BYU–Hawaii’s student body is the most international in the nation, with students from over 70 different countries – many of which are represented at Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. APEC holds annual meetings to discuss ways to promote free trade and cooperation in the Pacific Rim. Twenty-one countries are involved, and this year the gathering was held in Honolulu, Hawaii, November 8-13, 2011. This unique situation afforded students a rare opportunity to meet the leaders of their countries, albeit far from home.
Six country leaders from APEC made the time to visit with students during their visit to Hawaii, including Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, Cook Islands, Tonga, and Papua New Guinea. The Prime Minister of Malaysia invited 21 BYU–Hawaii students to dinner at the Hotel Halekulani. “It was a very memorable time for the students to be invited to such a special event, I was happy to be their advisor,” says Spencer Tan, the university's executive chef and advisor to the Malaysian student association.
Hau Bui, a student from Vietnam, had the opportunity to serve as translator for the Vietnamese Prime Minister over four days of the APEC conference.
Other meetings with the Prime Ministers from the Philippines and Cook Islands were held off campus while the Prime Minister of Tonga, Lord Tu'ivakano, and the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Peter O'Neill, came to campus and met with students, faculty, and staff.
Campus Visit by Papua New Guinea Prime Minister