Each year the International Institute for Asian Studies offers an award for the best Masters thesis in the field of Asian Studies, presented to a Dutch university. The award includes the title of Best Masters Thesis in Asian Studies, and a fellowship at the IIAS for a maximum period of three months (1500 euro’s per month).

For 2011, the following four theses have been shortlisted. The winner will be publicly announced at a festive meeting, in the first week of February 2012.

Herman Abraham Colijn, “Protestant death ritual negotiation in Fujian: The effects of Protestant conversion on Chinese funerals.” Supervisor: Dr Barak Kalir, Amsterdam University.

Noëmi Gerber, “The “X’s” and “O’s” of school attendance in rural Malaysia”. Supervisor: Dr Roy Huijsmans, Amsterdam University.

Jurre van der Meer, “In search of a style. From Kusamakura to Sanshirō. The strategic behaviour of Natsume Sōseki within the construction of the modern Japanese field.” Supervisor: Prof. I.B. Smits, Leiden University.

Yang Yang, “Lost and becoming: A study of contemporary Chinese cultural and artistic products with historical longing.” Supervisor: Prof. Kati Röttger, Amsterdam University.