to put the video together and work on translations as well. Please submit them to Kate (and Kate only) at kglacson333@gmail.com with the subject line: "BABA video for Japan." It would be very very helpful to Kate who is very busy this month if BABA Fellows from the same country can coordinate with each other first and put all photos and video clips in one email instead of sending from several accounts.

Thank you very much and looking forward to our output!

Sincerely,
Sherilyn

Dear BABA and ADS Friends

In case my message missed some of you yesterday let me once again extend my best wishes to all of you for a Happy and Prosperous New Year. The world is gradually recovering from the slew of financial, natural and other man-made disasters. Let’s wish that leaders and people will find more creative and honest approaches to the problems of the world.

When we started this blog 2 months ago it was with the objective of providing a private and public space for those who believe that BABA is necessary and that new ideas, new initiatives and new types of discussions and outreach can be sustained. Starting a blog is always easy I suppose but sustaining its continuity as a useful platform presents a daunting prospect. I appreciate your interventions. I want in particular to thank Payoshini, Manisha, Afzal, Sarath Kumar, Citra, Sarojini and Guanghua Liu. It’s a start and I trust all others will join this year.

Sarojini, you asked if you can post your blog here. Thai Quang Trung from ADS has offered to blog on “Climate Change, Green Economy and Creative Community” while Michael (ADS), who recently published a book the financial crisis, has also offered to blog on “the political economy of the recession”. I welcome these offers. I see the blog as “co-collaborative” effort among several people. This is aside from the comments that you will make. I would like to suggest that when you are ready with your blogs that you send them to Mary so that she can upload them.

I  have also started uploading news items on to the site’s news section. I will no longer send these direct to your email addresses as I have been doing occasionally in the past. I would suggest therefore you check the site regularly in case there are items that are of interest to you. These news items will be refreshed weekly. I would also like to welcome your suggestions for news items or articles you might want to share with others. Send them to us.

During the year BABA fellows from India to Japan - Akira (B5), Nirosion (B6), Sanjeev (B6), Sherilyn Siy (B1) and Pham Kim Ngoc (B6) and Afzal (B6) - brought into this world wonderful babies and became proud parents. I am sure that you have all shared your joy and experiences with BABA friends, most recently being Ngoc. In late October Sherilyn had written a long letter to me expressing her child-bearing and child birth experience. I will leave it to Sherilyn if she wishes to share her beautiful experience on the blog.

Rajib Roy (B7) got married in December. My son, Sumana, whom some you may have met in one of the BABA meetings got married last April. We wish all these new parents and newly-weds all the best.

Yeni Salma Barlinti (B5) was conferred her Doctorate in Law after she stoutly defended her thesis. She was the first person in almost 30 years at the university who had written on shariah law. The title of her thesis is "The Existence of Fatwa of National Syariah Board on National Legal System in Indonesia". I was fortunate to be in Indonesia at the time to be present at her defense and conferment.

I hope that I did not miss out on these very good personal developments –births, marriages, degrees, books and career advances. If I did please don’t fail to correct them.

During my travels I try to meet with BABA fellows. On December 9, 2010 a group of 10 fellows from Indonesia and I met over dinner in Jakarta. They were from different BABA groups – Nuryanti (2), Herry (1), Kardison(6), Citra (4), Pipit, Ilham, (5), Debby (3), Sarojini (7), Husnul (5) and Reny (5). Many had actually not met one another. There are a total of 28 BABA fellows in Indonesia and I hope that they will be able to meet amongst themselves occasionally and maybe as a whole group one day. I have had some 3 such meetings in Jakarta (its easier as I am currently based in Jakarta), and meetings in Tokyo, Kolkata and Vietnam. Sadia Khan (B6) - the only fellow from Pakistan –was in Singapore in November with her family and met up with Mary. Unfortunately, I missed meeting her.

In the meantime, Sarojini had authored late this year a well produced coffee table book called “Concealed Secrets in the Museum Buildings of Ubud Bali”. Michael Heng, as I had mentioned earlier, published “The Great Recession” History, Ideology, Hubris and Nemesis” under the World Scientific title. Congratulations, Sarojini and Michael.

The ADS will have its own book on human security out this month. Published by World Scientific Publishers also the book is titled “Human Security – From Concept to Practice: Case Studies from Northeast India and Orissa”.

ADS has another book which be out in February 2011. This one will be titled “One Southeast Asia: Shared Destiny, Shared Future”. Several of our ADS and BABA fellows have also published during the course of the year and I look forward to receiving more news about their works.

On the NARA retreat, - BABA 9 – I wanted to let you know the selection process has gone well but is not yet completed. I hope that the final decision will be announced by the end of January at the latest. In the meantime I have been busy preparing for it.

One last thing – in December – after the awards by the FIFA World Cup Committee to Moscow and Dubai to host the World in 2018 and 2022, there was some excitement in ASEAN circles when a young man by the name of Fuadi Pitsuwan wrote an op-ed piece in a local Singapore news paper calling on the ASEAN countries to seriously consider bidding to host the World Cup in 2026. He has received much positive response for his idea from many quarters. I want to share this article with you and I reproduce the op-ed in full below. Hope that you enjoy reading it.

Raja
020111


Dec 10, 2010
Come on, Asean - let's bid for World Cup 2030
By Fuadi Pitsuwan, For The Straits Times

ASEAN should host the World Cup in 2030. That would benefit not only football fans but also all Asean citizens.

The astounding decision last week by Fifa, the world's football federation, to let Russia and Qatar host the World Cup in 2018 and 2022, respectively, gives Asean hope that it can seriously aspire to play host to the sporting event with the largest worldwide audience in 2030.

The Fifa statutes stipulate that 'tournaments may not be held on the same continent on two successive occasions'. Qatar is in the Asian Football Confederation together with all 10 Asean member states. Unless there is a rule change - for example, by splitting the 46-member confederation into western and eastern groups - Asean would be ineligible to host the 2026 World Cup. But there is still hope for 2030 (or any World Cup after that).

A World Cup final held in the Asean region would pack in the crowds. The grouping is, after all, home to some of the most fanatical football fans in the world. By 2030, the population of Asean, which now stands at almost 600 million, will be close to a billion. How's that for a mega fan base?

How exciting it would be if each member state were to provide at least one stadium for the tournament. With the prospect of Timor Leste joining the group as early as next year, Asean could quite easily build 11 stadiums.

The bid guidelines call for about 12 stadiums. Fifa also requires state-of-the-art telecommunications and transport connectivity and accommodation infrastructure. All this is well within Asean's reach.

The challenges of coordination and logistics in an 11-country tournament will be enormous. But Asean is already well connected by all forms of transportation and will surely be better integrated by 2030. The recently launched Asean Connectivity masterplan will bring the member states closer through air, land and sea transportation.

The grouping is also working on something similar to the Schengen Visa, which enables travellers to visit 25 European countries with just one visa. This will facilitate non-Asean citizens' travel in the region.

According to Fifa rules, the host nation - or nations as when South Korea and Japan co-hosted the tournament in 2002 - automatically qualifies to participate in the World Cup Finals. Asean obviously cannot send 11 teams to compete in a tournament of 32. But it could send the best or the best two teams selected through a regional tournament.

Better still, if Asean's bid for the Cup won, the group could send a team with the best players from all 11 countries.

An Asean bid for the 2030 World Cup could face stiff competition from China and Argentina-Uruguay. China has already expressed interest, touting its experience in hosting the 2008 Summer Olympics and this year's Asian Games.

Uruguay and Argentina have already started their campaign and are planning a joint bid. Their case rests on the fact that 2030 is the 100th anniversary of the tournament. Uruguay, having hosted the first World Cup in 1930, claims that the competition should return to the country in 2030.

These are real challenges for Asean, but it is capable of submitting a bid that is just as attractive, if not more so, than these countries. Even if it loses, it can always try again.

Hosting the World Cup would raise Asean's global standing. It would be the first time a regional intergovernmental bloc would host a sporting event of such significance. Not even the European Union has done it.

The tournament would benefit Asean in other ways. The revenue from broadcasting concessions, ticket sales and advertising could be used for development. The required stadiums could be built in less-developed cities to stimulate economic growth there.

The most-watched games - such as the opening and final matches - could be held in the needier member-nations of Asean to stimulate economic development and showcase them as new investment or travel destinations.

This is not the first time that the idea of hosting the world's most important football tournament has been raised. At the Asean Finance Ministers' Investor Seminar concluded recently in Kuala Lumpur, Thailand's Minister of Finance Korn Chatikavanij apparently proposed that Asean bid for the World Cup.

Asean Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan, when told of the idea, responded with: 'Yes, I have been thinking about the same thing. I will push it. See if Asean will take the plunge.'

The writer is an adjunct research scholar at Georgetown University's Asian Studies Department and an Asean football fan.

I was very encouraged to receive so many applications from BABA Fellows to attend BABA 9 which will be held for the first time in Japan in April 2011. So much encouraged that I decided to extend the deadline for a week. A total of 163 persons have attended the eight BABA retreats so far. We have allocated places for 40 persons for Nara which is almost double our usual retreat size. I wish we had the resources to invite more than 40 persons but this was not anticipated since budgets are always agreed upon long before the event. Another encouraging development is that Nara will integrate the two other retreats, “Blind BABA” and “Deaf BABA” with our “mainstream” BABA. This means that 4-5 persons who belong to these groups will be part of the Nara retreat. Nara will not only be exciting but challenging as well not only for the Fellows but for the resource people as well. I am glad to know that based upon your responses to my questions you are all willing to make presentations if invited. We will have to make sure that you will be given time to develop your thoughts to stimulate discussions on ideas that will be beneficial to humankind. There will be more opportunity to participate. I hope also that through the retreats and other means this BABA network can deepen and strengthen itself. The Academic Committee has also been most encouraged to know that BABA has met its goals and that it continues to be useful. The evaluation reports have by and large been positive. But like any other activity BABA has its share of shortcomings and these are being addressed. In looking at the larger picture we see an Asia that is committed to economic integration and deepening cooperation. When the plethora of trade agreements is in place there will be an enormous network of relationships that will allow people, commodities, and finance to move freely in the largest marketplace in the world stretching from India to Japan and down to New Zealand. Imagine, over 3 billion of humanity interacting more actively. Therefore, understanding the cultural, social, economic and political landscapes of our neighbours is critical for the future. BABA is playing that role. About two months ago I had received a note from Dr Chen Zhenya of PKU whom all of you know. He had referred to the fellows as the “promising generations of Asia” and went on to say that “BABA has actually in a certain sense affected positively on the image of Peking University, even of China”. I feel obliged to share his letter with you. This is attached. This blog has taken too long to start. I hope that it will not take too long to fill up with your wonderful thoughts.