[Recording] Bai Xian Alumni Sharing: Career Paths, Shifts, and Change
“Direction is much more important than speed,” said BX Alumnus, Simon Wu, at our Virtual Community Event titled, “BX Alumni Sharing: Career Paths, Shifts, and Changes.” Held on May 11, the session was moderated by BX Alumnus, Joushua Cho, and also featured alumnae Gaby Chan and Helen Xin. Each of our speakers shared openly about their experiences changing careers or finding jobs unrelated to their degrees, and offered insightful advice, encouragement, and clarity to scholars throughout the evening. “Don’t deny yourself,” advised Helen. “If you say no to yourself, your journey ends there.”
BXAI Summer Program 2022 Preview
The BXAI Summer Program 2022 will be held virtually in partnership with The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). From August 5 to 18, approximately 50 Bai Xian Scholars from over 10 Asian countries and regions will gather on an interactive online platform to explore the theme: “The Age of Disruptive Innovation”; participants will examine the applications and implications of artificial intelligence (AI), discuss important East Asia-related issues, take part in a series of skill-building workshops, and enjoy cross-cultural activities in both online and offline settings.
The first week of the program will see scholars exploring AI-related topics through academic sessions delivered by influential guest speakers from HKUST. Students will also participate 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 will be invited to travel and meet one another locally to immerse themselves in cross-cultural experiences and learning beyond the virtual classroom. They will also hear from Bai Xian Alumni and
guest speakers, who will share about their careers and life experiences, and have an opportunity to dialogue with the winning teams of the Bai Xian Project Award.
The Summer Program will conclude with scholars showcasing their learnings through group presentations, which will be followed by a virtual closing ceremony to celebrate the completion of the seventh BXAI Summer Program.
BX Alumni Sharing: Career Paths, Shifts, and Changes
Thinking about changing careers? Wondering what it may be like to land a job that is completely unrelated to your degree?
Why not hear from three Bai Xian Alumni who have gone through exactly that? Join us at our upcoming Virtual Community Event on May 11 at 18:30 (HKT)/ 19:30 (JST/KST), and find the inspiration you crave, the clarity you’re looking for, or the encouragement you need to move forward!
Event Details:
Date: May 11, 2022 (Wednesday)
Time: 18:30 – 19:30 (HKT) / 19:30 – 20:30 (JST/KST)
Participants: Bai Xian Community
Register here: https://bit.ly/3k8gN3w
Mr. Joushua CHO
Associate at NH Investment & Securities (NHIS), Seoul
Mr. Joushua CHO works within the alternative investments team at NH Investment & Securities (NHIS) in Seoul, Korea, analyzing investment opportunities and managing invested assets across acquisition financing, infrastructure, real estate, and aircraft leasing. Prior to joining NHIS, Joushua spent three years in Shanghai and Beijing in marketing, consulting, and consumer research. Joushua earned his master’s degree in business administration from the School of Economics and Management at Tsinghua University in 2019 as a Bai Xian Scholar.
Meet Our Speakers
Ms. Gaby CHAN
Incident Manager at Google (Play and Android)
Ms. Gaby CHAN is from Singapore and works at Google as an incident manager (Play and Android). She began her career working for the Singapore Police Force, and later took a sabbatical to pursue her master’s in public administration at Zhejiang University as a Bai Xian Scholar. Following her graduation, she pivoted into the tech space, working as a DevOps project manager at Facebook before moving to Google.
Mr. Simon WU
Associate at Lake Bleu Capital, Hong Kong
Mr. Simon WU is an associate of private equity at Lake Bleu Capital and is actively involved in growth investment in healthcare (Biotech, Medtech, and service) companies in Greater China and Asia. He received his master’s degree in engineering from the University of Tokyo through the AFLSP, and credits his 2016 BXAI Summer Program experience for leading him towards a career in investment banking.
Ms. Helen XIN
Senior Delivery Consultant at Deloitte, Tokyo
Ms. Helen XIN is a senior delivery consultant at Deloitte in Tokyo, Japan. She received her bachelor’s degree in English translation and international economy and trade, and later switched fields to pursue a master’s degree in media design at Keio University as a Bai Xian Scholar. After gaining her master’s degree, she worked as a UI/UX designer at CREATPS Inc. in Japan for four years. She is currently working in the UI/UX design and technology consultancy field
The views, information, or opinions expressed by speakers during BXAI’s Virtual Community Events (the “Events”) are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the position or policies of BXAI.
Presentations at the Events do not constitute an endorsement of the individuals’ views, information or opinions. BXAI does not make any warranty, express or implied, and BXAI specifically disclaims any legal liability and responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information presented at the Events.
Any recorded videos of the Events are available for private, non-commercial use only. Advertising which is incorporated into, placed in association with, or targeted towards the content of any of BXAI’s virtual events, without the express approval and knowledge of BXAI, is forbidden. You are not allowed to edit, modify, or redistribute the recorded videos of BXAI’s Virtual Community Events without prior written consent of BXAI.
- Log in to the Zoom meeting at least 5 to 15 minutes before the start of the session.
- Be patient while waiting for approval to access the Zoom meeting room.
- Enter your login name as follows: Your full name + university/institute (E.g. Chen Dawen – Waseda University)
- Ensure you will not be interrupted or disturbed during the session.
- Minimize background noise if/when you are invited to speak during the session (preferably through the use of an earphone mic).
- Dress respectably and appropriately if you turn on your camera during the session.
- Be respectful and patient for the duration of the session.
Congratulations to the Bai Xian Project Award 2022 Winning Teams!
Congrats to Hi-Tech and WasteDucation – our winners of the 2022 Bai Xian Project Award (BXPA)! After its successful launch last year, the BXPA is proud to have supported another cycle of short-term projects initiated by BX Scholars and Alumni. Scroll through to learn more about the project ideas of this year’s winning teams, and stay tuned for details on the next cycle, which will be announced this fall!
[Resources] Bai Xian Peer Mentoring Program Launch Event
At the online launch event of our new Bai Xian Peer Mentoring Program in January 2022, Ms. Laura Cozijnsen, member of BXAI’s Communication & Development Committee and founder of Lighthouse Consultant Limited, spoke to our scholars and alumni on the topic, “Why does mentoring matter?”.
Having benefited from being both a mentee and a mentor, Laura emphasized that mentorship is not so much about one-way teaching, but is in fact a relationship. Mentors who are invested in the wellbeing and interests of their mentees engage in a process of helping them discover the best version of themselves, whether through the sharing of skills, values, or life experiences. Meanwhile, mentees can also offer mentors a rewarding mentorship experience that is fulfilling and purposeful. “Whether you are a mentee or mentor, it’s really a win-win situation,” said Laura.
Recalling a time when she offered help to a mentee, not knowing (until much later) that her support would make a great impact on him, Laura encouraged aspiring mentors to see mentorship as an opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life.
“When my mentee asked me why I had helped him, I answered him at the time, ‘There’s no reason why, but when you have the power or opportunity, pay it forward and help someone in your position,’ and he still remembers what I said today!”
Laura’s Book Recommendation: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
Tuesdays with Morrie is a memoir that chronicles author Mitch Albom’s visits with his former college professor, Morrie Schwartz, during the professor’s last months of life. Their 14 conversations revolve around lessons in how to live and love, and according to Laura, reflect “one of the most beautiful mentor-mentee relationships I’ve come across.”
Towards the end of the online event, Laura quoted from Tuesdays with Morrie: “The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in,” encouraging participants to not only focus on what they can give, but to also learn to receive love and support within a mentor-mentee relationship.
Themed Sharing: “Why Does Mentoring Matter?”
Soul Chill - Collage Workshop with Artist Sally Leung
Time to get your creative juices flowing!
Our upcoming Virtual Community Event will be a fun collage workshop led by Ms. Sally Leung, an artist and art educator based in Hong Kong. Collage is an art technique that involves the composition of a work of art by pasting various materials together.
Sally will introduce the concept of collage and different composition techniques, and participants will have an opportunity to experiment with an assortment of materials, tap into their imagination, and just enjoy the freedom and relaxation this art technique offers.
Event Details:
Date: April 1, 2022 (Friday)
Time: 18:00 – 19:15 (HKT) / 19:00 – 20:15 (JST/KST)
Participants: Bai Xian Community
The views, information, or opinions expressed by speakers during BXAI’s Virtual Community Events (the “Events”) are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the position or policies of BXAI.
Presentations at the Events do not constitute an endorsement of the individuals’ views, information or opinions. BXAI does not make any warranty, express or implied, and BXAI specifically disclaims any legal liability and responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information presented at the Events.
Any recorded videos of the Events are available for private, non-commercial use only. Advertising which is incorporated into, placed in association with, or targeted towards the content of any of BXAI’s virtual events, without the express approval and knowledge of BXAI, is forbidden. You are not allowed to edit, modify, or redistribute the recorded videos of BXAI’s Virtual Community Events without prior written consent of BXAI.
- Log in to the Zoom meeting at least 5 to 15 minutes before the start of the session.
- Be patient while waiting for approval to access the Zoom meeting room.
- Enter your login name as follows: Your full name + university/institute (E.g. Chen Dawen – Waseda University)
- Ensure you will not be interrupted or disturbed during the session.
- Minimize background noise if/when you are invited to speak during the session (preferably through the use of an earphone mic).
- Dress respectably and appropriately if you turn on your camera during the session.
- Be respectful and patient for the duration of the session.
The Bai Xian Peer Mentoring 2022 is Now Open for Application!
Calling all BX Scholars and fresh grads! The all-new Bai Xian Peer Mentoring Program 2022 is now open for application! Sign up to be a mentee for a valuable opportunity to discuss academic/career goals, broaden your perspectives, and cultivate personal growth. A big thank you to our alumni for their eagerness to give back to the BX community by serving as peer mentors!
Application deadline extended to Dec 10, 2021
For more details, visit the Bai Xian Peer Mentoring Program page.
Invited In: Film Screening and Dialogue with Director Yuyu Kitamura
The pandemic has undoubtedly created a sense of isolation for many, and it has become increasingly important for us to reexamine the concept of human connection in the 21st century and pay attention to mental health. We invite you to join us at our upcoming screening of Invited In, a short film about a teenager struggling with loneliness during the pandemic and the damaging effects of social media. Ms. Yuyu Kitamura, the film’s writer, director, and leading actress, will also be there to share about her journey of making this movie and the message she hopes to deliver.
Event Details:
Date: November 19, 2021 (Friday)
Time: 18:30 – 19:30 (HKT) / 19:30 – 20:30 (JST/KST)
Participants: Bai Xian Community
Meet our Speaker:
Yuyu Kitamura is a Japanese actress, poet and film maker who graduated from NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Raised in the international city of Hong Kong, she values the individuality and commonalities we all share as we look to explore human connection. Her experiences as an actress, working on production sets behind the camera, and in the office with development, Yuyu surrounds herself in creative environments that fuel her passion and creativity in the arts. When she is not acting or writing, you can find her cooking for people and begging them to eat it, sweating at a work out class (who doesn’t love endorphins) or hopping around the city with her film camera.
The views, information, or opinions expressed by speakers during BXAI’s Virtual Community Events (the “Events”) are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the position or policies of BXAI.
Presentations at the Events do not constitute an endorsement of the individuals’ views, information or opinions. BXAI does not make any warranty, express or implied, and BXAI specifically disclaims any legal liability and responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information presented at the Events.
Any recorded videos of the Events are available for private, non-commercial use only. Advertising which is incorporated into, placed in association with, or targeted towards the content of any of BXAI’s virtual events, without the express approval and knowledge of BXAI, is forbidden. You are not allowed to edit, modify, or redistribute the recorded videos of BXAI’s Virtual Community Events without prior written consent of BXAI.
- Log in to the Zoom meeting at least 5 to 15 minutes before the start of the session.
- Be patient while waiting for approval to access the Zoom meeting room.
- Enter your login name as follows: Your full name + university/institute (E.g. Chen Dawen – Waseda University)
- Ensure you will not be interrupted or disturbed during the session.
- Minimize background noise if/when you are invited to speak during the session (preferably through the use of an earphone mic).
- Dress respectably and appropriately if you turn on your camera during the session.
- Be respectful and patient for the duration of the session.
[Blog] Summer Program 2021 Session Recaps: Wisdom from BX Friends
During the 2021 Summer Program, scholars and alumni had the privilege of hearing from many BX friends, not only at our annual fireside chat, but also through a new series of more intimate “Coffee & Chat” sessions, where they were able to chat with some of our BX friends and learn from their personal insights and experiences. Find out more about the key ideas shared at each session through Chan Wai’s vibrant graphic recordings below.
Fireside Chat
Moderated by BX Alumna, Eunice Kim, and featuring Honorary Chairman of BXAI, Mr. Ronald Chao; Chairman and CEO of Cornes Holdings (Overseas) Limited, Mr. Shinichiro Watari; and Head of the Philanthropy Center of J.P. Morgan in Asia, Ms. Jean Sung; this year’s fireside chat sparked meaningful discussion on our perceptions of Asian identity and today’s global challenges.
Coffee & Chat with BX Friends
Mr. Yutaka Aso and Ms. Laura Cozijnsen led a “Coffee & Chat” session on “Navigating Career & Life”, where they shared about their own respective journeys and answered many of our participants’ questions about passion, work, and experience.
At her “Coffee & Chat” session titled “Building Back Better”, Ms. Jean Sung encouraged scholars and alumni to take action on issues they care about to build a brighter future.
[Blog] Summer Program 2021 Session Recaps: Forging a Career Path
The 2021 Summer Program also featured career-focused sessions where Bai Xian Alumni and young entrepreneurs were invited to speak about their personal career journeys, aspirations, and experiences with SP participants. Learn more about what was shared at each session through graphic recorder Chan Wai’s visual summaries below.
Panel Discussion: Dialogue with Social Entrepreneurs
Scholars and alumni enjoyed hearing from young social entrepreneurs Jiacai Lau, Fion Leung, and Quan Quan Nguyen (along with moderator and Bai Xian Alumnus, Artyom Tsaturyan), who explored how businesses can balance achieving profits with creating social value. Our speakers also shared about their own career journeys and their insights on future business trends.
Career Panel: Dialogue with BX Alumni
The career panel included eight alumni speakers who shared about their career aspirations and experiences during today’s uncertain times. The session also included breakout rooms that allowed both speakers and participants to dive deeper into more specific topics.
Group A: Misato Nagakawa and Gao Tianqi led an engaging dialogue and discussion on academia and education. Tianqi shared about his experiences in industrial manufacturing and academia, while Misato spoke about navigating her career from IT consulting to education.
Group B: Jimmy Gao and Pan Ning shared about working in Japan from a foreigner’s perspective. Both spoke about their personal experiences in Japan from job hunting to the unique work culture, and also offered helpful tips to scholars interested in working abroad there.
Group C: Fumiaki Sano and Hideo Natsume spoke about their experiences in the realm of start-ups, venture capital, and entrepreneurship, specifically in China and Japan. As both are currently working in venture capital, they also examined current VC trends as well as the challenges and opportunities of working in China as foreigners.
Group D: Joushua Cho and Risa Sone led a breakout session where they reflected on their unique career experiences as well as their thoughts on work culture, soft skills vs. hard skills, and mutual understanding in the workplace.
