WYBS Annual Conference 2014

Theme: Social Responsibilities

Late July- Early August 2014, Hong Kong

CALL FOR ESSAYS, VIDEOS AND CARTOONS

(Submission due: Monday 31 March 2014)

Toencourage a young generation of researchers, scholars and students to understandthe essence of Buddhism and to promote social harmony, World Youth BuddhistSociety is delighted to announce the fourth WYBS Annual Conference of this yearwhich will take place at the end of July at Hong Kong Institute of Education,Hong Kong.

WorldYouth Buddhist Society contributes to critical research discussions and providesprestigious opportunities for scholars, researchers, and students at all stagesof their work across the world to get involved and to give their perspectivesin relevant domains and discussions. It focuses on bridging gaps amongacademia, theory and practices with an open, inclusive and altruistic heart.

Thisyear, echoing the aim of WYBS, we invite you to the WYBS Annual Conferenceexploring how we can respond positively to and how we can contribute to thesocial responsibilities regardless of ethnics, gender and religion. You arevery welcome to participate in this year’s 5-day conference by submitting anessay or creating a video or cartoons for a presentation, or simply by attendingthis event as audiences.

●     Events and Opportunities:

WYBSAnnual Conference provides the winners of the essay competition andvideo/cartoons competition with the Excellent Essay Awards and CreativityAwards, respectively.

WYBSAnnual Conference provides a unique space for researchers, scholars andstudents to share and discuss their views and ongoing or completed work, tonetwork with peers gaining feedbacks in a friendly audience, whilst learningmore about various topics in relevant fields and exploring from a wide range ofperspectives, as well as gaining experience through presentation.

WYBSAnnual Conference provides a precious opportunity for researchers, scholars andstudents interested in religion and culture to meet and talk with the ConferenceKeynote Speakers.

WYBSAnnual Conference provides prestigious chances for all attendees to learncontemplation and meditation under the direction of experienced teachers.

WYBSAnnual Conference provides a unique chance for all attendees to visit some ofthe most attractive tourist destinations in Hong Kong.

WYBSAnnual Conference also provides a vibrant and interactive online community forall attendees to share their experiences and to exchange their ideas promptly.

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

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

●     Eligibility:

Thiscall for essays, videos or cartoons is directed at researchers, scholars,students from junior college education and above levels, and presidents ofsocieties related to religion or culture in universities, colleges orinstitutions. In particular, the applicants should be interested in religion ortraditional culture.

●     Submission and Presentation:

ExcellentEssay Awards applicants and Creativity Awards applicants should submit a max500 word essay abstract and brief description of the videos or cartoons by 31stMarch 2014 at: WYBSApplication, respectively. Attendees who don’t apply for the awards shouldsubmit understanding of the conference’s theme by 31st March 2014 at WYBSApplication.

Theessay abstract should contain the following: title of presentation; author nameand/or affiliation; purpose of presentation and/or research questions; natureof 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).

Requestfor full essays, videos and/or cartoons from awards applicants is also due by31st March 2014. Please email a 3000-5000 word essay (a maximum of 20 pages inlength including appendixes, double-spaced, Times New Roman 16px font), videosand/or cartoon documents at wybs.hk@gmail.com.For submissions which have been already published, the authors should email thescanned copy.

Submissionsshould critically examine existing phenomenon and/or propose new strategies fortackling issues related to the conference theme or sub-topics. Submissions froma variety of perspectives are appropriate. Essays, videos or cartoons linked tothe following sub-topics are preferred:

●Social responsibility

●Environmental protection

●Ethics

●Public welfare

●Dialogue between Tibetan Buddhism and otherreligions

Allsubmissions will be reviewed by a panel composed of members of the sponsororganizations, which will ensure a range of high-quality presentations. Notificationand offer of admission will be sent out by mid May 2014. Each nominated submissionwill have the chance to be presented at this year’s WYBS Annual Conference.

●     Conference Fees:

Allconference attendees will be entitled to 300 RMB (non-refundable)administration fees. Students who could not afford the fees can apply forwaiving them. Information on the payment procedure will be made available at alater stage.

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

●     Conference Hosts:

WYBSAnnual Conference is hosted by the World Youth Buddhist Society, the Centre forReligious and Spirituality Education at the Hong Kong Institute of Education,the Buddhist Society of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the Centre forthe Study of Humanistic Buddhism of the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Extensiveappreciation is given to all donators and volunteers for their strong andlong-standing dedication.

●     Conference Venue:

The Hong Kong Institute of Education

TaiPo Campus

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

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

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

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

We look forward to meeting you at July 2014!