Ami HIGUCHI is an Bai Xian Scholar from the 2016 cohort and graduated from Peking University, where she completed her undergraduate studies in international relations. Her AFLSP experience, coupled with her multicultural background, has made her an advocate of intercultural exchange and education.
Inspired by China’s robust economic development and the lively spirit of its citizens, Ami decided to pursue an undergraduate degree at Peking University instead of remaining in Canada, where she spent her adolescent years. As a half-Chinese half-Japanese Bai Xian Scholar, Ami became actively involved in organizing activities for Chinese and Japanese students during her time abroad. Two years ago, she initiated “Project Abroad,” a platform that allows Chinese students to participate in in-depth discussions with leading Japanese executives, entrepreneurs, politicians, scholars, and students regarding social problems and how to be involved in the solutions. “The project was very successful and it was encouraging to see participants engage in open dialogues with one another to explore their future possibilities,” she says. The program has just completed its fourth cycle, which saw over 100 Peking University students visit Japan this year.
Ami credits her international outlook to the BXAI Summer Program. “I find we all belong to multiple cultures and Bai Xian offers a valuable platform for cross-cultural learning,” she says. “Being a part of the Bai Xian community truly opens up many opportunities.” After attending the Summer Program in 2017, Ami was inspired to set up Là China, a Japanese media platform that provides information on China’s development from millennial perspectives.
Following her graduation, Ami will head to Tokyo to start work in an investment bank. She looks forward to acquiring basic business and finance knowledge there, which will establish a solid foundation for her long-term goal of creating a future where everyone has a sense of belonging. “Joining the BX community brought an end to my struggle of finding my identity and I want more people to experience the beauty of diversity as I have.”