2008-07-24 - FUSIA/CCIP students gathered for a roundtable session with Louis Jacobs, the former budget manager of the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM). An experienced professional in the banking industry, Louis gave students some useful tips for moving up the career ladder. He also shared his personal experiences adapting to a multi-cultural working environment as well.

Students opened the session sharing the expectations they came to New York with and the experiences of their internships. As the night drew on, the discussion grew more spirited and heated, touching on career advancement and the state of the US economy.

Q: Could you tell us a little about your background?

I was born in South Carolina but moved to Canada when I was about 10. Quite a bit further down the line, I accepted a job with the NYC Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as a financial analyst. I then worked three years as a Business Consultant for AIM Healthcare Services, Eastern Alliance, a Korean company, and resided in Seoul for around ten months. Right before BAM I was actually a stock analyst.

Q: You have worked in the investment banking industry for a year. Many people dream about working in this field. What’s it really like?

A: To put bluntly, it's incredibly tough. I am not only talking about coming home utterly exhausted having worked from 6 in the morning to 10 in the night, but also having dealt with office politics as well. I didn't make many friends working in the investment banking. This is an industry where thousands of elites are all fighting and clawing for a position. Fierce competition fuels back-stabbing, and hatred between co-workers ensues. On top of that, you can't complain about the overwhelming work load because that will make your boss think twice about giving you more important tasks.

Q: Hard skills and soft skills are both necessary for climbing the career ladder. Which one do you think is more important?

A: Soft skills are more important. You are not likely to be fired if you just work very hard. Yet without any kind of socializing, hopes of promotion are dim. As far as I've seen, Asians are a little bit quiet and do not think much of networking. For Americans, however, “who you know” is far more critical than “what you know”. It’s all about networking, and you have to build up the soft skills that are the key to communicating with others.

Q: You finished college in Canada and started your work in the US, have you had any difficulties with culture shock?

A: Actually I came from a multi-cultural family. My mother is Greek and my father Jewish. So I'm used to dealing with different cultures, though I did really notice the differences between cultures when I worked for the Korean company. Koreans, for example, are more closed and the sense of hierarchy is deeply rooted in their behavior. Women will almost always take on secretarial duties while men are decision-makers. Culture shock is essentially everywhere: all we can do is adapt.

Q: Have you noticed any discrimination against Asian people?

A: My boss is Chinese and I believe Asians are doing well in US. But there are still lingering stereotypes such as every Asian is good with numbers; tends to be a very hard worker; is rigid and doesn't interact well with co-workers.

Q: Could you give us some tips for work?

A: Networking is crucial and you have to pick up the skill behind small talk and elevate it to an art form. Never let the work get you down and always be persistent. Never talk about your coworkers and boss behind their backs: it will always come back at you. Personal work should not be done on office time or at the work place even if you have nothing to do. Surfing the internet is definitely an office no-no since most companies today track what websites their employees visit at work. Learn and follow the rules of business writing in your e-mails and this will help you avoid inappropriateness and overly casual language. The impression you give to others largely depends on the way you write and speak And it is the basis of building mutual trust.

Q: Many of the students here intend to pursue an MBA in the future; do you have any advice for them?

A: MBAs are not as rare as they were ten years ago. That the economy is in a depression only compounds the difficulties MBAs have finding good jobs. With so many fighting for the same shrinking pool of positions, hiring standards have shot up. Only the top five business schools in the country will do; even the University of New York (NYU) isn't enough. Even one of my friends, a Stanford MBA holder, was still laid of this year. Competition is driving up the requirements as supply exceeds demand. For students intending to work in the financial industry, a CPA certificate, usually with high recognition among those in the industry may be another useful tool to tip the scales in your favor.

Q: What do you think of the skyrocketing price of oil and its influence on the US economy?

A: In my opinion, soaring oil prices are a product of the downturn of the stock and real-estate markets. Money has to find somewhere safe to go, and oil is a long-term economic necessity. With the rise of the developing nations, the demand will continue growing. The prospect of increasing demand stimulates a wave of speculation, which in turn drives up the price. Speculation aside, the true price should be around $60. A fact of globalization, the US economy is intertwined with other economies including China. High oil prices will raise the cost of transportation and discourage imports from other countries, which will upset economic growth. Personally I believe the situation will not last long, especially if Obama wins the presidency and raises the nation's morale. After all, oil prices have hit a record high not due to the relationship of supply and demand but because of excessive speculation.

FUSIA/CCIP students gathered for a roundtable session with Louis Jacobs, the former budget manager of the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM). An experienced professional in the banking industry, Louis gave students some useful tips for moving up the career ladder. He also shared his personal experiences adapting to a multi-cultural working environment as well.

Students opened the session sharing the expectations they came to New York with and the experiences of their internships. As the night drew on, the discussion grew more spirited and heated, touching on career advancement and the state of the US economy.

Q: Could you tell us a little about your background?

I was born in South Carolina but moved to Canada when I was about 10. Quite a bit further down the line, I accepted a job with the NYC Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as a financial analyst. I then worked three years as a Business Consultant for AIM Healthcare Services, Eastern Alliance, a Korean company, and resided in Seoul for around ten months. Right before BAM I was actually a stock analyst.

Q: You have worked in the investment banking industry for a year. Many people dream about working in this field. What’s it really like?

A: To put bluntly, it's incredibly tough. I am not only talking about coming home utterly exhausted having worked from 6 in the morning to 10 in the night, but also having dealt with office politics as well. I didn't make many friends working in the investment banking. This is an industry where thousands of elites are all fighting and clawing for a position. Fierce competition fuels back-stabbing, and hatred between co-workers ensues. On top of that, you can't complain about the overwhelming work load because that will make your boss think twice about giving you more important tasks.

Q: Hard skills and soft skills are both necessary for climbing the career ladder. Which one do you think is more important?

A: Soft skills are more important. You are not likely to be fired if you just work very hard. Yet without any kind of socializing, hopes of promotion are dim. As far as I've seen, Asians are a little bit quiet and do not think much of networking. For Americans, however, “who you know” is far more critical than “what you know”. It’s all about networking, and you have to build up the soft skills that are the key to communicating with others.

Q: You finished college in Canada and started your work in the US, have you had any difficulties with culture shock?

A: Actually I came from a multi-cultural family. My mother is Greek and my father Jewish. So I'm used to dealing with different cultures, though I did really notice the differences between cultures when I worked for the Korean company. Koreans, for example, are more closed and the sense of hierarchy is deeply rooted in their behavior. Women will almost always take on secretarial duties while men are decision-makers. Culture shock is essentially everywhere: all we can do is adapt.

Q: Have you noticed any discrimination against Asian people?

A: My boss is Chinese and I believe Asians are doing well in US. But there are still lingering stereotypes such as every Asian is good with numbers; tends to be a very hard worker; is rigid and doesn't interact well with co-workers.

Q: Could you give us some tips for work?

A: Networking is crucial and you have to pick up the skill behind small talk and elevate it to an art form. Never let the work get you down and always be persistent. Never talk about your coworkers and boss behind their backs: it will always come back at you. Personal work should not be done on office time or at the work place even if you have nothing to do. Surfing the internet is definitely an office no-no since most companies today track what websites their employees visit at work. Learn and follow the rules of business writing in your e-mails and this will help you avoid inappropriateness and overly casual language. The impression you give to others largely depends on the way you write and speak And it is the basis of building mutual trust.

Q: Many of the students here intend to pursue an MBA in the future; do you have any advice for them?

A: MBAs are not as rare as they were ten years ago. That the economy is in a depression only compounds the difficulties MBAs have finding good jobs. With so many fighting for the same shrinking pool of positions, hiring standards have shot up. Only the top five business schools in the country will do; even the University of New York (NYU) isn't enough. Even one of my friends, a Stanford MBA holder, was still laid of this year. Competition is driving up the requirements as supply exceeds demand. For students intending to work in the financial industry, a CPA certificate, usually with high recognition among those in the industry may be another useful tool to tip the scales in your favor.

Q: What do you think of the skyrocketing price of oil and its influence on the US economy?

A: In my opinion, soaring oil prices are a product of the downturn of the stock and real-estate markets. Money has to find somewhere safe to go, and oil is a long-term economic necessity. With the rise of the developing nations, the demand will continue growing. The prospect of increasing demand stimulates a wave of speculation, which in turn drives up the price. Speculation aside, the true price should be around $60. A fact of globalization, the US economy is intertwined with other economies including China. High oil prices will raise the cost of transportation and discourage imports from other countries, which will upset economic growth. Personally I believe the situation will not last long, especially if Obama wins the presidency and raises the nation's morale. After all, oil prices have hit a record high not due to the relationship of supply and demand but because of excessive speculation.

2008-08-11 - FUSIA/CCIP students visited New York University Medical Center where they met with the staff and interns of the Center for the Study of Asian American Health (CSAAH). The group discussed the broad topic of Asian American health, focusing on the challenges of the Asian American Community, general healthcare, and how the nonprofit sector targets the community. Ms. Henreitta Ho-Asjoe, CSAAH Administrator and Director of Community Development, began the discussion with an introduction to the organization.

CSAAH is one of four organizations under the NYU institute of Community Health and Research (while the others are the Center for the Health of the African Diaspora, the Center for Latino Health and the Center for Health and Human Rights). CSAAH's mission is to reduce the health disparities in the Asian American community through research, training and partnership.

Through the discussion, the students learned that the challenges facing the Asian American community and the source of the disparity in Asian American Health is because the topic receives little attention from policy makers. Asian Americans' status as the model minority has rendered them and their issues almost publicly invisible – healthcare issues in their community barely register in the mainstream public consciousness.

Asjoe highlighted the high stress levels and suicide rates of Asian Americans. New immigrants especially suffer from work-related stress and depression. Often they have no healthy outlets. Second, they can also feel completely isolated either because they can't speak English or don't know how or who to reach out to in the community.

Elizabeth Kay, president of Fusia Communications, Inc. and founder of FUSIA/CCIP added her insight and questions into the mix. ''Although the situation is bleak, things should improve as the second generation adapts to the mainstream culture. What does the situation look like for second generation Asian Americans?''

"The second generation has a lot to deal with as well; the obvious stressor being the balancing act they must play between Asian and American culture. Being pulled in two directions, having to deal with culture clashes, and shouldering the burden of their family's expectations that they will become highly successful have had their ill effects. Their teen suicide rate is 15% to 24%." added Asjoe.

FUSIA/CCIP students got a much closer look at the issues of Asian American communities. Toward the end of the discussion, they brought up questions of their own, and the staff responded by sharing their experiences. The most valuable piece of knowledge they gained was understanding the value of networking.

"I learned so much from this experience and was able to see into a group that was once a mystery to me. The CSAAH staff was helpful when we had career questions. They told us how critically important it was to stay connected to people. Many said they found their careers through the people they knew. It makes sense, but seeing it leaves me with a lot to think about." said Tony Lam, a year 3 Electrical Engineering student of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

"Having a discussion in this venue and with this organization was an honor. This organization opened itself up to these students and left them with new knowledge of a community, lasting wisdom and an experience that will shape their future for the better. The more organizations there are that do this, the closer the global community will be tied together, and the better it will be for the next global generation." Elizabeth Kay added.

About CSAAH: The mission of the Center for the Study of Asian American Health (CSAAH) is to reduce health disparities in the Asian American community through research, training and partnership. CSAAH is one of four various, distinct Centers of research, education and training under the NYU Institute of Community Health and Research.

2008-08-02 - FUSIA Communications and Cross-Cultural Internship Program (CCIP) interns took part in the 18th annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York. The festival brings people from across cultures together in the spirit of summer joy, friendly competition, and a traditional celebration, with a modern New York flavor. Though the CCIP students did not race a dragon boat themselves, their participation was no less special.

Taking place on Meadow Lake in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, the festival ran over the course of two days, with two races as the feature events. However, the races were definitely not all the event had to offer. The public was treated to shows, traditional dances, a parade and performances. And keeping in spirit with last year’s event, sponsors again set up booths to show their support.

FUSIA/CCIP has been a long time creative sponsor of the event over the web, but this marks the first year FUSIA/CCIP has been given a booth to show its support. In lieu of this special first, FUSIA/CCIP decided to do something different. This year, FUSIA/CCIP set up a sponsor’s booth and the CCIP interns manned it.

The goal was to get the spectators involved, sharing in the festivities with them, and gathering some valuable information in the process. CCIP and the interns also wanted to lend a helping hand to the local vendors and in doing so, devised a survey. This proved yet another opportunity for them to build upon both practical and personal experience and all in the midst of the extraordinary multicultural backdrop that so few cities can provide.

"This special event in this very special neighborhood embodies the spirit of cultures coming together to build and experience something beautiful. As with all the previous years, I’m glad to have added my part into this multicultural fabric" said Elizabeth Kay, president of FUSIA.

Showing how far they have come in barely more than the middle point of their 7-month program, FUSIA/CCIP students conducted their survey on Asian Internet Usage with poise and professionalism. The interns did not forget to bring their festive spirit either-as a treat for festival goers the interns also held a free barbecue at the booth. The day ended with a small raffle for all those who participated in the survey.

One of the CCIP intern organizers had this to add: "It was wonderful meeting so many different people from this city. Their diversity will never cease to surprise me. Even without having tallied the answers of the survey, just by being here, I think I've already learned a lot." said Tony Lam, a year 2 Electrical Engineering Student of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Another student said simply, "I'm glad I signed on for this. Not for one moment did I think of it as just an extra workday. I’ve gotten a new experience out of this to carry with me for years to come. That’s worth a lot more than the couple of hours I gave." Said Wan Hon San, a year 2 Accounting and Finance Student of the University of Hong Kong.

2008-07-31 - FUSIA/CCIP students gathered for a roundtable session with Han Jun Li, ESQ where he shared his experiences on the many diverging paths he took on his way up the career ladder. Han's impressive experience moving amongst wildly differing careers—and even more impressive was that he did so with great success—gave students food for thought on a question that has haunted professionals young and seasoned alike for ages: Should I stay where I am, working toward that next promotion, or should I take the risk and seek out new, more exciting opportunities?

The session began with a quick introduction of Mr. Li, his background and industry, below is a list of questions that were being explored within the discussion and the words of wisdom that captivated the students.

Q: Could you tell us a little about your background?

A: I was born in China and went to a public high school in the US. I later majored in chemical engineering at Columbia University, but I started my career as a software programmer. Interestingly, the two companies I worked as a programmer for were both purchased by Citigroup. Now I'm self-employed working in the field of law. On the side, I have a part-time job with one of the software companies I used to work for.

Q: Why did you choose Chemical Engineering at Columbia? Do you enjoy engineering?

A: No, not really. Taking Chemical Engineering was akin to following a path that had already been laid out for me. The prevailing stereotype is that Asians excel in math and the sciences. Therefore choosing a science seemed only natural. In the end however, a major doesn’t matter that much. After graduating, I immediately left engineering and trained myself to be a software developer while on the job. Even a hot, in-demand major does not guarantee you a good job, nor should it keep you from exploring other career possibilities.

Q: You mentioned that you immediately switched to software programming. Why did your employer hire you without even a background in IT?

A: That's simple. To secure a job, you need to show your boss that you're a quick learner. I sacrificed leisure time to pick up extra skills, and was able to show my supervisor my adeptness at programming. The work to expand your knowledge doesn't end when you leave school or land the job. Wherever you are in your career you'll have to put in the personal investment to acquire new skills. Keeping yourself sharp is part of the job and the mark of a real professional.

Q: Two of your previous employers were acquired by Citigroup. How did you protect yourself from being laid off then?

A: As long as you keep yourself important to the business, there is no need to worry about being let go. Keep your antennae tuned to the direction the company is going and make sure your skills are synchronized with its goals. Adjust yourself to the company rather than believing it will adjust to you.

Q: Over your wildly non-linear career path have you had any difficulties picking up new knowledge and adjusting to different working styles? Why did you change directions so rapidly?

A: The difference between law and programming is not as big as you think. Experience is always important, and many jobs share similarities. I am an opportunist searching the job market for lucrative opportunities. I don’t want to be tied down to one business, and even being a law consultant may not be my lifelong career. The freedom of plotting my own career course, sailing it on my terms, and being free to accept change is what I really enjoy.

Q: Has there ever been friction between you and a boss? How did you handle it?

A: To deal with any supervisor, you have to think twice before accepting any tasks. Do not make promises you can't keep because it's you who are setting your boss’s expectations. Speak out on the realities of the situation with cleverness and tact. But most importantly, make sure you find the right boss. If your boss finds fault with you, don't let it upset you: sometimes it's best not to take life too seriously.

Q: Does the field of law differ from other jobs?

A: The cases I deal with are mainly related to immigration, and the nature of my job is more of documenting than legislative. For this field, I am trained to think differently from the public, focusing on every detail.

Q: Did your family ever oppose your choice of careers?

A: I sacrificed a lot of family time for the sake of my career, and you have to be brave to just switch so suddenly. But being self-employed now has allowed me the flexibility to spend more time with my family.

2008-07-24 - FUSIA/CCIP students gathered for a roundtable session with Louis Jacobs, the former budget manager of the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM). An experienced professional in the banking industry, Louis gave students some useful tips for moving up the career ladder. He also shared his personal experiences adapting to a multi-cultural working environment as well.

Students opened the session sharing the expectations they came to New York with and the experiences of their internships. As the night drew on, the discussion grew more spirited and heated, touching on career advancement and the state of the US economy.

Q: Could you tell us a little about your background?

I was born in South Carolina but moved to Canada when I was about 10. Quite a bit further down the line, I accepted a job with the NYC Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as a financial analyst. I then worked three years as a Business Consultant for AIM Healthcare Services, Eastern Alliance, a Korean company, and resided in Seoul for around ten months. Right before BAM I was actually a stock analyst.

Q: You have worked in the investment banking industry for a year. Many people dream about working in this field. What’s it really like?

A: To put bluntly, it's incredibly tough. I am not only talking about coming home utterly exhausted having worked from 6 in the morning to 10 in the night, but also having dealt with office politics as well. I didn't make many friends working in the investment banking. This is an industry where thousands of elites are all fighting and clawing for a position. Fierce competition fuels back-stabbing, and hatred between co-workers ensues. On top of that, you can't complain about the overwhelming work load because that will make your boss think twice about giving you more important tasks.

Q: Hard skills and soft skills are both necessary for climbing the career ladder. Which one do you think is more important?

A: Soft skills are more important. You are not likely to be fired if you just work very hard. Yet without any kind of socializing, hopes of promotion are dim. As far as I've seen, Asians are a little bit quiet and do not think much of networking. For Americans, however, “who you know” is far more critical than “what you know”. It’s all about networking, and you have to build up the soft skills that are the key to communicating with others.

Q: You finished college in Canada and started your work in the US, have you had any difficulties with culture shock?

A: Actually I came from a multi-cultural family. My mother is Greek and my father Jewish. So I'm used to dealing with different cultures, though I did really notice the differences between cultures when I worked for the Korean company. Koreans, for example, are more closed and the sense of hierarchy is deeply rooted in their behavior. Women will almost always take on secretarial duties while men are decision-makers. Culture shock is essentially everywhere: all we can do is adapt.

Q: Have you noticed any discrimination against Asian people?

A: My boss is Chinese and I believe Asians are doing well in US. But there are still lingering stereotypes such as every Asian is good with numbers; tends to be a very hard worker; is rigid and doesn't interact well with co-workers.

Q: Could you give us some tips for work?

A: Networking is crucial and you have to pick up the skill behind small talk and elevate it to an art form. Never let the work get you down and always be persistent. Never talk about your coworkers and boss behind their backs: it will always come back at you. Personal work should not be done on office time or at the work place even if you have nothing to do. Surfing the internet is definitely an office no-no since most companies today track what websites their employees visit at work. Learn and follow the rules of business writing in your e-mails and this will help you avoid inappropriateness and overly casual language. The impression you give to others largely depends on the way you write and speak And it is the basis of building mutual trust.

Q: Many of the students here intend to pursue an MBA in the future; do you have any advice for them?

A: MBAs are not as rare as they were ten years ago. That the economy is in a depression only compounds the difficulties MBAs have finding good jobs. With so many fighting for the same shrinking pool of positions, hiring standards have shot up. Only the top five business schools in the country will do; even the University of New York (NYU) isn't enough. Even one of my friends, a Stanford MBA holder, was still laid of this year. Competition is driving up the requirements as supply exceeds demand. For students intending to work in the financial industry, a CPA certificate, usually with high recognition among those in the industry may be another useful tool to tip the scales in your favor.

Q: What do you think of the skyrocketing price of oil and its influence on the US economy?

A: In my opinion, soaring oil prices are a product of the downturn of the stock and real-estate markets. Money has to find somewhere safe to go, and oil is a long-term economic necessity. With the rise of the developing nations, the demand will continue growing. The prospect of increasing demand stimulates a wave of speculation, which in turn drives up the price. Speculation aside, the true price should be around $60. A fact of globalization, the US economy is intertwined with other economies including China. High oil prices will raise the cost of transportation and discourage imports from other countries, which will upset economic growth. Personally I believe the situation will not last long, especially if Obama wins the presidency and raises the nation's morale. After all, oil prices have hit a record high not due to the relationship of supply and demand but because of excessive speculation.

2008-07-07 - CCIP is an internship programs that focuses on the niche where East and West practices fuse. Since Elizabeth Kay made the first big step and brought the program to life, CCIP has gained the support of a number of established universities and has been calling on its strong network of host companies which all together believe deeply in the vision and mission of CCIP: of bridging the gap between these two lush cultures. I saw today that CCIP is in full bloom and still growing.

In my interview with Elizabeth Kay, I threaded along the lines of the story behind CCIP , the glaring obstacles and why despite the odds it is still ever so dedicated to looking beyond the bottom line of a business, and — despite the critics — continuing to believe in nurturing these young Asian students to explore an experience beyond their boundaries.

Q: Elizabeth, before going further, can you tell me a little more about your initial involvement with the training/internship field? >

A: My first job wasn't advertising but training. About 13 years ago, I was involved with a government-funded Title V Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). Then about 6 years ago, I met two girls from Hong Kong coming to the US for an internship in a summer. At first, they had only good things to say, but as we swapped stories about the blackout that hit the city that year, it struck me how each felt when there was no one to turn to. The two interns received training, but the whole time, they were alone. In them, I saw the need for a structured and practical training program.

Q: But it takes a lot more than a dream to start a program. Didn't you need the resources and the contacts in the beginning?

A: About two months after the blackout, I attended an event organized by the Hong Kong Economic Trade Office where I met the Principle of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and it all started from there. To my surprise, the university already had a solid internship program in place. Eager and ready to mentor the next generation, I did not hesitate to join the program as a host company. Then later, I officially launched CCIP.

Q: You were there at the right time to seize the opportunity. It seems things couldn't have gone better.

A: Oh no (laughs), there were a number of things to consider. Internships in the US are different from those in Asia. It is easier to associate Asia internship with immediate gratifications such as salaries and hard skills. Conversely, in the US, the benefits are rather intangible. Without a personal experience, Asian students may not necessary agree with or see the importance of these benefits. Also, there are quite a number of issues need to be worked out. For example, J1-visa, housing, cultural gap, accessibility (you basically can't survive in many cities without a car) and local support (many US companies typically have a higher preference on taking local interns).

Q: I've always thought that there was a demand for Asian interns. Is it easy to find host companies in the US?

To us, finding companies joining the program isn't a challenge. Many companies that we have on hand were connected based on my personal connections (especially in the beginning). Our pool includes both American and Asian-relevance companies so that we can flexibility help each student find a suitable placement based on his/her background, English proficiency, preference and personality.

Q: What about the other aspects of the internship, such as housing? Why the Flushing YMCA?

A. The J-1visa aside, housing is an issue. Since participants are students, I'd be more concerned about safety, convenience and cost issues. Situated between the Chinatown and Koreatown, Flushing makes a perfect sense. Students are safe and have easy access to everything from inexpensive, quality food and entertainment to convenient transportation. Also, after comparing local prices and different options, you'll start to see that $40 a day is an incredible value.

Q: Have you ever doubted your vision on this program?

A: Just like you, I came here having to adjust to a hugely uncertain environment. The experience was difficult yet incredibly valuable. Also, it felt as if I were doing something inspiring — of life-changing value for students. I want to continue doing so.

Writer's Comments: CCIP has grown with experience and has found the importance and value of opening students to the subtle "soft" skills that weren't emphasized in our studies. It is true for us and anyone for that matter that we were initially blinded by misconceptions when we first arrived. However, if it takes an experience like this to make us realize that there is more to what we already know in this world, than being here in New York, interning in this cosmopolitan city has definitely opened my eyes.

2008-07-01 - Founded in 1992 by K. Peter Yu as a geotechnical consulting firm, YU & Associates, Inc. (YU) has since grown into a diversified engineering company with proven accomplishments in transportation, education, health care facilities and urban redevelopment for public and private sector clients. YU is certified as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) with numerous state and local agencies.

Today, YU provides specialty services in geotechnical, civil and environmental engineering continuing its mission to provide responsive and quality services. Many of YU’s projects have been awarded engineering excellence in the engineering and construction industries. YU has also taken it upon itself to nurture interns from Asia and around the world. In this interview, we will explore the vision of Mr. Andrew Leung, Executive Vice President of YU and ask him to share with us his thoughts on his decision to embark on this journey.

Q: Andrew, before we get to your thoughts, could you tell me more about yourself, your management style and how it has brought YU & Associates to where it is today?

I have practiced Geotechnical Engineering for 27 years. I left Hong Kong at the age of sixteen to complete my high school and college education in the UK. Being just sixteen and on my own, it took time to adjust, but after about four months, I had built a strong network of friends. Upon graduation, I was given the opportunity from the UK government to complete an exchange program at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. My experience had taught me to be resourceful, adaptive, and independent. Moreover, it taught me to respect diversity.

The core of my management style is a knowledge-based influence style, using the non-authoritarian approach. I believe trust, respect and communication are paramount. I nurture my staff by encouraging them, by supporting them, by persuading them and by listening to them.

Q: What made you decide to take part in the FUSIA/CCIP internship program?

A: As a product of a successful exchange student program, I strongly believe that the FUSIA/CCIP program can give back to the people it embraces. I also believe in the diversity the program encourages. Last year, we only took on US students from many great American universities. Schools such as Cooper Union, Columbia, Cornell, Boston University, the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, the New Jersey Institute of Technology do have their unique cultures. However, this year we have decided to expand our horizons to include great universities from all of Asia. This not only provides opportunities for Asian students to gain work experience in the US, but it also allows our company to be exposed to a global culture.

Q: Having worked with Asian students during this period, what do you think of Asian students in general?

A: Asian students are very good people to work with as they have a huge sense of responsibility and tend to follow rules very closely. I only wish they were more curious. I always encourage them to ask why something is the way it is. There is no doubt in my mind that Asian students are already excellent performers, but if we can get them to ask for the reasons behind the tasks they perform, it would grant them stronger decision-making power. This will bring great benefit to them in the long run.

Q: Do you believe that this whole experience has benefited your company? Has it benefited you personally?

A: Definitely. Taking on interns and integrating them into the program is our contribution to society. It is also part of our company's plan to nurture the next generation. We believe that what we are doing here is truly meaningful. From a personal standpoint, this opportunity gives me a chance to have an impact on someone else's life. If I may, I'll give you an example: we had an Asian student from a local university last year who was extremely reserved. At the beginning of the internship, we asked him to set objectives for what he wanted to accomplish. At the end of the program, he was able to communicate assertively with people from all walks of life, from colleagues to construction engineers. Our team is very proud of him and is amazed with his transformation.

Q: How do you train these students and decide the type of tasks that will be allocated to them? Have you ever had any reservations?

A: In the beginning, we seek out and encourage students to identify their unique strengths. Tasks are specifically assigned according to the students' individual strengths. From there, we work with interns on a one-on-one basis to identify and work on where improvement is needed. We do so by setting goals. I also encourage interns to read books such as Stephen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and The Eighth Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness, as well as John Kotter's Leading Change. Through these books we are able to broaden the scope of their learning.

In fact, my hiring process is no different. I hire those who have passion, who are eager to learn, and who have the potential to grow beyond me.

Q: Can you give us an idea of what it was like working with these students?

A: When working with a diverse group of people with different upbringings and culture, one is always presented with certain challenges. However, we strive to teach the students to look at others' strengths and learn from them. This way, the students learn to take full advantage of diversity and are able to see the fruits of synergy. Along with learning how to synergize, this internship program also allows them to gain true work experience in the industry. When working with these students, I expect them to demonstrate their interest in learning and eagerness to excel.

Q: In your vision, what does the future hold for Yu & Associates, particular for its interns?

A: I would love to see the interns grow as a group, much akin to watching a caterpillar go through the stages which eventually change it into something completely different and even better than what it was before. Furthermore, I would also like to witness raw intelligence mixed with technical skills in a team setting. YU wants to produce dynamic teams of interns who can provide the best service to clients in the future. We want our interns to become groups of extraordinary achievers and future business leaders who one day will continue the tradition of nurturing future generations.

All the interns and staff of YU & Associates simply call him Andrew: it is not often that you can call your supervisor by his first name. Through this interview, I have seen Andrew's sincerity in cultivating an environment within his firm that fosters learning and growth through the appreciation of diversity. Likewise, his special kind of spirit is directly reflected in his management style and has touched all who have crossed his path.

2008-06-26 - FUSIA/CCIP students took park in a roundtable session with Mr. Philip Zhang, Partner in the Corporate & Securities Practice Group of Hodgson Russ LLP. Taking time from his busy schedule, Mr. Philip Zhang shared his personal experiences adapting to the cultural differences in business practices between China, Singapore and New York as well as his thoughts on business accumulated over the years.

On the evening of June 26th, at one of the nation's oldest law firms—employing more than 250 attorneys of whom two became presidents of the United States, an another Assistant Secretary of the US Treasury Department for Tax Policy, an another a president of the World Bank.

Q: Could you tell us a little about your background?

A: I've worked with clients from a fairly wide range of industries, but I concentrate the bulk of my practice on China-related cross-boarder transaction. I also work with the community as the General Counsel to the China Chamber of Commerce in USA and the President of the US Chapter of the Alumni Association of the China University of Political Science and Law. Before joining Hodgson Russ LLP, I was a practitioner with a few other firms in New York and Singapore. Now I practice in New York and China.

Q: How do you deal with cultural differences and the process of adapting to them?

A: You have to realize that the new world you find yourself in will stay as it has been in spite of your presence. But don't look at it as being helpless: I knew that I couldn't change a culture, but what I could do was change my mindset. The key is keeping your mind open. Taking these ideas to heart will make cultural adjustment a much less of an ordeal in the long run. When I first came to New York, the pace of everything was so fast, but after a while I caught up, and now I can say that I'm doing very well. Even when many of my colleagues have left for careers in China, I chose to remain in New York. This isn't my home, but New is truly an international city. Yes, I am a minority here and it's been a hard road, that doesn't mean me or anyone else can't make the very best of any given situation.

Q: How did you get to where you are today?

A: Honestly, I was lucky enough to be at the right place at exactly the right time. But even so, I had to be aware and ready for these opportunities. Singapore Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew 's vision and plan of China in the 1990's changed my career, and my two years of experience in Singapore were very rewarding. Singapore has been my stepping stone to New York. When new opportunities come, you have to be open to accept them and brave enough to pursue them.

Q: Having worked in so many countries, how do you satisfy clients and keep them coming back?

A: It is all about building that network and relationship which itself is grounded in trust. Before working with clients you must begin to understand who you are dealing with. You must understand their character before you can even think about giving them what they ask for. That kind of relationship is built up over time and experience. There is a Chinese saying that tells us two sides have to go through a predicament together before they can really know each other well.

Q: Having achieved so much, and now with so many responsibilities, how do you balance your work and private life?

A: I'm curious about life, and that's what gives me strength. When needed, I do take a break from the demands of work. Money isn't what drives me—and you will be hard-pressed to find anyone studying law who doesn't feel the same way. Outside of law, what drives me is passing my experiences on to students, answering their questions and providing them insight into possible solutions. Above all, I want to do something that helps the community and society. It's not just about doing well for yourself, but it just as important helping others do well.

2008-06-21 - FUSIA/CCIP Students visited the Queens Botanical Garden (QBG) on June 21st touring round one of the most environmentally sound gardens amidst the backdrop of New York's diversity. Despite its limited space, QBG has made a name for itself in environmental conservation efforts with state-of-the-art technology, even earning the LEED(R) Platinum Rating Recognition.

A roundtable session with QBG speakers opened the event. Fred Gerber, the Director of Education executive, began with an overview of QBG's history, mission, vision and current activities. Speeches by Julia Corwin, Compost Project Instructor, Morgan Potter, Assistant Gardener and Emily Liu, a QBG Board Member became the chorus of QBG's efforts to communicate the dire importance of environmental conservation.

"I was amazed by QBG's vision. A nonprofit organization operating with just 30 staff members and in constant need of volunteers, their capabilities and progress so far have been simply awe-inspiring. The gracious support of the committee has also showed me how united they are in this effort to preserve the environment," said Kam Tim Wong, a year 2 Accounting student of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

A video screening followed: its focus being the amount of trash a person creates daily. Statistics show that we leave behind 4.5 pounds of trash each day with only a fraction of that being recycled. "Before this visit, I thought it was just all about flora and fauna. But the information I got from this trip expanded my knowledge of the environment I live in and QBG's positive message of change to save it," said Kwok Wai Kwong, a year 2 Design student of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

QBG is not just about the greenery, it's a venue for weddings and other activities. And recently it collaborated with HSBC on an upcoming children's garden program. "It is truly amazing how QBG is so perfectly placed in such a diverse neighborhood—QBG and its volunteers and patrons have just the right base to spread word of their message. As an Accounting major, this experience showed me how important funding is to the whole process," said Man Tsing Hui, a year 2 Accounting student of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

2008-06-20 - The Fifth Annual Asian American Women's Health Symposium-"Life in Balance: Body, Mind and Soul" enriched the knowledge of FUSIA/CCIP students on healthcare issues they have often neglected. The symposium touched on topics such as urinary incontinence, arranged marriages and family dynamics, lead and pregnancy, breast cancer, adoption and cosmetic surgery.

Having started as a joint health education venture of four women dedicated to raising awareness of health issues affecting women, it is now in its fifth year running and continues to inspire providers, students and individuals from the community. Its planning committee members, Henrietta Ho-Asjoe, Administrator and the Director of Community Development, Anita Redrick McFarlane, Staff of the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service of New York, Rebecca K.F. Sze, Director of Women's Health's Service at Charles B. Wang, and Daisy Vazquez, Symposium Consultant, all greatly believed in the value of educating the public and students through this symposium.

"Everyone needs to be informed of the various health issues that concern them. With this information they can break down financial, linguistic, cultural and even structural barriers in obtaining quality healthcare," said Rebecca Sze, Charles B. Wang Community Health Center.

The ongoing and dedicated effort made to represent the health concerns of Asian American populations such as the Chinese, Koreans, South Asians and many others has cleared many students' healthcare misperceptions. "I did not expect there to be a network established for Asian American Women dedicated wholeheartedly to providing quality healthcare services," Xin Chen, a year 2 Civil Engineering student of the National University of Singapore.

"I was glad to have a chance to attend such an enriching event. Back in Hong Kong, chances like this are few and rare for students. This conference shows how dedicated these women are to reaching out to all women, regardless of the demographics," sand Man Tsing Hui, a year 1 Accounting student of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

2008-06-18 - FUSIA/CCIP students were pleasantly surprised when Alex Dong, Vice President of Marketing and New Product Development at Healthmonitor Network made a guest appearance at their mid-session discussion.

Organized by FUSIA/CCIP and taking place at the half-way mark of the seven week internship program, the discussion served as a platform to work closely with students and host companies to provide students a learning environment in the midst of a globalizing workplace. Kicking off the session with a comparison and evaluation of students' expectations of New York before and after arrival, the students were lead through an evaluation of their lifestyle, housing and their internships.

On Wednesday, June 18th, at the lounge of the Sheraton Hotel, we were able to get an interview Alex:

Q: Could you briefly explain a little about your background?

A: Presently, I am responsible for marketing, new product development, and technology for Healthmonitor Network, the largest point of care media company in the US. We reach around 40 million consumers every 2 months and over 110,000 doctors' offices. Before Healthmonitor, I held senior management positions at MetLife, Translocal Health, Walker Digital, Priceline.com, and Pfizer/Warner Lambert. I went to MIT for my undergraduate degree and obtained my MBA in Finance and Marketing, and Strategic Management from Kellogg Graduate School of Management.

Q: What do you think is the main difference between US and Asian employees that employers take into consideration when hiring?

A: On average, Asians are hardworking and meticulous. They also tend to be not as strong in voicing their opinions publicly or making themselves stand out in terms of presentation of ideas. But that isn't to say they don't have the capability to excel in those areas. It is a product of their circumstances and surroundings. Many Asians are first generation who started their career in a very technical field, where communication is not as crucial as, marketing or sales. It takes time for someone to learn culture, and that includes work cultures as well. In general, Asians also are less likely to share views that would push the envelope and separate them from their peers. Whereas for the US employees, it is culturally ingrained in them that they speak their minds and aim for views and actions that set them apart.

Q: With such a diverse array experience, how do you know what you want to do?

A: You have to keep your mind open to the vast possibilities this world has to offer. I want to take on new challenges and find solutions. The excitement of discovery, learning, and satisfying a curiosity are what drive me forward. My advice to all of you is to make your own path. That you should listen to others is sound advice, but another piece of equally sound advice is that you shouldn't follow what others tell you without understanding.

Q: Asian Americans are still a minority in the US. How do you adjust to it?

A: The world is shrinking and boundaries between cultures are doing the same. It is a multicultural world, a global one. Each culture has its beauty, its mystery and a whole slew of other things, some desirable, some not so. As citizens of the world, we are capable of being part of any culture. The key is having respect for one another, and always the curiosity to learn more.

Q: With such vast experiences, how do you know what is next? How do you handle it when things do not go your way?

A: Having a large vision, believing in that vision and putting in a lot of hard work is the perfect recipe for dealing with the unknown. I can't know what is next. If I could see the future, I would be picking a winning stock right now. I enjoy what I do and am excited at the prospect of building Healthmonitor Network into a billion dollar company. Not everything in life will go your way or go according to plan, but that's of little consequence as long as you keep your perspective and think through the situation. Every challenge, no matter how big, can be broken down into smaller pieces. Just remember to be cool and be proactive.

2008-06-16 - The Asian American Federation (AAF) extended an invitation to students of FUSIA Communications' Cross-Cultural Internship Program (FUSIA/CCIP) for a thought-provoking roundtable lunch session. Hosted and conducted by AAF, the event touched Hong Kong and Singapore students from a plethora of fields. The discussion dealt with the many issues the New York Asian American community faces and the role AAF plays in addressing welfare and cultural disparity.

Students began the discussion with an examination of their expectations before and how they changed after arriving in New York. Opinions on the nuances of situational management moved freely amongst the group. Then Hong Shing Lee, AAF Chief Operating Officer, stepped in and guided the discussion, framing it with the ordeal Asian American immigrants had to live uprooting from their homeland to settle in a foreign one. The students already adjusting to a foreign land themselves, the emotions Asian American immigrants felt became that much more visceral and real to them.

To answer the needs of today's community, AAF employs a three-pronged approach: (1) Philanthropy and Grant-Making; (2) Policy Advocacy and Research; (3) Non-Profit Technical Assistance and Support. "We do not provide direct, individual client services. Rather our role is to unite our community, identify the causes behind the issues, and develop strategies to bring together the financial and human resources to address them. We are the only nonprofit organization in this country dealing with all three areas with a Pan-Asian perspective," said Lee.

"I was impressed with [AAF]'s attempts to engage multiple agencies under its umbrella. Its systematic approach and dedication to its mission made me realize that though Asians may be a minority here, they have a place to reach out to," said Lo Yuk Pui, a year 2 Professional Language Studies student of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Not only explaining AAF operations and its services, the discussion helped ease the worries of some students. "I was relieved to know that I wasn't alone readjusting to a foreign country. Mr. Lee shared with me the same experiences that the Asian immigrants faced, and I was glad that I could relate to them. I also gained an insight into how to deal with cultural adjustment," said Wong Yuk Chun, a year 2 Professional Language Studies student of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

"The professionalism of the Asian American Federation in dealing with its agencies amazes me. It may be a nonprofit organization, but it balances its corporate and community obligations. After hearing the interns' experiences here, I can feel the company culture and dedication and its passion to help the Asian American community. Mr. Lee has done a great job showing us the present situation and alleviating our concerns," said Nicholas Chan, a year 3 Marketing student of the National University of Singapore.

Asian American Federation: The Asian American Federation's mission is to advance the civic voice and well-being of Asian Americans. It collaboratively fosters philanthropy in the community, undertakes research to inform policies, and provides support to community service organizations. For more information, visit www.aafederation.org.

2008-06-06 - FUSIA/Cross-Cultural Internship Program (FUSIA/CCIP) students participated in "A Dialogue with Newsroom Experts and Media Training" on Friday evening, June 6. Jointly organized by The Pan Asian American Leadership Caucus (PAALC) and the NYU School of Law, the event saw the attendance of approximately 60 media industry experts and media practitioners from a wide swath of Asian American newspapers.

It was apparent from the start that the event would present FUSIA/CCIP students a multifaceted learning opportunity—the event's opening gamut included a media panel discussion with respectable speakers the likes of Mae Cheng, Executive Editor at amNew York; Fred Katayama, an award-winning anchor for Reuters Television; Jeff Yang, columnist for the digital edition of the San Francisco Chronicle; and Kyung B. Yoon, another award-winning journalist from the electronic media industry. On the one hand students took in the richness of the event's discussions as guests, and on the other, they gained valuable experience supporting it as volunteers. A short reception came next, followed by a tribute to the late Irwin K. Liu, a PAALC leader and true visionary.

FUSIA/CCIP students took an active role in the pre-event preparation, ushering and escorting distinguished guests and handling administrative duties. Students were also given a platform to partake in the media panel discussion. Their poise and professionalism earned them the praise of the event organizer.

"Along with gaining experience and learning about the amazing mix of cultures here [in the US], I was exceptionally pleased being granted the opportunity to give back to American society as a volunteer in roundtable sessions with renowned US companies. I was glad I could be an active learner and contributor. Definitely this experience was exhilarating and unforgettable,” said Fang Yuan, a Year 2 student of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

The event provided students a venue to mingle and network with the elites of the media industry. "The experience I gained interacting with guests all distinguished in their own right was tremendous. My portfolio will definitely be that much better as a result," said Nicholas Chan, a Year 3 student majoring in Marketing at the National University of Singapore.

"The students come all the way from across the world to intern in the US. This is their gateway to learning about the American way of professional practice as well as the intricacies of situational management. These interactions are real and meaningful experiences—they give students the chance to really appreciate the fusion of cultures and the synergy that evolves when they mingle and cross," said Elizabeth Kay, President of FUSIA Communications and founder of the Cross Cultural Internship Program.

The students were also invited to speak about and share their thoughts on the late Irwin K. Liu. "The tribute session dedicated to the late Irwin K. Liu inspired me. We left the room knowing how important it is to build networking relationships and the zest one should have in any aspect of life," said Qiwei Liu, a Year 2 student majoring in Marketing at the University of Hong Kong.

FUSIA/Cross-Cultural Internship Program (FUSIA/CCIP): Organized by FUSIA Communications, an agency specializing in cross-cultural communications, FUSIA/CCIP internship program takes place every summer. The program promotes and encourages Eastern and Western cultural exchange through practical experience, preparing both sides to better address the challenges of the increasingly globalizing workplace. It gathers students who want to step across the cultural divide, and provides students a new glimpse of another culture's approaches to business challenges, and it helps students build an internationalized portfolio.