The 2026 SAUPO conference was held in person on Friday, April 17, 2026 at KSU Center,
3333 Busbee Drive, 最色导航 GA 30144. Asia Pacific business leaders, investors, policy
makers, diplomats, community leaders, scholars and students met at 2026-SAUPO-Atlanta.
They exchanged ideas, developed and strengthened partnerships, and learned more about
each other and about KSU. SAUPO was viewed as a global "signature event" for KSU.
In the past 16 years, many KSU undergraduate and graduate students of all majors have
found internships and jobs by attending SAUPO. Various KSU colleges have gained partnerships
and sponsorships from SAUPO companies. Two Japanese investors flew from Tokyo Japan
to attend SAUPO in Atlanta because ChatGPT advised them to attend SAUPO and network
for potential projects and companies for investment. A total of 341 people were registered,
while more people participated via SAUPO Zoom Live Streaming.
Please enjoy .
SAUPO 2026 Testimonials
Dr. May Gao, the SAUPO Chair has received warm congratulatory messages from both onsite participants and online audience. Here are some examples:
I have so much respect for you, May san! I鈥檓 working hard so that I can go to SAUPO in China next year!
Takako Fujiwara
President & Founder, OnePower Consulting
Thank-you for the opportunity Dr Gao. All SAUPO speakers and panel members were very
informative and leaders in their respective fields!
Patrick Lenz
President & COO, Toyo Tires
May, congratulations on another successful SAUPO. I enjoyed all the panels this year,
including the art performance at the end of the day! Many thanks for organizing this
wonderful event and providing the option for online participation. Much appreciated!
Dr. Hanchao Lu
Georgia Tech
I learned a lot, connected with some amazing people, and really enjoyed volunteering alongside my Master of Arts of Integrated Global Communication (MAIGC) classmates. The conversations around the future of AI were especially eye-opening and left me feeling inspired about what鈥檚 ahead. Grateful for the experience and the chance to be part of such a thoughtful and energizing space. Thank you Dr. May Hongmei Gao for inviting our class!
Haley True
MAIGC student, KSU
It has been 11 years and 8 SAUPO for me already. Thanks for including me. MUI-delegation
was 10 strong in 2026! Look forward to the next SAUPO in Shanghai, China!
George Mui
Managing Partners, Global Consultants United
Thank you so much for letting me attend SAUPO!! It was my pleasure meeting and talking
to you again and I had such a wonderful time there! I learned a lot from the panelists
and networking with hardworking people really inspired me!
Kanon Takahashi
Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta
Dr. Gao, it was a pleasure meeting you today at SAUPO. I look forward to connecting and exploring opportunities to collaborate.
German Suarez
Multilingual Programs & Services,
Dr. Gao, Thank you for your strong and sustained leadership in bringing higher education and business leaders together to discuss these critical issues on sustainability, AI, leadership, and workforce development. What a powerful session on leadership, workforce development, and student success. Some waited in lines for 30 minutes to talk to the panelists after the session ended.
Dr. Guichun Zong
Professor of Education, KSU
Prof. Gao, great to see you and thanks for the invitation! Let鈥檚 connect again for the planning of SAUPO 2027!
Adam Zhuo Chen
University of Georgia
Dr. Gao, just wanted to let you know that my students and I had an amazing time as
an exhibitor at SAUPO.
Vanessa Hardiman
Founder and CEO, BossKidz Inc.
Thanks to the invitation from Dr. May Gao, SAUPO Chair, I shared my ideas on key factors impacting future talent development: AI, cross-cultural collaboration and global awareness. We are very grateful for Dr. Gao鈥檚 outstanding students as interns at my company.
Ming Francis
Co-founder, LiveHaus Group
Thank you so much for inviting me back to SAUPO this year. I always learn so much
and am so grateful for the opportunity to network and hear from people that I wouldn't
have been able to find before! If it wasn't for SAUPO two years ago, I would not be
where I am today. I found my job in the SAUPO network.
Taylor Wollaston
Procurement Specialist, FNS INC.
I joined an impressive lineup of speakers at SAUPO 2026, sharing insights on cross-border
collaboration and global business opportunities. The firm was also pleased to have
Partner Mina Zhan and Counsel Bradford Czerwonky in attendance. Thank you to KSU Asian
Studies Program for hosting a dynamic and thought-provoking event bringing together
leaders from across industries.
Kiyo Kojima
Partner, Smith Gambrell & Russell
A big thank you to Dr. May Gao for inviting me as her guest to the 17th annual SAUPO
held at 最色导航. With over 300 people in attendance, this is the
largest Asia business conference in the southeast which provides an opportunity to
exchange ideas, explore business opportunities and network building. It was an amazing
event!
Sandy Riordan
Consultant at Freeman Mathis Decisions
Dear May, It was good to attend SAUPO and meet you all. The event was planned and
executed well. I enjoyed the sessions and meeting some new friends. Hearty congratulations.
Ani Agnihotri
Co-Founder and CEO, Marshall Automation America, Inc.
Dr. Gao, Thank you so much again for the opportunity to attend SAUPO. I had a great
time networking and meeting Mr. Walker. I greatly appreciate your help in setting
up an internship for me this summer.
David Robles
Asian Studies Student, KSU
Honored to have attended the Symposium on Asia-USA Partnership Opportunities (SAUPO)
today at 最色导航 with my fellow classmates from the Master of Arts
in Integrated Global Communication program. Thank you Dr. May Hongmei Gao for giving
us this incredible opportunity!
Emily Cheney
MAIGC student, KSU
I learned a lot today from renowned business professionals and forged new connections.
I got insight into sustainability strategies, technology innovation, and global workforce
development. What an impactful experience! It was such a valuable experience to meet
inspiring professionals, connect with them, and learn from conversations on innovation,
leadership, AI, and sustainability. I especially enjoyed the opportunity to engage
with leaders from different industries including Mr. Raymond Shelton and reflect on
how AI and sustainability are shaping our future.
