Featured Events of WMU Asian Initiatives
WMU Asian Initiatives supports University community outreach efforts, international academic programs and scholarly conferences. Community outreach offerings, like TaiChi, bring Chinese and Japanese language and culture programming into area schools and the community. Annually, WMU Asian Initiatives hosts a Chinese Speech Contest and other major cultural events like the Spring Gala and the High School Summer Camp in China.
Asian Forum
The Asian Forum at WMU brings together academics, artists, scholars and international education professionals from Asia and the West to engage in dialogue and explore issues related to Asia and the global community through a multidisciplinary conference.
Spring Gala
Supported by community groups, WMU faculty, staff and students, Spring Gala serves as a platform to honor and showcase Asia’s rich cultural traditions. Through mesmerizing dance routines, musical performances and theatrical presentations, the joyous occasion fosters cross-cultural appreciation and understanding.
Asian Initiatives News
Event Listing
International Education Week
Light Center for Chinese Studies Brown Bag Talk
Understanding China: Mahjong 101
Monday, Nov. 16 — 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Tai Chi and Meditation Workshops
Saturday, Dec. 12 — 11 a.m. to noon
Saturday, Jan. 9 — 11 a.m. to noon
Saturday, Jan. 23 — 11 a.m. to noon
Additional Community Events of WMU Asian Initiatives
We host various community events, including Chinese and Japanese cultural activities. Each event offers a unique opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in Asian culture, learn new skills, and connect with the community.
Additional Academic Events of WMU Asian Initiatives
Light Center Guest Lecture Series
The Light Center brings scholars from around the world to speak on Chinese history, culture, art and contemporary society.
Light Center Brown Bag Talks
Light Center Research Grant recipients present on their projects at our ongoing Light Center Brown Bag Talk series.
Soga Japan Center Lecture Events
The Soga Japan Center offers lecture events throughout the fall and spring semesters that promote the knowledge of Japan.
Additional Cultural Events of WMU Asian Initiatives
Chinese Speech Contest
The annual Chinese Speech Contest provides a stage for outstanding middle school and high school Chinese language students to demonstrate their achievements in learning Chinese and communicate with each other.
Japanese Events
Soga Japan Center proudly organizes a variety of cultural events, offering students, parents, and the local community meaningful opportunities to explore and deepen their understanding of Japanese culture.