Dear colleagues and friends,

As another year comes to an end, we accept what has passed and look forward to the new year for a better tomorrow. Looking back, 2020 has not been an easy year for all of us especially for those who have family, relatives and friends in Asia and all over the world. The pandemic has made us worry about them and for everyone we care about.

Yesterday, we at York were saddened by the news of the passing away of Leo Panitch, a most respected colleague whose dedication to Marxism and approach to comparative political economy have contributed much to our understanding of Canada, Asia and the world. This morning, we heard that Ezra Vogel, renowned Asia scholar and biographer who made a special visit to York University to give a talk to launch the Canada-China Initiatives Fund, has died. Farewell to Professors Panitch and Vogel. Thank you for enriching our lives, as we are living in between our own beginnings and endings.

It is important for us to keep working, aspiring and dreaming as we move on to 2021. We want to take this opportunity to thank Celia Haig-Brown who served as Associate Vice-President (AVP) Research for the past five years. Celia’s support and advice have helped us reach where we are today. And please join me also to give our congratulations and a warm welcome to Jennifer Hyndman as our new AVP. With Jennifer’s experience and dedication, we know we’ll accomplish amazing things together. 

On behalf of YCAR and its Executive Committee, we (Jean Michel, Alex, Alicia and I) wish you all a very healthy holiday season and a very prosperous new year! Please find attached a card designed by Alex that warms us up! Thank you for your continuous support of YCAR, and we look forward to working with you all again for another rewarding year.

Sincerely yours,

Abidin Kusno
YCAR Director