Asia New Zealand Foundation Executive Director Richard Grant Gives Chapel Lecture “New Zealand is putting much effort toward understanding Asia. We are especially actively engaging with Korea in various sectors, including education, business, media, and culture.” On May 20, Asia New Zealand Foundation Executive Director Richard Grant gave a lecture titled “New Zealand and Korea, Understanding Each Other” for the students enrolled in the Chapel course. “The population distribution of New Zealand is changing. In our 2006 census, 11 percent of our population was Asian. In 2020, we expect the ration to increase to 15-20 percent. Currently in New Zealand there are 35,000 Koreans, and the numbers have been steadily increasing for the past 20 years. More opportunities for education, business, and media work will go to Korea in the future. Two days ago, Prime Minister Helen Clark of New Zealand visited Korea to discuss future relations. The two nations have formed a very positive relationship. Also, the universities of New Zealand boast outstanding educational systems and are eager to work with Korean students. Recently, we gave scholarships to two Korean students. New Zealand is a small but beautiful country. We are known for our science and technology. I hope Korean students will become more interested in our country.” The Asia New Zealand Foundation is a non-profit association created to further the understanding between Asian countries and New Zealand. The association has conducted various exchange programs in Asia since 1994 including education programs, funds and scholarships, and non-government exchange programs. In Korea, the Foundation has worked with the Korea Foundation. In 2006, ‘Preparing for a Future with Asia’ project was initiated in order to facilitate further exchange between the two nations in the areas of education and business. Last year, the “Action Asia Summit” was held in Auckland. It was a chance to expand trade, since 500 business leaders from Korea, Japan, China and other Asian countries visited New Zealand for the event. Director Richard had worked for 40 years as a diplomat. He served as ambassador to Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, and Poland, and high commissioner in London and Singapore. In January 2008, he was appointed Director of the Asia New Zealand Foundation.