Contemporary Asian Problems

Although most of the time was devoted to the discussion of the above schemes the discussion of contemporary Asian problems was full. These questions were discussed at plenary sessions of the seminar with ail participants present. The meetings usually took the form of a lecture by a guest speaker followed by discussion. On three occasions panels were formed from the participants to discuss the "Impact of Colonialism on Education," "Does the future of Asia depend on Neutralism" and the "Language problems in Asia."

It was from these discussions that emerged the very definite fact that the students of Asia were not only aware of the problems facing their countries, but also that they were, as Individuals, far more concerned with the development of their countries than are New Zealand students as a whole. Asian students are prepared to devote themselves to their nations and peoples in a way which is not fanatical, but really very intelligent. They appreciated the fact that they were being given an education and did not take such a privilege as granted or as on opportunity to carve for themselves an easy and comfortable life.

I left Malaya with a strong impression of the ability of Asian students and their sincerity.