Since June 2020, 4 cohorts of outstanding students from Asia Europe Business School have successfully completed their studies, entered top universities at home and abroad for further studies, or worked in international organizations, transnational corporations, enterprises and institutions, striving towards their ideals.
AEBS has always been concerned about and paying attention to the development of each AEBSer, and showcases their rich and colorful life trajectories in the form of "Asia Europe Excellent Alumni Tracking Report". By conducting interviews and sharing their stories about overseas studies, and experiences of graduates from AEBS in a new environmwe aim to help students clarify their future development plan and direction.
Today we will take you closer to Raphaellent, e Quintard, an outstanding female alumnus of AEBS, to listen to her story and feel her sensitivity and resilience. we also hope to bring you some inspiration.
Alumni of Master Program
of Asia Europe Business School
Portfolio Management Officer at the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) at the WTO
Hello! My name is Raphaelle Quintard and I was part of the first cohort of AEBS MIB who graduated in 2020. In my current position at the World Trade Organization (WTO), professional commitment means dedication to delivering high-quality work, maintaining integrity, continuously learning and adapting to new challenges, and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals.
After graduating from AEBS in 2020, I commenced my professional journey as an intern at the Executive Secretariat for the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) at the WTO in Geneva, Switzerland. Presently, I hold the position of Portfolio Management Officer at the EIF. Over the past four years, I have been progressively assuming greater responsibilities while actively fostering personal and professional development. Working within the realm of international organizations, I find immense gratification in contributing to the advancement of nations and the broader global prosperity.
Discover limitless opportunities in WTO
The Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) is the only multilateral partnership dedicated to assisting the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) use trade as an engine for growth, sustainable development and poverty reduction. Under the EIF Phase Two (2016-2024), 49 LDCs have been supported through 175 Aid-for-Trade projects for more than USD 91 million. The EIF provides tailored institutional and productive capacity building support, and its unique approach guarantees full ownership by the LDCs.
I was delighted to join the EIF in 2020, deeply inspired by its core values and distinctive features, including promoting country ownership, working with vulnerable economies, acting as an honest broker and exchanging knowledge and innovation.
Pictures from the EIF Regional Workshop in Togo in 2022
Today in my role as a Portfolio Management Officer, I operate across two levels. At the programmatic level, I assume oversight of the programme performance, orchestrating strategic actions to optimize the execution of our project portfolio. On the granular project level, I provide dedicated support in monitoring implementation and closure progress, ensuring that results are efficiently achieved. Additionally, I support the coordination of outreach and advocacy initiatives, amplifying our organizational impact through effective engagement strategies.
Infinite challenge：Working with and for trade development in the least developed countries
In my current role, I have the privilege of working on all the EIF's projects. These initiatives support different trade-related areas, strategically aligned with the specific needs and national priorities of each LDC. I had the opportunity to embark on impactful journeys, including missions to Nepal and Togo. In Togo, our intervention focused on bolstering the soya value chain. The country is now the leading exporter of organic soya to the European Union, a testament to the project's transformative impact. Meanwhile, in Nepal, we are actively facilitating the organic certification for orthodox tea. This initiative is pivotal in increasing tea exports, thereby enhancing the livelihoods of farmers and stakeholders along the value chain.
Pictures from Nepal tea fields in 2023
Similar to any organization, we encounter challenges, ranging from the disruptive effects of the recent global pandemic that temporarily impede operations to navigating the complexities of geopolitical conflicts that may hinder fieldwork. Being agile, flexible, and resilient is key to coping with and overcoming these challenges. My work can be punctuated by moments of intensity, demanding deadlines, and pressure. Yet, it is through tenacity, unwavering commitment, and collective effort that I surmount obstacles and achieve my objectives. The ultimate reward lies in witnessing the tangible, positive outcomes of our interventions on the ground, where our work translates into meaningful impacts and transformative change.
Empower Women, Power Trade initiative
The power of women is multifaceted and profound. It encompasses resilience, determination, compassion, and the ability to effect positive change in both personal and societal realms. Women are powerful in all areas, however, I would like to specifically discuss the power of women in the economy. By promoting gender equality, we unlock a wealth of talent and innovation, driving sustainable economic development and prosperity for all.
Raphaelle Quintard in WTO
Across LDCs women continue to face constraints that limit their participation in global trade. This includes discriminatory laws and social norms related to women’s responsibilities and mobility, as well as barriers relating to information and finance that reduce access to opportunities. As such, in 2019, the EIF launched the Empower Women, Power Trade initiative, which aims at transforming the economic lives of women in LDCs and focuses on female entrepreneurs and producers, cross-border traders and women-owned micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises. Projects under this initiative focus on building the skills of women entrepreneurs to access regional and international markets, and creating gender-responsive trade policies that empower women.
Among our achievements, we are proud that more than 136,000 women in LDCs have been trained in value chain practices, 37 gender-sensitive trade- and investment-related policies have been developed, and 1318 women were supported in trade fairs.
It's imperative to champion women globally, fostering solidarity and mutual support among women themselves!
My experience at AEBS
After completing my undergraduate studies in Economics and Chinese in France, I sought to deepen my understanding of international business dynamics. Additionally, I desired to refine my Mandarin proficiency through immersive learning experiences in China. It was during this search that I became acquainted with the innovative MIB program offered by AEBS. Seamlessly integrating my academic aspirations with my linguistic goals, this program proved to be ideal!
Raphaelle Quintard in ECNU
My tenure of two years at AEBS overflowed with great memories. The enriching courses, great teachers, and vibrant academic ambiance, coupled with the dynamic and opportunity-rich backdrop of Shanghai, made for an unforgettable experience. I found immense pleasure in the multicultural ambiance of both AEBS and Shanghai. Yet, amidst all these highlights, my deepest gratitude lies in the camaraderie fostered with my esteemed MIB cohort. Together, we forged long lasting memories.
My advice to younger international students
To my fellow MIB students and prospective applicants, I wholeheartedly urge you to seize every opportunity during your time at AEBS. The school and the city offer an abundance of remarkable prospects and opportunities.
At AEBS and ECNU, you will meet students coming from all horizons. Embracing the study of Chinese Mandarin and immersing yourself in its rich culture will not only broaden your horizons but also bolster your capacity to work in multicultural environments.
Make the most out of the myriad of extracurricular events proposed by AEBS and ECNU; they serve as invaluable supplements to your academic journey, enriching your understanding and experiences.
Above all, enjoy every moment of your tenure at AEBS, as it is a perfect time for possibilities and personal growth!
Messages to all ECNU/AEBS Alumni
Women's Day occurred last Friday. To all the wonderful women on ECNU/AEBS platform who are pursuing their studies or excelling in their careers, I send you my warmest blessings and encouragement.
May your academic pursuits be filled with clarity, insight, and academic success. May your professional endeavors be marked by confidence, achievement, and recognition. Remember that your dedication, intellect, and perseverance are invaluable assets that contribute to your personal and professional growth. May you continue to inspire others with your passion and determination, and may each step you take bring you closer to realizing your dreams.
Wishing you all the best on your journey of learning and career advancement!
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Author: Raphaelle Quintard
Liaison: Qi Cai
Copy editor: Wenting Chen
Editor: Mei Xia