Chongqing- Admission interviews for the 2021 ASEAN Elite Ph.D. The Southwest University of Political Science and Law program took place at the China-ASEAN Legal Research Center through remote video on September 17.

A total of 12 applicants from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Thailand, and other ASEAN countries were recommended for interview by legal organizations, including state secretaries, chief justices, government officials, and university professors.

A government official from Laos takes a remote video interview for the 2021 ASEAN Elite Ph.D. Program. (Photo/ Southwest University of Political Science and Law)

The interview panel comprised five tutors, including the dean of the International Law School and Secretary-General of the China-ASEAN Legal Research Center, Professor Zhang Xiaojun.

Candidate assessments were completed over 4 hours based on professional knowledge, overall qualities, response capability, English or Chinese proficiency, and Ph.D. research plan.

The ASEAN Elite Ph.D. Program (Senior Official Class) was first implemented in 2016, and officials from legal organizations in ASEAN have been recruited to study for doctorate degrees every year since.

Secretary-General of the China-ASEAN Legal Research Center, Professor Zhang Xiaojun, speaks for the panel of experts at the 2021 ASEAN Elite Ph.D. Program interviews. (Photo/ Southwest University of Political Science and Law)

So far, more than 50 overseas students have participated, who have subsequently gone on to play an active role in the construction of legal systems in their respective countries.

At the same time, they have also promoted exchange and cooperation between ASEAN countries and China.