Latest news with #crosscultural
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
ADSM hosts UAE-China business camp
Five-day intensive program combines educational workshops with cultural immersion and strategic business exchanges Abu Dhabi – The Abu Dhabi School of Management (ADSM) successfully concluded its UAE-China Business Camp from July 16-21, delivering a comprehensive program designed to enhance cross-cultural business understanding and foster bilateral trade relations between the UAE and China. The intensive five-day camp featured a carefully curated blend of educational workshops, cultural experiences, and strategic business dialogues, providing participants with practical insights into conducting business across both markets. Educational Foundation Participants engaged in three key workshops that formed the educational cornerstone of the program: Doing Business in the UAE: A comprehensive overview of the UAE's business environment, regulatory framework, and market opportunities Navigating Sustainability: ESG Workshop for UAE Based Businesses: An in-depth exploration of Environmental, Social, and Governance practices essential for modern business operations Innovation Workshop and Business Case Development: Hands-on sessions focused on developing innovative business solutions and practical case studies Cultural Immersion and Market Understanding The program included visits to iconic UAE landmarks, providing participants with deeper cultural context essential for successful cross-border business relationships. Participants experienced the grandeur of Emirates Palace and the architectural magnificence of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, while also enjoying the traditional LIWA Dates Festival. To understand local market dynamics, the group explored diverse retail ecosystems including Madinat Zayed and YAS Mall, gaining firsthand insights into consumer behavior and market trends in the UAE. Strategic Business Exchanges A key highlight of the camp was the series of business dialogues and site visits to leading organizations, facilitating meaningful exchanges between UAE and Chinese business communities. These included: Abu Dhabi Chamber: Strategic discussions on bilateral trade opportunities and business development Louvre Abu Dhabi: Exploring the intersection of culture and business in the UAE's creative economy M42 at Masdar: Insights into the UAE's healthcare innovation and sustainable city development Houses of RUYA: Ruya Villa: a visit to Dr. Carrie Huang's art gallery as she shared her journey in promoting culture and heritage in the region. WeRide: Exposure to cutting-edge autonomous vehicle technology and innovation Dubai Mall Chinatown: Exploring established Chinese business presence in the UAE market Building Bridges for Future Collaboration Dr. Constance Van Horne of ADSM commented, "The UAE-China Business Camp represents our commitment to fostering international business understanding and creating platforms for meaningful cross-cultural exchange. This program not only educated participants about business practices in both markets but also created lasting connections that will benefit future bilateral trade relations, and we ensured to introduce the real Emirati hospitality." The program successfully brought together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and students from both countries, creating a foundation for ongoing collaboration and partnership development between UAE and Chinese business communities.
Malay Mail
18-07-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Don't just study — embrace local culture, Zahid tells Malaysians in New Zealand
WELLINGTON, July 18 — Malaysian students abroad have been reminded not to focus solely on academics, but also to engage with the local communities to foster cross-cultural understanding. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stressed that the involvement in local communities and understanding their cultures are vital for nurturing well-rounded and reputable graduates. 'Don't just learn from inside the lecture rooms, tutorials, or professors' offices. 'We should also introduce ourselves to the local communities and learn their cultures, especially the Maori culture here, which is rich with historical values and a spirit of resilience,' he said during a gathering with over 250 Malaysian students and residents in New Zealand, here. Also present were Malaysia's High Commissioner to New Zealand Mazita Marzuki, alongside official delegates and senior Malaysian government officers. In his remarks, Ahmad Zahid also expressed his admiration for the Maori community's strong identity and spirit, highlighting their success in preserving cultural heritage while managing community economic assets through their trust agencies since the 19th century. 'I would like to congratulate the Maori leaders and community here. We need to learn from their spirit and strength in fighting for their rights and adapt that to the Malaysian context, especially in empowering the Orang Asli communities,' he said. The deputy prime minister also praised the achievements and positive image upheld by students sponsored by various agencies, including the Public Service Department (JPA), Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara), government-linked companies (GLCs), and government-linked investment companies (GLICs). He said social assimilation and cross-cultural understanding are critical components in shaping competitive individuals ready to return and serve the nation. Highlighting Malaysia's demand for professionals in critical fields such as engineering, law, and accounting, Ahmad Zahid urged students to consider returning home to contribute to national development after completing their studies. While acknowledging that salaries in Malaysia might be lower compared to countries like New Zealand, he stressed the importance of their services to fuel the country's growth and economy. 'I urge you to come home, especially those in engineering, law and accounting. I know salaries in Malaysia may be lower compared to New Zealand, but remember, east or west, home is best,' he said. At the event, the deputy prime minister also announced a NZ$100,000 (RM251,000) allocation to Rumah Malaysia to support preparations for Malaysia's National Day celebrations this year. — Bernama
SBS Australia
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- SBS Australia
Clothilde Bullen Introduces us to The Neighbour at the Gate
NITV Radio speaks with Curator Clothilde Bullen about identity, art and cross-cultural relationships. The National Art School (NAS) has announced further details for the major new exhibition, The Neighbour at the Gate , presented at NAS Galleries, opening during NAIDOC Week on 11 July and running until 18 October 2025. A group exhibition exploring the dynamic perspectives of Aboriginal and Asian artists navigating so-called Australia. The exhibition features new commissions in the gallery space, by First Nations and Asian Australian artists Jacky Cheng , Elham Eshraghian-Haakansson , Dennis Golding , Jenna Mayilema Lee , James Nguyen , and James Tylor .
Arab News
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
From Illinois to Upper Dir: American woman travels to Pakistan to wed online friend
Upper Dir, PAKISTAN: An American woman recently journeyed thousands of miles from Illinois to a remote northwestern Pakistani district to marry a man who befriended her online over a year ago, praising the people here for their hospitable nature and urging other foreigners to ignore the 'negative' perceptions about Pakistan. Mindy Rasmussen, a 47-year-old procurement specialist at an aviation repair station in Springfield, Illinois, arrived in Pakistan's mountainous Upper Dir district's Usheri Darra valley on June 29 to marry Sajid Zeb Khan, a 31-year-old who works at his father's medical store. She's not the first foreigner who crossed countries to marry a resident of Upper Dir, a district known for its picturesque scenery. An Indian woman, Anju, converted to Islam in July 2023 and changed her name to Fatima before getting married to Nasrullah, a resident of Upper Dir. Anju met Nasrallah on Facebook, with their romance making headlines worldwide at the time. Rasmussen, who converted to Islam and adopted the name Zulekha Zeb before marrying Khan on July 2, said he befriended her on Facebook a year ago. 'He (Sajid Khan) sent me a friend request on Facebook and I thought he was very handsome, so I accepted,' Rasmussen told Arab News, laughing. 'His first message to me was, 'I am Sajid Khan from Pakistan.'' Rasmussen said she responded to Khan and the two got to know each other better as time progressed. 'He is a really sweet, loving man and I fell in love with him over this past year that we have been talking,' she said. Khan is the eldest of nine siblings, who include five sisters and four brothers. The newlywed couple are currently living in Usherai Darra, a famous remote tourist spot in Upper Dir in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. Khan told Arab News his conversations with Rasmussen went from messages to video calls as they grew close. Rasmussen eventually spoke to Khan's family before she proposed marriage. 'At the end, she proposed to me, saying, 'Why don't we get married as we are so close,'' he said. Traveling to the US was always difficult for Khan, given that Pakistanis have to undergo extensive background checks for a US visa, sometimes leading to delays and denials. Hence, he invited Rasmussen to come to Pakistan instead. And now that she's here, he plans to take her to famous tourist attractions in KP. 'We will go around in our own land, like our Swat, Kumrat, Chitral, Usherai Darra, especially Nehag Darra,' he said. 'AN OPEN MIND' Touched by the people's hospitality in Pakistan, Rasmussen praised the 'tightly knit' community for showering her with affection. 'The love that they have shown me, you know, we don't really have this back in the US,' she said. 'This level of community. I mean, everybody is a neighbor, is a friend, is a family,' she added. Pakistan's northwestern KP province, despite being home to several glacial lakes, mountain ranges and picturesque locations that lure tourists in droves, has suffered from a surge in militancy recently. Pakistani Taliban militants have launched attacks against law enforcers and citizens, especially in the tribal districts bordering Afghanistan, in their bid to impose their strict version of Islamic law. Rasmussen, however, said she had experienced neither 'terrorism' nor any violence during her stay in the country. She advised foreigners not to harbor preconceived notions about KP. 'Come with an open mind and you will see for yourself that this is a safe place, a peaceful place and just wonderful people,' she said. However, her visa expires on August 14 and she is in Pakistan for only a month. 'I plan to go back to the US and then we are going to get Sajid's [immigration] paperwork going and he is going to come to the US with me,' she said. Khan, meanwhile, insists he didn't marry Rasmussen to secure an easy path to American citizenship, saying that she was his 'honor' now. 'She has arrived here by choice and has married me by choice,' he said. 'Now, she can live by choice and leave by choice.'
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Recording Academy President Panos A. Panay Talks Cross-Cultural Creativity at Taipei's Golden Melody Festival: ‘Your Truth Is Your Superpower'
At the 2025 Golden Melody Festival in Taipei, a conversation between Panos A. Panay, president of the Recording Academy (the organization behind the Grammys), and SXSW VP James Minor cut straight to the heart of where the global music industry is headed – and why it's never been more borderless. Held as part of the festival's three-day conference lineup, the dialogue explored the Grammys' evolving global footprint, Panay's personal musical journey, and the creative potential of cross-cultural exchange. The festival served as a lead-up to the Golden Melody Awards, blending B2B matchmaking, live music showcases, and industry forums – all setting the stage for the awards ceremony. More from Variety Recording Academy Elects National Officers to 2025-2027 Board of Trustees MusiCares Executive Director Laura Segura Leaves Post in Sudden Departure No Fakes Act Reintroduced in Congress With Support From Google, RIAA, More For Panay, growing up in Cyprus meant tuning into a cultural mosaic – Greek at home, but just as often French, Turkish, or Italian echoing from radios and street corners. That early exposure to a spectrum of languages and sounds shaped a lifelong conviction: music isn't bound by geography. Now at the helm of the Recording Academy, he's pushing to make that philosophy more than personal. His goal: to bring more international voices into the spotlight and reframe the way we talk about what – and who – makes it onto the world stage. 'There's something exciting about Ed Sheeran linking up with Diljit Dosanjh, or BTS and Coldplay merging worlds,' Panay told Variety. 'Fifteen years ago, that kind of sonic, rhythmic and linguistic amalgamation would've been a rarity.' Technology, Panay argues, is the great enabler. Streaming platforms and social media have radically expanded who gets heard and how far a track can travel. But it's not just access – it's openness. 'Audiences today are more willing than ever to embrace music in languages beyond their own,' Panay explains. He urged emerging Asian artists to take risks, seek collaboration, and stay true to their roots: 'Be curious. Be real. Your truth is your superpower.' 'Be open to influences and perspectives and artists that are outside your own culture,' he adds. 'Listen to as many poly-cultural influences as you can – then blend, mesh, and stir them into your own and create something new.' As for award shows, Panay says they're not relics – they're rituals. 'Contrary to expectations, award shows all over the world have enjoyed a renaissance in the last few years. So, whether it's the Grammys or the Golden Melody Awards here in Taiwan, no matter the culture, there's something enduring and, dare I say, human about the concept of an award. Provided that there's true integrity behind the honor.' Best of Variety Oscars 2026: George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Roberts, Wagner Moura and More Among Early Contenders to Watch New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts?
