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.”
New BXAI Introductory Video!
What is BXAI all about?
Find out how our story began and learn more about the work that we do through our brand-new introductory video!
Minjoo NOH
Ms. Angela Cheung of our Communication and Development Committee chats with Korean Bai Xian Alumna, Minjoo Noh, about the personal growth she has experienced during her time in the AFLSP at the Yenching Academy of Peking University. Watch the interview video to hear about how the AFLSP enabled Minjoo to put things in perspective and discover the value of establishing meaningful relationships with others.
BX New Year Virtual Meetup
Cheers to 2021! We had a great time at our BX New Year Virtual Meetup last Friday, where over 60 BX Scholars, Alumni, and friends gathered online to welcome 2021 together. Thank you to all those who joined us and shared about their New Year traditions – we hope you enjoyed our new-year-themed trivia game and the uplifting musical performances by BX Alumnae Ayane Kanazawa and Yonako Kan. Until next time!
New Year Message from Mr. Ronald Chao
“We are in a terrible pandemic. In this moment of crisis, we must remember that nothing in this world is permanent. We must remain vigilant, but also optimistic and confident,” says Mr. Ronald Chao, Honorary Chairman of BXAI. “As with all activities, the Bai Xian programs have been impacted, but we know this is temporary. The AFLSP will emerge from these challenging and difficult times even better oriented to improve understanding and cooperation among nations. With your participation and support, we look forward to facing this new year together with positivity and hope.”
New Year Messages from BX People and Friends
Prof. Katsuichi Uchida
“The pandemic will condense 10 years into one year. I believe drastic and innovative ideas, which normally would take a decade to conceive, will emerge by the end of 2021,” says Prof. Katsuichi Uchida, President of BXAI. “This unique period of time offers our young scholars a great opportunity to put their ideas into action. Only the young can see a new society that the older generation cannot see. Only those who see the invisible can do the impossible.”
Ms. Angela Cheung
Angela Cheung, Communication & Development Committee member of BXAI, sends her love to all our Bai Xian Scholars and friends with a few words of encouragement for the new year ahead.
Ms. Helen Chen
“As we enter 2021 with COVID-19 still looming around the world, we must make this “downtime” our “uptime!” says Ms. Helen Chen, Communication & Development Committee member of BXAI. Whether picking up a fun hobby, staying connected with friends and family, or pursuing new learning (all are possible with technology!), Helen encourages us to stay mentally and emotionally healthy while not forgetting to get regular exercise and participate in outdoor activities (with proper protection and distancing, of course). “When we get through this rough patch, we will all come out as better versions of ourselves! Let’s stay passionate and resilient!”
Mr. Jason Lai
BX friend, conductor, and life coach, Jason Lai, encourages us all to welcome the new year by embracing a fresh perspective.
In Memory of Mr. Fumiaki Watari
It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of Mr. Fumiaki Watari, Honorary Executive Consultant of JXTG Holdings, Inc., and Advisory Council member of BXAI. An ardent supporter of the Institute since our early days, Mr. Watari offered valuable guidance over the years that fueled the advancement of the AFLSP. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family.
[Recording] Dialogue with BX Alumni: Transforming Vision into Action
“We are living in an era where taking an action doesn’t require (lots of) risk. Whether it’s vision to action, or action to vision, if it’s your passion, go for it!” said BX Alumna Daum Kim at the “Dialogue with BX Alumni: Transforming Vision into Action” webinar on December 17, moderated by BX Alumna Ayano Sasaki and featuring another BX Alumnus Sho Hayashi. Sharing about how they brought their visions to fruition, our panelists have learned to stay honest to their passions, be confident in their uniqueness and skills, and collaborate with people who share the same vision along their journeys. “Instead of sticking to your project, stick to your vision. I truly believe that every one of us can be entrepreneurial and pursue our vision in our own ways,” said Sho.
Session Notes
0:33 Introduction of moderator and panelists
1:46 Self-introduction by Sho
9:59 Self-introduction by Daum
22:55 [Discussion question to Sho] How did you kickstart your project and manage the risks that came along?
30:06 [Discussion question to Daum] Why would you start your own social projects and what was the most difficult when starting one at the age of 15?
33:59 [Q&A] What would you say is the most important thing to focus on when starting your own company?
38:09 [Q&A] Where did the vision for your project come from?
44:43 [Q&A] What are your thoughts on choosing co-founders or initial team members?
51:10 Do you have any advice to people who are thinking about kickstarting their own projects?
What are the keys to transforming vision into action? Check out our graphic recorder Chan Wai’s visual recap to learn about Daum and Sho’s journeys to philanthropy and social entrepreneurship.
Meet the 2019 AIA Winning Team: Ethnic Neighborhoods
Virtual Meetups and Alumni Gathering
Even though we weren’t able to meet many of our community members face to face this year, we consider ourselves blessed to have had opportunities over the past three months to catch up and connect with scholars and alumni in Beijing, Hong Kong, Kyoto, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Tokyo online. We were delighted to see that some of our alumni from Kyoto, Seoul, and Singapore were even able to meet up in person. Can’t wait to see you all again soon!