Still part of the whānau - Dr James To reflects on his years as a Leadership Network member
Despite graduating from the Leadership Network in 2020, Dr James To says that once you’re in, you never really leave — and being a member of the network continues to play a significant role in his life. James, who is the Foundation's South Island manager and manages the Track II diplomacy programme, was in attendance 20 years ago for the inaugural Young Leaders Forum, from which the Leadership Network emerged. In this Q&A, we chat to James about his experiences as a network member and ask him what makes it such a special group to be part of.
James announcing the opening of the Foundation's Asia Summit, marking 30 years since the Foundation was founded
How did you first become involved with the Leadership Network?
I was one of a first batch of 40 Young Leaders back in 2006 – there was a call for expression of interests. As a previous recipient of an Asia 2000 Scholarship to study at Tsinghua University in Beijing in 2002, I was invited to put forward an application for the inaugural Young Leaders’ Forum.
What was attending that first Young Leaders Forum like
The first Young Leaders Forum was an exciting experience for me. As someone already deeply connected to my local community and engaged in building relationships with Asia, the idea of a forum bringing together like-minded, aspirational young people was something I had been looking forward to for a long time.
I still keep in touch with some of that original cohort – some of whom I have had the privilege and honour of working with over the last few years.
The first cohort of Leadership Network members at the inaugural Young Leaders Forum
What's your favourite leadership network memory?
My favourite network memory is working with Marcia and Esther on the “Once Upon a Time in Asia” photographic exhibition. We pooled together about 50 amazing images from across the Leadership Network showcasing our diverse relationships and engagements with Asia.
We were mentored through the process of curating and promoting a full-scale exhibition by the Christchurch City Council’s public art strategy team and opened with a full-on launch ceremony with a dance performance. The experience was really meaningful – especially seeing the exhibition taken around the country.
James with Leadership network members Marcia and Esther. The trio co-hosted the Once Upon a Time in Asia photo exhibition - an exhibition of photos taken by Leadership Network members
How would you say the Leadership Network has impacted your life?
The Leadership Network has been instrumental in leading me to where I am today – working for the Foundation as South Island manager and managing the Track II programme. Many of the skills I draw on today, particularly in bringing together diverse people and initiatives, I can trace back to my experiences and learnings through the Leadership Network over the past 20 years.
Why is it such a special network to be part of?
It’s great to have friends who are now all over the world – and connecting whenever I have the chance is a real joy. My most recent opportunity was in Tokyo, where I caught up with Jessica Tisch and Corey Wallace – both of whom I’ve known for ages through the network. I also met the amazing Sam Pearson and Pang Suwanaposee.
James with fellow network members at the NZ-Sino Youth Exchange in Beijing
Having graduated, what would you like to say to the members taking the network forward?
Even though I graduated the network in 2020, you’re always part of the whanau. There are many ways to give back and stay connected. One of the pleasures is attending events – whether it be Asia After Fives, seminars or symposiums. In terms of taking the network forward, I would really encourage members to be pro-active in organizing activities. I’m keen to support more events in the South Island.
James speaking at his Leadership Network graduation in 2020
The Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network equips the next generation of Kiwi leaders to excel in Asia. We provide members with the connections, knowledge and confidence to lead New Zealand’s future relationship with the region.
