Asia matters. In its mission to foster Asia Competence, Asia Society Switzerland is committed to empowering younger voices in the dialogue with Asia, recognizing youth as a key driver of Switzerland’s future success in the region. We offer the Gen A (short for: Generation Asia) program to young professionals and advanced students in Switzerland. The program aims to deepen their knowledge of Asia-related issues, to provide the participants with the tools to interpret Asia’s development and to identify opportunities for a successful collaboration with Asia. This one-year program will enable the next generation to engage with Asia on eye-level and build a community of young Asia-curious people in Switzerland.

Gen A is a learning and leadership development platform for advanced students and young professionals. Application to the program is open to anyone living in Switzerland under the age of 35 with no more than three years of work experience. Gen A is designed to inform, inspire, and connect. Gen A Fellows gain access to leading business, policy, trade, diversity, and culture thinkers on Asia; join a network of peers who are passionate about Asia, and get the chance to lead projects and represent the network.

Gen A Alumni and Fellows

Since the launch of Gen A in 2020, over 80 Fellows have graduated from the program. Get to know this extraordinary and diverse group, reach out to them and start a dialogue!

Overview

• Current Fellows
• Gen A Alumni
• Core Group
• Class of 2024
• Class of 2023
• Class of 2022
• Class of 2021
• Class of 2020

Current Fellows 

Ainun Jariyah is an Indonesian Master’s student at the Geneva Graduate Institute (IHEID), specializing in Conflict, Peace, and Security. She grew up in Indonesia, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and Egypt, and completed her bachelor’s degree at Waseda University University, Japan. During her undergraduate studies, she developed an interest in peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region, which led her to conduct fieldwork in Mindanao, Philippines, and write a thesis on reconciliation and indigenous Lumad coffee farmers. Currently, she is interning at OHCHR for Human Rights Council and project managing the university’s TEDx conference. Connect with Ainun via LinkedIn. 

Amy Weng, born in Shanghai and raised in Zurich, is fluent in German, Chinese, English, and French. An alumna of the University of Zurich, she also holds a Master’s degree from the Graduate Institute of Development Studies and the University of Geneva. With experience at the Swiss Embassy in Beijing and a strong background in Zurich’s financial sector, Amy is now an entrepreneur and the founder of Think East. She supports Swiss companies and institutions in connecting with China through branding, digital marketing, and creative projects that promote cultural understanding and collaboration. Connect with Amy via LinkedIn.

Anna Waser holds a Master’s degree in Management, Organization Studies, and Cultural Theory from the University of St. Gallen. After completing her bachelor’s studies in Media and Communication Science and Social and Cultural Anthropology at the University of Zurich, she did an agricultural exchange in Taiwan, improved her Mandarin skills at the National Taiwan University, and completed her year abroad volunteering in a Japanese insular farming community. During her master’s studies, she was delighted to return to Japan for an exchange semester, where she also explored Japanese ski slopes in Hokkaido for the first time. After interning at the Embassy of Switzerland in Uzbekistan for a year, Anna is now back in Switzerland, applying her diverse global experiences to the Global Retail team at Lindt & Sprüngli International.

Ashoka Vardhan Manchala is currently a researcher at the University of Zurich, focusing on the history of energy. He answers the paradox of continuing coal production across the world in the 21st century through a historical and comparative regional analysis. Through his work, he aims to change the terms of the sustainability debate to include those left behind in the energy transition such as coal workers. As an elected member of University of Zurich’s Sustainability Commission and Lead Team member of Nachhaltigkeitswoche Zürich (Sustainability Week), he is interested in engagement within and outside academia. Before Switzerland, Ashoka studied history in India and worked with various organisations. His recent publications and talks can be found on his website. He is very interested in discussions and collaborations and encourages reaching out to him via LinkedIn or email.

Daniela Wildi (陈瑞暄) is a second-year Master’s student in International and Development Studies at the Geneva Graduate Institute, focusing on emerging technology, peace, and security studies. Her long-standing interest in East Asia began with a year-long exchange in Shanghai in 2017. She later pursued a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Law at the University of Geneva, including a semester abroad at the National University of Singapore. She recently completed an exchange semester at Peking University as part of her Master’s studies. Daniela is bilingual in Swiss-German and Russian, fluent in French, English, and Mandarin (HSK 5). Driven by a passion for cross-cultural understanding, she actively fosters meaningful dialogue across diverse platforms. Her engagement includes leading student-driven initiatives that strengthen connections between Switzerland, China, and the wider international community. In February 2025, she will begin her academic internship at the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs in the Regional Coordination for Asia and the Pacific, covering the People's Republic of China, Japan, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Korea, and Mongolia.

Dario Veréb was born and raised in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland. In 2017, he completed an internship at the Swiss news and photo agency Keystone-SDA, followed by journalism studies at the School of Applied Linguistics (SAL). In 2022, he joined the photo department of the Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ), and since May 2024, he has served as Vice-Chief Photo Editor at NZZ and Chief Photo Editor of NZZ am Sonntag. His interests include photography, China, artificial intelligence, and religion. You can reach Dario via email.

Dominic Thoos holds a joint interdisciplinary Master’s degree in Religion-Economics-Politics from the Universities of Basel, Zurich, and Lucerne, and a Bachelor’s degree in Science of Religion from the University of Bern. His academic focus has been on religion and culture in Central Asia, with a recent emphasis on international relations and global cooperation. Dominic gained practical experience through an internship at the Swiss Embassy in Singapore, where he fostered connections between Europe and Asia. He is currently serving as Project Manager for International Relations at the Lucerne School of Business, where he is responsible for managing global university partnerships. Connect with Dominic via LinkedIn.

Fiona Koh is a Senior Cybersecurity Consultant at Deloitte Switzerland and studied Information Systems at Manhattan University (BSc) and the University of Liechtenstein (MSc). Motivated by her current role and experiences in collaborating with Deloitte teams in Asia, Fiona is aiming to foster international agreement on information security regulations. As a Gen A fellow, Fiona aspires to deepen her knowledge on the different security landscapes across Asia to drive international security initiatives. In her free time, Fiona mentors young tech talents around the globe through her career mentoring non-profit.

Frédéric Odermatt graduated ETH Zürich with a Master's in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. Before studying at ETH he spent 6 months in Hangzhou in 2016, achieving B2-level proficiency in Chinese. Over the course of 2.5 years living in South Korea, Frédéric was an exchange student at Seoul National University, did an internship in the AI Research department of South Korea’s premier IT company Naver, and an internship at the Swiss Embassy in Seoul. Fluent in both Korean and Chinese, Frédéric is a founding board member of the Swiss Chinese Intercultural Association in Lucerne, a role he has held since 2017. With a strong interest in geopolitical affairs and technology, he continues to explore these fields. Connect with Frédéric via LinkedIn.

Hanbit Lee is an environmental systems researcher investigating urban energy transitions from a socio-technical perspective. Originally from South Korea and currently based in Switzerland, she is particularly interested in cross-regional comparisons of sustainability initiatives and strengthening the interface between academia and policy-making to drive impactful change.

Julia von Siebenthal lived in Japan for a total of four years. First as an Assistant Language Teacher on the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme in the Niigata Prefecture and then as a teacher at private schools in Nagano City. She later moved to Tokyo to complete a Master’s degree in International Culture and Communication Studies at Waseda University. After graduation, von Siebenthal returned to Switzerland and worked in the International Police Cooperation at the Swiss Federal Office of Police for two years. She is currently a Public Value Project Coordinator for the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation and volunteers as Treasurer of the Swiss JET Alumni Association. Von Siebenthal is passionate about cross-cultural communication, learning languages, and has a great interest in current events and trends in the global economic powerhouse Asia. Connect with Julia via LinkedIn.

Kevin Lemmens is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Economics with a specialization in Global Economy at the University of St. Gallen. He recently completed a 7-month academic internship in the Bilateral Economic Relations for the Asia/Oceania sector at the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO, an experience that sparked his strong interest in Asia. Prior to this, Kevin was involved as a trainee in European Affairs for economiesuisse in Brussels and completed an academic internship in Economics and Political Affairs at the Embassy of Switzerland in Ecuador in the context of political and security crises. Connect with Kevin via LinkedIn.

Lin Boynton is a graduate student and researcher at ETH Zurich, focusing on developing circular, socially just, and economically viable solutions to plastic pollution. With a Master's in Environmental Sciences from ETH Zurich and a Bachelor's in Geophysical Sciences from the University of Chicago, she is passionate about combining science with the arts to create narratives that inspires climate action. Her multicultural background, with American and Chinese heritage, motivates her to take on leadership roles in diversity initiatives, including leading the Asian employee group at her previous company and contributing to the Diversity Team of ETH Zurich's academic association of scientific staff. Lin has lived or studied in the US, Switzerland, China, Morocco, and Malawi. Recently, she participated in the United Nations negotiations for the Global Plastics Treaty in Nairobi, Kenya, and Busan, South Korea, as a member of the Scientists' Coalition. Contact Lin via LinkedIn.

Melanie Zah is a legal associate specializing in family law for international clients, with a Master of Law degree from the University of Zurich. Originally from Hong Kong and raised in Switzerland, she has a personal and professional interest in Asian socio-cultural and policy issues. This interest was sparked during her Master’s studies, where she explored the interplay between cultural values and policy implementation, particularly in the context of gender equality in Japan compared to Western nations. Through her work with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, including many from Asia, she has gained a deep appreciation for how cultural nuances shape legal and familial dynamics. She is particularly interested in the intersection of family values, gender norms, and policy, as well as how historical and cultural legacies, such as Western colonial influences, shape modern governance in Asian societies.

Negar Kamkhah is a photographer and graphic designer based in Zurich. She has a Bachelor's degree in Visual Communication from the Art University of Tehran, Iran, and a Master's degree in Contemporary Photography from EFTI, Spain, complemented by further education in a Master's degree in Museum Studies. Growing up in Asia (Iran) and studying and working in Europe (Spain and Switzerland), she has always been fascinated by the diverse cultural narratives that shape our identities and interactions. While living in Spain, she worked for a Spanish-Persian Intercultural center. There, she had the opportunity to plan and curate art exhibitions and events. At the moment, she is working as a graphic and media designer in Switzerland and pursuing her photographic projects, which have resulted in several exhibitions in the country she currently calls “home.”

Niranjan Jose is a Master of International Law candidate at the University of St. Gallen. He holds a dual degree in business administration and law from the National Law University in Odisha, India. He is proficient in English, Hindi, Malayalam, and is currently learning German. He has interned at Carnegie India with the Technology and Society Program and worked as a risk intelligence analyst on topics such as climate change and governance in South Asia.

Oussama Darouichi is an Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships at ANYbotics, a leading AI and robotics scale-up, and a lecturer in strategic management at the University of Neuchâtel. He collaborates with companies across Europe and Asia to address key challenges such as aging populations, reducing carbon footprints, and improving industrial safety by leveraging robotics and AI. His fascination with cross-cultural collaboration is both a professional focus and a personal passion. Oussama has a diverse academic and industrial background. He is Swiss-Moroccan and fluent in multiple languages.

Panitda Huynh is a doctoral researcher at the University of St. Gallen, specializing in business innovation and technology integration for aging populations. With a background in neurosciences and digital health technologies, she brings extensive experience from both academia and industry, applying interdisciplinary approaches to develop scalable and sustainable solutions for healthcare. Born and raised in Switzerland, Panitda is passionate about bridging cultural insights between the West and East, leveraging her diverse experiences to foster impactful collaborations. She speaks seven languages and is committed to advancing healthcare accessibility and affordability through innovative business practices and technological advancements.

Roman Hunziker has obtained his Master’s degree in political science from the University of Zurich. As part of his program, he spent a year at Waseda University in Tokyo, focusing on Asia-Pacific Studies. After graduation, he worked as a political officer at the Embassy of Switzerland in Japan, handling diplomatic tasks. He also held a position as an advisor to the digital foreign policy team of the Swiss MFA where he initiated a cybersecurity course for professionals from ASEAN member states. He currently works as a political advisor for a PR firm. Roman speaks fluent Japanese and is keen to further develop his knowledge on the state of affairs in Asia. Contact Roman on LinkedIn.

Sephin Alappatt is a General Management Trainee at Allianz Suisse. Previously, he completed a Master’s program in Business Innovation at the University of St. Gallen, and worked with companies like Morrow Ventures, S2S Ventures, and Bosch focusing on venture building and investment management. Sephin has an Indian background and a strong connection to the state of Kerala in India. He enjoys playing all sports involving a ball and racket, ranging from badminton to squash. Additionally, he is passionate about learning to cook new dishes, particularly Indian cuisine. Connect with Sephin via LinkedIn or email.

Tayan Wagner is a Project Manager at the Cluster Food & Nutrition in Fribourg, Switzerland, where he fosters innovation and collaboration in the agrifood sector. With a background in diplomacy and intercultural relations, including experience at the Swiss Embassy in Beijing, Tayan leverages his Swiss-Chinese heritage to build bridges between diverse communities. Known for his adaptability, curiosity, and commitment to sustainability, he is passionate about creating impactful projects that drive meaningful change.

Tobias Schmidiger is part of the directorate staff at the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). He studied International Relations at the University of Geneva and the Graduate Institute Geneva (IHEID), focusing on international politics and economics. During his studies, he completed exchanges at Fudan University in Shanghai and Science Po Paris, cultivating a strong interest in China, East Asia, and Sino-European relations. Before joining SECO, he interned with the Political Affairs, Security, and Development Team at the Swiss Mission to the European Union in Brussels. He is fluent in German, English, French, Spanish, and recently passed the HSK5 level in Mandarin Chinese.

Wan-Ling Chen was born and raised in Winterthur, Switzerland and has roots in China and South Korea. Due to her mixed background, she has always been very interested in East Asia. She holds two Master’s degrees in International Affairs & Governance from the University of St. Gallen and Global Affairs & Policy from Yonsei University in Seoul. After high school, she has spent a year in Shanghai to study Mandarin. During her master studies in Seoul, she also started learning Korean. Wan-Ling further has a background in Bharata Natyam, a classical South Indian dance style. She currently works for the Canton of Zurich in the department of justice and home affairs as an ICT business analyst. Contact Wan-Ling via LinkedIn.

Yaqin Zhang is a Master’s student in international development at the Geneva Graduate Institute, with an interdisciplinary focus on mental health, international policy, and Asian cultures. During their Bachelor's studies in the U.S., Yaqin majored in philosophy & public affairs. Yaqin grew up in China and Singapore and has a keen interest in Buddhist philosophy and ancient Japanese literature. They completed exchange semesters at Yale-NUS College and ETH Zurich, which further shaped their passion for cross-cultural understanding. Their current research interests include mental health development, neurodiversity, and the influence of social norms and religion in policy-making. Yaqin is also committed to fostering dialogue and understanding between Asia and Switzerland. Contact Yaqin on Linkedin.

 Yogesh Gattani works as a Project Associate in the Mediation Support and Policy Unit at the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) in Geneva, Switzerland. He graduated with a Master's in international affairs from the Geneva Graduate Institute and completed his thesis on non-Western approaches to peacemaking, focusing on India's role in the civil wars in Nepal and Sri Lanka. Previously, he has worked at the University of Geneva, United Nations, and a range of organisations in Switzerland and India. His interests lie in the intersection of geopolitics, conflict and security, and diplomacy. Contact Yogesh on LinkedIn or email.

Gen A Alumni 

Core Group 

Every year, we gather a designated Core Group of Alumni who organize events, engage with the Alumni community directly, and get the chance to shape the current year’s program. This year's Core Group members are: 

 Class of 2024 

Albert Ng is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in International and Development Studies at Geneva Graduate Institute. Sustainability Management is his renewed ambition! Prior to coming to Geneva, he worked for four years in Hospitality Management. In between, he also founded a social business in Kuala Lumpur with a mission to enable wholesome food made easier, cheaper and sustainable at home. Today, he is determined to help both businesses and individuals adopt sustainable ways. Contact Albert via LinkedIn.

Amelia Lipko first graduated with English Philology but then decided to follow her passion and study Japanology, later exploring Japan in person during a MEXT scholarship at Osaka University. Since graduating, she has been working as a freelance proofreader and translator, mainly focusing on manga and subtitling. She has also gathered experience in such fields as teaching, social media management and copywriting. Currently, she is doing an internship at the Rietberg Museum. Her interests include literature, art, gender studies and dancing forró, a Brazilian partner dance. Contact Amelia via email.

Andrea Bulnes specializes in trade and development policy, with a focus on the digital economy and the tech sector. Originally from Peru, she was an international trade negotiator at the Ministry of Foreign Trade, where she coordinated negotiations with China and India and participated in the implementation of regional agreements and forums, including the CPTPP and APEC. Internationally, she has worked on trade in services and digital policy with organizations such as the Inter-American Development Bank, UNCTAD, and the World Trade Organization. Currently based in Geneva, she works at the International Trade Centre, supporting tech services and creative industries in SMEs. Andrea views trade as a driver of sustainable development and is passionate about fostering inclusive, forward-looking discussions on Asia-Pacific integration. She holds a Bachelor's degree in International Business Management from San Marcos University and a Master's degree in International and Development Studies from the Geneva Graduate Institute. Connect with Andrea on LinkedIn.

 Andrés Toledo finished his bachelor's degree in Japanese Studies and is currently working as a foreign language teacher in Zurich, teaching German as a foreign language (GFL), Japanese, English and Spanish. His focus lies within the art of translation, as he's always improving his understanding of various translation techniques. He's got several years of experience in freelance translation work, mostly in the fields of Japanese pop culture. Being an avid language and geography enthusiast, he aims to learn more languages of East and South-East Asia, such as Korean and Filipino. Contact Andrés via email.

Anna Aiko Birrer is pursuing a Dual Degree with Sciences Po Paris and Peking University in International Affairs, focusing on international security. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sinology and East Asian Art History from the University of Zurich and enhanced her proficiency in Chinese during an exchange program at the Minzu University of China. Aiming for a more in-depth understanding of Asia-Europe relations, she subsequently earned a Bachelor’s in International Affairs from the University of St. Gallen (HSG). Committed to fostering transcultural dialogue, she has been engaged in various student initiatives, curating events and conferences on current developments in East Asia. Contact Anna Aiko via LinkedIn.

Ariea Burke is currently pursuing her second-year M.A. in Comparative and International Studies (MACIS), with a focus on international development, at ETH Zurich. Prior to that, she achieved an M.A. in Politics at the University of Glasgow. An exchange semester at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, during her undergraduate degree and working for the INGO Street Child for their Global Advisory team has enabled her to study, research, and work with colleagues based on the Asian continent. She envisages a career working in education in the emergency sector of international development.

Clélia Jeandin holds a Master’s degree in International studies and diplomacy from SOAS University of London and a Bachelor’s degree in Chinese language, literature and civilization from the National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations (INALCO) in Paris. She also completed an exchange semester at Shanghai’s East China Normal University. After graduating, she gained experience in the fields of human rights and multilateral diplomacy within a Geneva-based NGO as well as the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs’ missions and delegations in New York (UN) and Paris (OECD). She’s currently completing a master’s degree in legal studies at the University of Fribourg and works part-time at the State Secretariat for Migration in Bern. In the future, she would like to continue working in international environments while deepening her knowledge and understanding of contemporary China. Contact Clélia by email or via LinkedIn.

 Jean-Baptiste Sebgo (博历) holds a Master’s degree in International and Development Studies from the Geneva Graduate Institute (IHEID) and a Bachelor’s degree in International Politics from the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) in Beijing, China. He is fluent in Mandarin and five other languages and has a strong passion for Asia-Africa relations. In addition to his academic qualifications, Jean-Baptiste works as a freelance political and security risks advisor, collaborating with Chinese companies that are investing in Africa and Europe. His areas of interest include security, trade, investment, and development. Currently, he is involved in official relations management at the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva. Contact Jean-Baptiste by email or on LinkedIn.

Joseph Christian Agbagala is a PhD candidate at the Center for Security Studies (CSS) at ETH Zurich. His research focuses on military organization, deterrence studies, and alliance politics. Joseph holds a Master's degree in International Relations from the University of Amsterdam. His thesis examined how the decentralization process during China's economic reforms in the 1980s enabled its provinces to operate within China's foreign policymaking system. He received his Bachelor's Degree in International Affairs with honors from the University of California, Riverside. During his undergraduate studies, he was a Communications Intern for the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington, D.C. He also spent time as an undergraduate associate at the Queen Mary University of London. Before joining the CSS PhD program, Joseph also worked at the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMFUS) as a Research Intern for the Asia Program. Contact Joseph via LinkedIn.

Keli Sheng is a Communications Project Executive at the Asia-Europe Foundation in Singapore. She holds an MSc in Politics and Communication from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and a BA in Geography from University College London (UCL). Having grown up in Switzerland in a Chinese family, Keli is passionate about diasporic identities and psychology, the politics of media representation, and addressing racial and gender discrimination. Alongside her professional work in communications, she is also a surrealist landscape painter, actively working towards establishing herself in the art world. Connect with Keli via email or LinkedIn.

Lara Höhn is currently pursuing a double degree in Master in International Management (CEMS MIM) and Management, Organization Studies, and Cultural Theory (MOK) at the University of St. Gallen. Holding a bachelor's degree in Social Anthropology from the University of Zurich, she possesses a keen interest in the global diversity inherent in cultural, social, and economic systems, with a regional focus on East and Central Asia. Her academic, professional, and extracurricular experiences in Singapore and South Korea have fueled Lara's strong desire to better understand Asian-related matters. Following a year-long internship at the Swiss Embassy in Seoul, she is currently focusing on her master's thesis, exploring South Korea's record-low fertility rate. Eager to deepen her understanding of the unfolding dynamics in the Asian region, Lara looks forward to joining the Gen A 2024 Program to connect with like-minded individuals and contribute to advancing competence in Asian affairs.

Leïla Joutet is currently a first-year Master's candidate in International and Development Studies, specializing in Environment and Sustainability at the Graduate Institute. During her Bachelor's degree in Sociology at the University of Geneva, she had the opportunity to participate in the 3-campus exchange program and study at Keio University, Yonsei University, and the University of Hong Kong. This experience deepened the critical skills she had already developed through her studies in Sociology. It also fueled her interest in understanding socio-economic issues and perspectives from different academic fields, leading her to write my Bachelor's thesis on energy consumption practices within households in Tokyo. Born and raised in a multicultural family (Moroccan, French and Swiss), she has always enjoyed being involved in an international environment because she believes it is an enriching experience. She has a passion for languages and can speak seven of them. Currently, she is involved in environmental-related research projects as well as student associations, such as the Environmental Committee within the Graduate Institute. Contact Leïla by email or connect via LinkedIn.

Leonie Nussbaum is on the verge of completing her Master’s degree in China Business and Economics at the University of Würzburg in Germany. In her Bachelor’s program, she specialized in Chinese Studies and undertook a minor in Communication Science and Media Research at the University of Zurich. Complementing her academic pursuits, she participated in a one-year language program in Hangzhou, enhancing her proficiency in Chinese and gaining insights into the local culture. Throughout her academic journey, Leonie acquired practical experience through a marketing internship and served as a tutor at the University of Zurich. Post-graduation, she aspires to remain abreast of political, economic, and cultural developments in Asia. She looks forward to broadening her knowledge of Asian matters through discussions with like-minded individuals. Connect with Leonie on LinkedIn.

Mali Ackermann is a graduate of Political Science at the University of Basel, with a Minor in International and European Law from the University of Bern. Having spent a year at Wuhan University in the People’s Republic of China honing her Mandarin language skills, she did her internship at the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs in the Regional coordination team in charge of East Asia. Passionate about intercultural exchange, her experiences in the sectors of HR and tourism have broadened her perspective by working with a variety of people and international entities, while additionally strengthening her organizational, analytical and editorial skills. As of February 2024, she has been covering Asia and the Pacific in different functions at the FDFA, thus further expanding her competencies on this fascinating and diverse part of the world.

Marco Matti is an alumnus of Tsinghua University and MIT with a passion for East Asian cultures and languages. He leads Unilever's Digital Marketing, Media, and E-Commerce business in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. While completing his MBA in Beijing, Marco interned at Chinese Online Retailer JD.com and has built a large social media following of more than 400'000 culture enthusiasts. He has partnered with luxury brands and tourism organizations to build cultural bridges between Asia and Europe, fostering mutual curiosity and understanding. Before, Marco studied in South Korea under the Korean Global Scholarship program. He also holds the prestigious Kiwanis Youth Prize for professional achievements. Marco speaks fluent Chinese Mandarin.

Michele Bing is a manager with experience in luxury goods and financial services, He graduated in Economics at Bocconi University in Milan and speaks fluently Italian, Mandarin, English and German. He is currently living between Milan and Lugano and connecting Asia and Switzerland through Art, education and hospitality industries. In his free time, Michele enjoys exploring modern art exhibitions, discovering fine wines, and practicing martial arts. An avid traveler, he seeks to immerse himself in different cultures, gaining insights that enrich both his personal and professional perspectives. Michele is also passionate about entrepreneurship and innovative business models, constantly seeking new opportunities to bridge European and Asian markets through strategic collaborations. Connect with Michele on LinkedIn. 

Michelle S. Koradi finished her Master’s degree in Japanese studies with a focus on the social science aspect of Japan. Her main research interest revolves around topics of inclusivity, such as ethnical minority groups, gender, sexual orientation, and people with disabilities. She is particularly interested in how this diversity is perceived within different societies and what approaches exist to minimize obstacles around it. As an exchange student and in order to conduct some research for her MA thesis paper about gender norms in Japan, she spent a total of one and a half years in Japan, where many inspiring intercultural conversations happened. This led to her aspirations of contributing to the mutual understanding and collaboration of Asia and Europe, keeping the dialogue between these different regions open and active. Contact Michelle via LinkedIn or email.

Nils Unell works in the investment team of a Swiss Private Equity fund and studied Accounting and Finance at the University of St. Gallen. Following his interest in Asian cultures, he completed exchange semesters at Thammasat Business School in Bangkok and at Yonsei University in Seoul, as well as an internship at a Swiss bank in Hong Kong. In his free time, he learns Mandarin, but also has some notions of Cantonese. Reach out to Nils via LinkedIn.

Patrick Dietschi was born and raised in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland and holds a master’s degree in political science from the University of Zurich (democracy, development and international relations). He has sustained enthusiasm for Asia in general and the Middle East and South Asia in specific. He volunteered at An-Najah University in Nablus, Palestine, and has travelled throughout the Middle East and South Asia, including Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. He currently works for the State Secretariat for Migration SEM in Bern.

Quentin Fayet is a Swiss national with Korean heritage. He has a diverse experience in the field of international cooperation and Asia-Europe relations, focusing on education, research, and community engagement for sustainable development. Quentin has worked with various governmental and non-governmental organizations across Europe and Asia, including China, Japan, Nepal, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. Driven by a deep curiosity about people and communities, Quentin enjoys creating opportunities for people to connect, collaborate, and innovate across disciplines and cultures to promote meaningful social and environmental impact. He is currently working at Digital for Planet (D4P), where he is supporting the establishment of an Indo-Pacific European Hub for digital technology collaboration between the EU, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and India. Quentin holds a Master’s degree in Development Studies from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, as well as two Bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Chinese & Japanese Studies from the University of Geneva. He is fluent in French, English, Chinese, and Japanese, with a good command of German.

Rukhsora Satimboeva is currently pursuing her first-year M.A. in International Law, with a current focus on the intersection between international trade and environmental law, at the Geneva Graduate Institute. A bachelor's degree in International Relations and Peace Studies at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in Japan, her internships in think tanks and other experiences, such as participation in International IHL Roleplay Competitions, have further sparked her willingness to challenge herself in a new academic field and country. She is passionate about long-format meaningful conversations, and interested in comparative studies as it allows her to draw patterns between different approaches to academic learning, within legal compartmentalization at the broader picture of international relations.

Simon Stocker studied International Relations at the University of Geneva and at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies. At the same time, he worked as an editorial assistant at the ARD foreign studio in Geneva. He gained further work experience at CSS at ETH Zurich and at the Swiss representations to the UN in New York and the EU in Brussels. He now works as a researcher at the Avenir Suisse think tank, where he mainly focuses on energy issues.

Stefanie Spescha is a multifaceted professional with expertise in sustainability and finance. Her global journey, from Zurich to Hong Kong and Shanghai, has enriched her with profound knowledge of environmental and economic matters. Holding a Master of Arts in Chinese Business from Zhejiang University and a Master of Science in Climate Change Management and Finance from Imperial College, she excels in cross-cultural communication, being fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, English, German, and French. She is passionate about fostering Swiss-Asian collaborations and increasing her understanding of Asia's landscape. Reach out to Stefanie via Linkedin.

Tobias Bräm is a recent master's graduate in Global Economy & Strategy from Yonsei University in Seoul, with a double major in Global Strategy and Management, as well as East Asian Studies. He is committed to connecting Europe and Asia and is passionate about international strategy and organizations. Tobias has a strong interest in the luxury goods and cultural industry, and has professional experience in finance and controlling, as well as in the watch industry.

Walter Vlad works for the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property as a Patent Expert, supporting companies in protecting their intellectual property rights. He holds two master’s degrees from ETH Zurich in Mechanical Engineering as well as in Management, Technology and Economics. An exchange semester at the University of Tokyo inspired him to deepen his understanding of the Asian continent and its cultures. Walter is particularly interested in the drivers that enable entrepreneurship, innovation and knowledge sharing. His other interests include sports and the development of a Kanji/Hanzi learning tool. Contact Walter via Linkedin.

Class of 2023 

Houda Barroug is currently pursuing her second-year M.A. in International Affairs, with a focus on global security, at the Geneva Graduate Institute. An exchange semester at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, convinced her to take a gap year to not only work closely with different Korean companies with investments in Morocco, but also conduct field research for her Bachelor’s thesis at Brown University. She has an affinity for conducting comparative studies as it allows her to draw patterns between different approaches to state-building, development, and governance.

Mhyma Melissa Bilbao is a recent graduate of International Relations at Dublin City University. Born in Manila, Philippines then emigrated to Ireland at the age of 10, and at 23 to Switzerland – she now works as an associate in Zurich at a for-impact organization Aiducation International, aiding over 2,300 Filipino and Kenyan students to date in their education as a ticket out of poverty. Aside from international development, she is also fascinated by the historical colonial ties between Europe and Southeast Asia. In the context of EU-ASEAN relations, Mhyma wrote her master’s thesis on a comparative case study of the Rohingya conflict in Myanmar and the Aceh Monitoring Mission by the European Union in Indonesia. Previously she has worked with the Embassy of Ireland in promoting Irish literature in Switzerland, attended the first EU-ASEAN Youth Summit in Brussels as a Youth Representative, and has lived in 6 European and Asian countries to date. In her free time, she loves to cook Filipino fusion dishes, travelling to Ireland, and enjoying the scenery in Switzerland. Contact Mhyma by email or connect via LinkedIn.

Jiwon Choi is currently pursuing an Executive Master’s degree in Art Market Studies at the University of Zurich, with a genuine interest in globalized art and its market. Back in Seoul, South Korea, she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Painting with a minor in Art Studies at Hongik University and afterward gained professional experience both as an art dealer and art curator, specializing in Korean contemporary art. She developed and honed various skills such as planning art exhibitions, art dealing, and art management throughout her career. At the moment, she is looking for opportunities to start a career in Switzerland or in a relevant institution or company elsewhere, or perhaps to pursue another Master’s degree in a related field. Contact Jiwon via email or LinkedIn.

Sen Fang (方森) is passionate about digital technologies and has been researching and working on Technology Intelligence and Digital Transformation topics. He holds a Doctoral Degree on Technology and Innovation Management from ETH Zurich, which is complemented with engineering background in his bachelor’s and master’s. Sen has living experiences in seven countries and can speak five languages.

Martina Froehlich holds a Bachelor's degree in Japanese Studies and Environmental Sciences. She gained experience working abroad in Osaka and Miyazaki as an Event Manager and travel writer, before joining the PR team at the Zurich Film Festival in 2020. As a project manager at the Japan Information and Cultural Center in Bern, she supported cultural initiatives and exchanges. Passionate about Asia, art, and culture, Martina now focuses on fostering cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration through her current role, connecting diverse communities and disciplines.Contact Martina via LinkedIn or email.

Jeanette Gautschi works for KPMG Switzerland as an Alliance Operations Specialist where she enables strategic relationships between international tech firms and KPMG. She graduated in International Management at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences and spent a year studying in Seoul, South Korea while working for a Korean crypto exchange in Gangnam. She grew up in Switzerland and has roots and passports in the Philippines and the Netherlands as well. Due to her upbringing, she is very passionate about intercultural exchange and therefore was also active as a Partnership Manager and Board Member for the Erasmus Student Network in Winterthur. Contact Jeanette via LinkedIn.

Rachel Ann Go is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Sustainable Development at the University of Basel, after working several years in a multinational company in the Philippines and in Switzerland. She also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration & Accountancy from the University of the Philippines. She spent time volunteering in an asylum center in Kanton Zug, an orphanage center in Malawi, and, most recently, in a political campaign for the 2022 elections in the Philippines. Rachel is excited to delve into the Sustainability field in Asia. Connect with her by email or LinkedIn.

Sara Grover is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Education and Digital Transformation at the University of Education Zurich (Pädagogische Hochschule Zürich). She has a Master in Public Policy from St. Xavier’s College, India and an undergraduate degree in economics with honours from the University of Delhi, India. Her interest lies in the intersection of policy and technology. She has been working in the past to provide research inputs to members of parliament in India. She has been the recipient of the prestigious Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship and the ThinkSwiss Scholarship.

Mathias Inoue was born and raised in Basel, Switzerland, to a Swiss mother and a Japanese father. He studied classical music with the violin and holds two master’s degrees. His family background sparked his interest in the region of East Asia, which ultimately made him decide to pursue a Certificate in Advanced Studies in East Asia at the University of Zurich. He has recently passed the JLPT N1 level in Japanese and is learning Mandarin Chinese and Spanish. He is currently preparing for a BSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Basel. Contact Mathias on LinkedIn.

Nicolas Kurek is a Master of Law candidate in the University of Zurich/King’s College London double degree program. Between 2020 and 2022, he was Swiss Youth Representative to the United Nations. In the Fall of 2022, he completed an internship at the US House of Representatives. Currently, Nicolas completes his civilian service as an animator for unaccompanied minor asylum seekers. In the future, he would like to complete an academic internship at a Swiss embassy in an Asian country. He plans to write his master’s thesis on intellectual property provisions in Switzerland’s free trade agreements with eastern Asian countries.

Gallerist and art historian Julia Lechbinska serves as a cultural bridge for East Asian contemporary art in Switzerland. Julia's journey commenced in wealth management and later commodity trading, where she managed the East Asian market. This experience piqued her interest in the arts and culture of this region, prompting her to pursue a Master's degree in Art History. Julia further honed her skills through art expertise training and gained valuable experience working in an auction house before establishing her own gallery. Now, her role involves connecting artists and an international network of collectors at the Zurich based Lechbinska Gallery.

Joséphine Lim (林淑欣) is currently pursuing her M.A. degree in Cultural Analysis and Gender Studies at the University of Zurich. She has obtained her double-major B.A. in Popular Culture Studies and Sinology at the University of Zurich, completing the language and cultural exchange programs at the University of Beijing during this time. Her fields of interests include postcolonial studies and feminist theory, specializing at the conjunctural analysis of the location of affect, culture, subjectivity- and identity formation within both the digital media landscape and everyday practice. Contact Joséphine on LinkedIn.

Elischa Link is currently completing his political science and law studies at the University of Basel and is doing a traineeship in the field of innovation at SwissCore in Brussels, the Swiss representation of the research, education and innovation sector. Already during high school, he had spent a year in Japan and thus discovered his passion for Asia. During his studies, he then spent a semester at Tsinghua University in Beijing and completed a summer school at East China Normal University in Shanghai. Besides his studies, he was active in university politics in various positions, most recently as president of the Swiss Student Union. He is also active in the Red Cross as co-chair of the Swiss Red Cross Young Leaders Forum and as Youth Delegate for international affairs. Contact Elischa via LinkedIn.

Émilie Luthringer is currently Program Officer at Asia Society Switzerland. She initially joined the team as Project Manager intern in October 2023. She is also a Publications Associate for the Institute for International Relations and Strategic Affairs (IRIS) and a Next Gen Collaborator of KEY–Korea Europe & You. She holds a Master's degree in Asian Studies from the University of Geneva and is specialized in Korean studies. In addition to her experience in Switzerland, Émilie studied at the University of Montreal, Canada, and Yonsei University, South Korea, as part of her academic education. Aside from her training in Asian studies, she also holds two second-cycle degrees in Sustainable development and Gender Studies. Aside from Asia, her interests include geopolitics, international relations, climate change, and gender dynamics. You can contact Émilie on LinkedIn or via email.

Quentin Merle is a research and teaching assistant at the ETH Center for Security Studies. He holds an MSc in Contemporary Chinese Studies from the University of Oxford and an Honours BA in International Studies from Leiden University. His research interest and expertise are within Sino-European relations and the Belt and Road Initiative. He has participated in a summer school in Beijing, completed a high school exchange to Shenzhen, and been involved in a Chinese fashion startup. He loves to play tennis any time of the day. Connect with Quentin via email or LinkedIn.

Elena Miyoshi is currently working as an assistant in corporate external audit in an international company. She completed her bachelor studies in International Business Management in a trinational study programme, in which she had the opportunity to go abroad to the Hanyang University in Seoul, South Korea. Next to her interest in Asian culture, she is expressing her interest in sustainability and mental health awareness by supporting grassroot movements within companies to foster a sustainable and inclusive company culture.

Tobias Tarlosy grew up as a child of immigrant parents in Germany and has subsequently studied and worked in St. Gallen, Buenos Aires, Moscow, Budapest and most recently in Tokyo, where he has spent two years with a DAAD scholarship. There, Tobias studied Japanese for one year and worked as the first foreign Trainee ever at Keizai Doyukai – The Japan Association of Corporate Executives, which is one of the key corporate sponsored business associations in Japan. Furthermore, he worked at KPMG in Tokyo, whereby he transferred back to KPMG Zurich in 2020. Reach out to Tobias via LinkedIn.

Saghar Vosough is a third-year Ph.D. student in Neuropsychology at the University of Zurich. After obtaining her BA degree at the University of Allameh Tabatabai in Tehran, Iran, she moved to Shahid Beheshti University for her master’s degree in Psychology. While working in the field of neuropsychology. She came to Switzerland for a collaboration with the Brain and Trauma Foundation, Grisons, Switzerland, in 2019.

Robin Weber is an intercultural psychologist and currently pursues his PhD in Singapore researching spirituality in South-East Asia. He enjoys podcasting, having created 'Delving Into Asian Psyches' and is now co-hosting 'Uncovered Conversations'. Privately, he dedicates his time to Singapore's street dogs. Contact Robin via email.

Anita Weilenmann is currently working on her Master’s degree in Social Anthropology and Modern Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Zürich, and is preparing for job opportunities after graduation. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Anthropology and Chinese studies. During an exchange year in Kunming and a field trip to Kazakhstan, Anita was able to gather first experiences and insights into lived realities, which fostered her interest in politics and how it directly or indirectly takes influence on people’s lives. Contact Anita on LinkedIn.

Krish Zimmermann is part of the marketing team of Blindflug Studios, a Swiss indie video game company. Apart from that, she is also active as a musician and event manager. As such, she has organized concerts and small festivals in the underground music scenes of both Japan and Switzerland. In 2023, a release of her music project Umriss was selected as an "Outstanding Gen A Project" by the Asia Society Switzerland. As a half-Indian Swiss person, she hopes to contribute to a better understanding of the Asian continent, its diversity, and dynamics in the West. She can be reached by mail.

Class of 2022 

Basil Ammann is a senior researcher at the think tank Avenir Suisse. He studied international relations, focusing on economics, at the universities of Geneva and St. Gallen and at Sciences Po Paris. An exchange year in Hong Kong and an internship in India sparked his enthusiasm for Asia. He loves to debate political, historical as well as cultural topics and never ever turns down a good bowl of noodle soup. 

Gopiga Arulchelvam is a recent graduate in International Relations and Asian Studies from the University of Geneva. She also had the opportunity to study for one semester at the Renmin University of China (Beijing). She wrote her master’s thesis on the Belt and Road Initiative and its impact in Eurasia. During her academic years, she was also involved in several activities with NGOs and associations. Contact Gopiga via email.

Olivia Chollet was born and raised in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Her long-standing interest in Asia, and East Asia in particular, was sparked by family trips in Japan as a teenager. After a first degree in International Relations, she recently obtained a Master’s in Pacific Asian Studies at SOAS university in London. As she is passionate about foreign languages, she recently passed the JLPT N2 in Japanese and is currently learning Korean and Mandarin Chinese. At the moment, she is looking for opportunities to start a career in East Asia or in a relevant institution or company elsewhere, or perhaps to pursue another academic degree in a related field. Her other activities include improvisational theater, literature, and fiction writing.

Manuela Coldesina is an independent scholar and museum professional. After obtaining a B.A. degree in Art History and Japanese Studies at the University of Zurich, she graduated cum laude from Leiden University with an M.A. in the History, Arts and Culture of Asia and a Specialisation in Critical Heritage of Asia and Europe. Recipient of the Ada Ceschin and Rosanna Pilone Foundation Fellowship Grant in 2020, she is currently compiling the report of the MUSEC’s Souvenir du Japonresearch and exhibition project. Contact Manuela via email.

Anna Dietrich is part of the Global Marketing Division of Switzerland Global Enterprise, the official Swiss organization for import and export promotion. After graduating High School, she spent two years in Osaka, Japan, where her passion for Japanese culture and language manifested and the desire to work in an international environment was formed. Back in Switzerland, she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Management at the University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons and afterwards gained first professional experience as a project management intern at placemaking company gutundgut in Zurich. Enrolling for a Master’s Degree in International Business at ZHAW is one of her goals for the near future. Contact Anna on LinkedIn.

Adam Fehr is a radio journalist at SRF 4 News. Working on topics ranging from current political developments in South China Sea, the Taliban understanding of Sharia law to Hallyu and plastic recycling in Manila. Growing up in the Philippines profoundly shaped his interest in (South-) East Asia and, subsequently, his career as a Social Anthropologist and storyteller at the leading news radio station of Switzerland. He studied at the University of Zurich and conducted monthlong field studies in northern Sulawesi and Manila. Moreover, he attended a language and cultural exchange program in Beijing, invited by the Confucius Institute. Contact Adam via LinkedIn or Instagram.

Till Haechler is a trainee lawyer with Lenz & Staehelin, a major Swiss corporate law firm, specializing in cross-border M&A and foreign investment law. He holds master’s degrees in law from the Universities of Hong Kong and Zurich. He envisages a career as a corporate lawyer with a particular focus on Asian investors doing business in Switzerland and Swiss investors seeking business opportunities in Asia.

Lea Hasenzahl is a PhD Candidate at the Institute of Digital Technologies for Communication – ITDxC (Faculty of Communication, Culture and Society) at Università della Svizzera italiana - USI (Lugano). She holds a MA degree in Economics and Communication (Major in International Tourism) obtained at USI and a BA in Sociology and Communication Sciences, obtained at Technische Universität Dresden (Germany). With her PhD research project, she aims to explore "the public discourse around Chinese Outbound Tourism in Western societies" (working title). Lea is also a research associate of the UNESCO Chair in ICTs to develop and promote sustainable tourism in World Heritage Sites. Lea speaks German, English and French, has elementary Mandarin skills and is currently learning Italian.

Tim Hofer is a graduate student enrolled in the MSc program in International Relations at the London School of Economics. Spending a year in Chengdu during his undergraduate program in Political Science and China Studies at the University of Zurich, his focus of research lies mainly on the domestic and foreign policy of the PRC. As an avid language enthusiast, he recently started learning Hindi alongside improving his Mandarin skills.

David Hongler is currently working on his doctoral thesis in International Law at the University of Zurich. He lived and studied in Beijing for multiple years and was selected as a Yenching Scholar at Peking University in 2016. He holds two Master Degrees, one in Law and one in Interdisciplinary China Studies with a focus on Economics.

Loïc Jent is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Economics at the University of St. Gallen, having recently spent 6 months as the Academic Intern for Economic and Political Affairs at the Embassy of Switzerland. During his time in Seoul, Loïc was part of the initial cohort of Asia Society Korea’s youth program, ASK-Y. Prior to that, Loïc was involved as Assistant Project Officer for Fontes Foundation in Uganda. His academic knowledge and interests center around international relations, natural resource management, and development cooperation. Led by his high sensitivity to social issues, he was involved in the implementation of a variety of community-driven humanitarian projects in Croatia, Romania, Kenya, Tanzania, and China during his teenage years. Contact Loïc via LinkedIn

Liliane Krüsi is a graduate student in Sinology at the University of Zurich & Marketing Coordinator at what. AG. Besides her studies, she has initiated a podcast series on ETH Spin-offs with Swisspreneur and helped grow YiLu, a young community of European and Chinese change-makers. As a teenager, she grew up in Shanghai, Moscow, and Zurich, which sparked her interest in different cultures and languages. Studying between Shanghai, Zurich, and New Brunswick she graduated with her bachelor’s at UZH specializing in Cross-Strait economic relations between China, Taiwan, and the United States. Reach out to Liliane via LinkedIn.

Zenya Kwan is NFT Research and Development specialist at Casper Association located in Crypto Valley Zug. A Hongkonger who has been an expat in the UK, the US and Switzerland since 2008. Zenya was supervised by Dr. Uli Sigg during the Executive Master degree at the University of Zürich, and written the master thesis - Hong Kong Art Scene from 1974 to 2019. Coming from a business analyst background and traditional art market, Zenya has a great interest to develop software which implement a securer environment to the disruptive NFT landscape. 

Boas Lieberherr is a researcher in security and foreign policy-making in South Asia. Before joining the Center for Security Studies at ETH Zurich, he worked as an analyst in the Defense Attaché‘s office at the Swiss Embassy in New Delhi, India. After completing an apprenticeship in digital media design, Boas studied political science and economics at the University of Zurich. He also holds a Master’s in Comparative and International Studies from ETH Zurich. Boas‘ research focuses on India’s security and foreign policy, relations among South Asia, the US, and China, and the emerging concept of the “Indo-Pacific.” He has published in the Center for Security Studies’ own publication formats, NZZ, and SIRIUS, and was interviewed by SRF. Boas is also an enthusiastic mountain climber. If you can‘t reach him, he may just be climbing the Matterhorn. Connect with Boas via email, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

Thibault Maillard has recently completed a Master’s degree in Chinese studies from the University of Geneva, and he is looking for new professional opportunities. He also holds a bachelor in Choreography and a certificate in digital humanities. He is passionate about Asia, technology, and art. 

Benjamin Mak connects the dots between global clients and customers, where this has led to multiple successful projects. Within several years in the public office and now 2 years in the private sector, Benjamin has gained experiences in business analytics, consultation, team building as well as internal and external long-term strategic implementation. Currently, Benjamin is managing numerous global projects, where he finds the optimal solution in the pharmaceutical development space.

Chiara Mazidi is a bachelor student in history and political science at the University of Zurich, with a focus on interdisciplinary topics such as economic history, democracy studiesand humanitarian organizations. Besides her studies, she has worked as a walking tour guide and archivist for the Jewish Heritage Pathand the Jewish religious community in Endingen. Since 2020, she has also worked for the art museum Langmatt in Baden. Whether on the guided tours with school classes or at events with the museum, she enjoys imparting knowledge and using her communication- and social skills with various groups.

Selina Morell studied European Global Studies at the University of Basel, where she began to focus on topics related to China and its foreign policy. After a semester as an exchange student at Tsinghua University in Beijing, she worked as an intern in the Political Section of the Swiss Embassy in Beijing. After completing her studies, she began working as a research assistant at the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport. In autumn 2022, she will start a doctoral thesis at the University of Basel.

Carolina Rohmann is a Natural Hazard Specialist Graduate at Swiss Re. After her studies in atmospheric sciences at the University of Frankfurt and the University of Innsbruck, she got into the world of natural hazards in the reinsurance industry through an internship at Munich Re. Despite growing up in Germany, she had contact with Asian culture from an early age because of her half Japanese origins. Contact Carolina via email or LinkedIn.

Jonas Rüegg is a scholar in the field of environmental history of Japan, East Asia, and the Pacific. Having obtained his PhD from Harvard University in 2022, he now teaches at the University of Zurich. Before his studies in the United States, Jonas served the embassy of Switzerland in Japan, and is looking back on years of research at Tokyo University and Academia Sinica in Taiwan. His book The Kuroshio Frontier: Empire and Environment in the Making of Japan’s Pacific will come out from Cambridge University Press in 2024. Jonas' projects investigate the social and environmental cost of Japan’s industrial revolution and the transformations it brought to the Asia-Pacific’s maritime peripheries. Building on sources in seven European and Asian languages, his research into the unequal histories of environmental change is dedicated to local perspectives on global challenges. In the context of his new, multi-year project on the history of the Japanese Empire in the Pacific, Jonas is also working with local artists and educators in Micronesia and other places at the forefront of climate change. In 2024 he won the MJHA Dissertation Prize. Jonas is a Asia21 Fellow.
 

Kimberly Schlegel is a recent graduate of the University of Zurich with a Master’s Degree in English Linguistics and Japanology. She has been fascinated with Japan from an early age, which has led her to travel the country several times already. Her last time in Japan was her one-year exchange at Keio University in 2017/18. When Kimberly’s not attending academic courses, she teaches (Swiss)-German and English at VOX-Sprachschule. Moreover, to satisfy her two big interests –sustainability and movies –you find her supporting the national core team of the Sustainability Week Switzerland with her technical knowledge or volunteering at the Zurich Film Festival. Contact Kimberly via email or LinkedIn.

Alexander Wälchli is an entrepreneur with proven experience in building a product from scratch and launching it on a global stage. Behind the scenes, he is a product manager, business developer, responsible for internationalization and fundraiser in a multicultural and diverse setting. Powerful analytical and conceptual thinking skills teamed up with precise execution. Also, a fast-paced team player with a strong and integer personality.

Luigi Zeni, born in the Italian part of Switzerland, is an MA student at the University of Zurich. He graduated from a double-major program in Japanese Studies and East-Asian Art History. Currently, he is researching the topic of mingei 民芸 – folk art/crafts – with a focus on Japanese ceramics and the contemporary scene of Japanese craftsmanship. In 2017/2018 he spent one year at Osaka University as an exchange student and expanded his knowledge about Japanese arts and crafts. In 2020, he co-founded Wasshoi! Interdisciplinary Magazine on Japan, a magazine available for free online, the aim of which is to share insights about Japanese culture on a semi-academic level with a broad audience through articles, reviews, essays, short stories and more. He has also cooperated with several projects related to East Asian art exhibitions and his dream is to work at an East Asian art museum. 

Hao Gan Zhong is a researcher for Ceenex, where he conducts research on international political and economic policy. He is also a teacher of extracurricular classes in international schools. Coming originally from Australia, he moved to Zurich in 2020. He has a master’s degree in international relations from Fudan University, China, and a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Monash University, Australia.

Class of 2021 

Eléonore Aubry has, in addition to a year studying at Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China, traveled extensively throughout Asia, from Mongolia to Indonesia and Sri Lanka to the Philippines, cultivating her strong interest in the region. Whilst half French, half English, she has sought to combine her knowledge of Mandarin and degrees in law and sustainability whilst settling down in Zürich. Eléonore is currently working as a Conflicts and Reputational Risk Analyst in Investment Banking. Reach out to Eléonore via LinkedIn or send her an email.

Yuhao Chen is a Master student in Marketing Management at the University of St. Gallen, before coming to Switzerland, he has studied in China, Malaysia and Germany. He has overseen the gap between Asian and Western cultures, and he decided to be the bridge to connect different cultures and bring everyone in the world together. Reach Yuhao via LinkedIn or email.

Timoteo Cozzio specializes in Europe and Asia’s strategic relations. Through his work in the Asia Program at Institut Montaigne, he has gained extensive experience in contemporary EU-Asia policy issues. Before this, he was Deputy Director at the Society for East Asian Affairs. Besides focusing on security issues, Timoteo is passionate about cultural diplomacy and fostering social cohesion through education. He worked in this field during his time with the French NGO Project Aladdin, developing and managing the 2023 International Summer University for Intercultural Leadership in Istanbul. Currently finalizing a dual Master’s degree from Sciences Po Paris and Fudan University Shanghai, his focus lies on comparative foreign policy, particularly with regard to Southeast Asian practices of hedging. Timoteo has presented his research at academic conferences in Berlin, Washington DC, and Tokyo. He also holds a B.A. in Sinology from the University of Zurich, where his thesis focused on Chinese nationalism with regard to Sino-African ties. Based in Paris, Timoteo can be reached via Linkedin.

Debjani Das holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Anthropology with a Minor in Social Sciences from the University of Bern and an interdisciplinary Master’s degree in World Society and Global Governance from the University of Lucerne. During her Undergraduate studies, Debjani did an exchange at University College London (UCL) where she was a member of UCL’s Model United Nations. She has a broad interest in many different topics such as international politics, culture, art, society, and diplomacy and combined some of them in her thesis on World Heritage in Kathmandu where she conducted fieldwork. She has interned at Asia Society Switzerland and has worked for the British Embassy as well as the State Secretariat for Migration, and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs on topics such as asylum, human rights diplomacy, domestic policy and public diplomacy. She loves to continuously learn about new things and is an alumna of Asia Society Switzerland’s Gen A 2021 Programme. Reach Debjani via LinkedIn.

Pablo Rahul Das is currently working as a Research Associate for the Geneva office of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). Before starting this position, Pablo was the Head of Communications and Public Relations at the Center for Security Studies (CSS) at ETH Zurich.  Previously, he was also in charge of communications and public relations at the World Trade Institute (WTI) of the University of Bern. Pablo interned in the diplomatic section of the Swiss Embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam from July until December 2019. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Languages and Literature in English with a Minor in Political Science from the University of Bern and a Master’s degree in the same fields of study. Pablo is passionate about everything related to Asia, international politics, and diplomacy. He also is an avid reader and loves traveling. During his undergraduate studies, Pablo did an exchange at University College London (UCL) where he was an active member of several student societies, e.g. the UCL Japan Society and the UCL International Relations Society. For his Master's thesis, he conducted fieldwork on language attitudes in postcolonial Hong Kong. Pablo is a Certified Project Management Associate (IPMA Level D) and is an alumnus of Asia Society Switzerland's Gen A 2021 Program. Reach Pablo via LinkedIn.

Kevin Michael Hubacher is an attorney-at-law and admitted to the bar in Switzerland. Kevin has earned a Ph.D. in law from the University of Lucerne and a juris master degree from Tsinghua University in Beijing. Kevin has both lived and studied in China. He works as associate for the Swiss law firm Homburger AG and focuses on public and private mergers & acquisitions as well as corporate governance. Kevin also advises on matters in relation to insurance law, insurance supervision as well as inbound and outbound business with China. He publishes and speaks regularly in these fields. Kevin is very passionate about Asia and a member of, amongst others, the Asia Society Switzerland, the Inter-Pacific Bar Association, the Swiss-Chinese Association and the Swiss-Chinese Chamber of Commerce. Reach Kevin via LinkedIn.

Samira Hüsler, Gen A Fellow 2021, is a social anthropologist specializing in Japan and ageing. She completed an internship in cultural tourism in Fukuoka and carried out several field studies on ageing in various regions of Japan as part of her studies. After graduating, she completed an internship at the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO in the Bilateral Economic Relations Asia / Oceania department. Today she works as a research assistant at the Institute for Ageing Research IAF in St.Gallen. In January 2024, she started her PhD thesis on intergenerational care in institutions in Japan and Switzerland.  

David Klug currently is an MA candidate at the University of St. Gallen for a degree of Management, Organization, and Culture. Previously, he completed a BA at the University of Zurich in the fields of Sinology, sociology, and Japanese. He has also spent one year the the Sichuan University in Chengdu where he deepened his Mandarin skills. David Klug has been blessed to meet many friendly and inspiring people through his journey at Gen A. Reach David via LinkedIn.

Dennis Moser is a double-degree master's student candidate in Business Innovation and International Management (CEMS) at the University of St. Gallen and the Graduate School of Management at St. Petersburg University, Russia. During his master’s studies, he worked at M1 AG in St. Gallen, a think tank for strategic issues of the time. His interest and connection to Asia grew while working for two years in Southeast Asia. Dennis is a Gen A alumnus of 2021. Reach out to Dennis via LinkedIn.

Jonas Niederberger is currently pursuing a Master's in Development Studies at the Graduate Institute of Geneva. He is specialising in Environment, Resources, and Sustainability. His key interests are sustainable development and governance and Asian politics (specifically China), as well as changes in international norms, international learning processes and paradigm shifts. Jonas holds a Bachelor of Arts UZH in Social Science with a major in political science and a minor in Chinese studies. Having gained valuable experience leading and volunteering in NGO projects related to sustainability, specifically sustainable electronics, Jonas was the co-lead of the Centre for Student Engagement at the University of Zurich (VSUZH Impulsfabrik) for two years. Reach out to Jonas via LinkedIn or email.

Seraina Petersen is an international affairs and cooperation professional specialised in development, policy analysis, and conflict prevention. She is currently working with the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs’ Peace and Human Rights Division. She has previously worked in several international organisations including the UN and OSCE, and has work experience in China, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia and Uzbekistan. She is also an avid musician, volunteer, and loves to get to know new cultures – for example, through the Gen A 2021 Programme.

Chirine Sunderland is an international business and trade specialist with extensive experience in Europe-Korea relations. Having recently returned to Switzerland, she is seeking new opportunities in international business and global affairs. She previously led market entry and expansion initiatives as a Manager at the Korean-German Chamber of Commerce (KGCCI/AHK Korea), supporting German companies including startups in sectors like CleanTech, Machinery, and MedTech. She also held key roles at the Swiss Business Hub Korea (Swiss Embassy in Seoul)/Switzerland Global Enterprise and KOTRA Zürich, advising companies on trade, investment, and cross-border collaboration. Beyond trade, Chirine has contributed to major translation projects, including Netflix’s Crash Landing on You. She holds a BA in Korean Studies (SOAS & Korea University) and an MSc in East Asian Business (University of Sheffield), with over 15 years of engagement with the Korean peninsula. Connect with Chirine on LinkedIn.

Julia Tscherrig is a Political Affairs Officer at the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. After her studies in Anthropology, History, International Law and Politics in Switzerland, Canada and Estonia, she has worked at the Swiss Embassy in Costa Rica, the Swiss Mission to the UN in Geneva and the Global Apprenticeship Network in Geneva. She is now responsible in Bern for the coordination of Swiss human rights positions at the United Nations (UN). She is fluent in German, French, English and Spanish. As of April 2022, she will work at the UN Office of the Victims’ Rights Advocate in New York, contributing to provide sustainable assistance to victims of sexual exploitation and abuse by UN staff and related personnel. Reach Julia via LinkedIn.

Philipp Wolf is a producer and editor at NZZ PRO Global. He studied international relations focussing on political science at the university of Geneva and the university of Amsterdam. History books, documentaries, discussions and last but not least several months of traveling Southeast Asia sparked his interest for the continent. If he is not reading or discussing Asia related topics, he is most likely standing in the kitchen crying over his failed attempts of cooking Indian or Chinese dishes.

Other Gen A 2021 alumni are Adam Benacka, Nadine Lange, Kellen McCullum, Andreas Ratchev, Gabriela Siegenthaler, Lawrence Wu, and Isabelle Zheng.

Class of 2020 

Dolma Blattner is currently pursuing her Master in Banking and Finance at the University of St. Gallen. Prior to that, she studied Business Administration at the University St. Gallen and the Singapore Management University. She is an alumni member of Asia Society Switzerland’s first Gen A cohort. Dolma has Swiss and Tibetan roots. Her mother's family is originally from Lhasa. Although she was born and grew up in Zurich, she still feels strongly connected to her heritage and is actively involved in the Tibetan community in Switzerland. 

Elisa Cadelli was born into an Italian-Swiss-German family and studied international relations in Geneva (international politics and law). She worked, volunteered and studied in various places across the globe, but has soon discovered her special interest for the Asian continent. Elisa completed her master’s in London in public policy through which she gained a lot of knowledge around mission-oriented innovation, private-public partnerships and design approaches for stakeholder engagement. She currently works at the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs in the Asia & Pacific Division and co-leads the Swiss think tank foraus' Asia program. Contact Elisa via email.

Myrta Brunner is a communications specialist at the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), where she focuses on social media, marketing, and alumni network management. She holds an interdisciplinary MA in Religion - Economy - Politics from the universities of Basel, Zurich, and Lucerne. She values intercultural exchange as a foundation for mutual understanding and cooperation in our globalized world. As Gen A 2020 alumna, Myrta is committed to deepening her Asia competence and strengthening the Gen A community. Reach out to Myrta via LinkedIn.

Corinne Estermann is a public servant focusing on multilateral cooperation, with an academic background in Sinology, Economics, Chinese Political Economy, and International History. She studied at Peking University (PKU), Shanghai International Studies University (SISU), London School of Economics (LSE) and University of Zurich (UZH). Her intention is to foster an internationalist perspective on different cultural, social, and economic systems and their mutual influence on each other. Corinne is passionate about discussions on lives and livelihoods in China that put humans at the center of concern. Contact Corinne via LinkedIn.

Martín Mosteiro Romero, Gen A Fellow 2020,  is an energy systems engineer and a postdoc researcher at the Department of Architectural Engineering and Technology, TU Delft, Netherlands. He holds PhD and MS degrees from ETH Zürich as well as a BS from Rutgers University, and has professional experience in four continents. After graduating from Gen A 2020, he spent three years working at the National University of Singapore – as well as two months in South Korea supported by a Gen A Alumni Travel Grant. Contact Martín via email or reach out to him on LinkedIn. 

Francis Müller is a master's student in law at the University of Geneva with five years of professional legal experience, working for a Swiss law firm focusing on Asian clients doing business in Europe. Before studying law, he obtained a bachelor's in Japanese studies from the University of Zurich. His specialization lies in corporate and financing transactions, commercial contracts and, particularly, legal issues relevant to international trade as well as the manufacturing and chemical industries. Francis is intrigued by the legal implications of emerging technologies for the real economy, including digitization and robotics in industrial processes and international trade. His mission is to standardize and optimize legal processes while employing mathematical tools to quantify legal risks. Connect with Francis via email.

Lisa Peers Dermont is an editor and producer for the Fundaziun Medias Rumantschas, publishing the only supra-regional Romansh daily newspaper in the world. Previously, she  contributed her part to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and organised the vaccination campaign of the canton of the Grisons. Her love for China sparked while travelling through the country, leading her to study Chinese Sciences for her Bachelor's Degree. Subsequently, she studied Chinese language and culture in Beijing and Kunming. Finally she wrote her MBA Master's thesis during an exchange semester in Shanghai. Additionally, she has worked as a ski instructor and coach for Chinese ski instructors in Chongli and Yanqing.

Cecilia Perversi is a Marketing Manager and Co-Chair & Co-Founder of Young Professionals Network at UBS in Zurich. She’s from Italy, where she grew up and studied at Bocconi University to then move to Zurich to get her Master’s at HSG and build her professional career in marketing, exploring various industries. She loves to grow and learn new things, which is why she is a Gen A alumna herself and mentors HSG students in her free time (including one of the current Gen A fellows!).

Julia Rickenbacher is a policy evaluator at Interface Poltitikstudien Forschung Beratung. She holds a Master's degree in Political Science and Japanese Studies. Three years of working, studying and travelling in Japan deepened her passion not only for this country in particular but also Asia in general. She loves to learn and discover new perspectives, which is something she enjoys in both her work as an evaluator and when exploring Asia. Reach Julia via LinkedIn.

Célia Rohrer is a Communications Business Partner for an international Biotech company. She manages the strategic and operational communication needs of local and international stakeholders. She is fascinated by cross-cultural behavior and "glocal" trends, integrating a global strategy into a local network. She holds a Master of Science degree in International Management. In her Master's thesis, she explored the impact of deglobalization trends on RCEP markets, with the Asia Society Network being of great importance to her research. Reach Célia via LinkedIn.

Gabriel Ruggli is Co-CEO of C-Level, an Exchange Platform for Swiss Executives. Furthermore, he founded one of the largest Swiss Drive-In Cinemas Autokino Winti during the Covid Crisis. As a teenager his first start-up led him to China and sparked his love for the Asian continent. Studying between Beijing, Shanghai and Zurich he graduated his Master at HSG specializing in PRC’s commercial law and is a Gen A alumnus of 2020. Reach Gabriel via LinkedIn.

Sonja Schneider is an undergraduate student in Chinese studies and Geography at the University of Zurich. She likes nature, traveling, languages and learning new things. "Asia Society‘s Gen A Program gave me a lot of insights into specific issues about Asia which I wasn‘t that aware of before." Reach out to Sonja via email.

Olivier Stamm is a curious Asia enthusiast, having travelled to the Mount Everest Base Camp in Tibet, run the Pyongyang Marathon in North Korea and motorbiked across South-East Asia & Malaysia. Since finishing his studies in Shanghai and Hong Kong in 2019, he’s been working for International SOS, the world’s leading medical and assistance company. Olivier is a Gen A alumnus of the 2020 cohort. Reach out to Olivier via LinkedIn or send him an email.

Lucia Toth is a graduate in Chinese Politics and Diplomacy at Fudan University in China and an Intern at Trivium Beijing, a China Policy Consultancy. While completing her Business Bachelors at HSG, she studied and worked in China for one year. Building China understanding has since become her passion and delivering it to Western stakeholders her career aspiration. After her graduation from Fudan, Lucia is striving to pursue a career in the nexus of business and policy within the Chinese context. Contact Lucia via email or LinkedIn.

Maurin Widmer leads a team of Robotics Field Engineers at a Swiss robotics scale-up, guiding customers worldwide through their robotic adoption process. He holds a MAS in Business Administration and is currently finishing his MBA.
Maurin’s fascination with Asian culture began during childhood and inspired him to complete part of his Mechanical Engineering Master’s at the National University of Singapore. After graduating from ETH Zurich, he worked on international projects as a Field Application Engineer, focusing on Asian markets.
In his free time, he enjoys running, sailing, photography, and cooking. He is also the founder of eatup.ch, a recipe website.

Other Gen A 2020 alumni are Matteo Bernasconi, Michael Koch, and Michael Rychener-Schreiner.