Introduction
Bearing the theme ‘Global · Glocal’, HKOSA’s new external project, Global Confluence 2012, explores globalisation and glocalisation as prominent catalysts in the development of the modern world, and their effects – both positive and negative – on countries at different stages of development. During this event, participants will explore globalisation as a multi-factorial, multi-consequential phenomenon from a variety of perspectives, through a number of specific examples on three differently-themed Event Days (see Tentative Programme Rundown).

Furthermore, this project will also take a look at the concept of glocalisation – to think globally and act locally, or, in other words, to adapt one country’s products or practices to suit another country’s tastes or needs. Participants will be encouraged to examine glocalisation trends by investigating the mixing of cultures and traditions from different nations throughout the course of the project, and especially on the Orientation Day and the second Event Day.

The emphasis of the project will not only be on understanding, but also on participants’ exposure to new experiences. Participants will be offered the unique opportunity of exchanging ideas with Consul Generals or Consuls of their assigned countries through consulate visits, which they will participate in during Global Experience Week, in order to gain first-hand knowledge from the countries’ top representatives here in Hong Kong; other unique activities include a formal discussion about different globalisation-related issues, as well as a public Booth Day and Closing Ceremony. It is hoped that through this scheme, participants will be able to further their understanding of different countries and cultures, and how they are interlinked through globalisation. Together with other like-minded students from different schools, they can thus forge a society that is better informed about the successes and dangers of this growing trend.

Countries
Brazil, Finland, India (tentative), Indonesia (tentative), Switzerland, USA

Target Group
120 students from Secondary 3 to Secondary 5, from schools in Hong Kong

Tentative Programme Rundown
Orientation Day
Date: 25th February, 2012
Time: 10:00am – 7:00pm
Venue: Ying Wa College

The Globalisation of Business
Date: 3rd March, 2012
Time: 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Venue: University of Hong Kong (tentative)

Global Forum – The Stakeholders of Globalisation
Date: 17th March, 2012
Time: 10:00am – 4:30pm
Venue: University of Hong Kong (tentative)

Booth Day
Date: 7th April, 2012
Time: 10:00am – 6:30pm
Venue: Star Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui

Global Experience Week
Date: 27th February – 2nd March, 2012

The Global Experience Week will give each group a chance to explore the cultural aspects of their respective country, as well as the links which it has established with other countries through globalisation and glocalisation. Each group will be accompanied by at least one member of the 25th Executive Committee and at least one member of the Organising Committee during this week. They will be responsible for bringing the participants to the consulates and coordinating the consulate visits.

During the week, each group will visit the consulate of their respective country and interview either the Consul, Consul General, or other notable officials there, so as to acquire greater insight into the background and culture of the country. Unlike in the previous International Convergence, particular attention will be given to the effects of globalisation on the country, and on its links with Hong Kong. Furthermore, participants will be encouraged to ask consular staff specifically about their assigned discussion topics / motions (for the Global Forum), so that the consulate staff can give participants a springboard of ideas for discussion in the Forum.In case of unavailability of consular staff, international students from the concerned country who are currently studying in Hong Kong (e.g. in international schools, universities etc.) will be invited to hold a sharing session with the participants instead.

Entrance Requirement and Eligibility
We will send invitations to around 160 secondary schools in Hong Kong for nominations of applicants. Schools will be encouraged to nominate students demonstrating an interest in international and cultural affairs, to join the project. Each school will be invited to nominate a maximum of five students to participate in this activity. Self-nomination by students will also be accepted, in which case a school reference letter would be optional. Should we be unable to accept all applicants, due to the limited number of places, participants will be selected based on their past experiences, understanding of multiculturalism, globalisation and/or global affairs, and recommendation from schools (if any).

The participants should:

Application Procedures
Application Form
Please click here to download the application form. Please also be reminded that the form must be printed out and filled in by hand.

Participation Fee
Participants will be required to pay a participation fee of HK$80. This should be paid in cash by each participant on the Orientation Day of Global Confluence 2012.

Deadline
The deadline for application is Wednesday, 15th February, 2012. All applications must be electronically scanned and e-mailed to globalconfluence@osa.org.hk. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Enquiry
Please feel free to contact any of the following Project Chairpersons for enquiries.

Name: Title: Email:	LEUNG, John (Mr) Vice President
Name: Title: Email:	CHAN, Keith (Mr) External Secretary
Name: Title: Email:	TAI, Jacqueline (Miss) Financial Secretary
Name: Title: Email:	CHAN , Amy (Miss) Public Relations Officer