Volunteer Days Held Across Asia to Celebrate BXAI’s 10th Anniversary
As part of BXAI’s 10th anniversary celebrations, a series of “volunteer days” were organized by BX Alumni and Scholars across Asia as a way to build bridges with local communities and foster engagement, connection, and a sense of responsibility amongst BX community members.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers for contributing their time and effort to planning, organizing, and taking part in these volunteer days. Their hard work and dedication have made a difference in their communities, and each volunteer day served as a meaningful way to commemorate Bai Xian’s 10th anniversary while showcasing the power and unity of the BX community.
Seoul Alumni Chapter Takes Part in Neighborhood Enhancement Initiative
On April 13, BXAI’s Seoul Alumni Chapter organized a volunteer day for scholars and alumni in Korea to serve a hillside village in Yongsan-gu. Out of a group of six volunteers, three participants painted streetside murals featuring flowers and animals, adding a welcoming touch of beauty and vibrancy to the neighborhood. The other three scholars helped with renovations at the community center, which provides music lessons and academic tutoring to local teenagers. They cleared out old facilities, including air conditioners and kitchen equipment, making way for a new conference hall that will provide a valuable space for local youth to learn and grow.
After completing their volunteer work for the day, the team enjoyed a healthy lunch at a newly opened vegetarian restaurant nearby, concluding a meaningful day of outreach and community building.
BX Scholars in Shanghai Volunteer at Local Children’s Hospital
On April 14, BX Scholars from Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Zhejiang University visited the children’s hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s School of Medicine to serve young patients through creative workshops and interactive activities. The afternoon kicked off with a fun and engaging Asian culture trivia quiz, followed by a hands-on arts and crafts session where the children were taught to make paper cup octopuses and origami cranes. Towards the end of the session, children were encouraged to draw their feelings on heart-shaped sticky notes, which were combined to create collages to remember the day. Participating children were also gifted with cute night lights as a memento of the special day they shared with the volunteers.
Hong Kong Volunteers Reach Out to Underserved Children from Ethnic Minority Groups
Volunteer day in Hong Kong took place on April 20, and saw BX Scholars and the BX team serve at the Zubin’s Family Centre, which supports children from low-income, ethnic minority groups with special educational needs.
To get everyone warmed up, volunteers began the session with an energetic game of “Simon Says.” The BX team then kicked off the storytelling portion of the event, sharing a Cantonese tale called “Where is Tram Ding?”, which shows that everyone has their own strengths and there is no need to compare oneself to others. BX Scholars then shared “The Tale of the Sands,” teaching children that change can be a good thing, and that as long as they are brave enough to try new things, they can grow and learn. After hearing the two stories, the children were encouraged to draw pictures that reflected the lessons they had learned, or to simply express their imagination freely on paper.
It was a meaningful day where bonds were formed and joy was shared, and the BX team and Scholars look forward to the next opportunity to serve and volunteer together!
Beijing Scholars and Alumni Show Love and Care to Local Moms on Mother’s Day
BX Scholars and Alumni based in Beijing participated in volunteer day by collaborating with the GlobalMoms Initiative, a program that connects mothers from around the world with resources to promote physical and mental well-being. On May 12, BX volunteers stepped up to support the Initiative’s “Run4Mums” event, which aimed to advocate for women’s empowerment while giving mothers a chance to enjoy the great outdoors at Longtan West Lake Park.
While participating mothers took part in an invigorating outdoor run, volunteers took care of the children, engaging them in exciting games and activities. This allowed the moms to fully immerse themselves in the event and enjoy their time in nature. Volunteers also had an opportunity to share their thoughts on stage, expressing sincere gratitude and love for their own mothers in honor of Mother’s Day.
Tokyo Alumni Chapter Rolls Up Sleeves to Make a Difference
On July 5, the coordinating team of the BXAI Tokyo Alumni Chapter organized a trash cleanup day in Koenji in partnership with Greenbird, a project that believes “a clean city makes people’s hearts clean.” A group of BX Scholars and Alumni volunteered their time and energy to clean up the neighborhood, hoping to show how positive change and transformation can occur through collaboration, determination, and action. After the cleanup, volunteers enjoyed a delicious dinner complemented by a rakugo performance by local storyteller, Mr. Tadashi Sekizawa, bringing a meaningful day of bonding, community service, and culture to a close.
BXAI Collaborates with Japan China Leadership Program Forum as Part of 10th Anniversary Celebrations
As part of its 10th anniversary celebrations, BXAI collaborated with the Japan China Leadership Program (JCLP) at their JCLP Forum, which was held in Tokyo from September 27 to 29, 2024. The Forum featured two events hosted/sponsored by BXAI on the first day (September 27): a special panel discussion on “The Future of Sino-Japan Relations as Envisioned by the Next Generation of Leaders,” as well as a networking dinner.
A Meaningful Partnership
As a non-profit organization that aims to foster mutual understanding between Japan and China, JCLP shares similar values and goals with BXAI, making this partnership particularly meaningful. Like BXAI, which hosts a series of programs throughout the year to facilitate intercultural learning and communication amongst young scholars, JCLP endeavors to foster a deeper understanding of the differences and commonalities between Japan and China through various activities such as annual meetings and local field trips in Japan and China. In addition, both JCLP and BXAI promote leadership and open dialogue, and believe in the importance of investing in the next generation for a harmonious future built on respect and trust.
BXAI was pleased to collaborate with JCLP as part of its 10th anniversary celebrations, and would like to extend its thanks to BX Alumnus, Hideo NATSUME, who is a member of the JCLP and part of the forum’s organizing team, for his support and contributions.
Panel Discussion: “The Future of Sino-Japan Relations as Envisioned by the Next Generation of Leaders”
Led by Mr. Yutaka ASO, BXAI Advisory Council member; BX Alumni, Ms. Misato NAGAKAWA and Mr. GAO Zongya, and moderated by BX Alumnus, Mr. Hideo NATSUME, the panel discussion explored a wide range of topics including the value of open and authentic dialogue between individuals from different cultures, and the importance of developing intercultural competence through firsthand experiences rather than solely relying on online information. “People should get to know each other personally – that’s how the gap of cultural understanding can be filled and how mutual understanding can be built,” said Zongya, drawing from his work experience in Japan where he discovered that many Japanese knew little about China, and that likewise, he had more to learn about Japan. Hideo also emphasized that grassroots exchange and mutual understanding are more critical than ever, especially in times of geopolitical uncertainty. Towards the end of the discussion, Misato highlighted the importance of engaging in open and honest discussion, even on sensitive topics regarding East Asia, saying, “We may not reach common ground, but let’s discuss!”
Networking Dinner
That evening, BXAI sponsored a networking dinner at The Theater Table to conclude a valuable day of dialogue, exchange, and learning, with remarks from BXAI CEO, Ms. Ronna CHAO; and President of BXAI (Japan), Mr. Tatsuo TANAKA.
Reflecting on the first day of the forum, one participant commented, “I gained a better understanding of business opportunities and how to engage with both Japan and China,” while another said, “I’d like to deepen my involvement with Japan and China, starting with JCLP.” BXAI is honored to have had the opportunity to partner with JCLP at this meaningful event, and looks forward to empowering more young leaders to continue building bridges across cultures. Thank you to everyone who contributed, as well as to those who joined us in person or online!
BXAI Celebrates 10th Anniversary and Successful Completion of the Summer Program 2024 in Shanghai
(Hong Kong, August 19, 2024) To commemorate the 10th anniversary of Bai Xian Asia Institute (“BXAI” or the “Institute”), a special gala dinner was held on August 17, 2024 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Shanghai. The event also marked the successful completion of BXAI’s ninth Summer Program, which took place from August 3 to 18, 2024 and was co-hosted with Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), a longstanding Partner University of BXAI since 2015. Bai Xian (BX) Scholars, Alumni, friends, partners, and BX community members gathered together for a memorable night of fun, food, and fellowship as they celebrated the new friendships and memories formed during the Summer Program, as well as BXAI’s achievements and journey over the last decade.
“Education is a long-term investment,” said BXAI CEO, Ms. Ronna Chao. “As we recognize 10 years of building bridges across cultures, we look forward to forging ahead in our efforts to develop a new generation of leaders through intercultural exchange and learning, while cultivating a sense of community and mutual understanding amidst a changing global landscape.”
The gala dinner was the first of a series of 10th anniversary events, community activities, and programs to be held across Asia in the third quarter of 2024 and into 2025. A special booklet and video have also been produced to mark this important milestone.
BXAI Summer Program 2024
A key component of BXAI’s Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program, the annual Summer Program takes place every August and gathers current scholars on one university campus for an exciting and enriching experience designed to broaden perspectives, foster community, and extend learning beyond the classroom.
The BXAI Summer Program 2024 was attended by 64 BX Scholars, most of whom being members of BXAI’s 10th cohort of students. 13 countries and regions were represented by the participants, who come from a wide range of academic backgrounds including business, humanities, social science, and science. Through a series of panel discussions, personal development workshops, excursions, and community-building activities, participants had valuable opportunities to hear from leaders and experts from various fields, delve into this year’s theme – “Digital Transformation in Asia”, form new friendships, and experience the rich culture and heritage of China.
The Summer Program Kicks Off
The Summer Program officially commenced on August 3 with an opening ceremony that included remarks by Prof. Ji Weidong, Director of Center for Japanese Studies of SJTU (Ministry of Education Accredited Institute), and Prof. Katsuichi Uchida, President of BXAI, who warmly welcomed scholars and introduced this year’s theme. Participants then took part in an afternoon of interactive team building challenges that kickstarted the formation of new friendships and encouraged them to exercise their leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Cultural Immersion
Excursions serve an important role in the Summer Program, and allow scholars to immerse themselves in the history and culture of the host country while getting to know each another. During the first few days, participants visited unique sights in the vicinity of Shanghai such as Mount Mogan in Deqing County and the historic town of Wuzhen, where they enjoyed an opportunity to soak in the breathtaking Jiangnan landscapes and explore an ancient Chinese town. Hands-on workshops, visits to cultural attractions, and collaborative activities along the way further enriched each scholar’s experience. “The excursion was a great icebreaker for everyone,” one scholar reflected. “We were free to just have fun, enjoy ourselves, and become more comfortable with one another. It was a good way to start our two weeks together.”
The following 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. Participants were divided into teams, given specific destinations to visit across the city, and asked to produce creative group photos and a video showcasing their experiences, which were submitted afterwards for a chance to win a special prize.
Personal Growth and Soft Skills Development
The first week saw participants diving into a series of workshops that focused on important 21st-century skills such as public speaking, leadership, self-branding, and self-awareness. Interactive, practical, and empowering, each of the sessions equipped scholars with vital skills that will undoubtedly serve them well in their current academic life and future careers.
“I have never seriously thought about my strengths and weaknesses, so the character leadership workshop pushed me to really think about who I am and to set a goal for where I want to be in the near future,” said one scholar. “Now I am actively considering the steps I need to take to develop the traits I learned about in the workshop.”
Academic Exploration
Moving into the second week, scholars examined this summer’s theme, “Digital Transformation in Asia,” through academic sessions and panel discussions designed to deepen their understanding of key topics surrounding Asia’s digital transformation, such as generative AI, smart city development, and AI in finance. One scholar reflected, “Even though this is not my area of study, I have discovered how digital transformation actually pertains to all of us and our future, and therefore is something we all need to learn about, and so I am grateful for this opportunity to hear more about this important subject.”
A visit to Bilibili, a Shanghai-based online entertainment company and leading video platform, brought much of the scholars’ learning to life as they saw and experienced the inner workings of a large-scale, full-spectrum Chinese tech company.
Community Building and Collaborative Learning
Towards the end of the Summer Program, students enjoyed a chance to connect with the BX community at a “Coffee & Chat” session with members of BXAI’s leadership, and an alumni evening with scholars from previous cohorts. “Hearing from the speakers and alumni got me thinking about my future career, and what kind of problems I want to solve,” said one scholar. “How do I not let my job just be a job, but mean something more?” Scholars then wrapped up their learning journey by preparing for and delivering final group presentations, which focused on their insights on “Digital Transformation in Asia,” as well as their ideas on how to promote cross-cultural communication.
A Memorable Conclusion
The final day of the Summer Program started with a leadership-themed keynote lecture given by returning speaker, Mr. Jason Lai, who led an engaging session with support from a live orchestra. Participants gained a new perspective on leadership, with a few being invited to try their hand at conducting an orchestra to personally experience the power of authentic leadership and teamwork. The lecture was followed by a closing ceremony in afternoon, which featured remarks from Prof. Ding Kuiling, President of Shanghai Jiao Tong University; and Mr. Yutaka Aso, member of BXAI’s Advisory Council; a keynote speech by Mr. Kenny Lam, CEO of Two Sigma Asia-Pacific; and an award ceremony for the Best Presentation Awards and Summer Program certificates. A handover ceremony served as a meaningful conclusion to the event, with Prof. Zhang Ansheng, Vice President of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, passing the BXAI calligraphy book to Ms. Haruna Shiratori of Hitotsubashi ICS to symbolize the passing of the baton to next year’s Summer Program host.
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 Summer Program, but also to commemorate BXAI’s 10th anniversary. The evening kicked off with a keynote speech by Prof. Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, who shared a hopeful message that a cooperative mindset and mutual understanding are keys to peace and the sustainable development of Asia, and that BX Scholars are well-equipped to lead the way. Throughout the evening, captivating performances by scholars showcased the impressive talents of BXAI’s 10th cohort, while alumni shared about their Bai Xian memories and experiences as cultural ambassadors and bridge builders. Mr. Ronald Chao, Honorary Chairman of BXAI; and Ms. Ronna Chao, CEO of BXAI; also took the opportunity to share a few words as they reflected back on BXAI’s 10-year journey and encouraged scholars and alumni to continue building bridges and contributing to the community. “Looking at our ever-growing community, I am so encouraged to know that our young aspiring leaders are well-equipped to contribute to BXAI’s vision of a peaceful, sustainable, and conflict-free modern Asia,” said Ms. Chao. “As I contemplate our next decade and beyond, I find myself excited for the possibilities that lie ahead, and look forward to continuing in our efforts to invest in Asia’s new generation of leaders. Thank you all for being a part of our journey!”
BXAI Summer Program 2024 Preview
The BXAI Summer Program 2024 will be held in Shanghai in partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University from August 3 to August 18. Approximately 70 Bai Xian Scholars from the 2023 cohort will gather for an immersive and enriching two weeks together as they explore 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 will kick off with team building activities and a fun excursion designed to facilitate the forming of friendships and boost confidence and communication. A series of soft skills training sessions, seminars, and an art and culture workshop will follow, as well as two academic sessions examining generative AI and smart cities in Asia.
Towards the end of the Summer Program, scholars will enjoy an opportunity to connect with the BX community at a “Coffee & Chat” session with BX people and an alumni evening with former scholars from previous cohorts. They will then conclude their learning journey by taking part in final group presentations, a leadership-themed keynote lecture, and a closing ceremony and gala dinner, where they will celebrate the completion of the ninth BXAI Summer Program alongside their fellow scholars, alumni, and BX community members.
A Warm Welcome to Our New Board Governor
We are pleased to announce that Professor Wei Shyy has joined BXAI’s Board of Governors. Prof. Shyy is an accomplished academic and researcher in the field of aerospace engineering, having served as President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Chair Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He has authored numerous books and research articles, and serves as a General Editor of the Cambridge Aerospace Book Series and Co-Editor-in-Chief of Encyclopedia of Aerospace Engineering. Apart from his academic achievements, Prof. Shyy is also committed to promoting societal engagement and fostering an inclusive culture at the universities where he has worked. With his rich experience and expertise as an academic leader, we are confident that he will make valuable contributions to our board. We look forward to working alongside him to fuel the advancement of the AFLSP.
BXAI Summer Program 2023 Preview
The BXAI Summer Program 2023 will be held in Tokyo in partnership with Waseda University from August 4 to 18. It will be the first in-person Summer Program in three years! Approximately 70 Bai Xian Scholars and Alumni from universities across East Asia will gather together and explore the theme “Transformation of Globalization,” examining how globalization has shifted and evolved over the past few years against a backdrop of an ever-changing global landscape.
During the first week, scholars will enjoy opportunities to form new friendships, foster their communication skills, and immerse themselves in cultural experiences through team building activities and excursions to Nikko, a picturesque city located north of Tokyo. They will also participate in academic sessions, workshops, and seminars designed for personal growth, learning, and exploration.
The second week will see participants take part in more skill-building workshops, as well as special sessions aimed at facilitating connections within and beyond the BX community, such as an alumni evening, a panel discussion with entrepreneurs, and a modified “Travel with Me” activity.
Towards the end of the program, scholars will deliver group presentations to share their learnings, and celebrate the completion of the eighth BXAI Summer Program at a closing ceremony and gala dinner alongside their fellow scholars, alumni, and BX community members.
Jaden Kim
Jaden Kim
“One of the things I appreciate most about being in the Bai Xian community is the chance to immerse myself in a multicultural setting. Everyone I have met is open-minded and willing to share their own perspectives – something I’ve realized is very much shaped by our unique backgrounds and cultural experiences,” says Jaden Kim, a BX scholar from the 2021 cohort, as he explains how he has been influenced by cross-cultural interactions. “The opportunity to interact with other scholars with mutual respect and understanding has not only helped me see the value of diversity, but has also boosted my cultural intelligence, which I believe enables me to better relate to and work with those from different backgrounds.”
Ranna Jarukin
Ranna Jarukin
Having grown up in Japan, Ranna Jarukin, BX Alumna from the 2021 cohort, treasured the opportunity to study abroad in Shanghai. “It was incredibly rewarding to meet and work alongside my Chinese classmates as well as fellow scholars from different backgrounds – something I did not have a chance to do much of before studying abroad,” she says. “Not only did I discover the value of mutual understanding, teamwork, and creativity, I was also inspired to broaden my career horizons. I used to only imagine myself working in Japan after graduation, but now, I am considering a wider range of career options and the possibility of working in Mainland China, other countries in Asia, or even the rest of the world.”
Tim Henares
Tim Henares
Having participated in various programs hosted by BXAI, Tim Henares, BX Alumnus from the 2021 cohort, is grateful for being challenged and motivated to reach higher and achieve more. “At the leadership and public speaking workshops held during the Summer Program, I learned to face my limitations and vulnerabilities head on, and to use them as opportunities to grow and ultimately become a better leader. The BX Peer Mentoring Program also pushed me to consider my future career from a different perspective – my mentor’s open and honest sharing really inspired me to think bigger and widen my horizons!”
Sho Hayashi
Sho Hayashi
Bai Xian Alumnus, Sho Hayashi, is a public policy specialist, business creator, and social entrepreneur. His personal mission to positively impact society led him to the CAMPUS Asia Double Degree Program, through which he obtained his Master of Public Policy and Master of Laws degrees with support from Bai Xian Asia Institute, as well as various work experiences in management consulting, teaching, and policymaking. Since 2020, Sho has served as a sustainability and innovation policy specialist in Obuse, a small Japanese town steeped in history and culture.
On his decision to move to Obuse after having studied all across Asia and working in Tokyo, Sho explains, “What I learned from my early work experience is that policymaking on its own is not enough to bring long-term impact. To truly make a difference, I believe we need to be on the ground and plugged into the local community, building a public policy strategy that meets the actual needs of the people.” One skill he has found to be incredibly important in his current role is the ability to demonstrate mutual respect and understanding, something he honed during his time studying abroad. Sho recalls one particular memory from Peking University, when he traveled with two Korean classmates and had the opportunity to engage in deep conversations about everything from history to comfort women. “We presented our own genuine thoughts as friends, not to reach a common conclusion, but simply to respectfully exchange ideas and opinions through free and open discussion,” he says. “Although some misunderstandings were inevitable, I learned it is important to express one’s true thoughts and opinions, even if they may differ from others.” Fast forward to the present, when he finds himself needing to communicate with local citizens often, Sho applies a similar mindset. “While it is critical to respect others and try to understand their perspectives, we also shouldn’t hide our own thoughts, but rather aim to be honest with ourselves and those we are communicating with,” he says.
Looking ahead, Sho plans to continue investing in the community of Obuse by creating a local business that maximizes the potential of the town and increases job opportunities. He also hopes to leverage his academic and professional experiences to broaden his impact on society. “I am in a unique position where I am able to understand both the local environment as well as policies being formulated at the national or even global levels,” he says. “There are a lot of gaps between those spheres, and I believe I can be a bridge to bring effective change and create value.”
In between working as a policy specialist, running his social innovation organization, and overseeing multiple entrepreneurship projects, Sho still finds time to give back to the Bai Xian community. Over the past few years, he has volunteered to share as a panelist at alumni sessions, and has also served as a peer mentor under the Bai Xian Peer Mentoring Program. “Studying abroad was a very motivating experience for me – I felt supported by fellow scholars and empowered by the various activities I attended,” reflects Sho. “I was equipped to become who I wanted to be, and I hope to pay it forward by sharing my knowledge and experiences with those coming after me.”