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Taipei Taiwan Aug 2011 - Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee of the
School of Travel Industry Management at the University of Hawaii, UH Board of
Regents, Director and Founding Member of the Hong Kong.China.Hawaii Chamber of
Commerce was the Head Judge for the Taiwan Culinary Competition in Taipei Taiwan
More pictures on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150094584706984.271828.562941983&type=1&l=edee579eab
 (Dean Gee far left, President Ma 5th from
the left)
August 2011 Foshan China: Jon-Peter Sit Fellow UH TIM Alumni interviewed by Foshan TV station China
Our Fellow UH TIM Alumni Peter Sit's son, Jon-Peter Sit who has been teaching English at Shunde Polytechnic past three years.
 View Interview online http://www.vimeo.com/28550866
"Two days ago I took part in a meeting to discuss the official standardization of various Shunde dishes. As the only 'foreign' member of the Shunde Translation Committee I was briefly interviewed by Foshan TV station about my thoughts on how we should go about translating Chinese dishes with names that carry both a history and culture while at the same time telling Chinese illiterate visitors just what it is they're about to eat."
"I didn't think they'd actually broadcast the interview (had I known I would've done something with my hair first!), but it's been shown on three different TV stations (Shunde TV, Foshan TV, and Star TV of Guangdong, China) and the Guangzhou Daily (newspaper), and my students (and myself) are freaking out haha!"
PRESS RELEASE - Aug 18, 2011, 11:49 a.m. EDT
Powerful Insights from Industry Game-Changers Abound in First-Ever Collaborative Meetings Management Guide by Kevin Iwamoto
(UH TIM Alumni 1977)
  
PHILADELPHIA, Aug 18, 2011 (BUSINESS
WIRE) -- The first true guidebook for developing strategic meetings management programs will hit shelves this August with the publication of Strategic Meetings Management Handbook: From Theory to Practice, published by Easton Studio Press.
The new book is a revealing, in-depth look at the business dynamics and real world practice of meetings management. It features contributions from a host of meetings industry luminaries sharing decades of firsthand knowledge on how to build and execute effective and powerful strategic meetings management programs (SMMPs).
"As companies increasingly aim to get a strategic handle on their investment in meetings and events, our sincere hope is that this book will be an indispensable resource that will help them every step along the way," said Editor Kevin Iwamoto, Global Leadership Professional (GLP) and Vice President of Enterprise Strategy for StarCite. "The profession of meetings management has come a long way since its early days as a new area of travel management. Today it is a thriving practice that is essential to business success. To that end, this book is focused on the 'art of the possible' -- how to create an effective meetings management program whether it's in day one, year ten or beyond."
With an average of twenty-five to thirty years of meetings management experience each, the contributors to Strategic Meetings Management Handbook: From Theory to Practice are at the pinnacle of the industry:
-- Betsy Bondurant, CMP' CMM, Founder, President, Bondurant Consulting
-- Louann Cashill , CMP, CMM, Global Account Manager, Strategic Projects, StarCite
-- Carol Salcito, President, Management Alternatives, Inc.
-- Linda J. McNairy, Vice President, Business Development, StarCite
-- Kevin Iwamoto, GLP, Vice President of Enterprise Strategy, StarCite
-- Mike Malinchok, CPC, President, S2K Consulting, LLC
-- Amon Cohen, Specialist Business Travel Writer
-- George Odom, President, Strategic Travel & Meetings Group
-- Debi Scholar, GLP, CMM, CMP, CTE, CTT, and President, Scholar Consulting Group
-- John Pino, Chairman, CEO, Founder of i-Meet and StarCite
-- Andrew Menkes, CEO and Chairman, Partnership Travel Consulting, LLC
"I applaud StarCite for bringing together such a distinguished group of contributors to develop a resource on how to implement a Strategic Meetings Management Program," said Tim Reid, Group Publisher, The BTN Group. "It is a very valuable endeavor the can provide an additional resource for any serious travel program."
Strategic Meetings Management Handbook: From Theory to Practice is available for advance purchase in hardcover and e-reader format on www.Amazon.com, www.BarnesandNoble.com, and from StarCite at http://communications.starcite.com/smmhandbook.html .
About the Editor of Strategic Meetings Management Handbook: From Theory to Practice
Kevin Iwamoto is a widely recognized business travel industry leader with more than twenty years of experience managing global corporate travel and meetings programs. He was President and CEO of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) and the GBTA Foundation from 2001 to 2003, where he created and launched the GBTA Groups and Meetings Committee and cofounded the global Paragon Partnership organization, forging a relationship between the GBTA and MPI.
Prior to joining StarCite in 2008, Iwamoto spent over ten years at Hewlett-Packard, where as Senior Global Travel Commodity Manager he oversaw development, policy creation, strategy, and supplier management for various global travel spend categories over his tenure, including airlines, car rental, corporate and meetings card, meetings, hotels, and ground transportation.
About StarCite, Inc.
StarCite, Inc. provides a technology platform that makes meetings and event planning, booking and management simpler and more cost-effective for corporations, hotels, venues and meetings suppliers worldwide. StarCite delivers visibility, cost savings and control over meetings spending for businesses and enhanced revenue opportunities for suppliers. Through Web-based, on-demand technology, StarCite automates and supports every key element of the meetings planning and procurement process: planning, budgeting, buying, marketing and managing attendees, payment, and results measurement. Using StarCite's proprietary online marketplace, meetings buyers can connect and conduct business with over 83,000 hotels, venues, destinations and suppliers globally. StarCite is based in Philadelphia , PA and has offices worldwide. Its equity holders include Internet Capital Group ICGE -4.59% , TPG Growth, Norwest Venture Partners (NVP), and TL Ventures. For more information about StarCite please visit
www.starcite.com.
Press release link: http://www2.starcite.com/starcite/files/resourcecenter_images/SMMP%20Book%20Release%20Final%20-%208%2018%2011.pdf
Books A Million: http://www.booksamillion.com/search?id=5136374856801&query=kevin+iwamoto&where=book_author&search.x=38&search.y=19
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=kevin+iwamoto&x=16&y=15
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/kevin-iwamoto?store=book&r=1
Honolulu Hawaii July 10 2011 US-China People Friendship Association Honolulu installed New Officers and Directors at the Hee Hing Chinese Restaurant
July 10 2011 Honolulu Hawaii - Ms. Yen Chun and Her Parents Mr. & Mrs. Walter Chun has been working with the Modern China since the time of Chairman
Mao in the early 50s, good friend with Madam Sung Ching Ling. Ms. Yen Chun is the founding member of the Hong Kong.China.Hawaii Chamber of Commerce as well of the
CMC Consulting Group with special focus
in taking American companies to China. Ms. Yen Chun also served on the Soong Ching Ling Foundation
in Shanghai as well as the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Foundation in
Hawaii. They have recently published a book "The Soong Ching Ling I Knew" in China (ISBN 978-7-5072-1659-2/K.27)
 
 
 
HOTELS Editors on 4/11/2011
 
Mövenpick opens hotel at Sentosa, marking Singapore debut - UH TIM Alumni Rodney Tan is the Group Chairman of Cairnhill Group Holdings Pte Ltd
SINGAPORE Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has soft-opened Mövenpick Heritage Hotel Sentosa, its first property in Singapore.
Located in the heart of the Sentosa integrated gaming resort, the 5-star hotel depicts the colonial history and contemporary flair of the country in its striking interiors, designed by Japan firm Super Potato. The hotel's facilities are spread out over two distinct wings: the traditional Heritage wing, with colonial heritage dating back to the 1940s, and the new Contemporary wing, which provides an upscale experience for discerning travelers.
The initial phase sees the opening of the contemporary wing, which offers distinctively designed rooms and suites, dining and entertainment options and meetings and conference facilities. This modern section features 105 deluxe guestrooms, plus 25 suites. Signature Onsen suites each feature a Japanese-style hot tub set in a tranquil outdoor sanctuary, while penthouse suites offer private rooftop pools.
The hotel's current dining options include Library, a lounge area where guests can enjoy snacks and refreshments in comfortable surroundings, and Tea Lounge, serving breakfast and an international menu.
The upcoming fully-renovated Heritage building, set to open toward the end of 2011, will complement the existing facilities with 61 guestrooms and suites. The Heritage wing will include an all-day dining restaurant, a Whisky Bar and Cigar Lounge. In addition, the hotel's unique private dining concept will allow guests to enjoy tailor-made menus.
Movenpick Hotels & Resorts announced the soft opening of Movenpick Heritage Hotel Sentosa, its first property in Singapore. The new property will have a grand opening before year end. It is located on the island of Sentosa with facilities spread over two wings - the traditional Heritage Wing with colonial heritage architecture dating back to the 1940's and the newly built Contemporary Wing. The first phase of opening will see the launch of the Contemporary Wing, which offers 105 Deluxe rooms, while 19 Onsen Suites, three Executive Suites, two Penthouse Suites will open later this year. The Onsen suites feature an outdoor Japanese style hotel tub while the Penthouse Suites will offer private rooftop pools. The hotel is owned by Cairnhill Group Holdings Pte Ltd. The Heritage building will open towards the end of 2011, adding a further 61 rooms and suites and more dining options.
TAN BOON KIAN, RODNEY
Group Chairman
CEO, Cairnhill Group Of Companies
Rodney Tan is the Group Chairman of Cairnhill Group Holdings Pte Ltd. Rodney Tan has gained himself more than 20 years of professional knowledge and experiences in the Travel and Hospitality industry in USA and Asia.
Rodney Tan graduated from the University Of Hawaii, USA and obtained a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration - School of Travel Industry Management (UH TIM). He is also a Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) awarded by the American Hotel and Motel Association and a member of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Over the years he has worked for several well established international hotels located in the United States of America, Singapore and China and recruited his own team of high quality hospitality professionals. Rodney Tan possesses strong leadership qualities and also maintains good relationships with corporate and political leaders in South-East Asia and China.
From his vantage point as a top corporate executive and CEO in Travel & Hospitality Industry, Rodney Tan offers a powerful Technology Revolution for every facets of his industry. Together with his team of IT and Hospitality professionals, they have built a suite of application solutions and created huge potential Hospitality e-marketplace platform to enhance the relationship and functions of the community in Travel and Hospitality Industry
Cairnhill Group Holdings
78 South Bridge Road
Singapore 058708
Tel: (65) 6734 6622
Fax: (65) 6235 5598
Taipei
Taiwan Republic of China February 15 2011
News from University of
Hawaii: Chuck Gee receives Taiwan Tourism Bureau's Lifetime Achievement Award
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
News@UH
University of Hawaii System newsletter - Chuck Gee Receives Taiwan Lifetime
Achievement Award
StarAdvertiser
- Chuck Gee was honored with a "Lifetime Achievement Award" at the
2011 Taiwan Tourism Festival Awards Ceremony last month. Gee is a dean emeritus
of the University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Travel Industry Management and a
member of the UH Board of Regents.
Bureau
of Foreign Trade (BOFT), Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Republic of China:
The Tourism Bureau stated that during this year’s event, in addition to
honoring tourism businesses with outstanding performances in 2010, it is
bestowing lifetime achievement awards on Alliance Cultural Foundation Chairman
Stanley Yen and University of Hawaii Professor Chuck Gee.
Chuck Gee, Dean Emeritus of the
UH Mānoa School of Travel Industry Management (TIM) and a member of the UH
Board of Regents, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2011
Taiwan Tourism Festival Awards Ceremony on February 15. Taiwan President Ma
Ying-Jeou presented the award, which recognizes outstanding tourism
professionals and businesses for their contributions to Taiwan’s tourism
industry.
“Chuck Gee is truly deserving of this honor for his lifetime of contributions
to the international travel industry and impressive commitment to tourism
education at our University,” said UH Mānoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw.
According to Gee, the honor is really a recognition of the significant
contributions made by the School of TIM in cooperation with East-West Center in
the training of National Tourism Administration officials and executives for
Taiwan and other Pacific Asian destinations at the early stages of tourism
development in Hawai‘i and the region.
“I just happened to be the person at the helm of TIM coinciding with the
growth of travel and tourism development—which saw less than half a million
international arrivals in the late 1950s to a soaring 395 million-plus arrivals
in the Asia Pacific Region last year,” said Gee. “I view this award less as
a personal honor than as a testment to the important role played by the
University in the region."
TIM Dean Juanita Liu pointed out that the well-deserved award to Dean Emeritus
Gee is rarely granted to a non-Taiwanese citizen.
“It is a testament to his noteworthy achievements that have put the TIM School
and UH on the map in terms of being the premier institution for higher learning
for hospitality/tourism in Hawai‘i and the region,” said Liu. “The demand
for educational and training programs is booming just as tourism is expanding,
and Hawai‘i is fortunate to be in a leadership position due to the strong
foundations that Chuck established during his tenure as TIM Dean for over 20
years.”
Gee is an internationally recognized authority in tourism and hospitality
education, who has served a vital role with tourism-related organizations
including the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Pacific
Asia Travel Association (PATA). He has received several prestigious awardsover
the years, including the Award of Excellence for Tourism Education from the
National Tourism Administration of the People’s Republic of China, Pacific
Asia Travel Association’s Presidential Award and Grand Award for Individual
Educational Accomplishment, Academy of Tourism Organizations’ NOAH Award and
Travel Industry Association’s America Hall of Leaders Award.
 World Journal Newspaper March 6 2011
朱卓任 獲馬英九頒終身成就獎 - 通訊記者高振華檀香山報導 - March 07, 2011 06:00 AM
為展現台灣觀光旅遊業與政府拚觀光的決心及企圖心，台灣交通部觀光局2月15日在台北圓山飯店舉辦「觀光節慶祝大會」，此次慶祝大會中並頒發「終身成就獎」給公益平台文化基金會董事長嚴長壽及夏威夷大學前旅遊學院院長、現任夏大校董的朱卓任（Chuck Gee）教授。
此次大會是「旅行台灣‧感動100」焦點儀式，由馬英九總統、吳敦義院長、交通部長毛治國及台灣觀光業界代表共同啟動感動摩天輪，象徵台灣百大感動旅遊路線及原味的感動將轉向世界舞台，讓台灣觀光業「兔躍國際、豐收大發」。
朱卓任曾任亞太旅行協會（PATA）榮譽理事、美國三任總統（卡特、雷根、布希）首席旅遊顧問，及美國國務院和商務部駐世界旅遊組織理事會技術顧問，並曾積極協助台灣建立星級旅館評鑑制度、提升台灣觀光產業行銷發展的國際視野及台灣美食的國際形象，同時提供區域觀光規畫的具體方針。馬英九總統親自頒獎給朱卓任，感謝他義助台灣觀光業發展。
朱卓任的學生可謂桃李滿天下，幾位事業有成的弟子紛紛提出對師恩的感言，現任香港中國夏威夷商會主席蔡永強自1974年求學時開始追隨朱卓任，對於他的為人處世有深刻印象，朱卓任對學生與朋友的付出全部相同，永遠願意傾聽他人的意見與問題。他人需要協助時，朱卓任也絕不吝嗇地給予援手。
朱卓任的無私奉獻與專業知識讓他聲名遠播各地。現任北京國際機場Crowne Plaza旅館總經理的Eugene Ong、任凱悅酒店Grand Cypress副總及主任經理的Paul Tang、夏威夷美麗華酒店總經理Ted Sakai、香港城市大學教授Roberta Wong Leung等人，也都認為朱卓任獲獎實至名歸，認為他們今日的成就都是當年受教於他而打下的深厚基礎。朱卓任可謂亦師亦父，眾人均以曾身為其弟子而榮。
Testimony by UH TIM Alumni for the above news article
Dean Gee has been my teacher, mentor and friend since 1974. He has always treated his students, alumni and colleagues fairly. Dean Gee will always give you full attention and treat you with respect whether you are a student or an executive at high places. When seeking advises whether on a personal or professional levels, he will always take his time to listen and offer advises accordingly. His unselfish and professional approach working with people has earned him respects in Asia, North America and Europe.
Johnson Choi, President, Hong Kong.China.Hawaii Chamber of Commerce
From the first day since I knew Dean Gee as a TIM freshman in 1973, I found him to be someone with unselfish and genuine care for his students. I for one have benefited from his kind deeds. Till today, he has not wavered and continues to extend his wealth of knowledge and personal guidance to someone like myself. He set the example of integrity and humility, dosed with a warm personality and sharp of intellect. While I thank the TIM program for allowing me to have the foundation for a successful career, the fact is that Dean Gee put life into TIM and made me determined to make him feel proud of his students. I congratulate Dean Gee on his well deserved award.
Eugene Ong, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Beijng International Airport
There are moments in your life that someone has made a significant impact that forever changes your life. My professional success is due to Dean Gee who was my mentor during my time in the UH TIM program. He sparked my passion to pursue a life time career in the hotel industry.
Paul Tang, Vice President & Managing Director, Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
Dean Gee inspired me as a student to get involved if you want to see change happen. That lead me into service clubs on campus, and later into community involvement. He always pushed students to be their best, and represent the School of Travel Industry in a positive light. He was like a proud father when it came to the School and students. We were all very proud to be associated with the School of Travel Industry Management, and that carries through today. That is why we have an active alumni board, and are quick to gather and support the school whatever the need: fundraising, internships, participation in classroom. Students have a huge benefit in meeting and networking with graduates in the industry, thanks to the foundation built by Dean Gee.
Ted Sakai, General Manager, Miramar Hotel Hawaii
Who have thought that I would surpass my wildest dreams and become the first foreign Dean of the Hotel and Tourism School at Shunde Polytechnic, Guangdong, China and the first foreign Dean of any college in all of China? I have Dean Emeritus Chuck Y Gee to thank for giving me the opportunities, guidance, and recommendations to have such a fantastic career in both the hospitality industry and in the educational arena. I have worked in top positions for over twenty years in prestigious international hotel companies and have worked in over 16 universities and colleges around the world. A great big mahalo to Dean Emeritus Gee for making it possible for me. He is my Guardian Angel and has made it possible for me to have such dream careers.
Professor Roberta Wong Leung, City University of Hong Kong, Community College
 2011年02月25日
08:22 星島日報
夏大旅遊學院 Chuck Gee
教授獲馬英九頒「終身成就奬」
(本報夏威夷訊)
一年一度的台灣觀光盛事「觀光節慶祝大會」於二月十五日（星期二）上午在台北圓山飯店舉行，夏威夷大學旅遊學院前任院長ChuckGee在大會上獲馬英九總統頒發「終身成就奬」，消息傳來，此間觀光旅遊業者和夏大旅遊學院的校友們均非常喜躍引以為傲。
據ChuckGee教授得意門生中國香港夏威夷商會主席蔡永強指出，ChuckGee教授獲馬英九總統頒發終身成就奬(LifeTime Achievement Award)對夏州居民是一件非常榮幸的事。因為在夏威夷州，夏威夷大學和其旅遊管理學系內，很少有人能獲得外國元首頒發如此榮譽的獎勵。台灣是亞洲的四條龍（台灣、香港、南韓、新加坡），在過去二十年之內曾投資一百萬億美元在中國大陸，ChuckGee教授是中國香港夏威夷商會的創會會員及董事，其門生遍佈亞洲各地。
據報道，在觀光節慶祝大會上，馬英九總統曾致詞表示，台灣觀光在多元開放下，質與量都有亮眼的表現，締造了來台旅客破556萬人次，觀光收入達新台幣5100億元，來台旅客滿意度超過90%等新紀錄，觀光旅館業與觀光游樂業營收也成長20%，看好觀光發展潛力，旅館業更加碼投資達1600億元！
他表示：未來産業與政府更應攜手合作，以「增加投資」，「提高品質」兩大方向，讓更多的國際旅客來台體驗友善的人情與安全的旅遊環境，並結合日前發布的台灣觀光新形象「Taiwan The Heart of Asia」將台灣打造成「亞洲之心」，再創台灣的新高峰！
在慶祝大會上，與ChuckGee教授同獲「終身成就奬」的尚有公益平台文化基金會嚴長壽董事長。
嚴董事長過去曾擔任台灣觀光協會會長，世界傑出旅館系統亞洲區主席，中華美食推廣委員會主任委員，亞太旅行協會理事等。
ChuckGee 教授曾任亞太旅行協會榮譽理事，美國三任總統（卡特、列根、布殊）首席旅遊顧問，美國國務院和商務部駐世界旅遊組織理事會技術顧問，積極協助台灣建立星級旅館評鑑制度，提昇觀光産業行銷發展的國際視野及台灣美食的國際形象，並提供區域觀光規劃的具體方針。
News Coverage - view it on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAYD-7onC5c
and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpHXvqaJZNQ
Video News Coverage on Vimeo
http://www.vimeo.com/album/1531394
  Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) honors outstanding tourism
professional Chuck Gee, dean emeritus of the School of Travel Industry Management at the University of
Hawaii with Life Time
Achievement Award
 
 
President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) yesterday attended the 2011 Tourism Festival Awards Ceremony, which honors outstanding tourism professionals and businesses, at the Taipei Grand Hotel.
“Last year, the number of inbound tourists reached a record breaking 5.56 million, a 26.6 percent increase from the year before,” Ma remarked.
The president personally presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to Stanley Yen (嚴長壽), president of the Landis Hotels and Resorts Group, and Chuck Gee, dean emeritus of the School of Travel Industry Management at the University of Hawaii.
He also
handed out the Taiwan Tourism Award to Japanese singer Kobayashi Sachiko, who
took the role as Taiwan's 2010 tourism ambassador.
Premier Wu Den-yih (吳敦義) showed optimism towards Taiwan's tourism
industry. “Well-known international chain hotels are establishing their
businesses in Taiwan. The development of the tourism industry will further drive
the growth of the satellite industries and create more job opportunities,” he
said.
Ma also officially kicked off the new “Tour Taiwan” program with Janice Lai
(賴瑟珍), director general of the Tourism Bureau
under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) and Chen Wei-jen
(陳威仁), administrative deputy minister of the
MOTC.
The program is aimed at attracting international visitors to Taiwan to see the
achievements of the Republic of China (R.O.C.).
The country takes on a brand new slogan, “Taiwan -- the Heart of Asia,” as
it marches into 2011.
“The R.O.C.'s centennial year will be a new milestone for Taiwan's tourism
with a focus on quality,” said MOTC Minister Mao Chi-kuo (毛治國).
Organized by the Tourism Bureau, the Tourism Festival Awards Ceremony is an
annual event attended by leaders in the tourism industry.
中華民國交通部觀光局 賴瑟珍局長：馬英九總統攜手觀光業界朝100年來台旅客650萬人次邁進
- 「終身成就獎」頒發給公益平台文化基金會嚴長壽董事長及美國夏威夷大學
Chuck Gee 教授
 馬英九總統今日在"2011觀光節慶祝大會"上致詞。
 
2011觀光節慶祝大會15日在台北舉行，馬英九總統（中）出席頒發終身成就獎給公益平台文化基金會董事長嚴長壽（右）與美國夏威夷大學教授
Chuck Gee（左）。
 圖為總統馬英九（中）昨天頒發「終身成就獎」給推動台灣觀光不遺餘力的公益平台文化基金會董事長嚴長壽（右），及美國夏威夷大學教授Chuck Gee（左），表彰他們對推動台灣觀光所做的努力。 行政院長吳敦義昨天在觀光節慶祝大會中表示，開放兩岸直航和大陸人士來台觀光，不但促進台灣觀光等產業發展，也維繫台海兩岸和平穩定。 吳敦義說，兩岸直航和開放大陸觀光，讓台灣海峽更穩定，再加上交通部的努力，終於為觀光創造佳績。他說，政府已積協調歐盟、加拿大和馬來西亞等近100個國家免簽證，帶動去年出國旅客突破900萬人次，國內旅遊更超過1億2000萬人次，未來將讓觀光成台灣的軟實力，讓觀光成為台灣服務業的旗艦產業，因為「超值台灣、非玩不可」。 交通部長毛治國說，台灣已由「量變進入質變」，觀光業應以5年後迎接1000萬觀光客的格局與思維，提供國際觀光客新產品、新體驗和新價值，期盼大家共同為5年後服務千萬旅客的目標做好準備。
一年一度的台灣觀光盛事─「觀光節慶祝大會」，2月15日（星期二）上午9時30分在台北圓山大飯店舉行，交通部觀光局特別邀請國內外觀光界相關從業人員齊聚一堂，參與這場盛會。總統馬英九、院長吳敦義、交通部長毛治國亦親臨參加表達政府對觀光業的重視及支持。大會除了表揚獎勵99年表現優異的觀光業者外，也期許產業與政府攜手合作，齊力推動「旅行台灣‧感動100」，希望台灣觀光再創佳績！
為展現觀光旅遊業與政府拼觀光的決心及企圖心，「旅行台灣‧感動100」焦點儀式，由馬總統、院長吳敦義、交通部長毛治國及觀光業界代表共同啟動感動摩天輪，象徵台灣百大感動旅遊路線及原味的感動將轉向世界舞台，讓台灣觀光「兔躍國際、豐收大發」。
馬總統在致詞中表示，台灣觀光在多元開放的政策下，質與量都有亮眼的表現，締造了來台旅客破556萬人次、觀光收入達新台幣5,100億元、來台旅客滿意度超過90%等新記錄，觀光旅館業與觀光遊樂業營收也成長20%，看好觀光發展潛力，旅館業更加碼投資達1,600億元！未來產業與政府更應攜手合作，以「增加投資」、「提高品質」兩大方向，讓更多的國際旅客來台體驗友善的人情與安全的旅遊環境，並結合日前發布的台灣觀光新形象「Taiwan, The heart of Asia」將台灣打造成「亞洲之心」，再創台灣觀光的新高峰！
院長吳敦義也表示，政府積極協調歐盟、加拿大及馬來西亞等近100個國家免簽證，帶動出國旅客破900萬人次，隨著國內庶民經濟有感復甦，國內旅遊更破1.2億人，觀光產業收穫相當豐碩，未來將持續提昇觀光產業實力，讓觀光產業成為台灣服務業的旗艦產業。
交通部毛治國部長指出，台灣觀光由量變進入質變的新里程碑，觀光各業應以5年後千萬觀光客的格局與思維，提供國際觀光客新產品、新體驗、新價值；觀光局將扮演整合、包裝各新興產業平台的角色，營造台灣觀光新風貌及觀光利多的環境，並期許觀光產業提供高品質、多樣化的旅遊產品及服務，一起為迎接5年後服務千萬國際旅客的目標作準備。
本次慶祝大會「終身成就獎」頒發給公益平台文化基金會嚴長壽董事長及美國夏威夷大學Chuck Gee教授。嚴董事長過去於台灣觀光協會會長、世界傑出旅館系統亞洲區主席、中華美食推廣委員會主任委員、亞太旅行協會（PATA）理事等任內，致力促進觀光產品提升、觀光旅館經營品質國際化、台灣飲食文化精緻化，並積極參與國際事務，多領域協助推展台灣觀光海外市場，貢獻卓著；Chuck Gee教授曾任亞太旅行協會（PATA）榮譽理事、美國三任總統（卡特、雷根、布希）首席旅遊顧問、美國國務院和商務部駐世界旅遊組織理事會技術顧問，積極協助台灣建立星級旅館評鑑制度、提昇觀光產業行銷發展的國際視野及台灣美食的國際形象，並提供區域觀光規劃的具體方針。另外，本次慶祝大會可說是眾星雲集，除觀光局歷年觀光大使透過影片祝福外，更邀請99年台灣觀光親善大使－日本演歌劇星小林幸子來台受獎，感謝其願意義務將台灣觀光推廣至日本及全球銀髮族的貢獻。大會特別邀請馬總統頒發上述獎項，以表彰渠等對台灣觀光的卓著貢獻。另包括異業結盟的美國職棒大聯盟洛杉磯道奇隊CRO營運總監Mr. Michael Young、美國CBS Director Mr. Jack Schwarts、香港康泰旅行社董事長黃士心、韓國第一大旅行社Hana Tour董事長全喜碩親臨受獎。
除了終身成就獎，大會還頒發台灣觀光貢獻獎、旅館業及民宿管理輔導考核績優縣市、觀光遊樂業督導考核競賽獎、優良觀光產業團體及從業人員獎等獎項，國內外共計130個得獎團體與個人。
 2011-02-16 United Daily News /
聯合報A07版
 2011-02-16 China Times / 中國時報A09版
 2011-02-16 Economic Daily News / 經濟日報A21版
 2011-02-16 Liberty Times / 自由時報A11版1
 2011-02-16 Liberty Times / 自由時報A11版2
 2011-02-16 Want Daily / 旺報A16版
 2011-02-16 Liberty Times / 自由時報A09版
 2011-02-15 United Daily Evening News / 聯合晚報A08版
January 28 2011
 卡萊爾市長親臨主持 中外嘉賓僑領蒞場慶賀
- 出爐水仙花皇后繆寧晉加冕
 
由夏威夷中華總商會主辦的第62屆水仙花皇后選美會已於一月八日在夏威夷劇院遴選產生新科皇后，由繆寧晉小姐榮登后座，一月二十二日（星期六）晚上六時在威基基希爾頓夏威夷鄉村大酒店珊瑚廳舉行皇后加冕典禮及慶祝舞會，由檀香山市長彼德卡萊爾親自主持加冕。
當晚眾多中外嘉賓，僑團領袖及各界代表蒞場慶賀，包括台北經文處章文樑處長、美海軍駐珍珠港司令狄克遜史密斯將軍，中華人民共和國駐洛杉磯總領館也送來花籃祝賀，使晚會益增榮寵。
當晚六時過後不久，致勇舞獅團20頭醒獅上場獻瑞，場面動人，揭開了加冕典禮的序幕。
典禮由著名歌影星 Al Waterson
擔任司儀，首先邀請中華總商會會長劉廣義，候任會長兼水仙花慶會主席許允莊和卡萊爾市長致詞，諸多稱讚選美會成功舉辦，感謝各界支持，並祝賀大家新春愉快。
接著，2008年水仙花公主孫愛蘭以舞蹈帶領大家祈禱，宴會開始，大家享用美食佳餚，酒過三巡，司儀宣佈加冕典禮開始。
2011年水仙花皇后繆寧晉率第一公主司徒美愛，第二公主聶嘉蕙，第三公主林美善，第四公主洪若瑄（因事不克參加），在隨員及身著各民族服飾的美女群和花章護賀前導下登台亮相，旋即由檀香山市長卡萊爾親為繆寧晉戴上后冠，交上權杖，上屆皇后張一胤在旁協助，這時全場熱烈鼓掌慶賀，會眾爭相拍照留念。
加冕典禮後，由司儀著名歌唱家
Al Waterson 表演歌唱，水仙花加冕典禮主席Michele Choy致感謝詞，報告籌備水仙花選美會的經過，贈送感謝狀給贊助者Dr. Lawrence Tseu和雄猶快餐主席 Andrew Cherng。
新屆水仙花皇后公主群進入舞池，開始華爾滋舞會，由中華總商會會長劉廣義，候任會長水仙花慶會主席許允莊、副會長甘錦雄和水仙花皇后與公主們下舞池跳舞，接著由數位交際舞名家上場表演舞姿，來賓們也紛紛翩翩起舞，歡慶氣氛十分濃厚。
舞會至午夜12時，始盡歡而散。
 
January 24 2011
The End of the Hotel Deals By MARTHA C. WHITE
Hotel owners and management companies are breathing a sigh of relief.
 Kevin Maguire, a travel manager for the University of Texas at Austin, says hotel costs are going up.
After weathering the worst of the economic downturn that sent their occupancies and room rates plummeting, hotels are starting to see more demand as business travel and, to a lesser extent, leisure travel, pick up. Occupancy rates climbed by close to 6 percent last year, according to the 2010 Hotel Horizons report published by Colliers PKF Hospitality Research. Average room rates, though, were generally flat.
Analysts consider occupancy a leading indicator — it climbs first, then rate increases follow. This year, they say, hotel rates will begin rising again. “We still have a long way to go, but we’re seeing early signs that because of strong demand recovery in 2010, managers are beginning to move room rates,” said R. Mark Woodward, president of Colliers PKF Hospitality Research. “We’re literally at the turning point.”
For travelers, that probably means the beginning of the end of the buyer’s market they have enjoyed over the last couple of years.
The return of the business traveler has been a big factor in driving up demand for hotel rooms. At the same time, according to Bruce MacMillan, president and chief executive of the trade group Meeting Professionals International, the number of meetings booked this year is expected to grow by 8 percent. Some events that had been canceled during the recession, he said, are now being rebooked.
Add to that equation lenders’ reluctance to extend financing to commercial real estate developers, in general, and hotel builders, in particular. “The pipeline has been shrinking fairly dramatically,” said David Loeb, managing director at the private equity firm Robert W. Baird & Company. He predicted that “relatively modest demand growth is still going to result in solid occupancy growth.”
To give more liquidity to the market, some hotel management companies have been stepping in and helping developers obtain financing, sometimes by providing what is called “key money,” funds akin to a developer’s down payment. “There are various ways of supporting the financing without becoming the lender directly,” said Frits D. van Paasschen, chief executive of Starwood Hotels and Resorts. “We do believe it’s important to help spur development of properties in markets where we think there are great opportunities.”
Ian R. Carter, president of global operations and development for Hilton Worldwide, said he expected that “as the credit markets free up and supply starts to catch up, we’ll start to see more balance come into the market.” But he pointed out that it would take a while, since it can take a year or two to build a hotel, even a limited-service property.
While the anticipated increase in room rates is good news for the lodging industry, it presents a challenge for travelers and travel and meeting managers.
“Hotels are asking for rate increases,” said Kevin Maguire, travel manager for intercollegiate athletics for the University of Texas at Austin. Mr. Maguire said he had noticed an increase in fees for items like a special pillow. “I’m starting to see some of that pop up on a much broader scale,” he said. In response, he is reducing the number of hotel brands he works with to increase his clout with the ones that remain.
Business travelers who pay their own way have had to get creative to keep getting the kind of deals they could easily find two years ago. Vivek Khanna, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur who travels about 100 days annually, said he was able to get rooms at full-service properties for $50 a night in the depths of the recession. But on a recent trip to New York City, Mr. Khanna said he couldn’t find a room at a low enough rate and stayed instead at a hotel in Newark for $45 a night.
One caveat to the good news for hotel companies is that the rebound in demand is unevenly distributed. “It’s pretty normal to see the demand increase on the coasts and work its way in,” said Tom Faust, vice president of sales for Omni Hotels. Cities like New York, Washington and San Francisco all finished 2010 with healthy occupancy rates. But analysts said many smaller cities and those located far from the coasts may continue to struggle.
 “A lot of these second-tier cities have spent a lot of money building new convention centers or adding onto existing convention centers,” said Kevin Iwamoto (UH TIM Alumni 1977), vice president of enterprise strategy at the online event management firm StarCite. “They have to fill that space.” For travel and meeting managers who have the flexibility of choosing where to hold events, this means it still may be possible to find bargains.
Leisure travelers, too, can still find deals if they are flexible, analysts say.
Luxury hotels may also still be offering recession-era rates, Mr. Carter of Hilton said. Rates at high-end hotels fell the most. And while prices are recovering quickly, the magnitude of their earlier fall means rates at those high-end properties have further to go before catching up.
 Honolulu Hawaii USA Dec. 27, 2010 - Walter Chee Kwon Chun, 99, of Honolulu, a retired banker and China business consultant, died. He was born in Kailua. He is survived by wife Sau Chun W., daughter Yen and two grandchildren. Private services. In lieu of flowers, donations suggested to University of Hawaii Foundation for Center of Chinese Studies.
http://obits.staradvertiser.com/2011/01/06/walter-chee-kwon-chun/
Walter Chun - A Lifetime Adventure With China
- please watch video online, Walter's coverage start
from the 7 minute http://vimeo.com/19468667
January
18 2011
Hawaii Born Chinese American Dedicated Life to Improve Sino-U.S. Relations - Walter Chee Kwon Chun, March 18, 1911 – December 27, 2010.
Walter Chee Kwon Chun was born in Kailua, Hawaii, the 9th child of a family of 10. In 1934, right after Chee Kwon graduated from the University of Hawaii, his brother-in-law Dr. Sun Fo, son of Sun Yat-sen, took him to China to be his English Secretary at the Legislative Yuan—the highest law-making body in the Nanking government.
A patriot during wartime - During the Sino-Japanese war, Chee Kwon spent 9 months in Yan’an, where the Communist headquarters were located. He met all the top leaders including Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, and Generals Zhu De and Wang Zhen. Subsequently, he served as the Director of the Chinese Industrial Cooperative (INDUSCO) covering seven southeast provinces and four war zones for 6 years (1940-1947). INDUSCO was a crucial industrial component in support of the anti-Japanese movement. They collected resources for the war effort by creating small cooperative industries in the countryside.
Living in Beijing - In 1950, Chee Kwon married Sau Chun Wong, a high school teacher, in Honolulu. Eight days after their marriage, they moved to Beijing. Their children Ping and Yen were born in Beijing. Chee Kwon worked in the Foreign Press Publishing House and helped distribute Chinese publications worldwide.
In 1957 Chee Kwon assisted China in setting up the first Guangzhou Trade Fair. During their 11 years in China, the Chuns lived frugally and went through many difficult times but spiritually, Sau Chun felt it was the highlight of her life.
Pioneers in US-China Trade - The Chun family moved to Hong Kong in 1961. Chee Kwon became the only American citizen working as a high-ranking manager in a Chinese bank. He helped to cultivate relationships between American and Chinese banks before diplomatic relations were established between the two nations. He also assisted Bank of America in issuing its first travelers’ checks in Hong Kong.
After President Nixon made his historical visit to China in 1972, the Chuns started their consulting business to promote US-China trade and represented numerous Fortune 500 corporations in China. Because Chee Kwon knew American culture and practices, the Chuns were extremely successful and effective in the US-China consulting business. With their daughter Yen, they helped arrange Dr. Armand Hammer of Occidental Petroleum’s historical visit to China in 1980. Hammer was the first corporate CEO that was able to fly his private jet into China. Among the many projects they did was the transfer of Hughes Tool drill bit technology to the Chinese Ministry of Petroleum, and the construction of a drill bit plant in Wuhan Oil Field– a US$200 million project.
Building the US-China Relationship / Philanthropy - In 1972, the Chuns assisted Governor Burns of the State of Hawaii in delivering his goodwill letter and gifts to Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai. Governor Burns later sent a delegation to the Canton Trade Fair, as the political climate was complicated and chill at the time.
The Chuns were also instrumental in the establishment of sister—state relations between Hawaii and Guangdong, as well as assisting Councilman Leigh Wai Doo form the sister—island relations between Oahu and Hainan.
The Chuns lost their son Ping Chun in a plane crash in 1979. They used the compensation to set up scholarships at the Illinois Institute of Technology and the University of Hawaii, build schools in China’s rural areas, and fund many educational projects in China.
Chee Kwon dedicated his entire adult life in helping China and improving understanding and friendship between the peoples of the US and China. He was one of the founders of the Soong Ching Ling Foundation in the US and honorary trustee for the Soong Ching Ling (Madam Sun Yat-sen) Foundation in China. In 1994, Chee Kwon received the Soong Ching Ling Camphor Tree Award given to individuals with outstanding contributions to improving maternity care and children’s education and health in China. In 2010, he and his wife were awarded “Life-time Achievement Award” by the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Hawaii Foundation in Honolulu and honored by the Honolulu City Council.
December 27 2010 2010年12月27日
November 19 2010 2010年11月19日
Michael Zhang, CEO of Blue Hawaii
Lifestyles and Member of the Hong Kong.China.Hawaii Chamber of Commerce open
their 4th Store at the Pearlridge Shopping Center
November 19 2010 2010年11月19日
Yen Chun (Front 3rd
from right), Director of Dr. Sun Yat Sin Hawaii Foundation and
Director & Founding Member of the Hong Kong.China.Hawaii Chamber of Commerce
中山誕辰銅像獻花致敬
(本報夏威夷訊)
夏威夷孫中山基金會紀念孫中山先生144周年誕辰，向少年孫中山銅像獻花致敬後合影。周光世攝
十一月十二日為孫中山先生144周年誕辰紀念日，「夏威夷孫中山基金會」於當天中午12時半在夏威夷劇院旁邊的「孫中山紀念公園」向「少年孫中山銅像」獻花致敬。
參加獻花儀式有，計有孫中山基金會的主要幹部陳燕、張帝喜、鄭友仁、謝僊齡、鄭天照、許允莊、李子健、孔子學院任友梅教授及多位僑胞。他們在「少年孫中山銅像」前獻花，唱生日歌，行三鞠躬禮致敬，孫中山基金會主席陸關祺因出外無法參加，也由陳燕代表向銅像獻上花環。
孫中山公園座落於荷梯厘北街與拔圖街交界處，即夏威夷劇院的左側地區，原名為「Gateway
Park」，2007年當時市長韓納曼將該公園改名為「孫中山公園」。由於孫中山先生係於13歲時抵達檀香山求學，夏威夷孫中山基金會會長陸關祺特別邀請香港著名雕塑家朱達誠製作了一座孫中山13歲時的銅像，安置於新命名的「孫中山紀念公園」內，以供遊客及檀香山市民敬仰和紀念。
孫中山先生曾說：「這是我的夏威夷…我在這裡長大和受教育。在這裡，我開始懂得甚麼是現代，文明政府，這樣的政府意謂著甚麼。」這句名言被刻在少年孫中山銅像旁邊的石碑上，供人思考和學習。
November 15 2010 2010年11月15日
Yen Chun Yen Chun (Front 3rd
from right), Director of Dr. Sun Yat Sin Hawaii Foundation and
Director & Founding Member of the Hong Kong.China.Hawaii Chamber of Commerce
October 31 2010 2010年10月31日 星期日
06:30
關錦鵬
在新作品《用心跳》中找來劉嘉玲、梁家輝等10位紅星客串，更起用來自上海戲劇、音樂學院的學生擔演，關錦鵬藉電影希望能做到承傳的目標。關錦鵬有見影圈裏青黃不接，決定培訓新人來接班。
關錦鵬憑新片培育影圈接班人
喜獲10大紅星客串支持 關錦鵬憑新片培育影圈接班人
關錦鵬執導的新片《用心跳》，找來上海戲劇學院及上海音樂學院的學生擔演，還大碌友情卡，邀得劉嘉玲，梁家輝、王磊、胡軍
、杜可風和張叔平等紅星影人助陣，演繹一個穿越兩個時空的歌舞故事。開拍《用》片，對於關錦鵬來說，全因想做到承傳的目標，皆因他看到影圈裏青黃不接的問題，希望憑新片為影圈帶出更多人才，他說：「拍電影劇本很重要，但演員方面，在主流的電影市場裏，來來去去都只是數位演員在忙拍戲，後生或新一輩的演員很少，今次我做的電影，找新人演出只是希望能做到一個承傳，而劉嘉玲、梁家輝等等10多位好友對來參演的目的覺得很有意思，亦很支持我的方向，即使客串也願意參演，希望給更多機會了新人。」
悉心調教
於影圈多年的關錦鵬，憑著過往的經驗，於拍攝電影上並未感到有難度，但要調教一班新生代的演員，當中亦花了不少時間，他說：「這次參演的學生，他們大多只有在舞台演出的經驗，最初給我的感覺就像訓練班一樣，因為他們過往所接觸的是百老匯式的演出，對於黃梅調的一切感覺很疏離，開拍前也需要時間讓他們適應，但漸漸啟發了他們的創意，讓他們從生活細節去想，相信價值觀念，很自然地便轉化了變得投入，這次教一班新演員也有激氣和勞氣的時候，但能教出演員做到有好成績，令自己也很有滿足感。」關錦鵬還透露忙畢《用》片後，便著手籌備另一新片《牡丹亭》，有意找梁朝偉
演出，不過劇本還在編寫中，待完成劇本後才找角色人選。
亦師亦友
至於有份參演《用》片的內地新演員高婷婷和江一，對於舞台和電影的演出差別大，直言也需時間去跨越一個關口，高婷婷說：「舞台的演出是較誇張一點，但電影的角色要花時間去揣摩，當跨越了這段轉變適應期，還原在正常生活上去細想角色，便學到當中的體會。」對於和關錦鵬導演合作電影，江一續說：「在演出上，關導演跟我們感覺像師傅和徒弟，自己演得不好會返家反思，明天要自己再好點，做好自己角色。
在私下大家就如朋友，他對我們的生活和工作，亦打電話關心慰問，不論在演出或生活也教我們很多。」對於未來的人生路，高婷婷和江一坦言只是剛剛畢業，但也希望爭取更多演出機會，做出一點成績。
 內地新演員高婷婷和江一表示導演關錦鵬教曉他們很多東西。
 劉嘉玲得悉關錦鵬新片《用心跳》是為影圈帶出更多人才，即二話不說答應客串。
 ■影帝梁家輝亦很支持關錦鵬培育新人的計畫。(資料圖片)
click on small picture for FULL view
September 30 2010
 East-West Center recognizes
AmCham Shanghai President Brenda Foster
AmCham Shanghai President Brenda Foster was recently recognized by the East-West
Center as the Center celebrates 50 years since its founding with 50 stories of
alumni. The feature appears in the East-West Center's 50-year anniversary
publication, East-West Center: Fifty Years, Fifty Stories. Other East-West
Center alumni featured in the publication include Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus
and Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. Foster was recognized for her work
promoting U.S.-China business ties.
Since 1960, the East-West Center in Honolulu, Hawaii has played host to a vast
network of trailblazers who have influenced change and shaped the future of the
Asia-Pacific region. The profiles of these 50 individuals showcase the EWC
alumni's contributions to global understanding, building an Asia Pacific
community and shaping the future of a region undergoing dramatic transformation.
Foster joined the EWC on a fellowship in 1976. She advised two of Hawaii’s
governors on international relations before moving to Shanghai in 2001 to assume
the presidency of AmCham Shanghai. "My EWC experience is what opened the doors
for me to even more opportunities in the international arena. It showed me the
importance of people and partnerships--and cooperation and what you can
achieve," remarked Foster on her EWC experience.
Now in her fifth year as president of the Chamber, Foster’s daily work requires
interaction with government officials and business executives from all over the
world, especially China and the United States. "We are big on building
partnerships that have global reach and can support U.S. competition in China,"
says Foster.
A key initiative overseen by Foster has been the development of the Chamber's
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. Under her leadership, AmCham
Shanghai and the Shanghai Soong Ching Ling Foundation have forged strong ties
resulting in the funding of more than 12 birthing clinics in rural Guizhou,
Guangxi and Yunnan provinces that have enabled the safe delivery of nearly 5,000
babies.
Washington DC USA September 29 2010
AMERICAN CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE IN SHANGHAI DELEGATION - The U.S.-China Economic Relationship and the
National Export Initiative
Honolulu Hawaii USA August 18 2010
Super Kids of China - A troupe of talented Chinese youths make a rare appearance
in Hawaii on Aug 27th
In these times of fast-paced transportation to every nook on the globe -
physically via jet, or virtually via Internet - there’s yet another way to take
a journey in person, but without the jet lag and gaping hole in your bank
account. Offering a cultural portal to China, 45 youngsters, or should we say
wunderkinds, known as The Shanghai Children’s Palace Art Troupe will be at
Blaisdell Concert Hall Aug. 27 at 7:30 p.m. Columns of history support the stage
on which these 10-to 17-year-olds perform their song, music and dance the world
over.
 “The children will be doing dance
including ballet, Chinese traditional dance and minority dances,” explains Yen
Chun, who’s on the board of directors of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of
Hawaii. “Did you know China has 55 national minorities?”
The children also are accomplished in Beijing Opera and in playing Chinese
instruments as well as piano and violin. But we need to go back a little in
history to understand the full import of this troupe.
Besides her role with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Chun also directs the Dr.
Sun Yat-sen Hawaii Foundation, is founder of the U.S. Soong Ching Ling
Foundation and honorary chairwoman of the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation -
some of the organizations responsible for the presence of the troupe in Hawaii.
Soong Ching Ling was the wife of Sun Yat-sen, the father of modern China.
“Madam Sun Yat-sen dedicated her whole life to China’s revolution, and she
worked really hard to increase the welfare of women and children,” says Chun.
“She worked in an orphanage, she founded a maternity hospital, a youth theater.
She founded a magazine called China Reconstructs, which is today’s China Today.
In 1949, after China became the People’s Republic of China, the government gave
Soong Ching Ling a beautiful home that previously belonged to a business
tycoon.”
The troupe’s featured pianist, Yang Chao Jun - In 1953, Ling’s philanthropic
concern for children manifested in turning that beautiful estate into the China
Welfare Institute Children’s Palace, the first place in the nation to conduct
after-school programs. (In the spirit of Ling, the troupe’s Aug. 27 performance
will benefit Child and Family Service.) In addition to the performing arts,
Palace students have the opportunity to enroll in calligraphy, painting,
sculpture, computer science, environmental protection, model making and
photography. Since that first Palace, many more have opened in almost every
city. Prodigies as young as 6 arrive with hope at the Palace, where they must
pass an exam before the doors of opportunity open.
 Those golden doors greeted the now
15-year-old featured pianist who will be on stage here in Hawaii, Yang Chao Jun.
“Jun started playing at 4,” reads Chun, translating the Chinese pamphlet into
English. “At 6 years old she took the exam and got admitted at the Children’s
Palace. Then she started playing and won many, many awards.”
Jun wasn’t just tapped by a fairy godmother’s wand. Her poverty-stricken family
lived outside of Shanghai, where both parents’ill health kept them unemployed.
Jun managed to get ahold of some instructional video CDs. “She couldn’t afford
piano lessons, so she watched the VCDs and imitated them at home,” says Chun.
After she passed the exam, the Children’s Palace gave her a full scholarship and
then she blossomed, winning numerous competitions and playing Chopin for
audiences in France, Australia, the Philippines, Korea and Poland (Chopin’s
birthplace).
The show includes a traditional Chinese opera
The show includes a traditional Chinese opera - The Palace children often go on
to become teachers, professionals and even famous personalities. They performed
at the Shanghai World Expo Opening Ceremony earlier this year - the largest
World Expo yet. They have performed for various world dignitaries, including a
performance at the White House: “I believe it was Ronald Reagan who called them
the little ambassadors,” says Chun.
One Palace girl who performed in Hawaii - the troupe has performed here three
times - became famous for her role as the young Soong Ai-ling, sister of Soong
Ching Ling, in the 1997 film The Soong Sisters.
Yen Chun has another story about an 8-year-old piano player who arrived in
Hawaii with the Palace Art Troupe in 1989, the first time the troupe performed
here, for the 200-year anniversary of the Chinese in Hawaii.
By By Rasa Fournier
http://www.midweek.com/content/story/midweek_extrastory/Shanghai_Childrens_Palace_Art_Troupe/
Honolulu Hawaii USA: June 28 2010 - HKCHcc
Founding Director/Member, UH TIM Dean Emeritus Chuck and UH Board of Regent is
in the news regarding University of Hawaii Approves Giant Telescope
''I think it would be almost unthinkable not to approve this project for what it
would means for scientific research and astronomy, what it would mean for
education, and the answers it may provide to unlock the mysteries of the
universe,'' said board member Chuck Gee. For complete story go to
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/06/28/business/AP-HI-Giant-Telescope.html?_r=1
Hong Kong April 27 2010
 OBITUARY: The
debonair hotelier who always went the extra mile to help (Manuel Rosas Woo
1929-2010)
Hong Kong lost a passionate driving force behind the hotel and travel industry
with the death of Manuel Woo. The Philippine-born hotelier was the longest
serving executive director of the Hong Kong Hotels Association from 1979 to
1996. He once said: "Our hallmark is quality and the city does not win its
reputation easily". For years, he spared no effort to nurture the next
generation of the industry, emphasising training and education. The 81-year-old
hotelier died of heart failure on April 27. The eldest of eight brothers and
sisters, Woo migrated with his family from Zamboanga City to Hong Kong in 1935.
He was a merchant seaman in his early twenties before entering the hotel scene.
His diligence won him association scholarships to study at both the East-West
Centre of the University of Hawaii and at a Cornell University program. He
quickly became part of senior management at various hotel chains such as the
Dusit Thani in Bangkok, the Shangri-La in Singapore and the Miramar in Honolulu.
The global network he cultivated contributed to the growth of the hotel and
tourism industry in Hong Kong and later created many career and business
opportunities in the industry. When he took over the Hotels Association post in
1979, Hong Kong welcomed 2.2 million visitors and had 46 hotels with 14,363
rooms. By 1996, the year he stepped down as executive director, the number of
visitors had hit 11.7 million and the city's inventory boasted 88 hotels with
31,667 rooms. According to hotel consultant Rudolf Greiner, who worked with Woo
over two decades, Woo's natural-born professional manner brought Chinese and
foreign hoteliers together. "In the mid-1980s during my HKHA chairmanship, he
was the driving force behind the decision to bring the first mainland students
to Hong Kong in groups of around 25. The students, totalling over 200, were
placed in our four and five-star hotels for six-month tailored on-the-job
training. He foresaw the need to share the same high Hong Kong standards with
our friends in the PRC and many of these students are today senior hotel
executives in the PRC. "He was not only a good friend - he was a general among
men. Always on call, he was known for his dedication and commitment to the
development of strong education and vocational training programmes. For years,
he worked closely with and in support of the polytechnic and numerous other
hospitality institutes and vocational training centres. Hotels Association
executive director James Lu Shien-hwai succeeded Woo after having been his
deputy for 12 months. "Manny always had an answer or solution to a problem and
if he didn't have one, he would have someone who could provide the answer
through his wide and strong network of friends and business associates. "Manny
looked after his friends and was always prepared to go the extra mile for them.
In protecting the interests of the association and working on matters of
principle, he was firm and uncompromising. He was deeply passionate about the
association and the hotel industry in Hong Kong." A long-time friend, former
Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong general manager and Hotels Association chairman
Andreas Hofer, said: "A vacancy for the position of executive director of the
HKHA became available in 1978 and as chairman, I was able to convince Manuel to
join from the Miramar hotel. He was an excellent communicator and his
appointment was a resounding success in all the years that he held the post."
The Polytechnic University's School of Hotel and Tourism Management had a long
association with Woo who served as a chairman of an advisory committee for the
school from 1986 to 1994. The debonair hotelier also established the Manuel Woo
Scholarship to encourage academic and personal excellence among the school's
students. He was also instrumental in establishing the Andreas Hofer Scholarship
for outstanding students. School director Professor Kaye Chon said: "Woo made
remarkable contributions to the hotel industry as well as to the development of
hospitality and tourism education in Hong Kong." Woo is survived by two sons,
Edmund and Raymond.
Honolulu Hawaii March 28 2010
University of Hawaii Board of Regent -
Dean Emeritus Chuck Y Gee
 As
dean of the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa School of Travel Industry Management
from 1976 until his retirement in 1999, Chuck Yim Gee expanded the curriculum to
include a MS graduate program and a research center. The school gained an
international reputation among U.S. institutions and the Pacific-Asia
region—later designated as the Asia-Pacific regional center of the World Tourism
Organization for tourism training and research. He joined the board in 2009.
Gee previously served as interim dean of the UH Manoa College of Business
Administration and held appointments on the faculties of the University of
Denver, Oregon State University and Technology and Development Institute of the
East West Center.
Since 1978, he has been an advisor to China’s tourism industry and academia,
holding honorary professorships at Nakai University in Tianjin, Beijing
University of International Studies, Shanghai Normal University, Shunde
Polytechnic University and others. He has written extensively on hotel and
resort development and management, including textbooks considered seminal works
in treating the subjects within a global context.
Gee serves as advisor and consultant to various institutions, small business
enterprises, international hotels and tourism organizations. He remains active
in voluntary travel and non travel-related associations, including the Pacific
Asia Travel Association, Academic Advisory Council of the Institute of Certified
Travel Agents, Pacific Rim Foundation, Kuakini Health System Board of Trustees,
the Kuakini Medical Center board and the Hong Kong-China-Hawai‘i Chamber of
Commerce (of which he is a founding director).
Gee was appointed to the 15-member Travel and Tourism Advisory Board of the U.S.
Department of Commerce under Presidents Carter, Reagan and Bush. On behalf of
the first Bush Administration and USAID, he developed a national tourism plan
for Ecuador. In 1995 he was appointed as a Hawai‘i delegate to the first White
House Conference on Travel and Tourism under the Clinton Administration.
Gee has received numerous awards, including the Award of Excellence for Tourism
Education from the National Tourism Administration of the People’s Republic of
China, Pacific Asia Travel Association’s Presidential Award and Grand Award for
Individual Educational Accomplishment, Academy of Tourism Organizations’ NOAH
Award and Travel Industry Association’s America Hall of Leaders Award. The State
of Hawai‘i honored him as State Manager of the Year in 1995 and the Honolulu
Star-Bulletin in 1999 named him one of the 100 people who made a difference for
the State of Hawai‘i during the 20th Century.
Gee is a US Army veteran of the Korean War era. He holds a BA and BS from the
University of Denver and MA from Michigan State University.
Honolulu Hawaii January 25 2010 - Michael
Zhang of Blue Hawaii LifeStyle (BHL) is excited to announce the opening of their
second location, BHL Café, at 1111 Bishop Street, in downtown Honolulu.
Since opening their first store in Ala Moana Center, Blue Hawaii LifeStyle has
become a destination location for those who actively pursue a healthy and green
lifestyle. Significantly, Blue Hawaii LifeStyle’s signature item, the Blue
Hawaii Açaí bowl has come to be recognized as one of the best açaí bowls in
town. Additionally, BHL has partnered with Ken Weller, former Senior Vice
President of Best Buy and BHL first round investor, to open five stores in the
San Francisco area within the next three years. Store number one is scheduled
for a 1 May 2010 opening in the heart of San Francisco’s commercial district,
the Embarcadero Center. And Blue Hawaii LifeStyle’s continental US expansion
plans continue on a strong path, with plans in development for Los Angeles area
locations, spreading their “Live healthy, live Aloha” message region by region.
Blue Hawaii’s ambitions to make inroads in Asia are also in development, with
plans for expansion in Japan and China. BHL anticipates opening their first
store in Shanghai in 2011, and expanding to tier one cities Beijing and
Guangzhou, for a total of 50 locations, within five years.
Honolulu Hawaii December 16 2009 - Dr Sun
Yat Sin Hawaii Foundation honored 98 years old Walter Chun and his wife Jenny
Chun (the Parents of HKCHcc Founding member/director Ms. Yen Chun) with the Life
Time Achievement Award at the Honolulu City Hall.
World Journal Newspaper - Honolulu Hawaii USA
- December 18 2009
 June 7 2009
Shanghai China: Leadership and a lifetime of service
MANY gathered in Shanghai last
month for a small function to salute the leadership career of internationally
respected Asian affairs expert Brenda Lei Foster.
It was a low-key drinks and canapes function in an art gallery down the depths
of a lane off Fuxing Road.
But the size and quaint venue belied the significance of Foster, president of
the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, receiving the Athena International
Award in recognition of her years of service to business leadership and women's
affairs.
Visitors had come especially from the United States for the Chicago-based
women's leadership organization's award presentation, the first time to an
expatriate American.
Foster was visibly humbled to receive the award of the experience of a lifetime?
and gracious in accepting it on behalf of all professional women for the types
of work we've done together over the years and the experiences we've had.?
Humbled she might have been but honored she was and her name joins the ranks of
some heavy-hitting previous recipients.
They include US Supreme Court Judge Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Nancy Woodhull, a
co-founding editor of USA Today, Kay Koplovitz, founder of USA Networks,
attorney Sarah Weddington who argued the winning side of the landmark case Roe v
Wade, and the Chinese businesswoman and philanthropist Guo Junqin, the first
Chinese recipient.
It was presented on behalf of Athena by former board member Jerrie Ueberle who
reiterated that it honored all of Fosterís career, including her AmCham work and
her early vision to recognize the importance of China 30 years ago.
President of AmCham Shanghai since 2005, Foster has past careers as an adviser
to the Governor of Hawaii on international affairs and director of the stateís
international relations office.
She is a member of US national organizations, the Council on Foreign Relations,
the Pacific Council on International Policy and the National Committee of
US-China Relations, among others.
Her in-country? China experience started in 1978 but her 30-year engagement was
a foregone conclusion once she decided to devote her university years to Chinese
studies following the inspiration of a history teacher when she was a high
school sophomore.
He had been a German translator during the Nuremberg trials and told me that if
I wanted to take a language I should choose one that would be continually
intellectually stimulating and that many Westerners did not speak,? she said.
I Coming from Hawaii, my family was always closely connected to China through a
lot of Chinese friends so I decided to learn the language.?
She earned a BA and MA in Chinese studies from the University of Washington at
Seattle and subsequently an MBA from the University of Hawaii.
Her first visit in 1978 occurred six months before the United States and China
normalized relations and, as executive director of Hawaiiís Pacific and Asian
Affairs Council, she got State Department approval to host a delegation through
China of academics and high school students.
Hawaii has a very long history with China. Dr Sun Yat-sen went to school there
and several of our overseas Chinese community members there helped fund his
revolution in China in the early 1900s,? she said.
Since then Foster has been in and out from her Honolulu home base, working
originally in Beijing but with Shanghai as a particular area of research.
Domiciled now in Shanghai for four years, she said one of the most important
China matters sheís currently associated with is AmChamís work in collaboration
with the Soong Ching Ling Foundation which focuses on children's well-being.
We have partnered with the foundation to build health care clinics in rural
China, in some of its poorest areas, in Guizhou (Province), where people have
never had health care and, much to my surprise, where a lot of them in ethnic
areas have never seen foreigners before,? Foster said.
As a result, we have helped eliminate the neo natal death rate in some
communities. We have worked on maternal health care because prior to the clinics
most women had to give birth in unhealthy rural locations.
By moving them into clinics we have improved the care. The economic development
of villages has increased and itís just been an incredible thing to see. Itís
been about sharing best practices, sharing about caring for people and it really
does make a difference.?
AmCham started the program three years ago and it's been nationally recognized,
even by the central government, as a model program.?
Foster praised the work of the All China Women's Federation and the Shanghai
Women's Federation as well as Madam Soong, Sun Yat-senís wife, providing the
role model to help women and children.
I have felt that health care was China's Achilles heel but now the central
government is developing a national initiative and it is something that we all
need to work on for the betterment of everybody in this community,? she said.
Ueberle, an eager beaver in her own right developing women's programs and
education centers in Hunan Province, hopes that Fosterís award will inspire
other women doing work equally deserving of recognition.
And if there's any doubt how to do it, just take a look. Foster continues to ply
her leadership skills in Shanghai in her own unique way.
I share experience and knowledge on a daily basis with my Chamber of Commerce
staff, whether on US-China policy issues or personal issues. If you don't share
what you know, youíre never going to accomplish anything ? because then you
can't lead.?
SHANGHAI, May 15, 2009 – The American
Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai (AmCham Shanghai) is pleased to announce that
Brenda Lei Foster, president of AmCham Shanghai, will receive the international
ATHENA Leadership Award.
BRENDA LEI FOSTER, PRESIDENT OF
AMCHAM SHANGHAI, ACCEPTS PRESTIGIOUS ATHENA LEADERSHIP AWARD
Brenda Lei Foster, Kailua resident and former executive policy assistant to
Governor Ben Cayetano, will be presented with the ATHENA Leadership award by
ATHENA International in Shanghai on May 15, 2009
Presented by ATHENA International, a professional Women’s Leadership
Organization headquarted in Chicago USA, the ATHENA Award is presented to
outstanding leaders who achieve excellence in her business or profession, serve
the community in a meaningful way, and actively assist women in their attainment
of professional goals and leadership skills.
Three Athena Awards have been given in China since the award’s inception in
1982; Ms. Foster is the first expatriate to receive the award. The award
celebration will take place on May 15, 2009 at the Women Making a World
Difference reception at the Art + Shanghai Gallery.
A nationally and internationally respected expert in Asian Affairs, Ms. Foster
has more than 30 years of experience working with China and is a member of
several national organizations including the Council on Foreign Relations (NY),
the Pacific Council on International Policy (LA), the National Committee on
U.S.-China Relations, the Asia Society, and the U.S. Committee on the Council
for Security Cooperation in Asia and the Pacific. Ms. Foster has been president
of AmCham Shanghai since 2005. Prior to that, she was President & CEO of ULU
Group, Ltd., a firm specializing in emerging technologies in the Asia-Pacific
region. Ms. Foster has also held the positions of Executive Advisor to the
Governor of Hawaii for International and National Affairs and Director of the
State of Hawaii’s Office of International Relations. Ms. Foster holds a B.A. and
M.A. in Chinese studies from the University of Washington and an M.B.A. from the
University of Hawaii.
The ATHENA Award is unique in that it recognizes individuals across professional
sectors for professional excellence, giving back to the community, and, most
importantly, actively assisting women in realizing their full leadership
potential. It is this focus on mentorship that makes the ATHENA Award stand out
among leadership awards of its kind.
ATHENA International is partnering with Global Interactions to present the
ATHENA Leadership Award to Brenda Foster. The program actively supports ATHENA’s
mission to support, develop and honor women leaders and create balance in
leadership worldwide.
Media Contact:
David Basmajian, Director, Communications & Publications
The American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai
(86 21) 6279 8066,
david.basmajian@amcham-shanghai.org
About the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai:
The American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, known as the “Voice of American
Business” in China, is the largest and fastest growing American Chamber in the
Asia Pacific region. Founded in 1915, AmCham Shanghai was the third American
Chamber established outside the United States. As a non-profit, non-partisan
business organization, AmCham Shanghai is committed to the principals of free
trade, open markets, private enterprise and the unrestricted flow of
information.
AmCham Shanghai’s mission is to support the success of our members by promoting
a healthy business environment in China, strengthening U.S.-China commercial
ties and providing high-quality business information and resources.
Visit www.amcham-shanghai.org
for more information about AmCham Shanghai.
For more information about the ATHENA Award, ATHENA International or its
programs, contact Dianne Dinkel at
ddinkel@athenainternational.org
or visit
www.athenainternational.org
Jan 3 2009 8:09pm
 Dr. Chuck Gee - One of The five new
regents selected by the governor Lingle
http://www.johnsonchoi.com/chuckgee.htm
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20090103/BREAKING01/90103019
Lingle complies with court order, names 5 new UH regents
Complying with an order from the Hawai'i Supreme Court, Gov. Linda Lingle today
announced she has selected five individuals to immediately replace University of
Hawai'i regents who have been serving as holdovers since their terms expired at
the end of June. The court's order, issued Dec. 4, 2008, found that Lingle's
actions in holding over the regents violated state law. The names of the new
appointees will be submitted to the state Senate for its advice and consent when
it convenes later this month, Lingle's office said in a news release.
The five new regents selected by the governor are:
Dr. Ramon de la Pena will serve as the regent from Kaua'i County for a four-year
term that expires June 30, 2012. An emeritus professor and agronomist at the
University of Hawai'i at Manoa, de la Pena has served on the Board of Regents
since September 2004. When his term expired on June 30, 2008, the governor named
de la Pena as a holdover regent.
Mark Fukunaga will serve as one of five regents from the City and County of
Honolulu. Fukunaga, chairman and CEO of Servco Pacific Inc., will serve a term
that expires on June 30, 2011.
Dr. Chuck Gee, former dean of the University of Hawai'i School of Travel
Industry Management, will serve as one of five regents from the City and County
of Honolulu. Gee will serve a term that expires on June 30, 2010.
Eric Martinson, managing director and vice president of Tradewind Capital Group,
Inc., has also been appointed as one of five regents from the City and County of
Honolulu. Martinson's term will expire on June 30, 2009.
Grant Teichman, a senior majoring in history and political science at the
University of Hawai'i, has been selected to serve as the student regent. His
term expires on June 30, 2010.
Since the Hawai'i Supreme Court's order that directed the governor select
replacements for the six regents held over after their terms expired on June 30,
2008, from the list of qualified candidates presented to her by the Regents
Candidate Advisory Council, two of the five candidates for the second at-large
regent withdrew their names from consideration.
The governor has filed a motion to stay the effect of the Dec. 4 order and a
motion requesting additional time to secure replacement nominations from the
council from which to select a replacement for the at-large regent.
The Supreme Court has granted the motion for stay in order to consider the
motion for additional time and any opposition that might be filed.
POSTED: 03:27 p.m. HST, Jan 03, 2009
http://www.starbulletin.com/news/breaking/37048439.html
Lingle names new University of Hawaii regents
Gov. Linda Lingle is partially fulfilling a Hawaii Supreme Court order that she
name new members to the University of Hawaii Board of Regents whose terms
expired more than six months ago. Lingle announced today she has selected five
people to immediately replace the holdovers, who she had tried to keep on the
board rather than nominating new appointments.
The Supreme Court on Dec. 4 gave her 30 days to pick six candidates for the
board. Lingle requested additional time from the court to choose the last
regent.
The five new regents are University of Hawaii agronomist Ramon de la Pena,
Servco Pacific chairman Mark Fukunaga, former University of Hawaii Travel
Industry Management Dean Chuck Gee, Tradewind Capital Group Managing Director
Eric Martinson and University of Hawaii student Grant Teichman.
November 9 2008: ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 2009 AMCHAM SHANGHAI BOARD OF GOVERNORS
The American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai (AmCham Shanghai) is pleased to
announce the results of the 2009 AmCham Shanghai Board of Governors election.
Results were announced at the AmChamShanghai Annual General Meeting held on
November 8th at the Portman Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Shanghai.
"I congratulate the newly elected 2009 AmCham Shanghai Board of Governors. I
would also like to thank all the candidates who ran for Chairman and Governors.
The strength of our slate of candidates is a tribute to AmCham Shanghai and the
quality of our membership," said 2008 Nominations and Elections Committee (NEC)
Chairman and past Board Chairman Phil Branham at AmCham Shanghai's Annual
General Meeting Thursday night. "Nor Coquillard has served on the Board for five
years and as 2008 Chairman. His continued leadership, experience and knowledge
of the membership will be critical to leading the organization to a successful
2009. Congratulations to the entire slate of candidates and to all of the
elected Board members."
In 2008, the AmCham Shanghai Board of Governors began serving two-year terms.
The terms are staggered to ensure Board continuity and Governors remain familiar
with current Chamber issues. Six Governors were elected last year to serve on
the Board in 2008 and 2009.
In this year's election, there were five seats up for election to serve on the
Board of Governors in 2009 and 2010. Due to the departure of current Board
members Eric Fiedler and Mark Fromm from China at the end of the year, two
candidates were elected to serve the remaining one-year of their two-year term.
Members also voted for Chairman and Vice-Chairman.
2009 Board of Governors, Chairman
J. Norwell Coquillard
President
Cargill Investments (China), Ltd.
2009 Board of Governors, Vice Chairman
John Grobowski
Managing Partner
Faegre & Benson LLP Shanghai
The five candidates elected to serve on the Board of Governors in 2009 and 2010
are:
Eddy Chan
Head of China and Senior Vice President
FedEx Express
Murray King
Managing Director - Shanghai
APCO Worldwide
Diane Long
Director
Unison International
Matthew Targett
Asia-Pacific Technology Director
INVISTA
Warren Wisnewski
Director and Vice President, Asia-Pacific Operations
Eastman Kodak Co.
The following two candidates were elected to serve out the two-year terms of
departing Board of Governor members Eric Fiedler and Mark Fromm (2009):
Minda Ho
Executive Vice President
Praxair (China) Investment Co., Ltd.
Ted Hornbein
Managing Director for Asia
Richco, Inc.
The AmCham Shanghai 2009 Board of Governors
Chairman
J. Norwell Coquillard
President
Cargill Investments (China), Ltd.
Vice Chairman
John Grobowski
Managing Partner
Faegre & Benson LLP Shanghai
Governors
Eddy Chan
Head of China and Senior Vice President
FedEx Express
Pierre E. Cohade
President, Asia-Pacific Region
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.
Minda Ho
Executive Vice President
Praxair (China) Investment Co., Ltd.
Ted Hornbein
Managing Director for Asia
Richco, Inc.
Murray King
Managing Director - Shanghai
APCO Worldwide
Diane Long
Director
Unison International
James Rice
Vice President & Country Manager
Tyson Foods, Inc.
Matthew Targett
Asia-Pacific Technology Director
INVISTA
Warren Wisnewski
Director and Vice President, Asia-Pacific Operations
Eastman Kodak Co
For bios on AmCham Shanghai's 2009 Board of Governors please click HERE
http://www.amcham-shanghai.org/2009bogbios
AmCham Shanghai: The Voice of American Business in China
With almost 4,000 members, including 1,700 corporate members, AmCham Shanghai is
the largest and fastest growing American Chamber in the Asia-Pacific region. The
Chamber's mission is to support the success of our members by promoting a
healthy business environment in China, strengthening U.S.-China commercial ties
and providing high-quality business information and resources.
For further information, please contact:
David Basmajian, Director, Communications and Publications
Tel: +86 21 6279 8066
Email:
david.basmajian@amcham-shanghai.org
Website: www.amcham-shanghai.org
June 12 2008 - Roger Dunn, President, Downtown Rotaract Club and Member of Hong
Kong.China.Hawaii Chamber of Commerce (HKCHcc)
Since our humble beginnings in December 2007, we have expanded our club
membership from just me and Bill White, to a full officer (borad member) list to
an active group membership of about 20 with 70-80 on our email listsev.
We have invited well-respected speakers such as Charles Djou (Honolulu
Councilmember), Mufi Hanneman (Mayor of Honolulu), Tom Anusewicz (Metro Rotary
Club President), and we look forward to Bank of Hawaii economist Paul Brewbaker.
We have held a majority of environment-focused projects from beach, to stream,
to fishpond cleanups. We've also done Access Surf, helping disabled enjoy
surfing!
We hop to maintain if not grow our membership to 30 active members, doing more
diverse projects, inviting more speakers, and having fun socials from BBQs to
hikes, to late-night parties.
The whole point of Rotaract is for young working professionals to interact with
each other, with Rotary, and with their community, to grow as an individual,
employee/employer, citizen of the state, nation, and world. Together we hope to
build good friendships, and a better understanding of how we can give back. For
in giving, we shall receive.
Aloha.
March 18 2008
 We are informed by Mr. Steven C
Preston, Administrator of the United States Small business Administration (SBA)
Washington DC that Johnson Choi, President of the Hong Kong.China.Hawaii Chamber
of Commerce (HKCHcc) has won the Top SBA Award in our category, the "2008
Minority Small Business Champion of the Year" as defined by the SBA is "To Honor
Individuals Who Have Fulfilled a Commitment to Support and Assist Minority
Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners" (Note: HKCHcc have won the "Hawaii
award" as well as the "Regional Award" – topping the other Minority Small
Business Champs in 50 States and Guam to qualify to compete and winning the
"national" award, the top honor in our category).
The award with be presented during the SBA National Business Week at the
Mandarin Oriental Washington
DC April 21 – 23.
Winners will be meeting with
President George Bush at the White House on April 23rd, 3 - 5pm
http://www.nationalsmallbusinessweek.com/schedule/
***
Honolulu man honored in D.C.
Honolulu businessman Johnson Choi was honored by the Small Business
Administration as 2008 Minority Champion during a ceremony today in the nation's
capital.
Choi was one of 10 small-business owners
and leaders of small-business support organizations nationwide recognized for
their support of entrepreneurs. The SBA Champion Awards were presented as part
of the annual observance of National Small Business Week.
Choi, president of the Hong Kong-China-Hawai'i Chamber of Commerce, works with
many Asian immigrants to start businesses, particularly in the area of
exporting. He won at the state and regional level before claiming the national
title.
"The SBA is proud to honor these men and women as true champions of small
business, whose tireless efforts have provided tangible and significant support
to small businesses and to their communities," said SBA Administrator Steve
Preston.
Thursday, February 21, 2008: Governor Linda Lingle gets 22 names for Board of
Regents
Dean Emeritus Chuck Gee of UH School of Travel Industry Management and
Founder/Director of the Hong Kong.China.Hawaii Chamber of Commerce (HKCHcc) is
on the short list.
The names of 22 candidates for 12 vacancies on the University of Hawaii
Board of Regents went to Gov. Linda Lingle Thursday.
The Regents Candidate Advisory Council, created by the state Legislature,
submitted the 22 names to fill out the 15-member board. Lingle will make the
appointments, which require consent by the Senate.
Candidates for terms starting July 1 are:
Student regent (one open seat):
* Grant Teichman
* Joshua Wingstrom
At-large regent (two open seats):
* Andres Albano Jr., vice chairman, whose term ends June 30.
* Michael Dahilig, student board member, whose term has been extended.
* Kitty Lagareta, former chairwoman of the board, whose term has been extended.
* Terri Ann Motosue
* Teena Rasmussen
Hawaii County regent (two open seats):
* Harvey Tajiri
* Ronald Terry
* Carl Carlson Jr.
* Sandra Wood Scarr
Honolulu County regent (five open seats):
* Robin Campaniano
* James Donovan III
* Mark Fukunaga
* Chuck Gee
* Dennis Isao Hirota
* Howard Karr
* Eric Martinson
Kauai County regent (one open seat):
* Thomas M. Cooper
* Ramon de la Pena, board member, whose term ends June 30.
Maui County regent (one open seat):
* Artemio Baxa
* Paul Horikawa
Regents with current terms are board chairman Al Landon, Ronald Migita and James
Haynes III.
Thursday,
February 21, 2008: Allan R. Landon - Chairman, Peter Ho - vice chairman and
Betty H. Brow - Sr. VP open Bank of Hawaii International Client Banking at 2155
Kalakaua Ave in Waikiki Hawaii
Makaha Sons Christmas Concert &
Luncheon- Saturday 12/15/07
December 13 2007 Foshan Guangzhou China
 Dr
Roberta Wong Leung Awarded Foshan Government (Guangzhou China) "Friendship
Award"
 Every three
years the Foshan Government awards a Friendship Award to outstanding foreign
experts who have contributed to the development of Foshan. For the first time,
an educator and woman from the University of Hawaii, USA, Dr Roberta Wong Leung,
Dean and Professor of Shunde Polytechnic, Department of Hotel, Tourism, and
Cuisine Management was awarded the Foshan Government Friendship Award on
December 13, 2007. Dr. Wong is the 1993 distinguished alumni of the School of
Travel Industry Management, University of Hawaii at Manoa; Member and Advisory
Board Member of Hong Kong.China.Hawaii Chamber of Commerce (HKCHcc) with more
than 15 collaboration partner and 20,000 members worldwide.
梁王巧云博士（美国） （顺德职业技术学院酒店与旅游管理系教授）
梁王巧云博士2005年7月被聘为顺德职业技术学院酒店与旅游管理系总监。
她具有20年的国际酒店从业经验和16年酒店专业任教经验。她为顺德职业技术学院酒店及旅游管理系介绍国际酒店业和酒店管理专业发展情况，引进国际酒店业职业资格标准，积极参与酒店及旅游管理系的建设和发展。
2006年初，梁王巧云博士为酒店及旅游管理系毕业生的实习工作出谋划策，2004级113名毕业生在港澳及内地的13家五星级酒店和9家旅行社进行实习。在学生实习过程中，她多次到实习点看望和指导学生。
2006年7月，梁王巧云博士参与联系澳大利亚教育机构BOXHILL TAFE和美国饭店协会，促成顺德职业技术学院与澳大利亚教育机构
BOXHILL TAFE
和美国饭店协会等就师资专业技术培训及学生获取美国饭店协会职业资格证书达成了合作意向。她还积极联络，促成学院与香港、英国等多所大学达成合作意向。
2006年10月，顺德职业技术学院承办“第十六届中国厨师节暨岭南美食文化节学术报告会”。梁王巧云博士参与此次报告会的联络工作，邀请了来自美国、加拿大、瑞士、新加坡等10多个国家的旅游业酒店专家及厨艺名家到会并做了专题讲座，出色地完成了任务。
*我院外籍专家梁王巧云博士荣获"佛山友谊奖" ***
2007年12月13日晚，"佛山友谊奖"颁奖仪式在佛山市政府迎宾馆怡园举行，佛山市市长陈云贤、常务副市长周天明出席了颁奖仪式并讲话，我院科技处副处长刘晓顺、外事办郭永生老师参加了颁奖仪式。市长陈云贤向获得"佛山友谊奖"的10位外国专家颁发了证书，我院外籍专家梁王巧云博士获此殊荣。
"佛山友谊奖"是由佛山市政府专门针对在佛山发展建设中有突出贡献的外国专家设置的奖项，每3年评选一届，每届10人。评选程序是外籍专家所在单位申报，各区组织部门审议推荐，由佛山市市长办公会议审定。
自1999年以来，"佛山友谊奖"已经评选了5届，共有50名外籍专家获奖，前4届获奖人员全部来自企业界，我院的梁王巧云博士是"佛山友谊奖"开设以来唯一来自教育系统获此殊荣的外国专家。
November 8 2007 Shanghai China:
ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 2008 AMCHAM SHANGHAI BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Results were announced at the AmCham Shanghai
Annual General Meeting held on November 8 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Shanghai.
Chairman: J. Norwell Coquillard, President, Cargill Investments (China), Ltd.,
Vice-Chairman: Charles Mo, Principal, Charles Mo & Co.,
Governors: Jeffrey Albright, President, Asia Region, Briggs & Stratton Corp.,
Pierre E. Cohade, President, Asia-Pacific Region, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber
Co., Terence K. Cuddyre, Managing Director, Citigroup Management Consulting
(Shanghai), Eric Fiedler, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Hewitt Associates,
Mark Fromm, General Manager, Siemens, Ltd. China ¨C Automation and Drives Group!
, John V. Grobowski, Partner, Baker & McKenzie Shanghai, James M. Rice, Vice
President & Country Manager, Tyson Foods, Inc., Helen Tantau, Senior Client
Partner, Korn/Ferry International, Matthew Targett, Asia Pacific Technology
Director, INVISTA
June 16 2007 Honolulu Hawaii USA: HKCHcc
Member: The Makaha Sons - 5th Annual Take A Walk in the Country at the Waikiki
Shell
May 30, 2007
I wanted to let you know that AmCham Hong
Kong President Jack Maisano has informed the Board of Governors and me that he
will not be renewing his contract when it expires in February 2008. Jack has
expressed his desire to explore other opportunities after an exciting and
rewarding 3 years with AmCham Hong Kong.
Jack joined AmCham in March 2005 and was tasked to build a new organization that
was better positioned to meet the changing needs of our members. In that regard,
Jack has a number of significant accomplishments that he has championed at
AmCham. He spearheaded a review of AmCham’s strategic plan that resulted in us
building a better platform to allow our members more opportunities to network
with each other. He led the major office renovation in 2006, which has
significantly improved the interaction between members and staff and facilitated
a more efficient and effective means of holding Committee meetings and other
events. He developed a series of new membership categories designed to attract a
broader base of members, including entrepreneurs and individuals. Through all of
his efforts, Jack has demonstrated a commitment to AmCham that was remarkable.
As a true professional, Jack thought it best to provide enough advance notice of
his decision to allow sufficient time to find his successor. He will continue to
manage the day-to-day affairs of AmCham and press ahead with our key 2007
Priorities in the interim period.
We want to thank Jack for his efforts as AmCham President and will miss his
drive and energy. We all wish Jack the best in his next endeavor.
Gary L. Clinton
Chairman
The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong
August 1, 2006
 I
would like to share the following information for your reference. Yes, we are
open for business !
August 1, 2006 - Hyatt is pleased to announce that Hyatt Regency Dongguan in
Dongguan, Guangdong Province in China is now open.
The 350-room property is situated in the business district of the Dongguan Song
Shan Lake Science and Technology Industrial Park, adjacent to the Regional
Government Offices. Covering an area of 48 acres complemented by a 2.5 acre
lychee garden, it has a breathtaking lakefront view. Dongguan is located about
one hour from Guangzhou (48km) and Shenzhen (35km). As the base for over 2,800
information technology enterprises, the city ranks among China's top three in
terms of foreign trade volume. The hotel is about 15km from the Dongguan Railway
Station. The nearest airports are Shenzhen Bao An Airport (35km), Guangzhou New
Baiyun Airport (70km) and Hong Kong's International Airport (90 km).
The hotel's spacious guest rooms and 34 suites all feature wooden floors, high
ceilings and a private balcony, a large work desk, high-speed Internet access
and a 40-inch LCD flat screen television. Bathrooms offer a freestanding rain
shower and most lake-view rooms have an oversized bathtub with lake views.
The Cafe is an indoor and outdoor all-day dining restaurant featuring Asian and
Italian cuisine. The Copper Grill is an elegant grillroom with a show kitchen
and wood-fired ovens. Qin Yuan serves Cantonese cuisine and features 34 private
dining suites. Song Shan Tea House, a casual, contemporary restaurant with show
kitchens and tea library offers the best of Dim Sum and Cantonese dishes. Other
outlets include Pool Cafe, Lobby Lounge and The Lychee Bar.
Meetings and convention attendees will appreciate the 861 square metres
pillarless ballroom with lake view, a salon and seven multi-purpose meeting
rooms.
Leisure facilities include an 1800 square metre free-form lakefront swimming
pool with water slides and an 25 metre indoor pool, a spa center, whirlpool,
fitness centre, two outdoor tennis courts, putting green and Camp Hyatt.
The hotel will open with a limited number of rooms, Song Shan Tea House, Lobby
Lounge, Cafe and part of the Qin Yuan's private dining suites available for
service to the guests. The remaining guestrooms, other restaurants, recreational
facilities and meeting facilities will gradually become available by the end of
September. The Convention and Exhibition Centre and the Spa are scheduled to be
available in December this year.
I look forward to welcoming you to Hyatt Regency Dongguan very soon.
Mahalo
David Chan (UH TIM 1983)
General Manager
Hyatt Regency Dongguan
Song Shan Lake Central District
Dongguan, Guangdong 523808
People's Republic of China
Phone : +86769-22891234
Fax : +86769-22898666
E-mail : david.chan@hyattintl.com
June 24, 2006
Nancy & Gerhart Walch Celebrated their 25th
Wedding Anniversary at the Hilton Hawaiian Village
View Live
Video Online
June 17, 2006
 THE MAKAHA SONS CELEBRATE THEIR 30TH
ANNIVERSARY - Neal Blaisdell Center
Honolulu, Hawaii
May 22-24, 2006
Click on the
pictures below to view live video
Pamela Young Interview Johnson Choi
of CMC Consulting Group Inc and Hong Kong.China.Hawaii Chamber of Commerce on
business and tourism training opportunities
Pamela Young Interview Yen Chun of
CMC Consulting Group Inc on business and tourism training opportunities
http://www.thehawaiichannel.com/news/index.html
 Mixplate - By Pamela Young - Special
Segment on China
Monday - May 22nd; Tuesday - May 23rd and Wednesday - May 24, 2006 5:00pm
(rebroadcast on the following mornings 5-7am)
Stories focus on building of business connections between Hawaii and China,
especially in Guangdong Province; Olympics preparations; cultural connections to
promote tourism and Sister Village relationship between Polynesian Culture
Center and Yunnan Nationalities Village.
Special footage from China with Special
Guests interview such as Ms. Yen Chun of CMC Consulting Group Inc and Sun Yat-Sin
Hawaii Foundation and Johnson Choi of the Hong Kong.China.Hawaii Chamber of
Commerce.
May 18, 2006
Yen Chun and her father Walter
Chun interviewed by Zhongshan Television on their Hawaii (USA) China connections
May 3, 2006
Dr. Roberta Wong Leung, Dean of School of
Hotel and Tourism Management Shunde Polytechnic, Guangdong China met with Jackie
Chan
March 15, 2006
 WWF
China receives a check of US$12,718, proceeds of 2005 Charity Golf Tournament,
from Brenda Foster, President of AmCham Shanghai. WWF China will use the fund to
implement a project which will develop and deliver environmental education and
sustainability courses for Shanghai government officials, industries' managers
and the general public.
January 17, 2006
Message to the Hong Kong.China.Hawaii Chamber
of Commerce
Annual Meeting, January 17, 2006, Honolulu, Hawaii
Brenda Lei Foster, President
American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai
To: Johnson Choi, President HKCHcc
I am sorry that I am unable to be with you today at the Annual Meeting of the
Hong Kong China Hawaii Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting. I extend my warmest
aloha to Congressman Ed Case and to all of those in attendance.
By way of introduction, as President of the American Chamber of Commerce in
Shanghai, I am currently responsible for representing the Chamber and American
business interests throughout Eastern China which encompasses Shanghai and the
Yangtze River Delta. I not only serve as the Chamber’s public face, but also
oversee, manage and implement all of our initiatives by working together with
the staff and Board of Governors as we strive to be the leading international
business association in China.
The Chamber is currently one of the two largest AmCham’s in the Asia/Pacific
region with over 3,223 members of which 1300 are major US companies. We average
80 new members a month with a yearly retention rate of 75%. We have 19 industry
committees and host over 250 events a year.
Our mission is to support the success of our members by promoting a healthy
business environment in China, strengthening U.S.-China commercial ties and
providing high quality business information and resources. We conduct an
extremely strong government advocacy program to bring to the attention of
government officials in both China and the U.S. our recommendations for
improving the business environment and removing barriers to trade and
investment. Just this week, we hosted a breakfast meeting for the Co-chairs of
the U.S.-China Working Group in the U.S. Congress, Representatives Mark Kirk and
Rick Larsen, with U.S. industry leaders in Shanghai to discuss key business
issues affecting the U.S.-China relationship. I am delighted that Representative
Case is also a member of this group.
As the Hong Kong China Hawaii Chamber of Commerce moves forward, I hope you will
consider us your partner in China. We look forward to assisting you with your
activities in China and helping to grow the businesses you represent. Please go
to our website at www.amcham-shanghai.org. to learn more about our activities
and how we may assist you.
I look forward to welcoming you to Shanghai or visiting with you whenever I am
in Hawaii.
Aloha nui aloha,
Brenda Lei Foster
November 16, 2005
Eden Woon Yi-Teng, chief executive
of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, will resign early next year to
become the Shanghai-based Greater China vice-president for US Coffee giant
Starbucks - Chloe Lai and Bloomberg
"It's a new challenge, something different,
"Mr. Woon said last night, adding that the chamber had not yet picked a
replacement for him. I have been in this job for eight years and passed a very
challenging period in the history of Hong Kong during which the General Chamber
of Commerce contributed a lot, My professional life is at a crossroads and now I
have a chance to work in a company which I very much appreciate and have a
chance to develop my career in the China market. If you have seen my CV, you
would know thre were many dramatic moves in my life. The chamber will have its
headhunt but details will be decided by the board. I have told the government
today of my new appointment and we agreed that I would stay on the Commission on
Strategic Development."
Mr. Woon, who has headed the chamber since
May 1997, is a former US Air Force colonel. He was China policy adviser to the
US secretary of defense, served at the US embassy in Beijing and taught
mathematics at the US Air Force Academy. He was the first Chinese head of the
chamber. "Although I will be based in Shanghai starting next year, I will travel
between Shanghai and Hong Kong frequently and I am on the board of the Ocean
Park."
Chamber chairman David Eldon said in a
statement: "He will be sorely missed, and a hard act to follow, but we
understand his desire after eight years to seek a different challenge and wish
him every success in his new role."
Starbucks, which is opening a new Greater
China headquarters in Shanghai, has about 100 shops on the mainland. It also has
outlets in Taiwan and Hong Kong, where it is a venture with Maxim's Caterers.
November 5, 2005
 Swimmers will be inducted
into Hall
The third class of inductees into the Hawai'i Swimming Hall of Fame will be
enshrined tomorrow night in a sold-out banquet and ceremony at the Hale Koa
Hotel in Waikiki.
Among the 18 honorees are Dr. Chris Woo (Hawai'i's most recent Olympic
swimmer and a distinguish member of the Hong Kong. China.Hawaii Chamber of
Commerce), Chris Duplanty (four-time Olympian in water polo), Ken Nakasone
(Pan American Games participant) and Robin Backhaus (1972 Olympic swimmer).
The other inductees are swimmer Mitzi Higuchi, masters swimmers Steve Borowski,
Bruce Clark, Ernest Leskovitz and Joe Lileikis, channel swimmers Robin Isayama
and Carl Kawauchi, ocean swimmers Kaili Chun and John Flanagan, water polo
players/coaches Shari Baird, John Nielsen and Susan Nishioka, coach Edward
Kawachika and contributor Jim Anderson.
This year's class brings the total number of inductees to 80. The inaugural
class — which included legends Duke Kahanamoku, Keo Nakama and Soichi Sakamoto —
was inducted in 2002.
The Hall of Fame is operated under the Hawai'i Swimming Legacy Project, which
was formed about five years ago in an effort to preserve the rich aquatic
tradition here. The inductees are voted on by the Hall's advisory board.
October 14, 2005
Walter & Jennie Chun, Parents of Yen Chun,
one of our Founding Members/Directors of the Hong Kong.China.Hawaii Chamber of
Commerce celebrated their 55th Wedding Anniversary, 94th and 90th Birthday
respectively
August 4, 2005
(Brenda Foster (right) a
recent picture taken at a business networking party)
Vice President Brenda Foster of
our Chamber of Commerce is the New President of the American Chamber of Commerce
in Shanghai, China effective September 2005.
On behalf of Hong Kong.China.Hawaii Chamber
of Commerce, Our Officers, Directors and Members, we would like to wish Brenda
the very best and looking forward working with her.
The following is the Official message from
Mr. Jeffrey Bernstein, Chairman of AmCham Shanghai, China.
Fellow AmCham Shanghai Member:
I am extremely pleased to announce that the American Chamber of Commerce in
Shanghai has secured Ms. Brenda Lei Foster for the new position of AmCham
Shanghai President.
When our Board set out at the beginning of the year to "take the Chamber to the
next level," we realized that this would require professional leadership, both
in terms of strategy development and execution. Put plainly, just doing more of
the same would not be sufficient. We were looking for a leader who would
contribute as a strong partner to the elected Board, as well as a mentor to our
growing Chamber staff. Such leadership requires perspective born from
experience. More specifically, it requires "world class" experience in a variety
of fields, including business, government, and management of NGOs (non profits),
which are still at a nascent state in China.
You may think that such tough criteria would have severely limited the potential
candidate pool, however, we were overwhelmed by the scope and degree of interest
and by the number of qualified applicants who applied. Through the
candidate-selection process, it became clear that Brenda was the right person
for the job.
Brenda's career spans more than 35 years in business, government, and NGO
management. Highlights include serving as the Executive Director of the Pacific
and Asian Affairs Council (PAAC) shepherding this NGO's growth, and gaining a
high profile in her home state of Hawaii as the Executive Advisor to the
Governor for International and National Affairs. During more than seven years in
this role, she developed programs for visits from Jiang Zemin and other senior
Chinese officials. Brenda has worked to support commercial interests throughout
her time in public and NGO service, and has also managed her own consulting
business. Throughout her career, she has shown a knack for building a strong
network of senior-level contacts in both the U.S. and China, experience that
lends additional credibility and stature to AmCham Shanghai.
Brenda also possesses a passionate, lifelong interest in China, building and
maintaining a close bond with this part of the world throughout her career. She
speaks Mandarin Chinese and carries excellent credentials from long-time
contacts in Asia.
The characteristics that really won us over are Brenda's infectious zeal and her
determination to make a difference. Please join me in warmly welcoming Brenda
Lei Foster to AmCham Shanghai at the September 6th Consulate General Briefing
(Portman Ritz-Carlton, 4th Floor Ballroom, 5:30 - 8 pm).
Warm regards,
Jeffrey Bernstein
Chairman
AmCham Shanghai
May 1, 2005
 Chuck Gee, dean emeritus of the University
of Hawaii School of Travel Industry and Management, says aloha is an asset in
the hospitality industry.
Complete story in PDF File
Direct Link
April 23, 2005
Michael Zhang, President and CEO
of Blue Hawaii Surf opens his new shop at the 3rd floor of the Ala Moana
Shopping Center. Ala Moana Shopping Center is the largest shopping mall in
Hawaii. It is also the largest open shopping mall in the world.
June 18, 2004
Yen Chun, One of our Founding Members and
Directors met Jackie Chan Tuesday (June 8th) night - got a grant from his
charity for the Halau which she is taking to China for the Shanghai
International Children's Cultural & Art Festival July 24-31, 2004.
Ina Lee, One of our Members in
Shanghai recent visit to Tibet
January 9, 2004
One of our Distinguished Members, Mr.
Thomas Zhuang's daughter is the 1st Princess of Miss Chinatown Hawaii 2004
Sylvia was born in Shanghai, China
and is the daughter of Thomas and Juliana Zhuang. She obtained a Bachelor of
Science degree in Business Administration specializing in Corporate
Communication from the Hawaii Pacific University. Sylvia is employed at Laird
Christianson Harris Advertising as a Creative Coordinator. Her achievements
include being an HPU Presidential Scholar, a winning presenter in the District
13 National Student Advertising Competition, and a member of Alpha Chi and
Lambda Pi Eta National Honor Societies. Sylvia hopes to further her education
and obtain a Master's degree in Business Administration, pursue a career in
Advertising and Marketing, and continue to travel. Her talents include singing
and playing the piano. Sylvia enjoys traveling, dancing, writing, kickboxing,
theater, cooking, spending time with family and friends, and experiencing exotic
international cuisines.
January 6, 2004
Kai Hawaii Inc will be moving to their new
downtown location at 31. N. Pauahi Street, 2nd Floor, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 on
Monday, January 12, 2004. Their phone and fax will remain the same. Phone:
808-533-2210, Fax: 808-533-2686.
November 13, 2003
GOODWILL AND FRIENDSHIP
COASTAL KOREA VISIT 2003 - Jonathan Cowles
Here are a few economic
related footnotes about the trip so far. The following were visited to enhance
economic ties between the United States (State of Hawaii) and Korea:
- Port of Incheon. Maritime
Affairs and Harbor Officials gave courtesy tour of facilities. Mayor Ahn of
Incheon attended the rowing opening ceremonies on Aug 4 and rowed in the boat
with me on the eve of new sister city relations with Honolulu. The Honolulu
City/County Office of Economic Development helped arrange the event with the
Mayor. I presented the Mayor with an ornamental koa paddle with inscription
from the Spirit of Hawaii Goodwill and Friendship Coastal Korea Visit.
- Port of Kunsan. Very
important port to Korea's economy. Harbor officials gave complete tour of
facilities.
- Mokpo Maritime University
(Merchant Marine Training University) was visited and I met with students.
The merchant marine is the lifeblood of Korea's economy.
- Met with the Governor of Jeju
Island to highlight Hawaii's sister relationship with this island province in
Korea. Presented the Governor with an inscribed koa paddle.
- Stayed at the Korea Maritime
University in Busan, which is one of the largest merchant marine training
universities in Korea. Spent time with students and attended activities on
campus. Toured port facilities that were damaged by typhoon Maemi.
- In the city of Pohang I
received a special clearance to tour the Posco Steel Company, which is
normally restricted to foreigners. I was given a lengthy tour of the steel
making process. Posco supplies steel to Korea's shipbuilding industry, which
in turn fuels the merchant marine fleet symbolized by the merchant marine
training universities. Posco is also one of the world's largest steel makers
and even has construction projects in Honolulu.
- A third inscribed koa paddle
is to be given to President Roh, the South Korean President, with the
assistance of the South Korean Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.
- The State of Hawaii has been
prominently promoted in Korea as a result of extensive media coverage. Many
photos and film footage of the boat name "Spirit of Hawaii" have appeared in
national TV and newspaper articles. To date the trip has appeared in over 30
media entities (TV news, radio, newspaper).
Hope these notes help you! This
summer the rowing trip was given a small sponsorship from the Seoul South Korea
HSK Chinese Language Academy. HSK banners were featured on the boat.
BOAT DETAILS:
-
Rower/Founder: Jonathan Cowles
-
Korea
Coordinator: Jae Kwon Lee
-
Rowboat
name: Spirit of Hawaii.
-
US Coast
Guard Boat Identification Number: WVTWHD202.
-
Rowboat
length: 5 meters.
-
Color: White
hull, wood color interior.
-
Boat
material: Wood.
-
Boat
features: Radar reflector 2 meters high in stern of boat; reflector visible
up to 2.0 nautical miles on radar; there is no motor and no sail, only oars
for propulsion.
-
Rowing
route: Rowing to be during daylight under escort.
-
Communication: VHF Channel 16, cellular phone.
-
Navigation
Aides: Compass, GPS chartplotter, maritime charts.
-
Safety
equipment: Flares, survival exposure suit, first-aid kit.
The South
Korea part of the Goodwill and Friendship Coastal Visit was endorsed by the
following organizations:
-
Centennial Committee of Korean Immigration to
the United States (1903-2003).
-
The East-West Center.
-
The University of Hawaii
Center for Korean Studies.
-
The Korea Hawaii Chamber
of Commerce.
-
The Hong Kong China
Hawaii Chamber of Commerce.
-
The American Chamber of
Commerce in Korea.
-
Chaminade University of
Honolulu MBA Program.
-
The Asia Society.
Advisory
Committee: The following individuals advised the organizing of the rowing visit
(2002-2003) .
-
Mr. Dalton Tanonaka- President,
Pacific Basin Economic Council.
-
Mr. Manual Menendez- Executive
Director, Office of Economic Development City and County of Honolulu.
-
Mrs. Duk Hee Murabayashi- Vice
General Chairperson, Centennial Committee of Korean Immigration to the United
States.
-
Mr. Jae Kwon Lee- Centennial
Committee of Korean Immigration to the United States.
-
Mr. James Moses- Assistant
Director, Chaminade University MBA Program.
-
Dr. John Webster- Director,
Chaminade University Hogan Entrepreneur Program.
-
Dr. Christopher McNally- Research
Fellow, East-West Center.
-
Dr. Edward Shultz- Director,
University of Hawaii Center for Korean Studies.
-
Dr. Chuck Y. Gee- Dean Emeritus,
University of Hawaii.
-
Mr. Daniel Pyun- President, Korea
Hawaii Chamber of Commerce.
-
Mr. Johnson Choi- President, Hong
Kong China Hawaii Chamber of Commerce.
-
Mr. Tom Pinansky, Board Member,
American Chamber of Commerce in Korea.
August 28, 2003 -
Dean Emeritus Chuck Y Gee of UH - School of
Travel Industry Management celebrated his
70th Birthday
at the Monarch Room of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. More than 250
guests from around the world will be attending. Dean Gee is the Director and
Founding Members of the Hong Kong China Hawaii Chamber of Commerce.
August 28, 2003 is being named "Chuck Yim Gee
Day" by Governor Linda Lingle of the State of Hawaii and Mayor Jeremy Harris of
the City and County of Honolulu.
August 12, 2003 -
This is to
announce that Mr. Anthony NIGHTINGALE, the new Chairman of the Hong Kong General
Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC), has taken up the chairmanship of the Hong Kong
Ethics Development Advisory Committee from his predecessor Mr. Christopher
CHENG. Mr. NIGHTINGALE will lead the Committee to guide the Hong Kong Ethics
Development Centre in its work of promoting business ethics.
His
article titled "Hong Kong - still a fantastic place for business" appeared on
the Aug 11th edition of the South China Morning Post - Hong Kong - download it
in PDF format.
August 10, 2003 -
Mayor Ahn
sang-Soo rowed the boat about 20 meters with Jonathan at a launch of the Spirit
of Hawaii and Goodwill Visit to South Korea 2003 to wish Jonathan a good luck in
his voyage.
August 3, 2003 -
Mr. Michael Zhang (Member of the Hong Kong
China Hawaii Chamber of Commerce (HKCHcc)) and his partner open up a New
furniture store -"A Furniture World Outlet" today. The store is located at 1673
Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814, one block from the Hawaii Convention
Center. Michael Zhang can be reached at 808-941-3595. Special discount is being
offered to HKCHcc Members and Friends.
June 16, 2003 -
The American Chamber of Commerce in
Hong Kong and The Hong Kong China Hawaii Chamber of Commerce (HKCHcc) are
pleased to announce that AmCham Chairman and Crown Worldwide Group Chairman Jim
Thompson was honored at the fDi Personality of the Year Awards during a
reception at the IPA World Forum in Amsterdam on June 12, 2003. The fDi
Personality of the Year Awards is sponsored by Foreign Direct Investment (fDi)
magazine, a division of the Financial Times. The award honors high-profile
individuals who have made an exceptional difference in promoting foreign
investment in their country or region. This year there are four regional winners
and one overall winner. This year's overall winner is the President of
Mexico, Vicente Fox. The award ceremony was held on June 12, 2003 in the St.
Olof's Chapel at the Barbizon Palace Hotel located in Amsterdam's city center.
 May 7, 2003 -
One of our Distinguished Member of the Hong Kong
China Hawaii Chamber of Commerce (HKCHcc), Mr. Terrill Chock will be installed
as the 92nd President of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce Hawaii on May 29, 2003
at the Waikiki Lau Yee Chai Restaurant. Mr. Chock is an executive with an
international consulting firm, former bank executive and an entrepreneur. Mr.
Chock is well respected in Hawaii and International business community.
 April 15, 2003 -
One of our Distinguished Founder/Member of the
Hong Kong China Hawaii Chamber of Commerce (HKCHcc), Mr.
Puongpun Sananikone,
President and CEO of
PacMar, Inc.
has been selected as one of the five 2003 University of Hawaii Distinguished
Alumni. He previously served as loan operations officer of the Asian Development
Bank, chief economist and director of Asia operations for Louis Berger
International and executive vice president of Hawaiian Agronomics International.
He sat on the board of the Washington D.C.-based Southeast Asian American
Resource Action Center, chaired the East West Center Association Executive Board
and serves on East West Center Board of Governors. Sananikone completed his
graduate work at the University of Colorado. The award will be presented on May
20th.
March 31, 2003 -
The American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai:
Consulate General of the United States of America in Shanghai - The
Consular Section is preparing to move to a new location on the eighth floor of
the Westgate Mall, 1038 Nanjing Xi Lu.
As a result of the move, we will not process visa cases on April 11, between
Monday April 14 and Wednesday April 16.
January 10, 2003
-
Nola Miyasaki
is
the executive director of the Michael J. Falcone Center for Entrepreneurship in
the School of Management at Syracuse University. In this role she takes the lead
in outreach initiatives of the EEE Program and works to commercialize
opportunities for technologies developed at Syracuse.
Prior to joining the School of
Management in January 2003, Miyasaki worked for the State of Hawaii for four
years in various capacities related to technology and business development. She
most recently served as executive director and CEO of the High Technology
Development Corporation (HTDC), the independent state agency charged with
advancing the development of technology in Hawaii. She brings to her role in the
Falcone Center extensive experience in managing a highly successful incubator
and in facilitating technology development and entrepreneurship.
Nola will continue to work
with the Hong Kong China Hawaii Chamber of Commerce (HKCHcc) on business and
technology matters.
November 17, 2002 -
Ina Lee, our Shanghai member got married with Johnson Yang on
November 5,
2002 in Shanghai China. Both Ina and
Johnson were born on November 5th (same year too) and yes they will be getting
marry on their birthdates!
Please kindly send your
warmest regards to Ina and Johnson!
September 27, 2001 -
One
of our founding members, Mr. Kenji Mita has open up his new store specializing in
selling a wide varieties of tea, drink and snack food across from the Convention
Center.
Teava Momi Inc is located at 1726 Kapiolani
Boulevard, Honolulu HI 96814.
Phone number is 808-946-8988.
Store hour is from 10am - 10pm daily.
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