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Melanie Kwan
Regional Liaison for Western Pacific
Contact: westernpacific@wfmt.info[/caption]
2012 Seoul Summit Meeting--“World Music Therapy Associations' Presidential Reports: Bridging Nations and Ideas”
Slightly more than a year has passed after the big fanfare of having the World Congress of Music Therapy in Asia for the first time, after which I accepted the appointment to be the Regional Liaison for the Western Pacific region in November 2011. It has been a time of networking, researching and learning about what is taking place in this area and around the world. Last month, I was excited to return to Seoul for the 2012 Summit Meeting, representing Singapore at the “World Music Therapy Associations' Presidential Reports: Bridging Nations and Ideas.”
Surrounded by the rich, dark hues of autumn, representatives from the music therapy associations of eleven different countries gathered in the same auditorium where the early morning Spotlight Sessions were held last July. Organized by the Korean Music Therapy Association, under the leadership of Dr. Byungchuel Choi, the summit involved participants from Korea, China, Japan, Singapore, Austria, the Czech Republic, Norway, and the United Kingdom, and a report from India. There was representation from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Qatar. It was Dr. Choi's passion for supporting the minority countries where music therapy was newly taking root that inspired this Summit.
At this time when music therapy is in its infancy in the Western Pacific region, it was heartening to trace the historic roller coaster ride with those coming from more established platforms and also to offer words of encouragement to those who will be supportive of the profession taking off in their respective countries when there are more trained professionals available. Over a formal presentation, an informal session, and refreshments, there was leisurely time to share about and reflect on the various milestones celebrated and challenges each association had faced or is facing. Some were unique. Yet, collectively, there was a sense of community and support from the realization that around the world, others were similarly plowing down a familiar pathway.
The Western Pacific region comprises a wide territory from Brunei and China to the Pacific islands and spans a range of indigenous cultures from Samoan to Japanese. Music may be historically entrenched in the folk cultures of some regions, such as the Philippines and Korea, even to the extent of having medicinal properties and applications in traditional healing. Significantly, in this region, the work of defining music therapy as a professional discipline continues unevenly and at varying paces, often in starts and fits. Countries represented by the Western Pacific Region include
• Brunei Darussalam
• Cambodia
• China
• Cook Islands
• Fiji
• Japan
• Kiribati
• Lao People's Democratic Republic
• Malaysia
• Marshall Islands
• Micronesia (Federated States of)
• Mongolia
• Nauru
• Niue
• Palau
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Republic of Korea
• Samoa
• Singapore
• Solomon Islands
• Tonga
• Tuvalu
• Vanuatu
• Viet Nam
As the golden, red, and brown leaves blew about, our little company made a little music together. I relished the time spent savouring a couple of new perspectives and treasuring the new friendships forged. Often, it is easy to be consumed by the events in our own little corners of the world and to lose sight that we are also a part of a bigger community - an international community. It is during the precious times like these that we can begin to take stock of our resources and are reminded to identify and communicate our needs, as well as to share, support and learn from each other.
I look forward to hearing from the music therapists, friends of music therapy, and supporters of music therapists in the Western Pacific region. Together let's take the small steps of rooting and grounding music therapy toward global recognition of the profession for our clients' benefit.
Melanie Kwan
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