BXAI Summer Program 2024
The BXAI Summer Program 2024 was held from August 3 to 18 in partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University. 64 Bai Xian Scholars from the 2023 cohort gathered for an immersive and enriching two weeks together as they explored the theme “Digital Transformation in Asia,” examining how digital technologies have driven social change in Asia as they become increasingly integrated into various aspects of society such as business, government, law, finance, and everyday life.
The program kicked off with team building activities and a three-day excursion to unique sights in the vicinity of Shanghai, where participants enjoyed time to experience the history and culture of China while forming friendships with one another early on in the program. A series of soft skills workshops and seminars followed, as well as two academic sessions examining key topics surrounding Asia’s digital transformation such as generative AI, smart city development, and AI in finance. The weekend featured a brand-new city tour activity titled, “Bai Xian Shang-highlights”, which exposed students to the various facets of Shanghai’s history, culture, and development.
Towards the end of the Summer Program, scholars enjoyed an opportunity to connect with the BX community at a “Coffee & Chat” session with members of BXAI’s leadership, and an alumni evening with former scholars from previous cohorts. They then concluded their learning journey by taking part in final group presentations, a leadership-themed keynote lecture, and a closing ceremony. The Summer Program drew to an official close at the gala dinner, a signature event that took on new meaning this year as the BX community gathered to not only celebrate the completion of the ninth Summer Program, but also to commemorate BXAI’s 10th anniversary.
Read more about the BXAI Summer Program 2024 here.
BXAI Summer Program 2023
The BXAI Summer Program 2023, held in partnership with Waseda University, took place in Tokyo from August 4 to 18. It was the first in-person Summer Program in three years, and brought together 68 Bai Xian Scholars and Alumni from universities across East Asia to enjoy a fun and enriching experience designed to broaden perspectives, foster community, and extend learning beyond the classroom. Exploring the theme “Transformation of Globalization,” participants examined recent shifts and the evolution of globalization amidst a dynamic global landscape.
During the first week, scholars took part in team building activities, immersive cultural experiences, and thought-provoking academic sessions and workshops led by top academics and leaders from various fields. This was followed by a week of engaging skill-building workshops, opportunities to connect with alumni and entrepreneurs, and the “Travel with Me” activity, which allowed participants to enjoy the culture and beauty of Tokyo while forming meaningful bonds with one another.
Towards the end of the Summer Program, scholars delivered insightful group presentations reflecting on their two-week learning journey, while signature events such as the fireside chat, keynote lecture, and closing ceremony were held to inspire our young future leaders as well as commend them for their participation and achievements. The program officially drew to a close with a memorable gala dinner, a special evening where scholars, alumni, and members of the BX community gathered together to celebrate new friendships, experiences, and the successful completion of the eighth BXAI Summer Program.
Read more about the BXAI Summer Program 2023 here.
BXAI Summer Program 2022
The BXAI Summer Program 2022 was held virtually in partnership with The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). From August 5 to 18, 50 Bai Xian Scholars from over 10 Asian countries and regions gathered on an interactive online platform to explore the theme: “The Age of Disruptive Innovation”. Participants examined the applications and implications of artificial intelligence (AI), discussed important East Asia-related issues, took part in a series of skill-building workshops, and enjoyed cross-cultural activities in both online and offline settings.
The first week of the program saw scholars explore AI-related topics through academic sessions delivered by influential guest speakers from HKUST. Students also participated in webinars covering topical subjects, soft skills workshops, as well as fun team building challenges designed to foster communication skills, develop confidence, and facilitate the forming of new friendships.
During the second week of the Summer Program, scholars were invited to travel and meet one another locally to immerse themselves in cross-cultural experiences and learning beyond the virtual classroom. They also heard from Bai Xian Alumni and guest speakers, who shared about their careers and life experiences, and had an opportunity to dialogue with the winning teams of the Bai Xian Project Award.
The Summer Program concluded with scholars showcasing their learnings through group presentations, as well as a virtual closing ceremony to celebrate the completion of the seventh BXAI Summer Program.
Read more about the BXAI Summer Program 2022 here.
Watch it on YouTube.
BXAI Summer Program 2021
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the BXAI Summer Program 2021 was held virtually from August 6 to 15. 133 Bai Xian Scholars and Alumni from the 2019 and 2020 cohorts gathered online and delved into the theme of “Adaptation and Wellness” as they examined important post-COVID topics, participated in soft skills workshops, and enjoyed virtual cross-cultural experiences, all via a real-time, interactive online platform.
Through experts-led webinars, panel discussions, team building activities, and personal development workshops, participants not only had a chance to engage with guest speakers from around the world, Bai Xian friends, and alumni, but were encouraged to harness both personal strengths and group dynamics to learn together and learn from each other. They also enjoyed an opportunity to slow down, recharge, and stimulate their creativity through art and wellness activities that included origami, calligraphy, and abstract painting workshops. The Summer Program wrapped up with final presentations, where participants proposed innovative ideas aimed at building a brighter post-COVID future within East Asia; and a memorable closing ceremony that featured a keynote speech, a student performance, and an award and certificate presentation ceremony.
Read more about the BXAI Summer Program 2021 here.
BXAI Summer Program 2019 at Kyoto University
The BXAI Summer Program 2019 was held in Japan from August 7 to 21 and was organized in partnership with Kyoto University. 84 students from our 16 partner universities across East Asia took part in two weeks of immersive cross-cultural learning and exploration, where they examined the theme of “Harmonious Coexistence” through an enriching curriculum designed to extend learning beyond the classroom.
From thought-provoking panel discussions and lectures to transformative personal development workshops, all of which were led by influential speakers from around the world, the Summer Program’s engaging lineup of activities encouraged scholars to consider key issues affecting our world today, cultivate important life skills, and form valuable friendships with one another. Students also enjoyed soaking up the local culture of their host country, making a three-day excursion to Gifu Prefecture, where they had the opportunity to take part in the traditional Bon Dance Festival and visit Shirakawa-go village, a scenic UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Summer Program concluded in Kyoto with final presentations and the third Bai Xian Alumni Initiative Award pitch session, followed by a convivial closing ceremony and gala dinner.
Read more about the BXAI Summer Program 2019 here.
BXAI Summer Program 2018 at The Yenching Academy of Peking University
The BXAI Summer Program 2018 was held from August 3 to 24, 2018 at Peking University in Beijing, China. 87 scholars from our 16 partner universities gathered to explore the theme of “Tradition and Innovation” through an engaging series of topic learning sessions, hands-on activities, and cultural experiences designed to expand their horizons and introduce new perspectives. BXAI was proud to have over 40 top academics and influential leaders from around the world lead panel discussions and workshops featuring the topics of “Heritage Preservation”, “Living Smart”, and “Urban-rural Integration”, while also inspiring scholars by sharing their personal insights and experiences.
Through exciting outdoor challenges such as a scavenger hunt around campus and a rewarding three-day excursion to the Great Wall, students also enjoyed many opportunities to build important life skills and form lifelong friendships. The Summer Program drew to a close with final student presentations, the Bai Xian Alumni Initiative Award pitch session, and a memorable closing ceremony and gala dinner on the last day.
Read more about the BXAI Summer Program 2018 here.
BXAI Summer Program 2017 at Taiwan University
The BXAI Summer Program (SP) 2017 was held from July 31 to August 16, 2017 at Taiwan University’s campuses in Taipei and Xitou Nature Education Area. Bringing together 117 students from our 16 partner universities, the SP offered a rich curriculum that centered on the theme of “Sustainability and Entrepreneurship” through panel presentations, debates, hands-on activities, and excursions. Scholars enjoyed hearing from and interacting with over 35 guest speakers while engaging with fellow scholars about important issues affecting Asia today.
At Xitou, scholars spent one week learning about the environment and sustainability through fun experiential activities. After returning to Taipei, they delved into more specific topics of interest, honed their soft skills at various workshops, and attended educational visits. The SP wrapped up with final group presentations from scholars, the first Bai Xian Alumni Initiative Award pitch session, and a celebratory closing ceremony and gala dinner.
Read more about the BXAI Summer Program 2017 here.
BXAI Summer Program 2016 at Waseda University
The BXAI Summer Program (SP) 2016 was held from August 3 to 24, 2016 at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan. 131 scholars from our partner universities gathered for three weeks to explore important topics and engage with one another through small group research, lectures, and discussions that focused on Asia-centric issues such as aging societies and women’s roles, poverty and globalization, and sustainability. Over 55 guest speakers were invited to share, while non-academic sessions such as team building activities, workshops, and excursions fostered personal growth for scholars and encouraged friendships to be formed.
Scholars also enjoyed a four-day trip to either Hiroshima or Tohoku, where they met inspirational locals and considered the topics of peace and disaster relief and reconstruction. The last week saw scholars present their suggested solutions to global issues through final group presentations. The SP concluded with an awards ceremony and a closing gala dinner.
Read more about the BXAI Summer Program 2016 here.
BXAI Summer Program 2015 at Zhejiang University
The first BXAI Summer Program (SP) was held from August 3 to 21, 2015 at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China. 79 scholars from our eight partner universities took part in academic sessions and experiential activities designed to promote cross-cultural exchange, spark discussions, inspire ideas, and develop skills. Over 40 influential leaders and experts from multiple disciplines shared their experiences and perspectives on various global topics – some gave lectures and facilitated discussions on critical issues such as healthcare, aging societies, and political systems, while others led soft skills workshops and special visits to further enrich the student learning experience.
Taking full advantage of this intercultural platform, scholars engaged in enthusiastic discussions, respectful debates, and close collaboration with one another. The SP concluded with a memorable closing gala that featured student performances and a compelling keynote speech – a wonderful close to a summer highlighted by new friendships and cherished memories.
Read more about the BXAI Summer Program 2015 here.
