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xivThe gap between rich and poor is widening. There aregrowing numbers of poor people. Unemploymentamong the young is worsening. Europe faces a debtcrisis and the way ahead is unclear. The consequencesfor the world economy are potentially very serious.Here in Asia, there are concerns about theenvironment, migration and other emerging problemsthat go beyond borders. Asian nations have to dealwith many issues, and finding solutions will bedifficult.In May last year, we held an event to mark the 10 thanniversary of the API program. We asked fellowswhat they felt were the major challenges facing theregion. We received many replies. Top of list werepoverty and inequality. This was followed by: theenvironment and climate change; violence and thesuppression of civil liberties; threats to culturaldiversity; management of resources; andunderdevelopment and unemployment.A lot of these are problems that politics andgovernments alone cannot solve.The API program was started in 2000 for people whoare actively seeking solutions to problems – problemsdirectly affecting communities, regions, countries andAsia as a whole. We called these people publicintellectuals.There were two objectives.The first was to get outstanding public intellectuals toresearch issues of common concern among Asianneighbors and to provide individuals with opportunitiesto implement their projects.The second was to get like-minded leaders who sharedthe goal of bettering society to form into a group andact collectively – and become a community that makesits collective voice heard.Today, over 300 API fellows belong to thiscommunity, and it is reaching critical mass.A debate is now under way on the role of the APIcommunity after its first decade. What collective,collaborative and proactive activities are taking placeamong the fellows? What linkages are there withnetworks beyond the API Community? How can theadvocacy, the appeals and the solutions coming fromthe API Community be strengthened?You, the 10 th batch of API fellows, are now joiningthis unique community of public intellectuals. You arejoining this debate. We have high hopes for yourfuture activities. You are working for the public good,and we expect you will contribute to the public good.I urge you not to be armchair intellectuals, shut awayin your research labs or in your studies. Please takeyourselves into the community. Meet with the peoplewho are affected by the issues. Listen to them. Get tothe essence of things. Be active public intellectuals.The question put to you is: “How do we make Asiansocieties places where human beings can enjoy safe,stable and peaceful lives?” The times are difficult andthe issues are complex. But with you wisdom,knowledge, experience, and your solidarity andcollaboration with other members in the APIcommunity it will be possible for you to find solutionsthat may lead us to a better world for us all.In the API Declaration drawn up by the API’sfounding father in 2000, it is written: By promotingmutual understanding and shared learning amongAsian public intellectuals, the API Program aims tocontribute to the growth of public spaces whereeffective responses to regional needs can be generated.I hope all you API fellows will go forth with suchdreams in mind.Welcome all to the API Regional Workshop andcongratulations to the 10 th batch of API fellows on thesuccessful completion of your tenure.Thank you, and good luck!The Work of the 2010/2011 API Fellows