June 5, 2023
Casper Suen and Collin Chung selected as scholars for China’s Yenching Academy
University of Washington undergraduate Casper Suen, ‘23, and alum Collin Chung, ‘21, were recently selected for the competitive Yenching Academy Scholars program at Peking University. The two scholars, both of whom majored in international studies at the UW, will join 115 scholars hailing from 31 countries as the 2023 cohort participating in the interdisciplinary China Studies master’s program.
The Yenching Academy’s goal is to push academic study of China beyond the boundaries of traditionally-defined disciplines, shaping new generations of global citizens with a nuanced understanding of China. Scholars will examine China’s past, present and future, with an emphasis on China’s development and role in the world. In addition to covering the costs of tuition, the award includes round-trip air travel from the student’s home country, housing on campus and living costs.
Casper Suen, ’23, majored in international studies at the UW and was named a Yenching Scholar.
“I am deeply honored to have been selected as a recipient of the Yenching Scholarship, and look forward to joining the rest of the 2023 cohort at Peking University in Beijing this fall,” shared Suen. Growing up in Beijing, Suen witnessed its profound transformations in the early 21st century.
Through his coursework at the UW, Suen developed his interest in China’s policy institutions and international relations. He is excited for the opportunity to conduct research under the Peking University faculty while deepening his knowledge of China at one of the country’s foremost institutions of higher learning.
“None of this would have been possible without the support and encouragement of many professors, advisers and classmates at the University of Washington,” said Suen. “I’m especially grateful to Professor David Bachman, Professor Marie Anchordoguy and Robin Chang at the Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards, whose generosity and help has allowed me to pursue this unique opportunity.”
Collin Chung, ’21, majored in international studies at the UW and was named a Yenching Scholar.
Chung looks forward to diving into Chinese foreign policy, primarily in northern Eurasia. He is interested in examining how the outbreak of the war in Ukraine altered post-1991 security and economic dynamics across the post-Soviet space and raised questions over the role of outside powers in the region.
“As tensions escalate between China and the United States, cooperation will require policymakers with nuanced understandings of the region,” said Chung. “At the Yenching Academy, I am excited to deepen my knowledge of contemporary Chinese foreign policy and develop stronger cultural literacy, allowing me to contribute to a constructive framework for dialogue and diplomacy in Eurasia.” Chung plans on studying the impacts of the war in Ukraine on China’s relationships with Central Asian countries.
About the Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards
The Yenching Academy of Peking University application process is supported by the Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards (OMSFA), a UAA program. OMSFA works with faculty, staff and students to identify and support promising students in developing the skills and personal insights necessary to become strong candidates for this and other prestigious awards. The UW campus application process for students interested in Yenching Academy (and other scholarships supporting graduate studies around the world) is available at OMSFA. Watch for updates about OMSFA’s Global Fellowships Prep program.