Scholars experience volunteer day at Crossroads Foundation

By Sokneang Chhour
September 30, 2010
GB B5

A group of Kearny Alliance (KA) scholars volunteered at non-profit Crossroads Global Distribution (www.crossroads.org.hk) which takes Hong Kong's quality used goods and redistributes them to people in need, locally and internationally.

Global Sources has a long relationship with Crossroads through the Care & Share program at the China Sourcing Fairs in Hong Kong.

On September 25, 2010, I was one of the three KA scholars with three friends and two alumni from the Thunderbird School of Global Management who went to Crossroads to do the volunteer work. Our job was to test and pack the donated electronic devices for shipping to areas in need.

After a brief introduction about Crossroads and its activities which were given by a full-time volunteer, volunteers were divided into two groups a female group who worked in the electronic room and a male group who worked in the arriving shipment room. Then we were brought to the working sites.

Upon arriving at the electronic room, I was very surprised to see many different electronicl devices which needed checking to see whether they work or not. I immediately got nervous as I thought it was a dangerous job because some cables were uncovered with plastic. Then a full-time volunteer, who works with those electronic things, showed me how to check them safely. I felt more comfortable but I still could not do the work. A member in our group came to help me. We tried to find a way to do it together. Everyone was very helpful. Some were checking the devices, some were doing the inventory and the rest were transporting the unchecked devices from the other rooms. Time ran very fast and lunch time was came. We went to the place where food was served for the volunteers. It was a great lunch. Eventhough the food was not special, it was a time for us to sit together, enjoy lunch and talk with each other after a morning of hardwork.

After lunch, we had a cup of coffee at the café inside the building and then we went back to work again. We did not realize that we worked very fast. We finished all the testing and packing of speakers, televisions, and CD/DVD players; and we continued with the coffee makers, kettles, and microwave oven. At 4:00 p.m., we were just ready to leave when we realized that we had done a lot of work. That made us very excited and happy.

The nervousness, excitement and happiness that we got out of this volunteer work are emotions that we have never experienced altogether before. This volunteer day gave us not only a chance to reach out and help other people who live in the same world with us, but also a chance for us to develop team work and friendship.

About the author
Sokneang Chhour is a Kearny Alliance Scholar from Cambodia. She is taking up her MA in international journalism at Hong Kong Baptist University. She will again show her volunteer spirit by helping out other Hong Kong Baptist University scholar alumni—Khiem Vu from Vietnam and Kunthy Heng—at the Kearny Alliance booths in the upcoming China Sourcing Fairs in Hong Kong.

     February 14, 2008

  Global Sources, in partnership with the Kearny Foundation, has just published its first Developing Country Sourcing Report as part of the Developing Country Export Assistance Program. Based on the Global Sources China Sourcing Report model, the new reports will promote quality exporters in developing economies in Asia to overseas buyers, with the aim of increasing export orders and creating lasting jobs.

The Program is part of the Company's ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility.

"The Developing Country Export Assistance Program grew out of Global Sources work with the Kearny Foundation and our support of the Bali-based Export Service Centre," said Alexander Boome, Corporate Marketing Consultant. "The objective of the Export Service Centre—a program that has been very successful for the past three years—is to create jobs for cottage-industry entrepreneurs in Indonesia via exports to global markets."

In 2007, the Kearny Foundation Board of Directors looked for ways to extend the program's success, but in a quicker manner. It was CEO and Chairman Merle A. Hinrichs who suggested the CSR concept for developing countries.

  Each Developing Country Sourcing Report will feature products that are handmade of natural indigenous material, placing higher value on craftsmanship rather than mass production and automation. Additionally, each exporter covered in the new reports will be featured on Global Sources Online and in Global Sources magazines for four months.

Philippine makers of Christmas Decorations are featured in the first issue. Work is currently underway for reports on Indoor & Outdoor Furniture from Indonesia, Fashion Jewelry from the Philippines, and other countries, including but not limited to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Nepal, India and Sri Lanka.

"The response has been tremendous—from the Philippines and Indonesia," shared Alex. "Manufacturers are amazed at the generosity of the offer and greatly appreciate Global Sources' support to help create jobs. The suppliers are also very keen to get more export orders. Various industry associations in the Philippines and Indonesia are excited and are lending their support."

Philippines Sourcing Report: Christmas Decorations
  The first report, Philippines Sourcing Report: Christmas Decoration, was released in January and features profiles of 25 suppliers, all experienced exporters, plus prices and latest creative trends of Christmas decoration products.

According to Nikki Milano of Sally's Crafts, one of the featured suppliers: "I expect the Philippine Christmas decor industry to gain a lot from this exposure.

  "Many of us, who have limited funds for international marketing activities, hope that the sourcing report opens new doors and introduces us to new buyers who do not know how vibrant and creative the local industry is. I hope that marketing activities such as this sourcing report will translate into more inquiries, which translates to more orders for our company."

Arlene Martinez, another supplier, of Peninsulare et al Corp. said: "Given the present situation of the US economy and the strengthening of the Peso, the Philippines Sourcing Report will boost the morale of the local Christmas decorations industry. It will send a clear message to buyers that we're still here and that we can deliver excellent products backed by superb service."

  Alex added: "For the Philippines Sourcing Report, we included a special section on indigenous materials, including abaca and capiz. For the Indonesia Sourcing Report, we will feature products made with water hyacinth, banana fiber and other natural materials."

  The information-packed Philippines Sourcing Report was made possible through the support of several Global Sources departments at the Manila office, including Sales, Consumer Products Group Editorial, the General Manager's office, and Electronic Business Unit Production.

Thanks to David Wheeler, Meghla Bhardwaj, Emilie Yabut, Ian Velasco, Janine Rosal, Yeye Vergeire, Carina Fule, Almi Ilagan, Carmela Mandap, Macy Espaldon-David, Ana Briones, Tina Layos, Sa-el Ocampo and Jessie Batallones.

For more information about this program, please contact Marge Teodosio, the Manila-based Assistant Manager of this Kearny Foundation program (mteodosio@kearnyfoundation.org).

    

"Some people advised me to wait for another bigger chance. But who knows what tomorrow will bring when they themselves don't take part in doing it. I decided to grab this opportunity, and up to now, I am proud to say that my decision is absolutely right."

Working as an English teacher and public relation specialist for Ho Chi Minh City University of Foreign Languages and Information Technology (HUFLIT) in Vietnam, Khiem Ngoc Vu, Kearny Alliance scholar, was one of the many who longed to pursue graduate studies. And he was one of the fortunate few who was granted the Kearny Alliance scholarship in journalism at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU).

At present, Khiem is Kearny Alliance's correspondent working in Indonesia for another segment of the Developing Country Sourcing Report, a tie-up project with Global Sources. He is tasked with interviewing qualified manufacturers in the country to produce a complete Indonesia Sourcing Report: Footwear. (Read New sourcing reports highlight developing economies and Global Sources launches first ever Vietnam Sourcing Report.)

"Perhaps, it was fate that made me get a scholarship from the Kearny Alliance," Khiem said. "Like any of those who longed for further studies, I have always attempted to search for prestigious scholarships. At first, the 'Kearny Alliance' sounded a bit strange. Plus, not many people in Vietnam think about getting a degree in Hong Kong until I received Kearny Alliance's e-mail outlining the program. Then I thought, Why not give it a try?"

Although equipped with his background in English, Khiem was not completely decided then to pursue journalism as a career path. Growing up and studying his whole life in Vietnam, he doubted his strength in the field. However, according to Khiem, his teachers and friends in HUFLIT, and the friends he made while in HKBU encouraged and supported him.

"I realized then that one is never too old nor young to study anything," he said. "People can learn to do anything given enough time and the opportunity."

Like previously featured fellow scholar Jenny Zheng, Khiem had to adjust to the all-English curriculum in HKBU. And he thanks all his kindhearted professors in leading him all the way to where he is right now. Also, taking up journalism trained him to do things faster in order to meet deadlines.

"In that aspect, I look up to my mother. She is a perfect time manager and I learned a lot from her," shared Khiem. "My mother is the one who inspires me the most to work harder."

Khiem said he also looks up to Alex Boome, program director of Kearny Alliance, whom he considers his mentor. "He knows a lot more than I could imagine, especially when it comes to real-life experiences. I'll surely try to beat him one day!" he added.

Alex said he is confident that Khiem will surely excel in any endeavor that he focuses on.

Through his scholarship, many doors have opened up for Khiem, including manning the Export Service Centre booth at Global Sources China Sourcing Fairs and meeting a variety of people while at work.

According to Marge Teodosio, Assistant Manager of the Kearny Alliance Asia who supervises Khiem during his work writing Developing Country Sourcing Reports: "While doing the interviews for the two Vietnam Sourcing Reports, I noticed how Khiem can quickly put interviewees at ease. He extracts the needed information from the suppliers easily and professionally. He was also very efficient in following-up on the product images and descriptions."

For Khiem: "It is a great experience to meet with many manufacturers, understand their business—the challenges and opportunities in the export industry. My job offers me a lot of chances to travel in many different countries, wherein I can further experience different cultures.

"Indonesia, for one, is politically and socially interesting. I find that Bali, where I stay, it calm and attracts lots of tourists. I really feel safe and the local people here are hospitable and gentle."

Although busy with his schedule, Khiem said he is still in touch with the friends he made from mainland China, Hong Kong and Cambodia. He admitted that he misses the times they organize birthday parties for one another and hang out together.

Khiem is looking forward to his next assignment either with Global Sources or the Kearny Alliance.

    

Exchange has featured several Kearny Alliance scholars who have studied journalism at Hong Kong Baptist University and are now working for Global Sources, including Jenny Zheng, Chansok Lay, Emily Xiao and Mickey Yang.

Other graduates are conducting supplier interviews for our Developing Countries Sourcing Reports as part of the Developing County Export Assistance Program. We previously got to know Khiem Vu. This month, we feature Karen Pham.

Karen was as a public relations officer at the Academy of Journalism and Communication in Vietnam when a colleague mentioned to her a scholarship being offered by The Kearny Alliance. It was a chance to study journalism at Hong Kong Baptist University and it was an opportunity she didn't dare want to miss.

After being chosen to be one of Kearny Alliance's scholars, from Hanoi, Karen headed to Hong Kong to be a full-time student and take on a master's degree in journalism.

"One year of taking a master's degree challenged me a lot," she said. "I had to work hard since my undergraduate course was not journalism. I took American communication and culture back in college, and studying a post-graduate course in journalism required a theoretical background.

"More than that, I've always missed my family back in Hanoi. My love of traveling and learning new things, however, kept me occupied and helped me overcome these difficulties."

At present, Karen is back in Hanoi and works as a consultant for Kearny Alliance for its Developing Countries Export Assistance Programs. She provides PSCe (Private Supplier Catalog) training for suppliers and writes sourcing reports to feature them in different Global Sources Online verticals, all free of charge to the beneficiaries in Vietnam.

According to Marge Teodosio, Assistant Manager of the Kearny Alliance Asia who supervises Karen in writing Developing Countries Sourcing Reports: "While working on the last two Vietnam Sourcing Reports, Karen demonstrated her ability to conduct supplier interviews independently and professionally. She prepares for the meetings by researching on the industry and company beforehand."

While Karen received significant support through her complete scholarship from The Kearny Alliance to study internationally, she is reciprocating by applying her international skills back in her home country.

Karen said: "These programs are of great help for suppliers to find more export markets and get more orders; hence, more Vietnamese will be employed. I feel delighted and grateful with the mission of Kearny Alliance and the corporate social responsibility aspect of Global Sources' contribution to this program to help Vietnamese suppliers."

     September 10, 2008

Global Sources, in partnership with the Kearny Alliance, released its first ever sourcing report for Vietnam, titled Vietnam Sourcing Report: Lacquerware. It is the fourth installment of the Developing Country Sourcing Report (DCSR) series.

Modeled after Global Sources’ successful China Sourcing Reports, DCSRs are a main component of the Kearny Alliance’s Developing Country Export Assisting Program. Global Sources supports this initiative as part of its corporate social responsibility undertakings. The program aims to promote quality exporters in developing economies in Asia to overseas buyers, with the aim to increase exports and thereby creating lasting jobs. (Read New sourcing reports highlight developing economies.)

“The suppliers we interviewed are really excited about the export assistance program. They’re looking forward to maximizing the marketing services they will get for free, and appreciate the help extended to them by Global Sources through the Kearny Alliance,” said Marge Teodosio, Assistant Manager of the Kearny Alliance Asia.

Marge conducted the supplier interviews together with Khiem Vu, a Kearny Alliance scholar.

The report features a comprehensive overview of the lacquerware industry in Vietnam, including profiles of 34 confirmed export manufacturers, and detailed product and pricing information. It features 120 popular lacquerware models.

Vietnam in focus
  As one of the developing countries being featured in the DCSR series, Vietnam has steadily become one of the key manufacturing hubs in Asia. The country exported US $740 million worth of handicrafts in 2007, an increase of 17 percent over the previous year.

Lacquerware made in Vietnam is known for its design, durability and craftsmanship. Lacquered bowls, plates, trays, boxes and vases are extensively used in hotels and restaurants, while decorative paintings and screens are showcased in homes and offices.

Alex Boome, program director of the Kearny Alliance, said: “Demand for Vietnam-made products is increasing, mainly due to their craftsmanship and innovative designs. Buyers are finding that Vietnam offers a competitive alternative—and often a profitable complementary supply base—to China sourcing. The new Vietnam Sourcing Reports will help Global Sources buyers get the best products from the best suppliers.

“With more than 2,000 craft villages, Vietnam is poised to become a major supplier of handcrafted products to our buyer community.”

Numerous Global Sources team members in Manila, Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi and Shenzhen are working in support of this program. Thanks to David Wheeler, Meghla Bhardwaj, Carmela Delos Santos, Volts Sanchez, Yeye Vergeire, Minesh Pore, Andrew Vhoung, Karen Pham, Sa-el Ocampo and Ears Ledda.

The websites of the featured suppliers will be available on Global Sources Online this month. Suppliers will be trained on how to use the Electronic Private Sourcing Catalog software in uploading products and monitoring Requests for Inquiries.

The next report, Vietnam Sourcing Report: Indoor & Outdoor Furniture, will be released in September.

     July 24, 2008

Global Sources, in partnership with The Kearny Alliance ( http://www.kearnyalliance.org), has been supporting journalism students and graduates from the Hong Kong Baptist University by providing them internships and on-the-job training.

Chairman and CEO Merle Hinrichs hosts the Kearny Alliance scholars at the China Sourcing Fair in Hong Kong, giving them an overview of Global Sources' key competitive advantages in preparation for their work as interns and new team members.

Alex Boome, Program Director of the Kearny Alliance and former Global Sources team member, said: "The Kearny Alliance is grateful to Global Sources for its generosity. The benefits for the students are clear, as one of the hardest challenges facing fresh graduates with degree in hand is getting a foot in the door of a top-notch company. For these students, the door to Global Sources is open wide—allowing them to get straight to work and start to apply their degrees to meaningful work in a best-of-breed environment.

"Global Sources also benefits: All of the students are very smart with high academic standings. They are keen to work for Global Sources, and have committed to do so for between two and three years. In today's tight labor market, with stiff competition for the best minds, this is a huge advantage."

Dr, Judith Clark and Professor Huang Yu from Hong Kong Baptist University's School of Communication, Department of Journalism Studies, are very supportive of the cooperation. Both play a very active, hands-on role in student recruitment and are very engaged in working with the scholars.

Advancing global trade through excellent cross-cultural communication
   Global Sources has found a strong partner in development with The Kearny Alliance, whose mission is Aid through Trade. Both organizations emphasize the importance of excellent cross-cultural communication skills in global trade – and building better relations among societies and people.

Students in the undergraduate program are all from mainland China, and each gets to do a summer internship at Global Sources in-between their second and third year. Upon graduation, both bachelor's and master's graduates are offered full-time work in the Company.

At present, there are now five graduates working full-time in the Company and one on special assignment. Alex said: "This is a new way to bring in new talent into the company. I'd like to thank the supervisors of the scholars for their ongoing support."

Graduate	Country	Title	Department	Office	Supervisor
Emily Xiao	China	Project Coordinator	Global Sources Exhibitions	Shenzhen	Mandy Queen
Jenny Zheng	China	Market Analyst	China Bureau	Guangzhou	Ray Ho
Karen Pham	Vietnam	Account Executive	Sales	Hanoi	Andrew Vuong
Chansok Lay	Cambodia	Editorial	Content Development	Shenzhen/ Manila	Meghla Bhardwaj
Mickey Yang	China	Market Analyst	China Bureau	Ningbo	Ray Ho
Khiem Vu	Vietnam	Developing Country Sourcing Report Writer	Kearny Alliance	Saigon	Marge Teodosio

Since 2006, interns have been coming on-stream and different departments have welcomed them. Marketing Manager Christina Cui of Corporate Marketing has taken one intern, Memory Meng, on board. In 2007, China Bureau's Ray Ho took Mickey Yang as an intern, who is now a full-time team member. In 2006, Ray also trained Yankee Shen, who is now studying at Thunderbird and will rejoin Global Sources upon graduation.

Please welcome all of the new Kearny Alliance scholars and interns to our Company.

    

Market Analyst Mickey Yang, with Ray He's team, was an international journalism student at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies when The Kearny Alliance selected him to receive a full stipend to study international journalism at Hong Kong Baptist University.

Considering that he had always admired frontline correspondents he saw on TV, the journalism scholarship in Hong Kong was an opportunity he simply couldn't miss.

"When I was in high school, I admired war correspondents in Iraq," Mickey said. "They dug out news from the field fearlessly and objectively. I dream of being like them someday."

The challenges of moving from Guangzhou to Hong Kong may not have required war correspondents skills; but nevertheless, it proved to be a challenge to the young Mickey.

"The most difficult part was adjusting to the educational style in Hong Kong. All textbooks and teaching materials are in English," he said.

"Teaching style in Hong Kong is quite different from that in the mainland; there, they give students more freedom to be independent, and therefore, self-reliant. But I was able to adjust by asking people for help, and I got help from all walks of life."

"I made all kinds of friends. By making friends, I did not only experience what regular tourists did in Hong Kong but also immersed myself among the local residents and many aspects of their life."

Personally, he looks up to his mother whom he said always teaches him to be an honest man, and his singing instructor Liu Yixue, who "teaches me what beauty is in this world."

Professionally, he looks up to senior news reporters such as Luqiu Luwei, Peter Jennings and Michael Anti (Zhao Jing), and has a lot of respect for news organizations like BBC (British Broadcasting Company), Southern Metropolis Daily and Southern Weekly.

"I have a friend who used to be a senior inspector of Hong Kong Police Force and is now a psychology consultant in Civil Service Bureau—two totally different jobs. He also speaks fluent Japanese. He does whatever he likes to do and has achieved his goals. From him, I learned that one should believe in doing something, that nothing is impossible to a willing heart."

As a market analyst, Mickey is responsible for collecting sourcing information and analyzing the sourcing markets in Ningbo, which he described as a clean and medium-sized city good for living.

Mickey may not be working in the mainstream media yet, but as a Kearny Alliance scholar, he learned: "'Aid through trade' is not only a motto but also a substantial action. I am happy to know that what I am doing now brings jobs and prosperity to my motherland."

     Kearny Alliance Scholar profile
  January 9, 2009

Back in college, Chansok Lay was pursuing a bachelor's degree in English when he realized that his choice of field alone would not get him closer to his future dream. So without hesitation, he jumped into the field of journalism by applying for a scholarship offered by the Cambodian government.

While in his senior year at the Department of Media and Communication in Cambodia, Chansok was on his way to the library when one of his professors asked him if he was interested to apply for a scholarship opportunity in journalism in Hong Kong.

Because the deadline was the following day, he had to immediately file his application while juggling his studies and his part-time work as a reporter for Voice of America. And through good fortune, he was chosen to receive the stipend for the coming academic year.

"Honestly speaking, I had never thought of studying in Hong Kong before I was told about this amazing opportunity. It was just a coincidence that I bumped into it," Chansok shared with Exchange through an e-mail interview.

"However, as it is my wish to differentiate myself from others, I decided to grasp the chance since not many Cambodians have studied in Hong Kong. Moreover, since Hong Kong is a business hub, studying there would give me a good chance to expose myself to the business world.

"I have always dreamt of becoming a very successful businessman and then a politician. And I knew even then that the scholarship that Kearny Alliance offered is a golden opportunity for me to study business and finance, my favorite fields in journalism."

At present, Chansok works in Global Sources as Copy Editor of the Consumer Products Group in our Shenzhen office, where he sees himself improving his writing skills and becoming more detail-oriented.

"I admire my supervisor Meghla Bhardwaj. She is very careful about information details and critical of typographical problems and the meaning of every sentence; she does everything in a very quick, professional way," said Chansok.

As for Meghla: "Chansok has a positive attitude toward work and is always eager to learn new things. He is very meticulous and detail-oriented when editing, catching inconsistencies and errors quickly."

When asked what motivates him, Chansok said: "My aspiration mainly originated from seeing the poverty in my country. I think that working in the field of journalism would bring many changes in the ways of how my fellow Cambodians think. I believe that only when we change our attitude can our country develop at a faster pace. Through my reporting experiences, I hope I can learn a lot about society, business and finance before I put another step into the business field.

"Being a businessperson would not only help provide employment to my people but also contribute to the economic growth of the country as a whole. My role model is Li Ka Shing, a business tycoon in Hong Kong. He inspires me to be a successful businessperson, and I am quite sure that I will achieve this dream."

For Chansok, Kearny Alliance was his way to experience Hong Kong and expose himself to its business and financial center.

"Without the stipend support, I would not have had the opportunity to pursue my masters' degree in Hong Kong," he said. "Being a Kearny Alliance scholar provided me pools of knowledge. The experience has enriched my reporting skills and knowledge. Also, it taught me to be more independent."