Quarterly Report from EWCA Alumni Chapters(July 2013)
CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEEQUARTERLY REPORTS, EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING (7/18/13)
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY: Estrella Besinga Sybinsky
ALOHA TO ALL OF OUR US & INTERNATIONAL CHAPTERS! My personal
sympathies for those among us who are inconvenienced by a climate that is hotter thanusual, for the heavy rains/flooding that comes with the monsoon season and for those
who have lost loved ones. For all of our chapters, mahalo for your chapter responses, andas always, we hope that those unable to respond this quarter, will do so in the next.
The following chapters & chapter leaders responded: 1) APLP Alumni Chapter (VinhHo) 2) Brisbane Australia Chapter (Iraphne Childs) 3) Faisalabad Pakistan Chapter(Muhammad Ibrahim) 4) Kathmandu Nepal Chapter (Nirendra Maske) 5) Lahore,
Pakistan Chapter (Arfa Sayeda Zehra) 6) Laos Chapter (Chantavong Saignasith) 7)
Mumbai India Chapter (Sarosh Bana) 8) Nagoya Japan Chapter (Yasuo Hoshino) 9)
Northern CA Chapter (Barbara Bornet Stumph) 10) Okinawa Japan Chapter (Keiko
Yamazato) 11) Papua New Guinea Chapter (Solomon Kantha) 12) Philippines Chapter(Ramon Clarete/ Pauline Bautista).
APLP CHAPTER
Vinh Ho has officially been serving as President of the Asia Pacific Leadership Program
Alumni Board since January 2013 (replacing Caitlin Wyndham) and has conducted two
bi-monthly conference calls. The APLP Chapter is currently involved in the following
activities: 1) Established the newly inducted board members. 2) Defined the vision andgoals of the chapter for the next two years. 3) Took the immediate action step of rollingout the “Navigator”, an alumni-led journalistic report on the program’s alumni profiles,
staff updates and current activities. 4) The following topics have been identified for theupcoming conference calls: a) how to engage/utilize the greater EWC alumni network b)
how to improve communication between cohorts and alumni c) discuss best practices for
fundraising and for preparations vis a vis the EWCA Okinawa 2014 conference. We
congratulate the APLP Chapter Alumni Board for closing in on meeting the chapter’s
60% goal of the McInerny Foundation Student Scholarship Matching Funds! A big
mahalo to the APLP Chapter.
Contact the EWCA APLP Chapter
BRISBANE CHAPTER
The overseas trips of five of the current members have limited the activities of thechapter for this quarter. Nevertheless, two significant activities are reported: 1) The
chapter was pleased to host Dr. Charles Morrison’s visit to Brisbane. The chapter met fordinner at a local Nepalese restaurant with Iraphne Childs (chapter leader), Patricia Byrne,
Edilyn Bajracharya, Bhisna Bajracharya and Ralph Carliesle. 2) For some time now, theChapter has been financially supporting two underprivileged Nepalese students. Finally,
they are finishing high school in 2013, intending to move forward to their tertiary studies.
The Chapter (with a core group of ten Brisbane –based members) is currently
investigating ways to raise funds for the two students, as their tertiary studies mean alarger increase in financial commitment and support.
Contact the EWCA Brisbane Chapter
FAISALABAD CHAPTER
Chapter leader Muhammad Ibrahim reports on the continuing community related
activities of their chapter. First, the cooperative community health project between thechapter and a Chinese International Company, started earlier in the last quarter isongoing. The company provides weekly free lectures on health to expand the awarenessof the local community. Coordinating with the company, the chapter facilitates the healthbenefits of the lectures by encouraging and bringing people to attend. To date, some 200
men and women have benefited from the free events. Secondly, the Chapter leader
reports that a large growing field, akin to a Marijuana plantation, is prevalent in one
community. Many people are addicted to smoking and drinking the dried narcotic plant,
without awareness of the negative effects of taking the drug. Some simply are notconcerned about the side effects. The chapter, under the lead of Muhammad Ibrahim, isinvolved in educating the community about the plant, has convinced four neighbors toeradicate the marijuana plants and the chapter plans to continue the education anderadication activities during their spare time and during holidays.
Contact the EWCA Faisalabad Chapter
KATHMANDU NEPAL CHAPTER
The chapter reported seven noteworthy social activities for this quarter:
On May 24th, invited chapter members attended an evening reception at the residence ofU.S. Ambassador Peter Bodde, to celebrate Independence day. 2) On June 4th, held at
the Atrium of the U.S. Embassy, Ambassador Bodde and the Executive Director of the
U.S. Educational Foundation-Nepal, Dr. Laurie Vasily, hosted a reception to celebrate the52nd Annual Fulbright day attended by the chapter. 3) The chapter leader, Nirendra
Maske, on a family visit to Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore, reported meeting andinteracting with chapter leaders and alumni of the three countries and was overwhelmedwith the aloha spirit of hospitality and kindness. 4) On May 18th, Nirendra had a lunch
meeting with the Taiwan Chapter communication liaison Dr. Nora Chiang and two
members, including EWC alumni Drs. Tony Kao and Yuh Chao Yuh. The Taiwan
chapter gave Nirendra a tour of the National Taiwan University. 5) On May 21st,
Nirendra interacted with Singapore chapter alumni at a dinner hosted by Vivian
Wong. Earlier in the day, Singapore’s chapter leader, Alice Seng Seok Hoon, not only

helped Nirendra and his wife in booking for their hotel accommodation, but took them ona tour of Singapore. 6) In Malaysia on May 24th, the entire Maske family was invited todinner with former EWCA chair, Kok Kian Poh and family. The chapter leader for
Kuala Lumpur, Dr. Saleh Ghazali and his wife, as well as Dr. Gan Siowck Lee, likewise
attended. 7) The chapter is celebrating EWC Day on July 6th with a talk program on the
topic: “Corruption, Good Governance & Leadership” followed by a lunch
reception. Invited guests: EWCA members, Fulbright, Humphrey, Embassy guests,
USEF and Ministry of Education officials. The chapter hopes to make the event a big
success.
Contact the EWCA Kathmandu Chapter
LAHORE CHAPTER
Special thanks to Arfa Sayeda Zehra, Lahore’s Chapter Leader, for her personal
contribution of $500 towards the EWCA Endowment Fund. The chapter continues thefine tradition of active involvement in the political issues of the country as well as
commitment to different aspects that confront the community. The following activities
are reported: 1) Prior to the general elections in Pakistan, the chapter invested long hours
and expanded time towards a political awareness program. Engaging in thedissemination of education via persuasion and counseling, the goal was to mobilize
citizens for active participation in the elections. The chapter wanted to enhance public
interest towards the cause of democracy. Chapter members met regularly to coordinate
this project. 2) Continuing their commitment to school education assistance, the chapter
provides free textbooks and related materials to deserving and needy students. Throughpersonal contributions, drinking water is supplied to the students, given the excessivehigh temperatures and the scarcity of water supply.
Contact the EWCA Lahore Chapter
LAOS CHAPTERThe Chapter Leader, Chantavong Saignasith, is saddened to report that a member,
Sombath Somphone, is still missing according to the Lao police. The chapter reports thatthey are planning to organize an Orientation meeting to be attended by EWCA alumni Dr.
Joseph Overton & Dr. George Brown, six college professors and the Lao chapter. The
meeting held between July 5-12, focused on the topic of Chinese migration and its role inLaos, and discussions on the Lao culture and economy. The chapter planned to invite arepresentative from the Chinese Association in Vientiane to attend the meeting.
Contact the EWCA Laos Chapter
MUMBAI CHAPTER
Due to the heavy downpour caused by the monsoon rains starting around the 10 th of June,
activity for the chapter has been limited. Nevertheless, the chapter did meet on June 1st

over tea and snacks, led by senior member Bishambar Makhija, as chapter leader SaroshBana was out of the country. Discussed at the meeting were the taking stock of chapter
activities and issues concerning the EWC, India and the rest of the world.
Contact the EWCA Mumbai Chapter
NAGOYA CHAPTER
The Nagoya chapter held its general meeting on June 16th . In addition to the chapter
members, attending the meeting were members of the Nagoya Fulbright Association at
Aichi University. Following the general meeting, three presentations were made:1) “The Performance of ICT Industry in Six Asian Countries,” by Mohd Fazli Mohd
Sam of Aichi University and University of Technical Malaysia Melaka and Yasuo
Hoshino of Aichi University and the University of Tsukuba. 2) “Fulbright’s Trinity: A
Sentimental Journey to Arkansas,” by Prof. Toyoshi Kase and 3) “Open Access On Line
Journals,” by Prof. Yasuo Hoshino. The chapter reports that the question and answer
sessions that followed were very stimulating. All three presentations will be published in
the chapter’s annual journal named “The Fulbrighter in Chubu,” Vol. 23. A party where
newcomers had the opportunity to talk freely followed the 3 presentations.
Contact the EWCA Nagoya Chapter
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER
Chapter leader Barbara Bornet Stumph, reported on the following activities of thechapter: Barbara personally reached out to the AAUW and Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority
presidents in Contra Costa County to acquire the name of Jaime Pena for the APLPProgram. She followed with an interview of Jaime, assisting her in her essay and writing
a letter of recommendation, which she submitted to the Committee chairman. 2) Barbara
raised public awareness of the EWC through articles (four) published in the largest
English language magazine in China, the Beijing Review. In these articles, Barbara
underscores the role that the EWC had on her own experiences. The Beijing Review
editor has positively reinforced Barbara by asking for more of her articles in the future.
Contact the EWCA Northern California Chapter
On a related issue, Barbara facilitated the submission to the Beijing Review of an article
on America’s voting process, zeroing in on the “one man, one vote as the only way tostand against tyranny” (written by her father, Dr. Vaughn Bornet). The article waspublished a week before President Obama’s re-election.
OKINAWA CHAPTER
Many thanks to the Okinawa chapter for their donation of Y50,000 (about $500) towards
the EWC/McInerny Scholarship Foundation. The Okinawa chapter is proud to present
the following activities: 1) Congratulations to the successful completion of studies byfive Okinawa chapter alumni- Kimuko Yamazato, Ph.D. program and Kenta Hanashiro,
Wakana Ishihara, Hitoe Nashiro and Saeko Higa, MA programs. 2) Member Maiko
Namihira, a teacher at Miyako Senior High School leads an exchange program for highschool students between schools on Maui and Miyako island. 3) On June 9th, the chapter
held its general meeting. The following ensued: a) Munehiro Machida replaced Kiyoshi
Nakachi as Vice-President. b) Rinda Yamashiro Kayatani replaced Munehiro Machida as
Chief Secretary. c) Executive members for the 2014 EWC/EWCA Okinawa International
Conference were announced and 8 subcommittees and members were asked to join theinaugural ceremony to begin the assigned work on July 13th. d) Attending the general
meeting from Hawaii were Robert Nakasone, Elizabeth Teruya and John Tasato. 5) Rinda
Yamashiro Kayatani and other executive members are hard at work, currently negotiatingwith local government officials so that the 2014 conference will have the use of newer
facilities. Finally, the chapter published the EWCA Okinawa Chapter Newsletter, No. 1
which included all the items mentioned in this report.
Contact the EWCA Okinawa Chapter
PAPUA NEW GUINEA CHAPTER
The PNG chapter is pleased to report the following:
On May 2nd, chapter leader Solomon Kantha, Journalist Belinda Kora, Pacific Island CoDirector Dr. Gerard Finin and EWC President Charles Morrison met with the PNG
Electoral Commissioner, Andrew Trawen in Port Moresby. At the meeting, Dr. Finin,
Mr. Kantha and Ms. Kora shared their experiences and observations on the election in
Timor Leste and Hawaii, respectively. On May 4th, PNG chapter alumni met with Dr.
Gerard Finin at the Holiday Inn in Port Moresby. Welcomed at the meeting was Ms.
Deejay Mili, the new recipient of the US-South Pacific Scholarship Program.
Contact the EWCA Papua New Guinea Chapter
PHILIPPINES CHAPTER
The Philippine chapter is proud to report the following activities for this quarter: 1) On
June 17th, a reception held at the University of the Philippines Executive House, for UH
President Marcy Greenwood and Dean of Social Sciences Denise Konan was organizedby Chapter leader Ramon Clarete, 2012 awardee Arsi Balisacan, and EWCAA Graduate
Fellow Majah Ravago. EWC alumni as well as UH alumni and the President of the
University of the Philippines, Alfredo Pascual attended the aloha filled gathering.
2) Following the Board meeting held at the residence of Senen and Yolly Bacani, thechapter is pursuing the following regional gathering theme:A) a gathering of Southern-Luzon based EWC and UH alumni is planned for August
10th. The theme is Prosperity with Rice, and the title of the event is “Siningbayan- Palay,
Bigas, Kanin sa IRRI”. Cooperating partners include: IRRI (International Rice
Research Institute) at the University of the Philippines, Los Banos, BLAFI (BagongLumad Artists Foundation Inc.) and AWIT (Foundation for Advancing Wellness,
Instruction and Talent). The chapter noted 3 reasons why this gathering is important:
1. 2013 is the Year of the Rice.
2. 2012 EWCAA-P awardee Bruce Tolentino, a chapter Board member, is the
Deputy General for Communications at IRRI.
3. Five chapter members and writers are involved in a project of the National
Commission on Culture and the Arts (supported by the United Nations
Development Program and partnered by the Bagong Lumad Artists Foundations
Inc.) They are: Alex Brillantes (former Dean of UPNCPAG), Professor Emeritus
Jose Abueva (founder of the UPNCPAG Center for Leadership, Citizenship and
Democracy, Jose Buenconsejo (Dean of UP College of Music), Ramon Clarete(Dean of UP School of Economics), and Pauline Bautista (Board Secretary of
Bagong Lumad Artists Foundation Inc).
B) Regional activities throughout the Visayas, Mindanao, Southern and Northern Luzon
are being consolidated by the chapter to gear up for the EWCAA-P bid to host the 2016
EWC/EWCA International Conference. Activities include: lectures by distinguishedalumni, workshops, forums and conferences to attract alumni in each region, and broaden
the involvement of person to person networking.
C) The chapter is involved in the Annual International Conference of the Philippine
Society for Public Administration chaired by former alumni Alex Brillantes, PSPA
President. Others include Plenary Presenter EWC Fellow Jose Abueva, and APLP Fellow
Pauline Bautista, Coordinator for the panel on Culture, Worldview, Values and Behavior.
D) Finally, other chapter activities include: the visit of EWC alumni Ric Trimillos andFred Lau who spoke at the Ateneo de Manila Conference on Ethnomusicology in the
Asia Pacific on July 22, the completion of Jose Abueva’s theatre production manuscripton the theme of Justice and the EWC-UH Philippines Directory project which is an
ongoing project.
Contact the EWCA Philippines Chapter
MAHALO TO ALL OF OUR CHAPTERS AND CHAPTER LEADERS FOR THEIRENTHUSIASTIC QUARTERLY REPORTS. WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO
THE PARTICIPATION OF ALL EWC ALUMNI TO AN UPCOMING “WALL OF
HONOR STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISING PROJECT.” WE HOPE THATOUR EWCA ALUMNI WILL RESPOND POSITIVELY AND GENEROUSLY.
(Note: On a short reunion trip to Cebu, Bohol and Manila Philippines, our daughter
Andrea (APLP Fellow) and myself (Open Grants grantee) had the opportunity to happily
interact with Cebu EWC grantee Becky Pestano Smith of USAID, owner of Hale Manna
Beach Resort & Coastal Gardens and Handuraw Pizza Restaurant and UP Dean of the
School of Economics, Ramon Clarete. The trip reinforced the contribution and theimportance of the Philippines and the Asia Pacific communities to our 21 st century. I hadthe opportunity on a recent trip to Washington D.C. to visit the Office of the Senate Chairof the Appropriations Committee, US Senator Barbara Mikulski, to solicit her support forcontinued funding for the EWC. ALOHA AND PEACE TO ALL.