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| Find common ground while respecting cultural boundaries |
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
My name is Dorina Chihaia, I am a Romanian with international law, business background, and United Nations experience in the Trade and Investment Division.
My educational journey as well as my curiosity to be always immersed in multicultural experiences brought me the ability to speak 5 languages, including fluent Chinese (Mandarin).
I have finished my master's degree with a major in International and Chinese law, graduating from one of the most prestigious Chinese Universities – Shanghai Jiaotong, being placed in the top 100 ranking of World Universities.
Relating from a descending chronological order, when I first moved to China, one year before starting my master's degree, I started from zero to study Mandarin following an intensive course of 5 days per week. I was spending almost every day 8h for memorizing and learning characters, being able in less than 9 months to pass level 4 of the HSK exam ( current level HSK 5 ).
My eagerness to learn and always improve myself brought me to experience the diplomatic field working for a short period of time as an assistant of the General Consul of Romania in Shanghai, followed by a 6 months internship at UN Escap Asia Pacific headquarters. I had the chance to learn from the most ambitious and brightest minds, as well as to commit myself to making a difference and to pick up new skills along the way in the UN to further appropriate causes in order to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.
2. Can you share more about your role as the Co-Founder of Shanghai Flux International Trade? What are the key areas of focus in international trade and inter-corporation business within the Free Trade Zone?
In China, it is not mandatory to open a business in partnership with a local, but is absolutely necessary in order to have access to different circles and key contacts in the Chinese market.
My role is to take care of the external contacts in the foreign market for the export process.
The key areas are focused on storage and simple commercial processes, trade consulting service, general merchandise, import & export with commission agent, maintenance after-sale, consultancy, and another relevant service ( involving quota license control, and specialized products under national rules ).
3. How do you see the role of youth leaders in addressing global challenges, and what impact do you aim to make through your involvement in this organization?
The mission is to build a dynamic platform for global young leaders to gather and develop strong cross-cultural friendships, cross-arena collaboration, and business cooperation in China, Japan, South East Asia, the United States, Europe, Africa, and the rest of the world.
My role is to represent Romania, as well as to link up the region with key stakeholders for strengthening academic exchanges, partnerships, and learning with world-class enterprises, setting up representative offices and institutions in various countries and cities, supporting young people to grow well and succeed in entrepreneurship.
4. As the title holder of Miss Universe Romania 2019, what experiences and opportunities did this role provide you, and how has it influenced your personal and professional growth? Are there specific causes or initiatives that you championed during your tenure as Miss Universe Romania?
The Miss Universe Romania title brought me the opportunity to be the ambassador of my country at the international level, giving me the chance to champion the causes I believe in, as well as various public speaking situations that increased the level of my confidence. Every new situation that you have the courage to delve yourself in, will automatically open new doors, whether is in business or other areas.
Regarding the causes, I strongly believe in the power of education, scholarships, and international exchanges, especially as I benefited from such a privilege. It is pivotal to help young people go out of their comfort zone, learn about new cultures, and develop their authenticity.
5. What piece of advice would you like to give to future and aspiring beauty contestants
Focus on developing your skills and always be curious to learn new things. And remember, beauty without intelligence is a liability.
6. What has been your biggest challenge, and how did you overcome that?
I had many challenges in my life, but what comes to my mind right now is my first day in China when I was 22 years old. Moving by myself abroad through a scholarship, with 100$ in my pocket and eagerness to conquer the world. It’s been a tough time for sure, but with God’s strength and supervision, I succeeded in adapting to all the adversities and cultural differences.
7. As an Assistant General Counsel at the Consulate General of Romania in Shanghai, what were your key responsibilities, and how did you contribute to enhancing Sino-Romanian relations?
I was involved in monitoring the development of China's domestic and foreign policy, identifying news of interest to Sino-Romanian relations, and subsequently drafting reports to inform Romanian policy vis-a-vis China. As a Mandarin speaker, I also provided interpreting assistance in interactions between Chinese nationals and the Consulate team ( Romanian - Chinese ), as well as provided Romanian nationals abroad and Chinese nationals with consular information, and supported trade activity and relationships between Romania and China.
8. What strategies do you employ to effectively communicate and collaborate in diverse cultural settings?
I first observe and understand the psychology behind every person I have to interact with, and then I approach a common ground of communication by respecting cultural boundaries.
Bio -
Dorina Chihaia, the former Miss Universe Romania 2019, is a dynamic professional with a diverse background in international trade, youth leadership, and legal affairs. Currently based in Shanghai, China, she co-founded Shanghai Flux International Trade in May 2021, focusing on various aspects of international trade within the Free Trade Zone. Dorina has also served as the International Representative for the World Youth Leaders Union, a non-profit NGO promoting global youth leadership.
With a Master's degree in International Law from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and a Bachelor's degree in Law from Universitatea „Alexandru Ioan Cuza” din Iași, Dorina has garnered extensive experience. She has interned at the United Nations ESCAP, the Consulate General of Romania, and various law firms in Italy. Fluent in multiple languages, including Chinese, she brings a wealth of skills in legal research, trade consulting, and international relations. Dorina Chihaia is a driven individual who seamlessly combines beauty, intellect, and leadership on the global stage.
Interviewed and Edited by - Arunangshu Chatterjee
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