Originally from Florida, USA, Blake Kravitz is pursuing the Politics and International Relations track at Yenching Academy.

Before joining Yenching Academy, Blake worked at various think tanks, companies, and research institutions in both the U.S. and China, focusing on strengthening understanding between the two countries. He also served as a delegate at the 2025 Yenching Global Symposium in Hainan, China!

As a Director of Academics, Blake is excited to create a platform where delegates and speakers from around the world can exchange ideas and engage in meaningful conversations on the big issues shaping our world today.

Born and raised in Xi'an, Shaanxi, Wang Zizhu studies Literature and Culture at Yenching Academy. Her strong passion for world literature and cross-cultural communication has led her to comparative literature studies. She has also established connections with people enthusiastic about global affairs as a member of Horizon Program and through her experience in China International Civil Servants Capacity Building Program. Being the Director of Academics, Zizhu will try her best to make YGS fruitful for you.

Barak Levitt studies Politics and International Relations as a Yenching Scholar. Born in California and raised in Israel, his firsthand exposure to geopolitical tensions ignited his passion for diplomacy and dialogue between China and the world. As an Academic Director for the Yenching Global Symposium, Barak leads the design of the conference’s academic programming and speaker selection, curating conversations that bridge technology, governance, and culture. His professional background spans diplomacy and innovation, including work at B Capital Group in Shanghai, the Embassy of Israel to the United States, and Polyhedra Network, where he advanced trustworthy AI systems across the globe. Barak is fluent in English and Hebrew and is currently learning Mandarin Chinese.

Abdul Haey-ee (Ace) Asim, from the United States, is a Yenching Scholar on the Law and Society track. A seasoned performer with over 15 years in music as a singer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter, as well as in theatre as an actor and dancer, he believes that a global conference should be both intellectually enriching and creatively energizing.

During his undergraduate years at Duke Kunshan University, Ace helped build a lasting platform for student performances by co-founding Music Night, experience he now brings to Yenching Academy and YGS as Co-Social Director. He is helping strengthen the arts community at YCA by organizing jam sessions that create space for collaboration and creativity while also remaining active in campus theatre, including performing as Demetrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Dedicated to YGS’s mission of interdisciplinary exchange in China, Ace is committed to ensuring that every participant enjoys a dynamic and memorable experience where culture is shared, friendships form, and the symposium truly comes alive.

Hailun (Helen) Tian, a Wuhan native, is currently studying Politics and International Relations at Yenching Academy. She has previously worked at the Royal Danish Consulate General in Shanghai and the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, where she gained direct experience organizing social events of all kinds. As a singer-songwriter passionate about channeling her emotions through music, she knows how to weave creativity and rhythm into the serious logistics of event planning. As a Co-chair of Social Programming, Helen is ready to compose an unforgettable YGS experience where every event is a chart-topper.

Ashley Leung was born and raised in sunny California. She currently studies literature at Yenching Academy and works as a journalist for the PKU Office of Global Communications. As the Director of Social Programming, Ashley will ensure that YGS is an unforgettable experience!

Kamryn Nelson is studying International Relations and Politics as a Yenching Scholar. His journey in China began in 2023, when he started learning Chinese in Taiwan, China while participating in the Henry Luce Scholarship. Since then, he has moved to mainland China and hopes to pursue a career in public relations and social media management after completing his master’s degree. Kamryn is excited to bring his four years of experience in PR and social media strategy to his role as Co-Director of Public Relations.

Born and raised in Suzhou, Jiangsu, Yang Yuxi is a master student studying Law and Society at Yenching Academy. Yuxi serves as Deputy Editor at the Peking University News Center, publishing over 20 articles with a combined readership exceeding 100,000 views. Yuxi is really passionate about international communication. Being the Director of Academics, Yuxi is thrilled to embark on a YGS academic adventure with you.

Peter Ludvig Davis is a Yenching Scholar from New York, USA, pursuing a master’s in China Studies (Economics and Management) at Peking University. He holds a B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering from Stony Brook University and the University of California, Berkeley, and previously worked as a structural engineer at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), where he developed Python-based tools to advance low-carbon design. At the Yenching Academy, his research explores how China’s national carbon market can drive decarbonization in the cement, steel, and aluminum industries. He draws on his experience managing large, multidisciplinary projects to support the successful organization and execution of the Yenching Global Symposium.

Yuan Sio Mei is from Macao SAR, China, and is currently specializing in Economics and Management at the Yenching Academy. Her research interests focus on international trade, particularly on how Macao can better serve as a bridge connecting China and the world. With extensive experience in student leadership and volunteering at large-scale cross-cultural events, Sio Mei is excited to embark on this YGS academic journey with you as the Director of Logistics.

Basin Lienkamp, originally from Germany, is a Yenching Scholar specializing in Economics and Management. With extensive experience in investment banking, he aims to combine his passions for finance and the energy sector to advance Europe’s renewable energy transition. Building on his experience in event organization and community building at Erasmus University Rotterdam and the University of Cambridge, he looks forward to fostering meaningful connections among delegates and making YGS an unforgettable experience.

Born and raised in Singapore, Kayla currently pursues the Economics and Management track at Yenching Academy. She has been actively involved in youth development programmes and governmental agencies in Singapore. As Director of Delegates, Kayla hopes to foster meaningful global dialogue on China and create an inclusive experience for all participants.

Born in Canada and raised in the United States by Chinese immigrant parents, Marva Jiaqi Shi is currently on the Law and Society track at Yenching Academy, where she hopes to study young people and their relationship to cultural heritage. Marva has a background in arts, culture, and media, and previously worked full-time as a magazine editor in New York City. As the Director of Design, Marva hopes to create a welcoming and interesting visual environment that sparks cross-cultural conversation.