Two major initiatives aimed at supporting Asian Canadian communities will launch this month at York University 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. Emerging from the Shadows 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.”
With files from Elena Caprioni