Cross-Cultural Growth through Regional Forums

As we move between countries for business, adapting to new cultures, languages and rules can be challenging. A great way to immerse oneself in the global landscape is to participate in a Regional Forum, an element of MyEO that enhances the EO experience. I'm a member of the Asia Bridge Forum, which was created in 2006. A group of 15 leaders in the EO APAC region decided that they wanted to create a unique experience within EO; one that lets members go beyond their chapters, create friendships and establish stronger bonds with peers from Asia. The ultimate goal was to enhance engagement by encouraging EOers to get to know neighboring countries from a local perspective.

As a longtime participant of the Asia Bridge Forum, I can attest that it is without a doubt the most successful integration product in EO. Personally, it has provided me with a rich Forum experience. Not only have I made amazing friends and had experiences that dreams are made of, but it's enriched my perspective on the Asian cultures in which I work and play. What's more, the Asia Bridge Forum has provided a high level of engagement in the EO APAC region for its members, a connectivity that didn't previously exist, and one that is not seen in other regions. Those members of EO APAC that join the Regional Forum become a part of one big family, always willing to help one another learn and grow … a true reflection of the Asian culture and EO's mission.

How does the Asia Bridge Forum work? With 150 participants from 10 Forums, the Regional Forum operates in the context of a Forum-centric activity that's scheduled three times a year, which establishes commitment and continuity. Through these experiences, members of the Forum are able to develop strong bonds, and they tend to remain in contact outside of the scheduled activities, with impromptu get-togethers occurring in various member cities. In November, an Asia Bridge Forum event was held in Singapore, where attendees were inspired to go beyond their limits, including walking on fire! Members explored Chinatown together, ate Singaporean cuisine and learned from experts while exploring one of Asia's most majestic cities. Attendees built on this experience— while avoiding Komodo dragons—when they visited Komodo Island, Indonesia, months later.

Not only is the Asia Bridge Forum a great vehicle for networking, but it's also a great breeding ground for the current and future regional and global leaders of EO. If you look at past, current and future global leaders that hail from the EO APAC region, the common thread among them is the Asia Bridge Forum. This is the same for regional positions, where a great amount of those leaders hail from the Regional Forum. The Asia Bridge Forum has accomplished so much in such a short amount of time. Due to its success, EO has expanded the product to Latin America under the "Latin Bridge Forum" banner. Slowly but surely, the effects of Regional Forums are permeating the EO experience, a great indication that this program—like many others in EO—is making a mark.

The Asia Bridge Forum is a MyEO Forum, together with EO Insignia, EO Quantum Leap, EO Latin Bridge Forum and 21 member-led Forums. Learn more by contacting us at [email protected].