The Asia Club Team
Experience a socially diverse environment at Asia Club. Composed of university students from various ethnicities, our team is passionate about bringing people together for a good time. Get to know the team members that make our events possible.
President of Asia Club
Samuel Baek
I am a second-year Bachelor's student with a profound affinity for understanding the importance of Asia in the global context. With South Korean roots and raised in Germany, my background offers a versatile blend of cultural insights. I am particularly interested in the economies of Asian emerging countries, a topic I seek to explore. As the President of the Asia Club, my goal is to foster a more nuanced comprehension of Asia to create meaningful and impactful experiences for everyone taking part in the transcultural journey.
Vice President of Asia Club & President of Asia Days
Gian Hossle
Because of my great interest in Asia, I started studying Chinese in high school. At the University of St. Gallen, I also enrolled in the Japanese language course. I am particularly interested in geopolitical developments in Asia and their impact on Europe. That's why I am all the more pleased to be able to organise Asia Days 2024 and create an important platform for exchange between Asia and Europe. I am currently in my third semester of Business Administration at the University of St. Gallen and am active as Project Leader of the upcoming Asia Days as well as Vice President of the Asia Club. I am looking forward to an interesting year where members can discover, experience and connect with Asia and build bridges between professionals and students at Asia Days 2024.
Co-Head of Events of Asia Club
Valerie Meiner
Born to a Filipino mother and a Swiss father, my personal connection to Asia has been established since day one. My goal to work in East and Southeast Asia one day started after living in Beijing for 4 years, pushing me to take Mandarin classes. I am also passionate about literature, anime, Asian cuisine, and global politics. Starting my fifth semester at HSG as an International Affairs student, I will also be assuming the position of Head of Events for Asia Club and am hoping to make memorable events for all members.
Co-Head of Events of Asia Club
Iole Stevenson
My name is Iole Meiling Stevenson, and I'm in my third semester of Business Administration at HSG. With roots in Shandong, China, I'm all about celebrating Asian culture, from the sleek world of JDM cars to the latest Asian fashion and makeup trends. As Co-Head of events, I'm passionate about creating memorable experiences that bridge cultures and foster connections.
Co-Head of Events of Asia Club
Noa Gnaba
Raised in Japan, I have been influenced by both Japanese and Swiss cultures thanks to my Japanese mother and Swiss father. By joining the Asia Club, I want to explore connections that bring both cultures closer and learn more about the diversity in Asia in general. I will start my third semester at HSG as an International Affairs student. As Co-Head of Events, I look forward to organizing diverse and insightful events, where everyone can have a great time and learn more about Asia.
Co-Head of Events of Asia Club
Slav Kunchev
Originally from Bulgaria, I grew up in Germany in a bilingual context since my early childhood. Already at a young age I developed a pronounced multicultural interest and discovered my strong passion for Southeast Asia, which since then has deeply influenced my personal path. This has steadily strengthened throughout my life and shaped my choices. Studying International Relations, I professionally specialize in Indo-Pacific Security Affairs. Furthermore, I've developed an in-depth cultural focus and knowledge of Indonesia. As Co-Head of Events, I'm excited to share the complex emerging topic of Indo-Pacific Security with the public in an insightful way and furthermore inspire to embrace the beautifully rich culture of Southeast Asia!
Head of Marketing for Asia Club
Tenzin Pelzom Drongdö
I am originally from Tibet but was raised in Switzerland; therefore, I have a deep understanding of both Asian and Western cultures. I have experienced some misunderstandings among my Western friends regarding certain aspects of Asian culture, and this motivates me to enlighten my Western friends as well as Asia enthusiasts about my own culture and traditions. I believe that the exchange of such knowledge is of great importance.
I am currently studying for a Bachelor of Business Administration and hold the position of Head of Marketing at the Asia Club. I hope that through my role, I can inspire others to join our club and gain a better understanding of Asian culture.
Head of Public Relations for Asia Club
Jenni Vuong
I have a background as a Vietnamese who was born in Switzerland, therefore I am well-versed in both Western and South-East-Asian culture. I was able to grasp the fundamentals of Vietnamese traditions, cuisines, and languages at a young age. I am currently studying Business Administration in my third year at the University of St. Gallen. As Head of Public Relations for Asia Club, I am looking forward to letting my creativity run its free course.
Head of Finance for Asia Club & Asia Days
Sona Thaliyath
Growing up with Indian parents, I've always had a strong connection to India. My upbringing was filled with Indian culture, from classical dancing to festive celebrations and delicious cuisine. My interest in exploring Asian cultures beyond my own was sparked when I joined the Asia Club. Currently in my fifth semester at HSG (University of St. Gallen), I'm happy to be responsible as the Head of Finance for both the Asia Club and Asia Days. This role allows me to combine my academic pursuits with my passion for cultural understanding. I'm excited about the upcoming semester and the opportunity to contribute to our club's mission.
Head of IT for Asia Club & Asia Days
Tara Seliner
When I was 11 my class received a special class for a week from my main teacher at the time. As he was also the Chinese teacher at the same school, he taught us a few Chinese characters and the very most basic sentences in Chinese. Since then I've been very interested in continuing to learn Chinese but also other languages such as programming languages. Due to trying to listen to these languages more often I had started to invest myself with the respective medias, such as C-dramas and also animated series. Through that my interest in Asian culture has only increased similarly to my interest in programming.
As the head of IT, I hope to ensure that the technological aspects of Asia Club run smoothly.
Head of Speakers for Asia Days
Alisa Steiner
Being a Swiss-Chinese currently living in Switzerland, and having spent a majority of my life in Hong Kong has granted me the privilege to experience both cultures first hand. Being in touch with fellow students with similar Asian background or interested has helped me feel close to home despite being hundred of miles away. Merging the gap between these cultures and finding similarities and mutual points of understanding has always been a goal of mine, and I hope to do so through connecting with like-minded individuals through food, art, and discussions. I look forward to assuming my position as Head of Speakers for Asia Days and am excited to work towards creating an inspiring and thought-provoking place of dialogue.
Head of Marketing for Asia Days
Asiba Arifoska
Growing up with Asian cinema such as anime and Bollywood movies, I developed an interest in Asian pop culture early on. My studies at the university of st. Gallen piqued my interest in Asia as a business market. My fascination for Asian business and politics deepened during my attendance of Asia days, where I engaged with professionals sharing their firsthand experiences. As head of Marketing Asia days I aim to present the Asia days in a professional and creative way.
Head of Sponsoring for Asia Days
Patrick Steger
With my background as a Swiss born Swiss-Thai I am very much familiar with both the European, as well as the Asian culture. Growing up in such an environment has allowed me to learn the essentials of Thai traditions, cuisine and language from an early age. I am currently studying Business Administration and am very interested in the Asian finance industry and business culture. As Head of Sponsoring for Asia Days I will ensure to find and create mutual beneficial relationships with sponsors that share our values and visions.
Head of Logistics for Asia Days
Sara Pinto
Growing up I have always been captivated by the Asian cuisine, culture and entertainment. As a student of international affairs, I believe in the importance of understanding diverse cultures and being the Head of Logistics is a great opportunity for this. I am excited to use my skills for the Asia Days where I can showcase my interest in Asia and promote cultural exchange. I'm looking forward to gaining valuable experience, creating wonderful memories with the team, and learning more about the various fascinating cultures of Asia.