Chia Lian

Minor in Mandarin Chinese

Current Occupation: RVP – Customer Success
Current Location: Winnipeg, MB
Program: BIB/09

Notable Quotable

Why did you choose this particular language?

I wanted the chance to go to China and experience Asia independently.

Tell us about your learning experience

Mandarin was definitely a challenge, but I’ve always been someone who embraces tough situations—it ended up preparing me well for what was ahead when I landed. International Marketing stood out too. It really opened my eyes to how differently people around the world think, and how a one-size-fits-all approach can fall flat. One key takeaway: always know your audience. Strategic Management brought everything together. It pushed us to sharpen our thinking and communicate with impact—skills I still use every day in my professional life.

Travel as part of your degree

At the beginning the experience was exciting but also challenging. Going to a country very opposite to Canada was eye opening and challenged my perception of the world. I recommend it for anyone who likes challenge and wants to see the world beyond what they know of Canada. It forced my language to develop rapidly in order to be understood and communicate effectively. This experience is good for those who wish to be outside their comfort zone. It’s immersive and best to embrace it. The outcome is adapability, flexibility and a high level of resilience which has been helpful throughout my career.

How have you used the language since graduating?

Two key experiences really put my Mandarin to the test.

The first was returning to Shanghai a year after graduation to join the American Chamber of Commerce, where I helped launch a new unit—the Small-Medium Enterprise Center, later renamed the Investment Center. My Mandarin skills, experience with U.S. companies, and Canadian background all played a role in making that possible.

That success led to a role at GaN Systems, where I helped manage and streamline their supply chain. Speaking Mandarin made it much easier to work with the Taiwan-based operations. Not long after I moved on, GaN Systems was acquired by Infineon—a proud milestone to have contributed to.

Why study a second or additional language?

Speaking a second language isn’t just helpful for travel—it also boosts creativity and encourages new ways of thinking. Combined with ever-evolving technology, it’s helped me stay ahead and adapt quickly in a changing world.

Your personal experience of studying a language at university

In my experience, language learning really takes off through immersion. University gave me a solid foundation, but everyday conversations, business basics, and local nuances only came from living abroad. It was a life-changing experience and a huge benefit for anyone who has the chance to do it.