Role Overview
The Research Engagement and Communications Assistant supports ABMP’s research, events and outreach initiatives. This includes engaging with participants, preparing materials, analyzing feedback, creating content for social media and ABMP publications, and assisting with program logistics.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in in-person and online research-related events (as requested) to observe, contribute to discussions, and provide insights.
• Engage with participants during workshops to ensure alignment with ABMP’s knowledge mobilization goals.
• Prepare materials for participants, including guides, reports, and research outputs.
• Draft pre- and post-event surveys; collect and analyze feedback, and summarize findings.
• Track attendance, engagement, and contributions to evaluate research effectiveness.
• Work with mentors and facilitators to identify challenges and propose evidence-based solutions.
• Support initiatives that share research findings with stakeholders and communities.
• Assist in designing educational and promotional materials.
• Contribute to team meetings, brainstorming, and ongoing project development.
• Gather and compile data to inform future research projects.
• Assist with logistical arrangements for participant groups to support smooth program delivery
• Support social media, website, and WeChat content development

Qualifications

• Strong interest in research, engagement, and communications
• Fluency in English and Mandarin (spoken and written)
• Strong organizational, analytical, and writing skills
• Ability to synthesize information and produce clear outputs
• Experience supporting events and engaging diverse participants
• Flexible, reliable, and able to work both independently and in a team

Position Details

• Number of positions: 2
• Employment type: Part-time
• Duration: May 1 – December 31, 2026
• Hours: Approximately 10–20 hours per week
• Compensation: $25–$30 per hour (depending on experience)
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Application Details
Please submit your CV and cover letter to abmp[at]yorku.ca by April 3, 2026.

Questions can be directed to abmp[at]yorku.ca.

About ABMP
The Asian Business and Management Program (ABMP), a unit of the  (YCAR) at żě˛ĄĘÓƵ, delivers customized professional development and management training to officials and professionals from across Asia as well as career experience programs for Asian high school and undergraduate students studying abroad and in their home countries.

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To mark the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Asian Business and Management Program (ABMP) at żě˛ĄĘÓƵ, a special panel explored the evolving landscape of Canada–China relations following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent visit to Beijing. The discussion brought together leaders from higher education, business, academia, and policy experts to reflect on both tangible outcomes and broader strategic shifts in Canadian engagement with China.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by distinguished guests, including Lisa Philipps (York’s Interim President and Vice-Chancellor); Shamali Gupta (Director of Greater China Division, Global Affairs Canada); and Luo Weidong (Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Toronto). Lisa Philipps highlighted the unique role of universities as long-term bridge-builders. Academic institutions take a long-term perspective, fostering people-to-people understanding even during periods of diplomatic uncertainty.

Panelists observed the resumption of dialogue between the two countries, marking an important milestone in trade and investment cooperation. , Executive Director of the Canada-China Business Council (CCBC), noted that following Prime Minister Carney’s visit, Canada is taking a pragmatic, well-structured approach with China that advances national interests and balances opportunity with risk in a changing global environment. Julia G. Bentley, former Ambassador and York Centre for Asian Research Associate, illustrated this point, noting that “beyond suggesting that canola and electric vehicles have replaced ping-pong diplomacy, Carney’s visit facilitated the reinvigoration of a suite of consultation mechanisms between Canada and China . . . these serve as the practical building blocks of engagement.” Douglas Proctor, Assistant Vice-President, Global Engagement and Partnerships at żě˛ĄĘÓƵ, invoked a guiding principle expressed by the Australian Foreign Minister: “We need to cooperate where we can, disagree where we must, but engage in our national interest.” Proctor noted that this principle encapsulates how Canada can frame a renewed approach to engagement with China.

Education and research remain key avenues for bilateral collaboration: education programs, alumni networks, research partnerships, and faculty exchanges were highlighted as durable channels for sustaining dialogue between nations. The discussion emphasized that programs like ABMP exemplify the value of sustained, creative engagement. Rui Wang, Professor and former Dean of the Faculty of Science at żě˛ĄĘÓƵ reflected that “ABMP shows that meaningful exchange - whether in education, business, or research - can thrive even in challenging times. It reminds us that constructive engagement is built incrementally, through dialogue, perseverance, and collaboration.”

The discussion at ABMP’s 25th anniversary not only celebrated past achievements but also provided a roadmap for resilient and informed engagement with China—anchored in Canadian national interests, values, and a commitment to people-to-people connections. **If you are interested in viewing the full panel discussion, please check it out

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When students think about the moment education turns into career readiness, many point to a single experience: where learning becomes confidence, and connections turn into opportunity. That’s exactly what participants described in the recent Career | Fit Participant Experience Survey, completed by Asian-identifying students who participated in the RBC-sponsored Career | Fit programs between 2023 and 2025.

Since launching its partnership with RBC, ABMP has delivered 14 Career | Fit Professional Experience programs across three national series between 2023 and 2025. These programs have enrolled 379 students, selected from more than 500 applications representing over 30 postsecondary institutions nationwide, and awarded 299 certificates of completion. Through project-based learning, mentorship, and career-readiness workshops, participants gained hands-on exposure to real-world workplace expectations while building industry-relevant skills alongside corporate mentors.

As one student reflected, “The most important thing I learned from my Career | Fit project was how to translate academic knowledge into industry-ready solutions. This program gave me a deeper understanding of how these technologies are applied in real-world banking contexts.”

Participants consistently reported that the program helped them bridge the gap between theory and practice. More than 80% said it helped them apply academic knowledge to real-world contexts “a lot” or “a great deal.” They gained insight into project management, professional communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—essential skills in any Canadian workplace. This mirrors national findings on work-integrated learning in Canada, which show that students who participate in structured, mentored, applied learning experiences are more likely to feel career-ready and to secure employment aligned with their field of study.

Beyond technical skills, Career | Fit programs strengthened confidence and communication. â€śI learned how to convey complicated ideas in a clear, skilled way. This program increased my confidence in communicating my ideas and working with diverse teams,” one student said. Nearly all participants reported feeling better prepared for future employment, while over 80% highlighted stronger job-search and networking skills.

Mentorship emerged as the element with the greatest impact. Students described mentors as critical in understanding corporate culture, refining professional communication, and building meaningful networks. One student reflected, â€śCareer | Fit helped me build real professional relationships and feel confident engaging with industry leaders.”

The survey also showed that participants are using their skills to lead and guide others, whether through peer mentoring, managing group projects, or collaborating more intentionally. Career | Fit programs help students clarify their career paths, explore fields they hadn’t considered, and solidify ambitions in finance, technology, consulting, and beyond. â€śCareer | Fit helped turn curiosity into direction. I now know what I want to pursue and how to prepare for it,” said one graduate.

With continued support from RBC, Career | Fit remains focused on equipping students with not just marketable skills, but also confidence, connection, and purpose. The program empowers participants to navigate the modern workplace and contribute meaningfully to their industries and communities. 

“Career | Fit strengthened my belief that success is built on collaboration. Learning doesn’t end with graduation — it begins when you apply it,” a participant reflected.

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Julia G. Bentley, a former diplomat and now research associate at York University’s Centre for Asian Research (YCAR), spent three months in Taiwan exploring how its academic community can help Canadians better understand the Sinosphere (referring to the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan) as well as the Indo-Pacific region.

Based at National Taiwan University’s Centre for China Studies in spring 2025, Bentley examined Taiwan’s role as a platform for developing China-related expertise and broader regional understanding in the context of diminished international access to experts in the People’s Republic of China. 

Her research was supported by the China Insights Fund,  administered by YCAR with funding from the Asian Business and Management Program (ABMP) and a Taiwan Fellowship. 

Bentley’s study shows that Taiwan offers an open academic environment where Canadians can gain important insights into the Sinosphere.  

Despite reduced exchanges between Taiwan and mainland China over the past decade, Bentley found many scholars in Taiwan continue to engage with counterparts across the Taiwan Strait, providing informed analysis on diverse point of views within the Chinese-speaking world.  

“This research is particularly timely as Canada continues to face a sustained need for individuals with strong China competencies,” says Bentley. â€śCanada will benefit from having more people who understand developments in China, are proficient in Mandarin and are familiar with a range of perspectives within the Sinosphere.” 

Such expertise can be developed in both mainland China and Taiwan, she adds, noting those seeking an alternative to the People’s Republic of China should consider Taiwan as a springboard for this endeavour. 

YCAR and ABMP support research that strengthens Asia-focused knowledge, fosters cross-cultural understanding and advances informed Canadian engagement with the Indo-Pacific through initiatives like the China Insights Fund.

Bentley’s findings highlight Taiwan’s role in helping Canadians build the expertise needed to navigate an increasingly complex regional and global landscape. Her research also underscores the importance of studying Taiwan on its own terms, including its economic development, technological capabilities as well as its democratic and social transformation. 

The full report, along with resources on Sinosphere studies and Canada-Taiwan academic exchanges, is available online.

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Sneha Elavarasan shares how participating in Career | Fit Professional Experience Programs helped her gain confidence, practical experience, and clarity as she transitioned from student to professional.

By Sneha Elavarasan

I’m a recent graduate in Econometrics and Computer Science from the University of Waterloo, and I was part of the inaugural Career | Fit Professional Experience Program: Developing Wealth Management Solutions Strategy for Gen Z in 2023, delivered through the Asian Business and Management Program (ABMP) and sponsored by RBC.

I joined Career | Fit at a time when I really needed connection. Graduating during COVID meant fewer opportunities to collaborate and learn alongside others, and I missed that sense of shared problem-solving. This program gave me the chance to connect with peers, work through real-world challenges, and build practical experience that felt directly relevant to the job market.

The mentorship was a standout part of the experience. Working with an RBC mentor gave me insight into how professionals think, communicate, and approach problems in the finance industry. Through the program, I became more confident sharing my ideas, working in teams, and understanding what employers value beyond technical knowledge.

Career | Fit also had a real impact on my career outcomes. After completing the program, I secured an eight-month co-op as an Analyst on the Financial Crimes team at RBC, and I started a full-time role as an Analyst on the Fraud team at BMO in November 2025. The skills I developed through the programs offered by ABMP, along with a reference from my mentor, played a meaningful role in helping me stand out during recruitment.

Looking back, Career | Fit was more than just a program — it helped shape how I approach my career. It gave me confidence, direction, and access to a professional network I continue to learn from. I’m now preparing to write my CFA Level I in 2026, and I feel much better equipped to take the next steps. For students looking to gain clarity, confidence, and real-world experience, the Career|Fit program provides a supportive environment to take that next step with confidence.

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Two major initiatives aimed at supporting Asian Canadian communities will launch this month at żě˛ĄĘÓƵ through the Asian Business and Management Program (ABMP).

A unit of the York Centre for Asian Research (YCAR), ABMP provides professional development and management training to officials and professionals from across Asia. It also offers career experience programs for Asian students studying at home and abroad, while actively collaborating with Asian Canadian communities to support their growth and success.

The launch of these programs – which are designed to empower and uplift Asian Canadian communities – aligns with Asian Heritage Month and also marks the ABMP’s 25-year milestone.

Sponsored by RBC, the Career|Fit Professional Experience Programs (running June to August 2025) offers Asian-identifying undergraduate students (ages 18 to 25) the opportunity to gain hands-on professional experience and develop essential career skills. Open to students at no cost, the programs bridge academic learning with real-world applications through experiential projects supervised by industry leaders from Fortune 500 companies.

“We are committed to helping young Asian leaders unlock their potential,” says Elena Caprioni, ABMP’s program director. “Career|Fit not only equips students with practical skills but also helps them explore career pathways and build confidence as they navigate their futures.”

The second initiative, which runs in partnership with NorthStar Special Needs Society, will present a series of workshops and panel discussions during National Accessibility Week, May 25 to 31.  is an initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the experiences of individuals with disabilities in Asian-Canadian communities, reducing stigma through education and open dialogue and fostering inclusion by celebrating the contributions and potential of all community members.

“This collaboration reflects our broader mission of inclusivity and engagement,” Caprioni says. “By supporting the diverse needs of the Asian Canadian community, we aim to create a more connected and equitable society.”

These initiatives are emblematic of ABMP’s ability to adapt and respond to the evolving needs of the communities, adds Caprioni. From partnering with local not-for-profit organizations to creating innovative programs for youth and newcomers, ABMP’s impact continues to expand beyond its original vision.

Since its establishment in 2000, ABMP has worked to foster cross-cultural understanding and professional development between Canada and Asia training more than 10,000 educators, officials, faculty and students from Asia, says Bernie Frolic, ABMP executive director.

“As we celebrate 25 years, it’s inspiring to reflect on the bridges we’ve built between Canada and Asia,” says Frolic. “These new initiatives reaffirm our commitment to fostering understanding and creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation.”

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This year, the Asian Business and Management Program (ABMP) celebrates 25 years of fostering cross-cultural understanding and professional development between Canada and Asia. “We are proud of what we have accomplished,” said B. Michael Frolic, ABMP’s Executive Director. “Over the years, we have trained over 10,000 educators, officials, faculty, and students from Asia, winning national awards for our diverse and impactful programs. Our topics have ranged from public management and environmental cooperation to insurance and even blueberry farming.” 

 In 2000, ABMP started with a group of officials from Beijing, China who wanted to learn about Canadian management practices. Over the years, the program expanded to include workshops, site visits, and joint projects with partners in China and Vietnam. When the demand for training of officials began to change, ABMP turned to the universities and trained their faculty, students, and administrators. On York’s campus, groups of 25 university presidents or educators from Chinese colleges could often be seen taking a break from their ABMP program to enjoy lunch at York Lanes.

“We have employed dozens of York faculty, provided major research funding for faculty and graduate students working on Canada-China relations, and developed programs in Canada to support our Asian diaspora,” said Frolic. 

With the recent downturn in Canada-China relations, ABMP has diversified by engaging with new partners, creating experiential learning opportunities for Asian-identifying students across Canada, collaborating with local not-for profit organizations to train Asian newcomers, and focusing on virtual programs instead of face-to-face training. Additionally, ABMP is developing initiatives in the Indo-Pacific region while expanding its work with Asian communities in Canada.

“ABMP has helped żě˛ĄĘÓƵ to reach out to Asia,” Frolic said. “We have learned much from the interchange between trainees and their teachers, from our engagement with officials here and abroad, and through our cooperation with partner universities in Asia. What better way to establish long term links and an understanding of different cultures and values?  We are grateful for what we have been able to accomplish these past twenty-five years, and that it has been of value to those whom we have trained, and to żě˛ĄĘÓƵ.”

As we look ahead, we remain committed to fostering connections, promoting understanding, and adapting to the ever-changing needs of our partners in Canada, Asia, and beyond. Here's to the next chapter of building bridges and creating impact.

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From AI governance to geopolitical tensions, żě˛ĄĘÓƵ researchers have been driving innovative research in China studies with support from the China Insights Fund (CIF).

Offered by the York Centre for Asian Research (YCAR) and supported by the Asian Business Management Program (ABMP), CIF provides grants to projects that stimulate and support research activity in Chinese studies and foster engagement between China and the world.

Applications are now open with proposals due by Monday, May 12. This year, priority will be given to initiatives addressing contemporary China and its global economic relations.

In Spring 2024, CIF relaunched with updated eligibility criteria and expanded opportunities, leading to a four-fold increase in applications. The committee announced funding of over $20,000 for two projects that align with CIF’s mission to reimagine China studies and enhance global academic connections.

One of the funded projects, "Vernacular Healing and World-Making in China, 19th to 21st Centuries," led by Professor Joan Judge from the Department of History, explores the often-overlooked realm of Chinese vernacular medicine. This project combines historical research with digital humanities to uncover crucial knowledge about Chinese history. CIF funding has enabled Judge to access key archival sites in mainland China, Taiwan and Germany, and collaborate with scholars from prestigious institutions like the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science.

The second project, "Engaging Young Canada in the Sinosphere," led by YCAR Research Associate Julia G. Bentley, aims to train future scholars and foster collaboration among Canadian academics in China studies. This initiative seeks to establish academic exchanges between Canada and Taiwan and compile resources to support the next generation of Canadian scholars interested in the Sinosphere. CIF funding, along with support from the Taiwan Fellowship, has facilitated three months of fieldwork in Taiwan.

“These projects are advancing China studies and building global academic partnerships,” said Elena Caprioni, CIF committee Chair and ABMP’s program director. “They exemplify CIF’s commitment to fostering meaningful research.”

The outcomes of these initiatives will be presented in Fall 2025.

Those interested in more information on applying for the 2025 CIF can visit the website.

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żě˛ĄĘÓƵ’s Asian Business and Management Program (ABMP) and Faculty of Science (FSc) were honoured with the Academic Collaboration Bronze Award at the Canada China Business Council (CCBC) 46th Annual General Meeting and Business Forum in Beijing. 

The CCBC Academic Collaboration Award celebrates visionary Canadian organizations advancing educational ties with China. It acknowledges the efforts of organizations that demonstrate leadership in cross-border collaboration and academic innovation. The award is a testament to ABMP and FSc’s success in fostering resilient academic partnerships with Chinese institutions. Despite complex geopolitical dynamics, ABMP and the FSc have strategically built sustainable collaborations that not only enrich students and faculty but also provide unique educational opportunities across borders in the post-pandemic era. Key collaborations that contributed to the award include the Global Perspectives Program and the Career Bootcamp, both of which exemplify ABMP and FSc's adaptability in the face of challenges.

The Global Perspectives Program, launched in 2022, is a virtual engagement initiative that has connected over 350 Chinese students with Canadian educators, focusing on global challenges aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. A strategic partnership with the Jiangsu-Canada University Consortium, encompassing 29 academic institutions in Jiangsu province, has been instrumental in equipping students with cross-cultural skills and prepare them to tackle global challenges. These efforts have not only strengthened academic ties between żě˛ĄĘÓƵ and Jiangsu universities but also fostered bilateral cooperation in education and research.

ABMP and the Faculty of Science (FSc) were among the first educational organizations to resume in-person engagement with Chinese students following the COVID-19 pandemic. The Career Bootcamp, tailored for Chinese undergraduates, combines theoretical learning with real-world application, helping students bridge the gap between classroom education and industry demands while giving them an edge in an increasingly competitive job market. Beyond fostering career readiness, the program promotes intercultural interactions, shaping participants into cultural ambassadors and strengthening ties between Canada and China.

Hugo Chen, Director of International Collaborations and Partnerships at the Faculty of Science, emphasized the broader impact of these partnerships: “In fostering these collaborations, both countries are not only advancing academic excellence but also promoting international cooperation, cultural exchange, and sustainable development.”

As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, ABMP and FSc’s proactive approach—blending virtual and in-person initiatives—sets a powerful example of how academic collaboration can transcend borders and foster mutual understanding, said Elena Caprioni, ABMP Program Director. “Through these efforts, we are shaping a future where Canada and China remain interconnected through shared values, knowledge exchange, and a commitment to tackling the world’s biggest challenges.”

This Bronze Award serves not only as recognition of past achievements but also as an inspiration to further strengthen academic and cultural ties that benefit both nations and contribute to global progress.

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How can a six-week program transform a student's career path, and what role does mentorship play in preparing them for the future? In this two-part blog series, we delve into these questions from both sides of a Career | Fit Professional Experience Program (Career | Fit PEP), generously supported by RBC FutureLaunch.

In the first part of this series, we explored the journey of Gina Quan, a participant in the Career | Fit program, who shared her personal growth and professional development through hands-on experience and mentorship. 

Now, in this second part, we focus on Kiki Oyerinde, Associate Director at RBC, a Schulich alumna, and a mentor in the program. Kiki shares insights into the transformative impact of targeted mentorship—not only on the youth, who gain skills and confidence for the evolving job market, but also on herself as a mentor, reflecting on the reciprocal benefits of the mentorship experience.

Mentor Kiki Oyerinde’s Perspective on Mentorship and Impact

Kiki joined Career | Fit PEP with the desire to support young people in their professional journeys. As an immigrant herself, Kiki felt a personal connection to the students she mentored—many of whom are navigating the complexities of Canadian culture for the first time. “I hoped that they would see representation in me and that I could help them develop the confidence they needed to succeed in their chosen careers,” Kiki shares. She also viewed it as a meaningful opportunity to give back to the community and encourage young talent in the financial services sector.

One of the key features of Kiki’s mentoring approach was cultivating personal relationships with the participants. “Having been where some of them are myself, navigating an unfamiliar culture with little or no network, I focused on identifying their strengths and challenges,” Kiki says. She emphasized not only technical skills but also personal development, such as resume building, interview preparation, and networking—all crucial skills for adapting to the job market. Small class sizes allowed Kiki to provide customized guidance and individual attention.

Kiki believes that Career | Fit PEP stands out compared to other initiatives due to its practical focus. Students work on real-world business cases, sharpening their critical thinking and synthesizing actionable solutions—a departure from traditional classroom learning. “It provides them with a platform to leverage their first touch point with the business world,” Kiki explains. This exposure to current issues and real-world scenarios equips participants with unique industry insights, preparing them for the workforce with practical skills beyond theory.

Mentorship has been a two-way street for Kiki. Her involvement in the program has helped her grow as a professional, enhancing her active listening skills and expanding her knowledge base through course preparation. “I’ve developed relationships with some students who continue to reverse mentor me,” Kiki shares, highlighting the mutually beneficial nature of the experience.

One challenge Kiki encountered involved working with a team that struggled with collaboration. The program’s limited time frame made it difficult for one student, who was used to working independently, to fully adapt to team dynamics. However, through one-on-one sessions, Kiki helped the student identify a career trajectory that suited their preference for independent work, turning the challenge into a valuable learning experience about self-awareness and career alignment.

For Kiki, the most rewarding aspect of mentoring was witnessing the participants’ growth. “I have seen them blossom, display intellectual curiosity, build confidence, and achieve their career goals,” she says. Watching students find the courage to switch majors, secure internships, or start their first jobs was a testament to the program’s effectiveness as an incubator for career development.

Kiki encourages future mentors to be passionate and committed, noting that mentorship goes far beyond classroom hours. “Double the hours are spent behind the scenes, preparing course material, conducting research, and upskilling oneself,” she says. By creating an interactive and up-to-date learning environment, mentors can help students gain more than just technical skills—they leave the program with insights, confidence, and a clearer vision for their future.

Through Kiki's experience, we see how the Career | Fit PEP, supported by RBC FutureLaunch, not only empowers students but also offers mentors an opportunity to grow, contribute, and inspire the next generation of professionals. This dual impact is what makes Career | Fit truly transformative, ensuring that both students and mentors leave the experience better prepared for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

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