ELLTA 2014 - 3rd International Conference on Leadership & Learning in the Asian Century

With the unprecedented and continuous rise of Asia in the 21st century, the global dynamics have changed altogether. The impact of this phenomenal rise of Asia and Asian tigers is felt globally, in all fields and domains of life. Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, China, Malaysia, India and others ? these are the emerging lead players on the international field.
The phenomenon, of course, is intriguing, and invites a closer look at and a deeper analysis of the reasons explaining it, its implications and impact. It has also inspired other countries within and outside of Asia to reposition themselves to take maximum advantage of this huge opportunity that the ‘Asian Century’ presents ? Australia’s recent White Paper (2012) is but one example; similarly, the recent ADB Report (2011) also focuses on ‘Realising the Asian Century’.
No doubt, we are at a turning point, and the world is witnessing a historic phase. However, the Asian Century, as ADB Report also indicates, is not preordained ? there could be various pits and falls, and the opportunities are intertwined with risks for this very dynamic but diverse region.
Asia needs to continue to grow on the recent trajectory, however, not necessarily doing the same things that it has been doing; what has worked in past may not continue to lead to success in future also. Asian countries need to re-assess their strategies. Likewise, though the Asian Century offers immense potential and opportunities for all nations, it is important that the other countries are prepared to tap on this potential and make use of those opportunities.
With its thematic emphasis on, ‘Leadership and Learning in the Asian Century’, ELLTA Conference 2014 offers a unique opportunity and venue to achieve both these objectives.
ELLTA, which stands for Exploring Leadership and Learning Theories in Asia, came into being as a reaction against the pre-dominant assumptions and the tendency to treat most of the theories as if universal. The past conferences of ELLTA, therefore, have been instrumental in challenging the hegemonic presence of the West-inspired theories and their basic assumptions, and promoting understandings of Asian perspectives on leadership and learning.
ELLTA Conference 2014 takes this agenda further. It invites perspectives and insights on ‘leadership’ and `learning’ in the ‘Asian Century` ? analyzing not only the past and present, but also anticipating the future of leadership and learning in/ for Asia. For instance: What are the past and current examples of successful leadership in/ for Asia; what are the requirements for future leadership in/ for Asia; what are the past and current examples of learning in/ for Asia; what are the future learning spaces in/ for Asia; what do other nations need to learn about and from Asia to take benefit of the Asian Century, and so on and so forth.
The ELLTA Conference 2014 engages a wide range of individuals and organizations, working in diverse fields, e.g. Science and Technology, Business and Economics, Social Sciences, Philosophy, Development and Sustainable Development Studies, Education, etcetera. It brings together the world’s thought leaders, concerned scholars and academicians, social and business entrepreneurs, researchers, innovators, creative and citizens, social change agents, and passionate practitioners ? to develop and share meaningful insights on what constitutes leadership and learning for the Asian Century ? a century, which marks the rise of Asia.