BXAI

Kim Jungin

Bai Xian Scholar from Korea, 2019 Cohort
Candidate for bachelor’s degree in biomedical science
The University of Hong Kong

“As a Bai Xian Scholar, I have had many opportunities to learn about important topics beyond my field of study, such as globalization, artificial intelligence, and environmental sustainability, as well as to personally experience the power of collaboration and innovation.  I believe that these valuable takeaways, combined with my background in biomedical science, will prepare me well to truly make a difference as a future leader in Asia.”

Aika Sato

Bai Xian Scholar, 2019 cohort; candidate for master’s degree in history and archeology, Yenching Academy of Peking University (YCA).

As a Bai Xian Scholar, Aika’s passion for exploring historical reconciliation in East Asia reached new heights thanks to the many opportunities she had through the AFLSP to initiate and participate in open, cross-cultural discussions.

During her time at YCA, Aika, along with other like-minded Bai Xian Scholars, established the East Asian Studies Forum, a platform that aims to promote regional understanding and reconciliation through constructive dialogues and debates.  “To this day, East Asia is still haunted by historical animosity,” she observes.  “If we, as people across Asia, can better understand the complexity of the past, I believe many of the historical and political divides we have now can be bridged.”

For Aika, some of her most memorable events include the panel discussion titled “Public Diplomacy in East Asia”, as well as the virtual workshop, “The WWII in East Asia: Narrative Building and Storytelling”.  At both events, scholars and professors from different countries gathered together to openly discuss their insights on regional historical disputes.  Her experiences with the East Asian Studies Forum have also sparked other intellectual interests, such as feminism in East Asia.  “As members of the Bai Xian community, we are privileged to have opportunities to learn from a wide range of perspectives,” she reflects.  “The chance to organize and be a part of cross-cultural discussions has encouraged me to expand my scope of study and research.”

Despite the pandemic, Aika is thankful for the many virtual events on offer that enabled her to stay connected with the Bai Xian community.  She found herself inspired by fellow scholars and alumni, who shared their personal life stories and projects at various community events.  “Just seeing their passion and boldness lit a fire in my belly,” she says.  “I learned that I should not just limit myself to what others expect of me, but continue to stay curious and live my life to the fullest.  This takes persistence, a healthy dose of passion, and even a bit of anger, which gives me the fuel to make a change in the community.”

In a world that has become increasingly divided, Aika hopes that more young people will step up and serve as in-betweeners across different groups, nations, and regions.  “Mutual understanding and empathy promise a future of regional stability and peace, and bring us closer to an era of reconciliation.”

Steven Yang

Bai Xian Scholar from Singapore, 2019 cohort
Candidate for master’s degree in philosophy and religion
Yenching Academy of Peking University

“The valuable opportunities afforded me by the AFLSP, such as the chance to co-lead a webinar with a fellow scholar, have showed me that every effort counts, no matter how small it may seem, and can help build bridges and bring us one step closer to a harmonious future.  Being a Bai Xian Scholar has been an incredible learning experience that has equipped and empowered me to boldly forge ahead with my goals and aspirations.”

Dai Wei (David)

Bai Xian Scholar, 2019 cohort; candidate for MBA, Hitotsubashi University (ICS). 

The opportunity to study abroad through the AFLSP has not only allowed David to discover the cultural intricacies that exist across East Asia, but has also transformed his perspectives on leadership, self-awareness, and mutual understanding.

David’s journey of cross-cultural learning began during his time as a product manager at an international kitchen appliance company.  Responsible for overseeing the Greater China market, David was tasked to learn about the needs and demands of different consumers across the region, and realized that there were many cultural similarities between countries.  This newfound understanding sparked an interest in him to learn more about East Asian cultures, which, combined with his career ambitions, led him to pursue an MBA in Japan with the AFLSP.  “I have always strived to improve myself by stepping outside my comfort zone, and so I was naturally attracted to BXAI and its mission to provide intercultural opportunities for the next generation of leaders,” he says.

As he wraps up his second year of study, David reflects back on some of his biggest personal takeaways from his AFLSP experience.  “Purpose alone, values alone, and vision alone aren’t enough to make a consistent and effective leader.  It all starts with our worldview, which requires self-awareness,” he says, highlighting the fine line between understanding oneself and obsessing about oneself.  “I used to be quite hesitant to share my opinion or lead a team, but the AFLSP has enabled me to overcome my self-doubt by not thinking less of myself, but by thinking of myself less,” says David.  “This is when I truly experienced the benefits of being part of a community.”  Through collaborative research projects at the end of his first year at ICS, David also learned that empathy is an important component of leadership.  “As a leader, you must make the choice to listen to and care about the people around you,” he muses.  “As I explored topics of East Asian politics, economics, finance, education, and media alongside fellow scholars, it was easy to see that a lack of empathy between people caused all kinds of macro-level problems.”

Studying in the midst of the pandemic, David is grateful for the valuable opportunities he has had to participate in numerous online events, network, and engage with influential leaders and experts.  He looks forward to attending a short exchange program at Seoul National University before graduation, and believes his cross-cultural experiences will prepare him well for a rewarding career as an APAC-focused product manager in the near future.