Update on the BXAI Summer Program 2020
As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to develop, the health and safety of our scholars remain our top priorities. BXAI has therefore made the difficult but necessary decision to cancel the BXAI Summer Program 2020 this August. We are now exploring the possibility of hosting both our 2020 and 2021 cohorts at our BXAI Summer Program 2021.
Thank you for your understanding. During these uncertain times, may we support one another with encouragement and mutual understanding as we strive to overcome this battle together as a community. Stay well!
Special Announcement Regarding the Coronavirus Outbreak
BXAI considers the safety of the Bai Xian community a top priority. In light of the novel coronavirus outbreak, we have kept close communication with our Partner Universities and understand that some have postponed the start date of the 2020 spring semester while others have replaced on-campus courses with online classes.
We encourage all Bai Xian Scholars to stay up to date with the policies of their respective universities. As circumstances change, should you have any questions regarding your scholarship, please contact us at [email protected].
With respect to upcoming events, we will provide separate notifications detailing new arrangements. In the meantime, please take appropriate protective measures in accordance with WHO recommendations to safeguard your health. During these trying times, may we continue to uphold our values of mutual understanding, respect, and integrity as we face adversity and challenges together as a community.
Thank you for your understanding and support, and wishing everyone good health, happiness, and peace!
Melvyn YEO
Mr. Melvyn Yeo, cofounder of TRIREC, a Singapore-based investment company, reflects back on how an understanding of his own personality helped affirm his career choice. He also shares a special quote that has shaped his approach to life.
Dr. David Mong Receives the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon from the Government of Japan
Heartfelt congratulations to our Board Governor, Dr. David Mong Tak Yeung, who was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon by the Government of Japan on November 3, 2019.
This order is conferred on individuals who have made outstanding achievements in international relations and promotion of Japanese culture, and recognizes Dr. Mong’s contributions to cultural exchange and economic development between Japan and Hong Kong through his post as President of the Japan Society of Hong Kong and as Chairman and CEO of Shun Hing Group.
BXAIJ New Year's Party 2020
Last Tuesday, Bai Xian Asia Institute (Japan) Inc. (BXAIJ) ushered in the new decade at their annual New Year’s party in Tokyo that saw over 80 guests in attendance, including Bai Xian friends, alumni, scholars, and representatives from our six Japanese Partner Universities. Distinguished guests Mr. Yoshihiro Watanabe, President of BXAIJ; Mr. Satonobu Matsunaga, Leader of the International Strategy Team at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; Mr. Tatsukuni Uchida, Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Zhang Yaqiang, Councilor of the Chinese Embassy in Japan, and Prof. Katsuichi Uchida, President of BXAI, each took to the stage to give welcome remarks as well as their personal perspectives and outlooks on the coming year, while our CEO, Ms. Ronna Chao, delivered a New Year’s message via video, where she encouraged scholars and alumni to continue building community with one another.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, and a special thank you goes to BXAIJ for being such a great host. Warm wishes to everyone for a rewarding year ahead!
BX Gathering in Beijing
Our last BX gathering of 2019 was held in Beijing last Saturday. Scholars and alumni had a great time catching up with one another, and also had the opportunity to hear from three students who were selected to speak during our career panel session. Sharing practical tips on job hunting, interviewing, and navigating workplace culture, each panelist offered helpful and interesting insights into the job search process and finding your place as a fresh graduate.
A heartfelt thank you to our moderator and panelists for your support, and to Mr. Ueda Kenji and Ms. Seo Mariko from BXAIJ for joining us. We hope everyone learned something new and enjoyed connecting with the Bai Xian community. Until next year!
New Structure, New Titles
As part of the restructure of the AFLSP in 2020, our 16 university partnerships will be consolidated to 6. There will no longer be any distinction between “Anchor” and “Participating” Universities – all universities within our network will be known as “Partner Universities.” Our program framework will remain unchanged.
To maintain consistency and unity across all our platforms and titles, we would also like to announce that “AFLSP Scholars” will now be officially known as “Bai Xian Scholars,” and “AFLSP Exchange Scholars” will be officially known as “Bai Xian Exchange Scholars.”
Autumn Hike Up Takaosan
Last Sunday, the newly minted steering committee of the BXAI Alumni Association’s Tokyo Chapter hosted their very first event of the academic year with a hike up Takaosan, a scenic mountain near Central Tokyo. Tokyo-based scholars and alumni had a great time catching up with one another while soaking in the breathtaking views of the mountain’s famous autumn foliage.
BX Gatherings in Hangzhou and Shanghai
We had a great time with our scholars and alumni last weekend in Hangzhou and Shanghai! Catching up with them over dinner at each city, we were captivated by wonderful study abroad and Summer Program stories, and enjoyed learning about the different cultures represented. Thank you to everyone who joined us – we hope you had a good time and look forward to seeing you again soon!