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Exchange students from Beijing learn about public service
Students from Beijing, China Nancy Feng and siblings Marissa and Macardle Meng are in the CNMI as part of the administration of Gov. Ralph DLG Torres’ pilot exchange program to bridge Asia-Pacific relations. (Contributed Photo)
Part of a pilot exchange program to bridge Asia-Pacific relations, the administration of Gov. Ralph DLG Torres welcomed three students from Beijing, China to the Office of the Governor.
Nancy Feng, a freshman from Harrow International School, spent her first day working in the administration’s main office setting up appointments for various agencies. Feng also spent the day with the Office of Communications and Protocol learning about Adobe Photoshop, proclamations, and groundbreaking ceremonies.
“I had a really fun three days working with the people at the Executive Branch. I learned a lot of stuff. It is not easy and knowing how a government works has made me grow. Thank you very much for this opportunity,” she said.
Siblings Marissa and Macardle Meng got a sneak peek into the role of media and the Executive Branch.
Macardle, a 9th grader from Western Academy, spent a full day learning about the CNMI’s tourism plan, the unique relationship between the United States and the CNMI through the Covenant, and some of the CNMI’s future developments.
He noted that there is a lot of work involved in preparing and planning for the CNMI.
Macardle, who also has experience in design and coding, provided his input on government web design.
“I really want to thank you for the opportunity to intern at the Governor’s Office. I really appreciate the opportunity to read some of the documents such as the master plan for CNMI tourism. I love the experience as a whole,” he said.
Marissa, a 7th grader from Western Academy, drafted her first press release and helped arrange the administration’s protocol directory.
“I learned a lot of stuff about the government for the past three days especially the different departments. I also learned about the [role of media] in government. Thank you,” she says.
Torres stated this pilot program is one of many avenues for strengthening the tourism industry and tapping into different niches.
“Sports tourism, eco-tourism, and educational tourism are some of what we want to develop more,” he said.
All three students will be headed to Tinian for the rest of the week to spend time at the Tinian Mayor’s Office and will headed back to Beijing on April 10.
