DAI Wei (David)
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.
A Good Read by Prof. Uchida Katsuichi
University Strategies in the Age of Uncertainty: Globalization of Japanese Society and the Roles of Universities
by Prof. Uchida Katsuichi, President of BXAI
Comprising nine chapters, this book discusses strategies for the development of universities within the context of contemporary Japanese society, which has witnessed three major trends:
1. Explosion of world population and decrease in population of Japan
The world population will rise from 7.7 to 9.7 billion by 2050, while Japan’s population will drop from 126 to 100 million due to a continued decrease in birth rate.
2. Globalization of Japanese society
The proportion of foreigners in Japan is growing and will soon account for over 10% of its overall population – a phenomenon known as internal globalization. As Japan evolves into a more multicultural and multiracial nation, the harmonious coexistence of people from different cultures and backgrounds will become increasingly important.
3. Rapid development of science and technology
Contemporary society is characterized by artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things, biochemical engineering, gene recombination, genetic engineering, and information technology, and while the development of science and technology should be encouraged, it is also critical to ensure adequate regulation to avoid abuse and exploitation.
The effects and consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on contemporary society are also discussed.
Based on how Japanese society is evolving in “an age of uncertainty”, Prof. Uchida examines various university strategies across topics of education and research:
- Development stages and different types of universities
- National importance of science and technology advancement
- Importance of developing higher education in national language
- Intense global competition among universities in terms of research and education
- Academic mobility of students and researchers beyond national border
- English as a common university language
- Internationalization and globalization of university
- Importance of liberal arts education
- Legal study as liberal arts
- Governance and finance of globalized universities
- University and society after the COVID-19 pandemic
PHAM, Thi Thuy Duong
PHAM, Thi Thuy Duong
Bai Xian Scholar from Vietnam, 2019 cohort
Candidate for master’s degree in politics and international relations
Yenching Academy of Peking University
“Thanks to the AFLSP, my interests in reconciliation of post-conflict Asian societies and enhancing collaboration between Asian countries have evolved into concrete academic works. In addition to having the chance to conduct my own research and connect with like-minded scholars, I am most grateful for the opportunity to organize virtual events alongside fellow Bai Xian Scholars where we are able to openly discuss important Asia-related topics.”
The Bai Xian Project Award is Now Open for Application!
Do you envision yourself as a future changemaker? Don’t miss this opportunity to bring your ideas to life! Apply to the new Bai Xian Project Award for a chance to receive funding of up to USD 4000 to kickstart your project. BX Scholars and Alumni are encouraged to work together in teams and develop ideas for short-term projects related to one of our designated project areas.
Apply by May 31, 2021 and realize your vision for change!
Announcement: BXAI Summer Program 2021
The health and safety of our scholars remain our top priorities, and with continued uncertainties caused by the ongoing pandemic, BXAI has decided to host the 2021 Summer Program virtually from August 6 to 15. We look forward to offering scholars a fun, interactive, and unique online Summer Program experience, with many valuable opportunities to broaden perspectives, take part in meaningful, cross-cultural dialogues, and build community. Stay tuned for more details on our 2021 virtual Summer Program!
Tina RUAN
Tina Ruan
Bai Xian Scholar from China, 2019 cohort
Candidate for MBA, Hitotsubashi University ICS
“I deeply treasure the opportunities I have had, through Bai Xian’s virtual events and my MBA program, to collaborate with people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. These experiences showed me that the commonalities we share as human beings far exceed our perceived culture gaps – a newfound awareness that has inspired me as I contemplate my future role as a bridge between Japan and China.”
SEO Seung Im and XIA Liqin
Meet BX Alumni Seo Seung Im and Xia Liqin, who reminisce about their favorite moments from the 2019 Summer Program and reflect on their takeaways. For us, we’ll never forget their beautiful duet performance at the gala dinner!
ZHANG Junyao
Zhang Junyao
Bai Xian Scholar from China, 2019 Cohort
Candidate for bachelor’s degree in global political economy
Waseda University
“The AFLSP changed my life. As a Bai Xian Scholar, I not only had the chance to study abroad and connect with many inspirational people from different backgrounds, I was also challenged to step out of my comfort zone and focus on my personal development – all of which led me to explore important new paths in terms of my studies and future career.”
Ayano SASAKI
“I broadened my perspectives at the BXAI Summer Program thanks to its safe and open environment that allowed for discussions between people from diverse backgrounds. We were encouraged to make an effort to understand each other as we discussed actions we could take to live harmoniously,” says BX Alumna Ayano Sasaki, who studied abroad at the University of Hong Kong and is currently pursuing a master’s degree at Tsinghua University.
Ai SAKURA
Ai Sakura
Bai Xian Scholar from Japan, 2019 Cohort Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Antai College of Economics and Management Candidate for master’s degree in business administration
“Through the AFLSP, I realized that becoming a leader is a lifelong process. It is as much about acquiring the ability to see things from others’ perspectives as it is about understanding yourself. Having a deeper level of awareness also allows me to thrive in cross-cultural environments and think collectively rather than individually.”