Janz Chiang (Philippines), Analyst

Trivium China -1st Place

Janz Chiang’s proposal argues algorithm based services must implement transparency and inclusivity focused solutions to regain public trust. His advice for doing so includes creating inclusive development teams, rigorously exploring datasets, performing regular audits, and fostering ongoing dialogue. Doing so, he says, is vital to the future of the emerging technology that harbors much potential.

“We have so many opportunities with algorithms but we can’t take advantage of them if they aren’t transparent or they don’t trust them,” Chiang said.

Chiang is currently an analyst at Trivium China which he joined after earning a graduate degree in international relations from Peking University and an undergraduate degree in business administration from the University of the Philippines.

Joan Nyangena (Kenya), Associate in Real Estate Finance

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) – 2nd Place

Joan Nyangena’s essay proposes a Belt and Road Initiative that further enhances global infrastructure and vastly improves the quality of life while highlighting principles of equity and multilateral communication. Doing so, writes Nyangena, allows for a hybridization approach to financing, spurs innovation, and ensures that multiple stakeholders have an opportunity to contribute.

“There’s so much potential with the Belt and Road Initiative, but we can do even more with engaging local communities to take a part in their future,” said Nyangena.

A resident of Toronto, Nyangena is currently an associate in real estate finance for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CBIC). An alumnus of the Schulich School of Business at York University, she holds a master’s degree in Real Estate and Infrastructure and a bachelor’s degree in Accounting graduating as part of the Dean’s Honor List. She was also a  recipient of the International Scholar Award of Distinction and a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society.

Michael Braun (Germany), Instructor

Schule Schloss Salem – 3rd Place

Michael Braun’s essay reaches for an answer to the age-old question, “How do we truly communicate with one another?” He contends, in his essay, that the problem is with platforms, not people, and proposes a platform that rewards users for confronting conflicting ideas with specific time limits to ensure thoughtful dialogue. Braun, through this platform, envisions a world where differences are celebrated, knowledge is shared, and everyone is a bit more cool-headed.

“We must make communicating with one another, especially those that we disagree with, a heroic, civic responsibility that everyone can benefit from,” said Braun.

A resident of Salem , Braun teaches at Schule Schloss Salem, a multinational boarding school founded in 1920 by Kurt Hahn. An alumnus of University of Freiburg and Durham University, Braun studied Latin, History, and Ancient Greek. A former fellow of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Academic Foundation, he arranged conferences, published articles, and interned with German parliament and Badische Zeitung, a German newspaper.