US Asia Institute

Professional development program:American rule of law. American law students, though once again unable to travel to China and Hong Kong for a two-week period to learn firsthand about Chinas legal system, were able to participate in a virtual program. This program found them meeting with law professors and students, government and non-government institutions, lawyers and businessmen in Hong Kong, shanghai , Beijing and Shenzhen. The interactive discussions provided them with a basic knowledge of China and Hong Kongs legal systems, allowing for comparisons to the us rule of law. This was the sixth year of this program. Chinese Rule of Law. The Chinese rule of law program brought Chinese law students from three top Chinese universities Tsinghua, Peking University School for Transnational Law and Shanghai Jiao Tongto the US (two in-person and 5 virtually) The students were able to meet with Members and staff of Congress, judges at all levels, law students, practicing lawyers, think tanks and others to gain insight into the U.S. rule of law system This was the 16th year the program was held. Youth Development ProgramsThe US-Asia Institute continued two youth development programs for Filipino American and Thai American young leaders and launched a third for Mongolian American young leaders.IMPACT! USAI continued a youth empowerment program for Filipino American young people to provide them the opportunity to build a stronger understanding of how the US government works and how they can make a difference by becoming actively engaged in their communities. The participants were placed in virtual internships around Washington DC to engage with policy and thought leaders firsthand. Six participants were selected with all participating in person The Thai American National Internship Program (TANIP) returned in 2022 with 4 students, all in-person.The Mongolian-US National Civic Engagement Program (MUNCEP) was launched in 2022 with 5 students participating, all in-person US-Asia Institute Internship Program. 20 outstanding young people from around the globe participated in the US-Asia Institutes internship program in 2022. From special high school mentoring programs to short term mini-mester experiences to part and full-time internships, the USAI served as a unique training ground for aspiring young professionals to learn firsthand how government works and the interaction between the government, business, academic and diplomatic communities. The internship was bolstered by weekly Lunch and Learns where USAI trustees, advisors, and contacts offered their unique insights into various issues, career paths, and more. The USAI internship network coupled with the other professional development programs numbers more than 1,000 members.