The 2014 Leadership and Business Conference was held on Thursday evening in Washington. Hosted by the International Leadership Foundation (ILF) and the Coalition of Asian American Business Organization (CAABO) and closing with the ILF Awards Gala in the evening, the conference invited Asian American business and community leaders, members of Congress, high-ranking officials and young leaders from across the straits.

The ILF believes a nation's future is in the hands of its youth and only through empowering and educating coming generations can a better future could be created, said the organization officials.

Every year, the ILF provides opportunities for young scholars to work as interns in various US government agencies. The students learn about the importance of day-to-day operations, public service and civic awareness. This year 35 interns worked across the National Mall and the Greater DC area in 11 federal agencies.

Henry Levine, senior director of Albright Stonebridge, served as Consul General from 1982 through 1992 at the American Embassy in Beijing. During his tenure, he oversaw the processing over 100,000 visa applications a year. He said for Chinese students coming to the US to study, he hoped the students would gain both educational and practical experiences. "It will benefit bilateral relations," he added.

The keynote speaker, Elaine Chao, 24th US Secretary of Labor, told the young audience during the conference that although America is a welcoming place, it is not a polite country that will invite just anyone to succeed. People need to persevere to try and make it.

For international students, Chao said she understands their wariness in a completely new and unfamiliar environment. "You need to learn and enjoy," she advised. "This culture is about fun."

changliu@chinadailyusa.com

(China Daily USA 08/01/2014 page1)