1209 Enterprise (www.the1209affair.com), Windows over Harlem (www.windowsoverharlem.com) and FUSIA Communications, Inc. (www.fusia.net) hosted a cultural exchange and business networking event on Sunday, August 23. Over a hundred members from both the diverse Harlem and Asian business communities attended the event. As diverse as the members themselves, the event started off with a variety of entertainment, the first being a series of performances by Actor/Performer Lou Myers.

Myers commented that he was pleased with the opportunity to carry out his “there is no border” belief. He mentioned that in early 70s, he had come to University of Hong Kong as a guest performer. Students of the school were all excited about it. With a smile, Myers gave a wish to the students, "I wish we would pick up the gold in the street and on the ground, and put it in a big bucket." He suggested that students take advantage of cultural diversity and turn international trade into accessible fortune. He added, “We should put our energy together to light up the universe.”

After Myers, there was a gospel selection, African dance, hip hop, a martial arts demonstration and a dramatic stage play all infused the evening with a vibrant energy that carried into the “Doing Business in China” presentation, the centerpiece of the event.

The presentation was divided into two parts: the first, Fred Teng, CEO, NewsChina magazine, and the second, by Stephen Wong, Regional Director, Americas, Hong Kong Trade Development Council, introduced Hong Kong as the gateway to China. The audience took well to the speeches and was genuinely excited because they revealed new avenues of opportunity. The speakers also found this event a unique opportunity to reach out to the African American business community.

Wong said, ”Though it is the first event of its kind, it was a great success. Just by the sheer number of business cards collected, I can see that there is a very strong interest in doing business in Hong Kong.”

Teng commented, “Introducing China to the world has always been my mission. Standard media is simply not enough. We need to directly reach the communities,” he continued, “Many still have misconceptions about China. The new China is young, fluid, and growing. I urge people to throw out the misconceptions and go to see the new China in person.”

Henry Nelson, Vice President of 1209 Enterprises, commented that this event was productive and effective. He was excited to learn about China and is seriously considering joining the wave of progress. Roman VonKomarnicki from Wide or Die added, "I'll absolutely make a trip to China next year."

The venue, food and entertainment were provided by Windows Over Harlem, a CCIP host company. She said, “Windows Over Harlem aims to be a place where cultures come together to make something truly special.”

The event coordination was given by student volunteers of FUSIA’s Cross-Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net/ccip). Elizabeth Kay, founder of CCIP and the president of FUSIA, said, “This event not only represents a milestone in cultural understanding, but also it provides an opportunity for our students, the next global generation, to gain experience organizing an event as well as representing and introducing their homeland to the world.”

For many, it was the first time in supporting an event. The CCIP students treasured gaining experience beyond the workplace. One student commented, "It was amazing to talk to so many business people from all walks of life. After this event, I got a much deeper insight into international trade and ended up learning more about my homeland.”

Acknowledgment to student volunteers of the event:

Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Ms. Chloe Cheah - Emcee
Mr. Chung Hing Woo – Coordination
Mr. Ka Leung Mak - Media
Mr. Ngai Yu - Rundown
Ms. Wing Chi Kiang - Greeter
Ms. Niin Mun Thian - Greeter

Lingnan University
Mr. Mao Qi - Emcee
Ms. Qianhui He - Greeter
Ms. Wei Luo - Greeter

University of Essex (UK)
Ms. Shuang Yang - Greeter

University of Hong Kong
Mr. Chung Nok Enoch Wong – Photographer
Ms. Wing Yan Hung - Reporter
Ms. Ji (Stephanie ) Guo - Reporter
Ms. Yan (Emily) Zhu - Greeter

Organizers

FUSIA Communications (www.fusia.net): Founded in 2002, FUSIA is a unique fusion of combined marketing expertise and cross-cultural experience. FUSIA's strength is in helping clients overcome cultural challenges, tackle language nuances, and capture opportunities. And its work enables clients to stay in touch with the fast-changing and the globalizing arena. FUSIA serves clients locally, nationally and internationally. It is certified with NYC, Nassau County and NYS M/WBE (NYC, Nassau County, NYS), DBE (MTA), and NY/NJ Council. General event support will come in a special form from participating students of the Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.fusia.net/ccip) organized by FUSIA Communications. The program emphasizes east-west cultural exchange. Every year, the program takes on over 100 students from elite universities in Asia for 7-week internships in New York, giving them international experience in the summer.

1209 Enterprise (www.the1209affair.com): 1209 Enterprise is a collaboration of two successful businesses brought together with the intention of providing high quality professional business services to newly started, small and large businesses. These services, which are offered only to its members, range from the most basic business needs such as printing and design to financial services. Members of The 1209 Affair receive great discounts on 1209 Enterprise’s hugely successful corporate networking events, The 1209 Affair. The 1209 Affair event allows new members and old members to interact and network with each other as well as with potential members. This networking event was designed to allow all of 1209 Enterprise members to create long lasting and successful business relationships. Since August, of 2007, 1209 Enterprise has open up a chapter in Richmond VA, and is in the process of opening up a chapter in Atlanta GA at the end of the year. The 1209 Affair is considered one of the fastest growing network in the region.

Windows over Harlem (www.windowsoverharlem.com): Looking over the diversity that is New York, Windows Over Harlem is part of the melting pot of the rich cultures in the Harlem community. WOH is a restaurant and catering company specializing in business affairs, luncheons, seminars, conferences, parties and more. WOH's objective is to reach and increase awareness of the restaurant and catering service to the building occupants and the surrounding communities.