Veda Khulpateea on Asia House’s programme dedicated to shaping the ever growing relationship between Asia and the UK

Today’s young professionals have the rare opportunity to engage with a rapidly changing world.  The economic and political rise of Asia is accompanied by a greater awareness of Asian cultural forms, and thousands of young professionals are finding that their work ties to Asia have stimulated personal wishes for greater involvement in the region.  To help bring together motivated young professionals, Asia House has initiated the Young Leaders programme to bring together the next generation of individuals who will move the relationship between Europe and Asia forward.

Asia House has been promoting dialogue through business, cultural and policy themes by connecting global leaders in these areas for over 15 years. The Asia House Young Leaders share a desire to shape the relationship between the UK and Asia in the coming years.  Members range in age from 21-40 and are drawn from a variety of professional backgrounds including finance, marketing, education and the arts.  Each member brings something special to the table and seeks to benefit from Asia House’s unmatched programmes.

Asia House Signature Conferences combine policy and business, and both are a favourite of Asia House Young Leader, Hari Chandra, who works in finance. ‘They’re truly impressive,’ he explains, ‘It’s quite an accomplishment to get such a high calibre of speakers together, and the conference is enhanced by the participation of a truly interested audience.’  The next Signature Conference on financial regulation will be of interest to many Young Leaders and professional development is a common goal.

In response to member needs, Asia House is launching a monthly networking reception for Young Leaders on 21 June, featuring remarks by Alpesh Patel, Founder of Praefinium Partners, an asset management company, and the Senior Dealmaker for the UKTI’s Global Entrepreneurs Programme, covering India, Singapore and Malaysia.  This series is already creating a stir among Young Leaders and future speakers include Lord Wei and Al-Jazeera English journalist/assistant producer, Asim Haneef.

Professional activities are only part of the package, however. The Asia House Young Leaders programme offers singular cultural experiences as well.  For many who have spent time on the continent, Asia House offers familiar comforts.  Ingo Hofmaier, an Asia House Young Leader and Business  Development Executive agrees whole heartedly. ‘Having lived in India for more than six years, Asia House is the best place in London to stay in touch with cultural, political and economic developments in India and Asia at large… I believe Asia House provides a great opportunity of helping to integrate in London for businessmen/women, their families and diplomats with some sort of relationship to Asia.’  Outings at restaurants and cutting edge galleries, such as the pair owned by Asia House Young Leader Tom Woo, keep the group connected through their shared interest in business, policy and culture across the pan-Asian region.

Cultural fluidity is a large part of what attracts motivated young people to Asia House and what makes it such a vibrant institution.  ‘There are people here I’d otherwise never get to meet,’ remarks Mr Chandra.  That sounds like reason enough to stop by and check it out.

Asia House is the best place in London to stay in touch with cultural, political and economic developments in…Asia at large

1) Asia House’s Head of Communications and Stakeholder Relations, Frey Aitken-Turff, with Asia House Young Leader, Hari Chandra, at the Asian Business Leaders Gala Awards Dinner

2) Asia House Young Leaders range in age from 21-40 and are drawn from a variety of professional backgrounds including finance, marketing, education and the arts