Join Our 2012 Students at the APEC YES and APEC China CEO Forum
Here are some of our 2012 China GPS students' reports on their participation in the new APEC YES and APEC China CEO Forum, followed by the full schedules of both programs.
Cutler Knupp, 22 years old, from Ellijay, Georgia.
My name is Cutler Knupp. I am originally from Ellijay, Georgia. I am currently 22 and studying Finance and International Business for my undergraduate degree. I enjoy golf and mountain biking; traveling, learning different cultures and time with friends. My educational passion points to business and its social effects on developing countries.
My time spent in Beijing at the 2012 APEC YES and China APEC CEO Forum was priceless. The speakers, students and culture I experienced while in China had a significant impact on me, both personally and professionally. Upon arrival at the airport, Jason and his accompanying friend, Chris, greeted me. After only a short cab ride with them to the center of Beijing, I knew the trip was off to a great start. Their friendship and hospitality is a fond memory and a continuing treasure; the first interaction I had with China’s young leaders and students, and it left a lasting impression. Over time, Jason also shared with me what it is like to be a student in a country as large as China.
The speakers at the two programs were of the best quality. The focus of the APEC China CEO Forum was “The Challenges of Development”. This topic was very appropriate considering that it is the biggest test facing China at the moment. China is growing at such a rapid rate it has been hard for its civil and political infrastructure to keep pace.
The APEC YES summit was great, as well. Y.E.S. is an acronym for Young Entrepreneurs Summit. The summit is aimed at young entrepreneurs to create, inspire and build a strong society and vibrant businesses within China and throughout the APEC region.
This program really expanded my worldview. The business environment in China is one in rapid progression and will continue regardless of the situation in the EU and the US. I came into this trip with the understanding that China would soon be the world’s largest economy, but I had no idea of the magnitude of growth in China. China’s private sector is experiencing rapid expansion, along with the transition from rural cities into metropolitan hubs.
The YES summit had a real impact on my way of thinking about the evolution of business as well as the challenges facing the business environment in China. Graduates and entrepreneurs in China face not only the challenges and the need for total commitment to start a business, but must also deal with the overhang of the inert communist system and lack of angel investors. Because of the risks facing a start up in China, investors tend to focus on established companies or companies in second and third round investment cycles.
Culture
On the “day in the life” sum of things, both the hospitality and food in China is wonderful. While this was my second trip to China, during my first visit I did not travel with locals and therefore, I was not able to try the locally-ranked best restaurants in the area. But this time, since we stayed with the local university students, who not only helped us navigate the many streets and sites, but also the restaurants, I was able to enjoy in the finest native delicacies.
Two of my favorite cultural and historic visits were the Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall. These cultural treasures gave me a very unique impression of the history of China and the far reaching impact of the political leadership in the historic dynasties. The second day of the trip, we visiting the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven; the following day we travelled a good distance outside the city to visit the Great Wall of China. This structure is the most impressive man made structure that I have ever seen. The Great Wall is a testament to the trials and perseverance of the Chinese people.
My intellectual, cultural and personal growth during this program was more than I had ever hoped for, and I recommend this endeavour to every student and educator who has the opportunity to go.
Download the"Challenges of Development " and "Future Belongs to Us" Forum Schedules