2009 Offshore Forum: Impressions from Hanoi
As a new member of the network, the forum provided me with a great opportunity to get to know other members. We had a fantastic group, and while we were kept very busy we also had a great time with each other. Our visit to the orphanage was an amazing experience, and being there made me realize just how important the contributions we had all made before the forum were. This was coupled with a realization that businesses can play an integral role in assisting in the communities they operate in, through their awareness and support. The whole experience also provoked me to reconsider the ability of New Zealanders to conduct business in Asia. Hearing first hand about the realities of operating in Vietnam was insightful and encouraging. Natalie Van Peer
The four days I spent at this year's forum showed me how a group of young Kiwis can make positive contributions to Asia and Hanoi in particular, which ultimately benefit each of those involved… As a group we recognise the importance of Asia New Zealand relations, and this forum has allowed us a hands on chance to nurture and develop these. The constructive work of individual members such as Sylvia's for Three Trees not only makes a difference to the lives of those at Giang Sinh Orphanage, but also brought forward the opportunity for the Young Leaders to realize our own assistance potential and move forward as a network. The opportunity to meet like minded Young Leaders in an offshore context has been invaluable. Building relations within the network strengthens our motivation and potential as an organisation. The offshore forum has been an educational platform for me which has broadened my perspective and understanding of New Zealand's role in Asia, and my own potential to develop in the same environment. Jeanne McKnight
I felt that the trip was truly inspiring. It made me realise that people really do live differently over here in this part of the world. It is one thing to read about it, completely another to experience it. Visiting the orphanage made me want to go out and change the system.... And the tummy bug I had made me wish I had a better digestive system! Ray Chu
Highlight for me was definitely bringing you all to the orphanage. From the beginning stages of individuals from NZ and Asia giving their time and money, to taking you there to see the reality of life for children there. It was really cool standing back and watching the big soup of children of different abilities and people of all different nationalities mingling together and grinning at each other during the performances. I was really encouraged by the whole process and excited to hear that it support from the Young Leaders Network might continue. Sylvia Smyth
The 2009 Offshore Forum was a fantastic opportunity to get a multifaceted view into life in a Vietnamese city. I really enjoyed getting to know the other participants in this overseas context. Some of the highlights for me included interacting with university students from the Hanoi University, a guided tour through Hanoi's bustling old quarter and, in general, hearing accounts from New Zealanders such as Sylvia Smyth about what it's like to live and work in Vietnam. Anita Perkins
As I was in the taxi on the way to the airport, I realised that I was really sad to leave Ha Noi, despite not having seen much of it during my time there. Hearing all your views, experiences in Asia and comparing notes, I do support the conclusion that Viet Nam indeed has a lot of potential. It will have to address the lack of infrastructure and corruption problems, but all the locals and foreigners we met on the trip love the place, are aware of the challenges and are in their own little way trying to fight against the system and improve it a bit. I appreciated the diversity of the program, ranging from diplomatic visits, to business briefings, to breakout discussions regarding the YLN. Kaiying Chin
Highlights: getting to befriend fellow YLs; the chance to visit the orphange and doing something meaningful, and receiving a fake LV bag from Ha Noi airport customs officers in exchange for my jeans and a box of chocopie. Thoughts on business: Though limited to seeing only Ha Noi, Viet Nam appears to have potential for explosive growth and development. With the majority of the workforce under 30 and driven by desire to improve their welfare, corruption and envelopes practices should decline... I would like to explore more doing business in Viet Nam in the very near future. I am pleased at our mastery of jaywalking, but won't be trying it on Korean streets anytime soon… Onnuri Lee
For me, meeting the other members of the Network and hearing about their work, passions and aspirations was a real highlight of the trip. The range and quality of the speakers in the program was outstanding, and hearing their candid stories about work and life in Vietnam was truly inspiring and really made me think about opportunities outside the New Zealand context. Holding the forum offshore sharply brought economic, diplomatic and social realities and opportunities into focus, rather than remaining distant prospects as things tend to seem from Godzone. Georgia Lawrence
The forum has been a wonderful opportunity to meet a few more of the Asia:NZ Young Leaders. It was also good to see a bit more of the "real" Asia - as opposed to Singapore. It was definitely a new experience for me - especially the street crossing, non-existent road rules, and jungle of powerlines. Niels Yuan
Personal highlights: water puppets, that was amazing! Visiting the orphanage affected me the most, Hanoi University was cool and of course, [bar] 17 saloon. The Brewery visit was pretty sweet also. Meeting all the other young leaders. Lowlights: First ever foot massage from a guy, he didn't go soft or anything :( Challenges: Holding it together when we visited the orphans. Geoff Jelley
The offshore forum was great for connecting not only the Asia with the New Zealand based network members, but also the New Zealand network members from different onshore forums. It was also a unique insight into how New Zealand's have successfully conducted business in Asia and in particular Vietnam. Blair Paterson
