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.
Carina Wingel, 20 years old, from Woodstock Georgia.
I am a marketing major with a minor in statistics and analytical analysis at Kennesaw State University. I love to travel and experience new cultures and lifestyles. I decided to go to China for the APEC CEO Forum and the YES Summit because I looked at the opportunity to experience first-hand a new culture and gain knowledge related to the business environment. The opportunity to represent my university in another country to exchange ideas with other students in China was truly an honor.
Some of my best experiences from the China trip were hanging out and conversing with the Chinese students. We would discuss topics from world issues such as water safety and population growth to topics such as popular movies and music. These talks benefitted me the most because I was able to hear another perspective on a variety of concepts.
The conference had many sessions that I enjoyed. The session “Can Rapid Growth be Green” at the APEC China CEO Forum was one of my favorite sessions. The panelists discussed the consumption model China needs to mold and the barriers it faces. One of the key points was China needs to reject the western consumption model and redefine rights for the people. It would be impossible for everyone in China to own a car as in the United States considering the amount of people (1.3 billion) and the environment would not be able to handle the consumption. I am passionate about the environment and the changes countries must make to control consumption and preserve the land. Therefore, this topic posed a question for me: if China has to redesign their consumption model, will this model affect the United States and eventually lead our country to adopt this plan? I think we need reform and the Green Revolution is a good start, however in order for our ecological footprint to decrease as a country also need a major reform in environmental standards.
This experience completely changed my perception of China. Before going, I had heard horror stories from people who had been, especially about the food. Even still, I left for China with an open mind to new opportunities and experiences. In school, I had always learned how China was a community-oriented society unlike American’s individualistic lifestyle. These differences especially appeared at meal times in which the food ordered was shared by everyone with many dishes rather than individual ones. This style of a meal at a restaurant was very different but very enjoyable and this bonding event is something I miss now back in America.
China for me, has transformed from a country I considered visiting one day to a country I look forward to visiting again in the future. Beijing was a great city to be submerged in to experience the metropolitan atmosphere in the country. China’s economy is rising however; there are still extreme internal poverty issues the country must deal with before it could surpass the United States. Without addressing these issues China will be leaving behind a majority of its people into even greater poverty defeating the purpose of becoming a great nation to take care of its people. I do hope to visit other cities in China such as Hong Kong and Shanghai, but also some of the rural areas to experience the different lifestyles. China is a country that is important to learn about in today’s business realm since a great deal of business is exchanged with the United States. The trip to China provided me with more knowledge of the country, lifestyle, cultures of the people and the way to conduct business. I hope to be able to return to China to further my understanding to allow me to work in the business arena in the future.
"Challenges of Development " and "Future Belongs to Us" Forum Schedules