WYBS Annual Conference 2014

Theme: Social Responsibilities

Late July- Early August 2014, Hong Kong

CALL FOR ESSAYS, VIDEOS AND CARTOONS

(Submission due: Saturday 31 May 2014)

To encourage a young generation of researchers, scholars and students to understand the essence of Buddhism and to promote social harmony, World Youth Buddhist Society is delighted to announce the fourth WYBS Annual Conference of this year which will take place at the end of July at Hong Kong Institute of Education, Hong Kong.

World Youth Buddhist Society contributes to critical research discussions and provides prestigious opportunities for scholars, researchers, and students at all stages of their work across the world to get involved and to give their perspectives in relevant domains and discussions. It focuses on bridging gaps among academia, theory and practices with an open, inclusive and altruistic heart.

This year, echoing the aim of WYBS, we invite you to the WYBS Annual Conference exploring how we can respond positively to and how we can contribute to the social responsibilities regardless of ethnics, gender and religion. You are very welcome to participate in this year’s 5-day conference by submitting an essay or creating a video or cartoons for a presentation, or simply by attending this event as audiences.

● Events and Opportunities:

WYBS Annual Conference provides the winners of the essay competition and video/cartoons competition with the Excellent Essay Awards and Creativity Awards, respectively.

WYBS Annual Conference provides a unique space for researchers, scholars and students to share and discuss their views and ongoing or completed work, to network with peers gaining feedbacks in a friendly audience, whilst learning more about various topics in relevant fields and exploring from a wide range of perspectives, as well as gaining experience through presentation.

WYBS Annual Conference provides a precious opportunity for researchers, scholars and students interested in religion and culture to meet and talk with the Conference Keynote Speakers.

WYBS Annual Conference provides prestigious chances for all attendees to learn contemplation and meditation under the direction of experienced teachers.

WYBS Annual Conference provides a unique chance for all attendees to visit some of the most attractive tourist destinations inHong Kong.

WYBS Annual Conference also provides a vibrant and interactive online community for all attendees to share their experiences and to exchange their ideas promptly.

Meet WYBS Committee and other WYBS members on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wybuddhist.

Update the information of WYBS on Wechat: WYBS_HK, or on Weibo: http://weibo.com/u/3573842014

● Eligibility:

This call for essays, videos or cartoons is directed at researchers, scholars, students from junior college education and above levels, and presidents of societies related to religion or culture in universities, colleges or institutions. In particular, the applicants should be interested in religion or traditional culture.

● Submission and Presentation:

Excellent Essay Awards applicants and Creativity Awards applicants should submit a max 500 word essay abstract and brief description of the videos or cartoons by 31st March 2014 at: WYBS Application, respectively. Attendees who don’t apply for the awards should submit understanding of the conference’s theme by 31st March 2014 at WYBS Application.

The essay abstract should contain the following: title of presentation; author name and/or affiliation; purpose of presentation and/or research questions; nature of the research presented (e.g. conceptual work, literature review discussion, or empirical research); research methodology and/or sample; key arguments, findings, and/or conclusions (if available/relevant).

Request for full essays, videos and/or cartoons from awards applicants is also due by 31st March 2014. Please email a 3000-5000 word essay (a maximum of 20 pages in length including appendixes, double-spaced, Times New Roman 12pt font), videos and/or cartoon documents at wybs.hk@gmail.com. For submissions which have been already published, the authors should email the scanned copy.

Submissions should critically examine existing phenomenon and/or propose new strategies for tackling issues related to the conference theme or sub-topics. Submissions from a variety of perspectives are appropriate. Essays, videos or cartoons linked to the following sub-topics are preferred:

 Social responsibility

 Environmental protection

 Ethics

 Public welfare

 Dialogue between Tibetan Buddhism and other religions

All submissions will be reviewed by a panel composed of members of the sponsor organizations, which will ensure a range of high-quality presentations. Notification and offer of admission will be sent out by mid May 2014. Each nominated submission will have the chance to be presented at this year’s WYBS Annual Conference.

● Conference Fees:

All conference attendees will be entitled to 300 RMB (non-refundable) administration fees. Students who could not afford the fees can apply for waiving them. Information on the payment procedure will be made available at a later stage.

The accommodation costs (6 nights, including one night the day before the opening of WYBS conference) and meal fees for all attendees during the 5-day conference are fully sponsored by World Youth Buddhist Society Committee. Other costs, including (but not limited to) transportation (such as flights/trains to and fromHong Kong) and visa fees, should be at the expense of attendees. Information on the accommodation will be made available at a later stage.

● Conference Hosts:

WYBS Annual Conference is hosted by the World Youth Buddhist Society, the Centre for Religious and Spirituality Education at the Hong Kong Institute of Education, the Buddhist Society of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the Centre for the Study of Humanistic Buddhism of the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Extensive appreciation is given to all donators and volunteers for their strong and long-standing dedication.

● Conference Venue:

The Hong Kong Institute of Education

TaiPoCampus

10 Lo Ping Road, Tai Po,NewTerritories, Hong Kong (travel advice)

Information on the conference timetable will be made available at a later stage.

For further enquiries, please email WYBS Annual Conference Committee at wybs.hk@gmail.com.

More information about the conference can be found at: World Youth Buddhist Society Hompage

We look forward to meeting you at July 2014!