DIIP: When and why did you start this organization?
FL+JL: Since 2002, ORIENTED has organized more than 800 events in 18 cities worldwide. The ORIENTED Happy Hours enable members to network face-to-face on a regular basis, a critical aspect of Asian business culture.

DIIP: What type of events does you have?
FL+JL: ORIENTED organizes monthly networking happy hour events every last Thursday of the month from 7-9m in cities around the world including: Beijing, Hong Kong, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, and Taipei.

DIIP: What makes your group unique or different from other groups?
FL+JL: The ORIENTED.com network is an international network especially for those interested in Asia business or partnerships, travel frequently across the Pacific, speak at least two languages, and can navigate between Asian and Western cultures with ease. ORIENTED happy hours provide opportunities for global professionals with ties to Asia to network with other like-minded professionals in cities around the world.

DIIP: Describe the ideal attendee to your events.
FL+JL: The ideal attendee is someone who has ties to Asia—perhaps having worked or studied there— is multi-lingual, and at ease in both Asian and Western cultures.

DIIP: How has your group evolved since you started it?
FL+JL: ORIENTED began in 1999 as a community posting site for international professionals who were living and working in Taipei, Taiwan.  In 2002, the ORIENTED Happy Hours were introduced in Beijing, Shanghai, and Taipei before quickly spreading to other parts of the world.  The Happy Hours are offline networking events that enable our members to build relationships face-to-face - a critical aspect of the Asian business culture - and have since then becoming our signature service.  Today, ORIENTED appeals to international professionals across both sides of the Pacific, attracting a growing number of Chinese professionals who are moving abroad for graduate studies and career opportunities.

DIIP: Why do you think it is so important for people to go out to your events and “do it in person?”
FL+JL: Meeting face-to-face is a critical aspect of the Asian business culture. In Chinese this term is referred to as "guanxi", which means relationships. Interpersonal relationships are a key part of the business relationship and decision making.

For more information, visit ORIENTED.com.