About



What is the Exchange
THE EXCHANGE is a series of evening events, held weekly, featuring guest presentations, performances, activities, and great food. Sessions explore the pressing issues, histories, challenges, innovations, and vibrant cultures that make the Asia-Pacific region unique.  THE EXCHANGE is a chance for students and distinguished guests to share their time and their ideas, with each becoming better informed and better connected as a result. THE EXCHANGE is planned and produced by graduate students at the East-West Center.
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Location
Imin International Conference Center
East-West Center
1777 East-West Road
​Honolulu, Hawaii
Fall 2019: Bridging Generations
​Connecting Past, Present, and Future
People desire attachment, belonging, and connection. The relationships we form with others can be incredibly durable, not only with people in the present, but also with people in our past and future. The more we discover about our past, the greater a connection we feel to our ancestors. As we record our own history, we open the opportunity for future generations to connect with us when we are gone.
Reserve your seat today!
​(for upcoming event)

Planning Team

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Ger Thao
​(Planning and Activities)
Aloha my name is Ger Thao. I'm from northern California in the small little town of Oroville. I'm in my second year of my PhD in Education: Curriculum & Instruction Specialization. I'm so excited to bridge the conversations between the different generations!
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Rachmat Reksa Samudra
​(Administration and Technology)
Hello, my name is Rachmat Reksa Samudra and you can call me Reksa. I come from Jakarta, Indonesia. I am currently pursuing M.A. in Economics. I am looking forward to exciting speakers, topics, activities, and performances in The Exchange.
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Christian Agmata
​(Guest Speakers)
Aloha my name is Christian Agmata. I come from Waipahu, Hawaii. I am studying Asian Studies in the master level, with focus in China. I have realized that the most learning comes from the conversation after The Exchange seminars. I am most looking forward to the conversations we'll have in the kitchens of HM and HK, or down the street at Pielogy and Da Spot on some of the topics presented at The Exchange.
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Serena Ngaio Simmons
​(Guest Performers)
My name is Serena Ngaio Simmons. I was born and raised on the island of Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi but have whakapapa (genealogy) to Aotearoa/New Zealand and Turtle Island/U.S. I am in my last semester as a Masters student studying Indigenous Politics in the Political Science department. I am the performance intern for the Fall 2019 semester Exchange. What I’m looking forward to most is the chance for everyone to learn more about this place, its people, and to expand their knowledge through art and scholarship. 
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Lakpa Sherpa
​(Food)
Namaste and Aloha, I am Lakpa Sherpa from Nepal and currently a second-year master student in the department of urban and regional planning. I am the food intern for The Exchange of fall 2019. I am looking forward to welcoming our Exchange ohana with the foods from the Asia-Pacific region.
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Yuito Okada
​(Videographer)
I am Yuito Okada from Tokyo, Japan. My major is Cancer Epidemiology to develop cancer prevention strategies among asian population in Hawaii and Japan. I am video intern in the Exchange Fall 2019. Looking forward to seeing your smile! 
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Yuko Ida
​(College of Education Intern)
Haitai and aloha, my name is Yuko Ida. I am from Okinawa, Japan. I am in my second year at the Educational Foundations (EDEF), College of Education as a master student. My interest is in sociology, philosophy, and history of education. I am the EWC-EDEF Fall 2019 Intern. I am looking forward to interacting with EWC 'ohana, presenters, performers, and those who work for us behind the scenes!

RSVP for the upcoming event 

Join THE EXCHANGE - See you there!