ay is precisely the time of year

when the APMCP year 13
associates venture over to Asia to begin
their workterm placements. Soon after
completing their last projects and
presentations on May 11, students
dispersed to begin building their new
and exciting international careers.

The Asia Pacific Management
Cooperative Program is a unique post-
graduate program designed to provide
skills and training to young Canadians
in international business and
management, with particular strategies
for Asia. The first year is spent at the
College for an intensive nine months of
academic study. The program
associates then spend their second year
working with companies large and
small, in varying capacities, and in
various locales.

So far, a total of 38 placements have
been received for this year’s 23
associates. Placements have ranged in
location from as far north as Dhaka,
Bangladesh to as far south as Surabaya,
Indonesia. Certain cities, however, have
captured a greater number of
associates. For example, more than six
associates will be making their homes
in Hong Kong for the year, while
another five are bound for Bangkok.
Those headed to Tokyo, Manila,
Shanghai, Hanoi and Vancouver will
not find themselves alone, as the
APMCP alumni network is strong
throughout the region as well as at
home. It will be, as it has been
throughout the year, a great resource
and pillar of support for newly-arrived
associates.

Companies with which the APMCP
has nurtured and forged new
partnerships this year include
Hutchison Whampoa Port Holdings,
Global Sources, Lowe Lintas
Advertising, Radarsat International,
Locus, AMT Group, Manulife, Price-
Waterhouse Coopers, and I Will Not
Complain!, among several others. It is
truly impressive to see the vast array of
companies that the program has
brought into its ever-growing network,
from port holdings to corporate training
to e-commerce.

ShariVirjee, associate, APMCP year 13

Bright year
ahead for
APMCP
associates

The six Canadian International
Development Agency (CIDA) scholars
from Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and
Cambodia have had many memorable
and challenging experiences during
their year in Canada. While some will
be staying in this country for their
workterm, others are heading to Asia to
internationalize their careers outside of
their home countries and/or with
Canadian companies abroad. It has been
a tremendous learning opportunity for
Canadian associates who were given the
rare opportunity to work so closely with
each other throughout the program.

In relationship-based Asia, having a
strong network is key. The high
reputation which the program enjoys
today is due in large part to the alumni
who continue to work in the field.
Through e-mail correspondence, visits
back to the College, guest-speaking
engagements, and the sending of job
postings, alumni and current associates
have opportunities to make contact with
one another and the program is able to

make further footholds within the
region. Soon, it will be time for this
year’s associates to behold the title
alumni — the future looks bright for
all.

The year 13 associates are a
unique group of individuals. Among
other things, all have traveled, lived
and worked in Asia before. This will
undoubtedly serve as a source of
strength to them in many aspects, as
they set out to embark on the second
phase of the rollercoaster ride called
APMCP. With the skills and training
received in the classroom, combined
with their dynamic personalities and
a resilience developed over the year,
year 13 associates are sure to
succeed in their new placements and
beyond.

Submitted by Shari Virjee,
associate, APMCP year 13

@nformer