Featured Alumni Profiles

The Department of Asian Studies at the University of British Columbia was established in 1961 and has since grown to become one of the leading Asian Studies programs in Canada. With our history, comes generations of eager learners and researchers, all with the power of connecting minds and hearts from around the globe through their shared love and knowledge of culture and language. This year (2021), we are celebrating our 60th Anniversary! In recollection of precious memories, we have invited 6 Asian Studies alumni to join us for a blast in the past, by catching us up with where they are now, and sharing their personal stories of being in Asian Studies.

Richard N. Liu, BA ’93 – Board Director at the Pacific Canada Heritage Centre, Museum of Migration

“Learning Asian languages and culture connected to both my professional and personal life. I’ve had the privilege of working for sports organizations to education to foreign affairs…and it has allowed me to build bridges in more ways than I can count on my hands. I’ve been also able to better understand documents on my family, by being able to read complex and simplified Chinese.”

Richard N. Liu

Sophie Rock, BA ’21 – Undergraduate Advisor, UBC Department of Asian Studies

“Learning Korean not only widens the avenues of communication, but it also provides me the opportunity to gain that confidence that comes with challenging yourself in a completely new realm of learning.”

Sophie Rock

Chandima Silva, BA ’18 – MA student, University of British Columbia

“Some of the professors that I’ve met (in this department) has really transformed my way of thinking, so I am grateful for all the opportunities and learning that I had and received in this space”

Chandima Silva

Paul Hsu, BA ’06 – Principal, St. Regis Secondary School; Chief Executive Officer, New Castle Japan Investment; Chairman of the Board, Canadian Housing Society

“My advice for the current Asian Studies students is to maximize their learning experiences…I think it is ultimately up to the students to find the most valuable resources, and to make connections, and to obtain the support that they need to carry on to the next stage”

Paul Hsu
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