From the moment that they touch down, everywhere that the delegates of
the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) turn they will be greeted by warm
smiles on the bright, eager faces of students from Asian U.
After posting an invitation for volunteers, the Asian
University of Science & Technology received an overwhelming response
from its students after only one day. The students ranged from First Year to
MBA part-time and included a number of brand new graduates. Out of these,
thirty-seven were selected to serve as facilitators to the delegations of
members, staffers and guests of the twenty one APEC economies flocking to
Bangkok for a 5-day meeting between 17-21 October.
Everywhere
that the delegates of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) turn they
will be greeted by warm smiles on the bright, eager faces of students from
Asian U.
Hand-picked for the job, the students will recognize on
sight the delegates to whom they have been assigned and be able to greet
them all by name ... and even in their own language. They will assist
delegates on arrival with conveyance to their hotel and conference venue.
They will assist the conference and international secretariats to arrange
venue seating and documents for meetings, prepare presentation facilities,
direct and conduct participants from point to point, accompany them on
outings, advise on cultural and social differences, as well as supply any
other service that may be requested. In short, the students will endeavour
to project an impression of themselves as Thailand’s mini-ambassadors.
The
students will endeavour to project an impression of themselves as
Thailand’s mini-ambassadors.
Taking on this role will also afford the students
themselves some rare opportunities. They will be able to attend meetings
with APEC’s most accomplished businessmen, appointed by their respective
governments, see at close range how such high level international
conferences are managed, and in many instances enjoy the social events,
displays and performances organized for the benefit of the visitors.
Of special benefit to students of business administration
will be their opportunity to observe the Marshall Business School’s
presentation of their study of each economy’s Individual Action Plan (IAP).
Asian U has also volunteered its Faculty of Business to undertake similar
studies of IAPs from a business point of view.
When the culmination of Thailand’s APEC Year draws to a
close, every student will produce a report on his or her own particular
involvement, observations and conclusions. The students’ involvement with
APEC/ABAC will thus also make a significant contribution to the
university’s ongoing community service activities.
ESL
teachers explained their program in detail and gave parents a first hand
look at how their children are introduced to the English language.
An
important part of an open house is giving parents time to visit and get to
know one another.
