@nformer

It may not look like it, but some major developments are happening on this Balinese beach. Pictured are just a few of the

participants who attended the APMCP’s four-day 10 year reunion and conference last month. (Photo by Scott MacLeod.)

Alumni Get Plugged In at APMCP’s 10th Anniversary in Bali

hey went to develop their careers.

They went to develop their
networks. They went to develop their
tans. By all accounts, it was mission
accomplished at the Asia Pacific
Management Co-operative Program’s
New Waves conference held March 13
to 16 in Bali, Indonesia.

“The four day conference was
actually held in two parts,” said
Johanna Shapira, conference
organizer and program alumna. “The
first half was a 10 year alumni reunion
with 70 alumni, 30 associates who are
in the second year of the program, plus
faculty and special guests.

“The reunion had two different
focuses,” Johanna explained. “First, we
wanted to provide alumni with a series
of workshops that discussed
entrepreneurship, economic trends and
business opportunities, financial
strategies for offshore Canadians, and
negotiating practices.

“The second day offered a series of
workshops designed to give us
information to bring back to Canada to
offer to young Canadians pursuing
careers in Asia. All workshops were

very well-received. They were of
enormous interest to people staying in
Asia who wanted to continue their
development.”

On Friday, March 14, Canada’s
ambassador to Indonesia, Gary Smith,
gave a keynote address on Canada’s
APEC future. The evening was made
more special when Bob Bagshaw,
APMCP’s manager of business relations,
was presented with a nomination to the
Order of British Columbia. The
nomination, put forward by Senator Pat
Carney, recognizes Bob’s extraordinary
contribution to the people and the
economy of B.C. through the success of
the APMCP.

“For me, this was a highlight of the
whole event,” Johanna said. “Bob was
standing there with 10 years of people
before him whose lives he has changed.
It was very emotional.

“His speech touched on the feeling of
family and he used a quote that hangs in
his cabin, ‘Caritas Vero A:dificat,’ which
means ‘Love Truly Builds.’ This is what
he believes the network epitomizes and
this is what he hopes the alumni keep in
mind as they carry on with their futures.”

Another highlight for Johanna was
the presence of Canadians Resident
Abroad. This non-profit Canadian
foundation, headed by president
Robert (Bob) McRae, provides
services, such as tax and legal work, to
Canadian ex-patriots overseas.

“He gave an absolutely enchanting
speech on the importance of taking
risks and working hard,” said Johanna.
“He has a special interest in Indonesia
and he touched on many of the themes
which have contributed to the
tremendous success he has enjoyed.”

During the final two days, up to 150
people attended workshops which were
designed to discuss strategies for
Canada’s success in the region. The
four day event was interspersed with
the magic of Bali and on the final night,
things wrapped up with a Balinese gala.

“TI was overwhelmed by how much I
felt and what it meant for all of us to
belong to this network,” Johanna said.
“T thought about how valuable the
event was and how proud we all are to
be associated with each other.”

@ @ Capilano
@ex College

Vol. XIX No. 4
April 18/97