Prof. James KONDO

James Kondo is a professor at Hitotsubashi University’s Graduate School of International Corporate Strategy (ICS).  Having moved from the business world into the social arena early in his career, Kondo recalls the defining moment of his career when he was advised by a mentor to pursue his passions early in order to truly make an impact.


First AFLSP Annual Meeting Held at Kyoto University

Last month, 31 Kyoto University scholars from our 2015 to 2017 cohorts participated in the university’s first AFLSP annual meeting organized by Professor ZHAO Liang, where they gave presentations on their recent academic studies, social activities, and proposals for Sustainable Development Goals to a judging panel of professors and alumni.  A big congratulations to DING Yu, MENG Weijie, and WEN Tianyu, who were commended for best activities!

Many thanks to all attending faculty including Professor Katsuichi UCHIDA, Professor Tsuyoshi KATO, Professor Shinsuke KAWAZOE, Professor Masao MITSUYAMA, Professor AN Lin, and Professor HAN Liyou, who contributed their valuable time and advice to benefit our scholars.

As one of our Anchor Universities, Kyoto University has cultivated 49 AFLSP Scholars to date across its 12 graduate schools.  Thanks again for your continuous support of our scholarship program!


Marine THOMAS

Marine Thomas is the conservation project manager at The Nature Conservancy in Hong Kong.  She reflects back on her lifelong passion for the environment and how she decided to leave her career in fashion to pursue a job in conservation.  She believes that with determination, it is never too late to follow your dreams.


Prof. Harry HARDING

Harry Harding is a university professor at the University of Virginia, and a visiting professor of social science and senior advisor to the Institute of Public Policy at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.  He shares about how his curious nature and lifelong passion for learning and communication has shaped his career path over the past 40 years, guiding him towards his work in various fields including academics, policy analysis, and university leadership.


In Memoriam

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the sudden passing of our Board Governor, Professor Zhang Junsheng 张浚生教授, on February 19, 2018.

Professor Zhang had played a key role since the Institute’s early days, generously giving his time, support, and guidance in relation to the development of the Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP).  He provided us with invaluable advice, especially during the planning of our first Summer Program at Zhejiang University, and was instrumental in introducing the AFLSP to Zhejiang University’s Master of Public Administration Program.  As a member of BXAI’s Board of Governors, Professor Zhang was passionate about raising up Asia’s future leaders.  He was actively involved in the AFLSP scholar selection process by conducting interviews with students applying to our 10 Participating Universities.

We are deeply grateful for his contribution to the Institute, and express our deepest condolences to his family.  He will be sorely missed.


LIN Yu-Fang

LIN Yu-Fang, an Bai Xian Scholar at Waseda University, reflects on how the BXAI Summer Program served as an effective platform for scholars from different academic and cultural backgrounds to openly discuss social issues and develop practical and sustainable solutions together.


ZHANG Tuo

ZHANG Tuo, an Bai Xian Scholar at Kyoto University, highlights his main takeaway from the BXAI Summer Program: that sustainable development and entrepreneurship are two closely linked concepts that must be extended beyond the individual level to truly effect change.


Ryo YOSHIDA

Ryo YOSHIDA, an Bai Xian Exchange Scholar studying at Taiwan University, shares about how the BXAI Summer Program boosted her self-confidence and encouraged her to broaden her perspectives and cultivate a new appreciation for different cultures.


YU Ruichuan

YU Rui Chuan, an Bai Xian Scholar studying at Waseda University, shares his BXAI Summer Program highlights, which include public speaking opportunities, meeting fellow scholars from all across Asia, and discussions about sustainability issues.


HENG Xin

HENG Xin, an Bai Xian Scholar at Keio University, shares how she developed an appreciation of foreign cultures through an exchange program to Spain during her undergraduate years.  Inspired by this experience, she chose to pursue a master’s degree in media design in Japan.